A Japanese destroyer, JS Shiranui, arrived in Honiara yesterday morning as part of its Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023 (IPD23).

Japanese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, Miwa Yoshiaki, confirmed that JS Shiranui will be here all day for a brief hand-over ceremony of 140 human remain samples believed to be of Japanese soldiers for DNA testing in Japan.

^{Handing over the Japanese remains to the Japanese Navy, at Honiara Port.}

“The Testing will take at least two months”, says Ambassador Miwa.

A statement from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships indicated that the IPD23 aims to realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” The deployment is designed to enhance JMSDF’s tactical capabilities and strengthen cooperation with partner navies in the Indo-Pacific region through joint exercises.

Furthermore, the mission seeks to contribute to the peace and stability of the region while fostering mutual understanding and strong relationships with partner countries.

Honiara-based Japanese handed over the remains of Japanese Soldiers to the Japanese Navy| Photo: In-depth Solomons.

The port of calls for the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023 includes several countries such as Australia, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, French New Caledonia, Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Kingdom of Tonga, Malaysia, Republic of Fiji, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Maldives, Republic of Palau, Republic of Philippines, Republic of Singapore, Solomon Islands, Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, and the United States of America (visits to these countries are still under coordination).

The vessel will be departing at 5 pm this afternoon for its next stop over in Sydney, Australia.

This deployment by JMSDF marks its seventh time conducting such a mission since 2017.