The Unit's band will perform on Sunday, June 15, presenting a repertoire that will include both Chilean and Japanese musical pieces, and even a sample of a cueca dance, bringing Chilean traditions to the heart of Asia. People can visit the “Esmeralda” on Monday, June 16, and Tuesday, June 17, at the central pier of the port of Osaka.
As part of its 69th Training Voyage, the Training Ship Esmeralda returns to the city of Osaka after 28 years. It will represent Chile at one of the most important international events of the year: the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
The last time this iconic Chilean Navy vessel visited the Japanese city was between September 7 and 10, 1997. Today, almost three decades later, its return coincides with a unique international event, in which the Esmeralda becomes a true floating symbol of Chile's identity, culture, and oceanic vocation.
Between June 14 and 18, the ship will be docked at the port of Chuo Tottei, where it will open its doors to Japanese visitors and tourists from around the world. During its stay, it will also become a meeting point for Chilean authorities attending the Expo, strengthening its role as a space for diplomacy and national promotion. For example, on the afternoon of Sunday, June 15, a reception will be held aboard the Esmeralda with representatives from Japan and Chile.
The Esmeralda Training Ship arrived at the central pier of the port of Osaka on the morning of June 14, where it was escorted by the Japanese sailboat “BLUE OCEAN Miraie” operated by the non-profit organization Zeri Japan. The official welcoming ceremony for the Esmeralda was led by the Ambassador of the Republic of Chile to Japan, Ricardo Rojas, and was attended by high-ranking Chilean and Japanese officials, including former President of the Republic of Chile Eduardo Frei; President of the Confederation of Production and Commerce Susana Jiménez; and Mayor of Osaka YOKOYAMA Hideyuki.
The unit's commander, Captain Andrés Gallegos, said: "For the crew, and especially for the young people in training, it is a privilege to call at an international port, and even more so at one we have not visited for almost 30 years. Participating in an event of the magnitude of Expo Osaka allows our young sailors to learn about new cultures and proudly represent Chile, just as our Esmeralda does in every port it visits."
From the national organization at the Expo, Chile's General Commissioner, Paulina Nazal, highlighted that "the presence of the Esmeralda Training Ship in Japan is a powerful symbol of our naval history and our commitment to public diplomacy. This participation reinforces the image of a Chile that is open to the world, with an identity forged at sea. The Esmeralda is much more than a ship: it is a cultural ambassador that connects with people and strengthens friendship and cooperation between Chile, Japan, Asia, and the world."
As part of its cultural agenda, the crew and band of the training ship will make a special appearance on Sunday, June 15, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in front of the Chilean pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025, presenting a repertoire that will include both Chilean and Japanese pieces, and even a sample of cueca, bringing Chilean traditions to the heart of Asia.
People will be able to visit the Training Ship Esmeralda free of charge on Monday, June 16, and Tuesday, June 17, between 9 a.m. and noon and between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
History of the Esmeralda and its connection to Japan
The Esmeralda, or the “White Lady” as it is affectionately called by the Chilean people, is the Training Ship of the Chilean Navy. Although modern warships are now powered by state-of-the-art technology, several nations, including Chile, have chosen a sailing ship to enrich the training of their future officers and petty officers, because on its decks they receive the legacy of illustrious sailors and soak up traditions and experiences that allow them to truly get to know the sea.
Every year, the Esmeralda carries the warm message of peace and friendship of the Chilean people in its white sails, arousing admiration and sympathy in every port it calls at.
During the training voyage, midshipmen who have graduated from the Naval Academy and the best sailors who have graduated from the Midshipmen School have the opportunity to demonstrate their mettle to pursue a naval career and the responsibility of representing Chile's cultural values to the rest of the world.
The B.E. “Esmeralda” has been in service for more than 50 years, since the Sociedad Astilleros de Cádiz S.A. delivered it to the Chilean government, allowing our national flag to fly in more than 60 countries and sail most of the world's seas. This milestone was celebrated in the port of Tokyo during its official visit to Japan.
The name “Esmeralda” recalls two naval actions that are true jewels for the Chilean Navy. They are the most glorious pages in Chile's naval history, where our crews bore witness to the love and sacrifice that must be given to the homeland, values instilled on the decks of ships.
Japan and Chile share a long history of naval connection: in 1895, during the Sino-Japanese War, the Chilean Navy sold the “Esmeralda III” to the Meiji government of Japan, and it was christened “Izumi.” On May 27, 1905, during the Russo-Japanese War, under the command of Captain Ichiro Ishida, it took part in the Battle of Tsushima, where it played an important role. In addition, the Japanese Naval Academy has a bust of Chilean Captain Arturo Prat, who is revered as one of the three greatest naval heroes in the world.
69th Training Voyage
The crew consists of 267 people, including 73 midshipmen, 23 sailors, seven guest foreign officers, and four representatives from other branches of the Chilean Armed Forces and Law Enforcement.
This training voyage, which lasts approximately six months, includes stops at eight ports in six countries. To date, the “White Lady” has called at Hanga Roa (Chile) and Hawaii (United States). After Osaka, it will continue its journey to Shanghai (China), Jakarta (Indonesia), Sydney (Australia), Papeete (French Polynesia), ending its voyage in October, returning to Valparaíso after a final stopover in Hanga Roa.
