Friendship Across the Seas: The US Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

The book explores the history of the relationship between the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the United States Navy (US Navy), focusing on the individuals who helped build it. Despite their past as enemies during the Pacific War, the two navies came to respect each other in action and began to work together as allies driven by their respective national interests. Over the years, they have built strong ties through joint exercises and operations at sea, overcoming mixed feelings about their erstwhile foes. The alliance is now considered the most successful navy-to-navy partnership in the world, anchored in over seventy years of accumulated shared experiences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 257 pages
Publication date: 17 July 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This Open Access book delves into the intricate history of the relationship between the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), the successor to the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN), and the United States Navy (US Navy). It focuses on the individuals who played pivotal roles in fostering this alliance, which began as former adversaries engaged in fierce combat on the seas and in the air during the Pacific War. However, as the Cold War escalated, these two navies gradually forged strong bonds, driven by their respective national interests. With the generous assistance of the US Navy, the JMSDF was established as its counterpart, marking the beginning of a remarkable partnership.

Over the years, these two navies have gradually cultivated deep ties, thanks to a series of joint exercises and operations at sea. Officers and sailors from both sides overcame their initial reservations and developed a sense of respect and trust for each other. This transformation was facilitated by the tireless efforts of countless individuals who worked tirelessly to build bridges between the two nations. US Navy leaders began to recognize the JMSDF's capabilities and reliability, acknowledging its valuable contributions to regional security. On the other hand, the JMSDF recognized the US Navy's expertise and experience, and saw it as a formidable ally in the Asia-Pacific region.

Over the course of seventy years, the US-Japan maritime alliance has flourished, becoming one of the most successful navy-to-navy partnerships in the world. Numerous admirals, officers, and sailors from both navies have contributed immensely to the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region, fostering a sense of cooperation and mutual understanding. This book is intended for readers interested in the history of US-Japan relations, as well as naval officers and sailors from the US and other countries. It serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the complex dynamics that have shaped this alliance.

Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789819929962
Edition number: 2nd ed. 2023