As Türkiye and Japan celebrate the 134th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the Ertugrul Frigate, the legacy of the Ottoman vessel continues to strengthen the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. The diplomatic bond that began with this historical event in 1890 has flourished into a strong relationship spanning over a century, now set to be celebrated with the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2024. Japan’s Ambassador to Ankara, Katsumata Takahiko, recently marked the anniversary by emphasizing the lasting impact of the Ertugrul Frigate on Türkiye-Japan relations. Speaking on the occasion, Katsumata highlighted how the tragedy off the coast of Kushimoto, where 550 Ottoman sailors perished, laid the foundation for bilateral ties built on mutual respect, understanding, and goodwill.
“The goodwill and friendship established by our ancestors from the Ottoman Empire and the Meiji era continue to inspire us today,” Katsumata remarked. He expressed hope that this legacy would be passed down to future generations, ensuring that the bonds between the two nations remain strong.
Celebrating Diplomatic Milestones and Expanding Cooperation
With the upcoming centennial of diplomatic relations, both countries are also focusing on future cooperation. Katsumata underlined the significant progress in areas like economic development, disaster prevention, and aid. He also stressed the importance of extending collaboration into new fields such as energy and climate change, which he believes will add “significant value” to the bilateral partnership.
The ambassador highlighted the growing potential for joint ventures between Japanese and Turkish companies, not just in their home countries but in third-party regions. He mentioned ongoing joint efforts in Ukraine’s infrastructure development and expressed hope for similar projects in Africa and other regions. “This synergy between Japanese and Turkish companies creates new added value, turning it into a ‘win-win-win’ situation,” he added.
Recent high-level visits between Türkiye and Japan have further cemented this partnership. In January 2024, Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko visited Ankara to explore new opportunities for cooperation on global challenges. Katsumata expects more high-level exchanges from Türkiye, which will contribute to the further deepening of bilateral ties as the two nations approach the centennial of their diplomatic relations. Reflecting on past cultural exchanges, Katsumata invoked the Japanese concept of “Kizuna,” meaning deep bonds or friendship, as a representation of the enduring connection between the two countries. “We want to solidify and pass on the goodwill and friendship developed since the Ottoman Empire and Meiji periods,” he affirmed.
Honoring the Legacy of the Ertugrul Frigate
The sinking of the Ertugrul Frigate, which set sail from Istanbul in July 1889 on a diplomatic mission to Japan, is remembered as a pivotal moment in Türkiye-Japan relations. After visiting several ports, the mission tragically ended when the frigate struck rocks near Kushimoto on September 16, 1890. Only 69 of the 609 crew members survived, and the event left a lasting mark on both nations.
In commemoration of this historical episode, Türkiye’s TCG Kinaliada Corvette retraced the Ertugrul Frigate’s route in June 2024, visiting Kushimoto, Tokyo, and Hiroshima. Additionally, Japanese vessels “Kashima” and “Shimakaze” docked in Istanbul in August, further celebrating the centennial of Türkiye-Japan diplomatic ties. As both nations reflect on this shared history, the legacy of the Ertugrul Frigate serves as a powerful symbol of the enduring friendship between Türkiye and Japan. What began as a tragic maritime disaster has blossomed into a profound relationship that continues to grow and evolve, driven by a shared commitment to cooperation, mutual respect, and lasting peace.
