Kaiwo Maru (1930)

The Kaiwo Maru was a four-masted barque training ship built in 1930 for the Japanese government. Designed to train officers for Japan's merchant marine, she was constructed by the Kawasaki Heavy Industries shipyard in Kobe. She was the second Kaiwo Maru, following an earlier ship of the same name.

As a training vessel, the Kaiwo Maru undertook numerous voyages around the world, serving to provide practical seamanship experience to generations of Japanese maritime officers. She was known for her elegant lines and speed under sail. Trainees learned navigation, ship handling, and other essential skills necessary for a career at sea.

During World War II, the Kaiwo Maru was utilized for transport duties, though she avoided significant damage. After the war, she resumed her training role.

The Kaiwo Maru was retired from active service in 1989, having sailed over one million nautical miles during her career. She was replaced by a new training ship, also named Kaiwo Maru. The original Kaiwo Maru is preserved as a museum ship at the Tokyo Metropolitan Maritime Park, offering visitors a glimpse into the history of Japanese maritime training. She serves as a testament to the age of sail and the importance of practical seamanship skills.