A Tale of Adventure to Break the Ice

Moored in the Port of Nagoya, opposite the Nagoya Aquarium is the Japanese Antarctic survey ship, Fuji, a retired ice-breaker that plied the South Pole between 1965 and 1985.

The Fuji is 100 meters long, 11 meters wide and 22 meters high with a displacement of 5,250 tons. Its diesel electric powered engines boasted a speed of 17 knots, (about 35 km/h) and carried a 245 capacity crew and research team. The Fuji could smash through 80cm thick ice. After many successful missions, the Fuji was retired, stripped down, and put on display as a floating Antarctic research maritime museum of the 60’s and 70’s Polar missions. Interesting displays show the difficult conditions experienced by those who served on her, as well as the important research work undertaken on the lengthy voyages.

The Arctic research Ice-Breaker Fuji, berthed at the Port of Nagoya

Visitors can walk throughout the three levels of the ship, including the Bridge and research areas, the galley, kitchens and accommodation areas where crew and researchers lived and worked side by side during the long and arduous missions, and down into the ship’s bowls to view the engines. On the rear deck is the huge Sikorsky helicopter that carried researchers far into the Arctic interior and safely back on board.

The Fuji research team’s mission helicopter remains a focal point

Enjoy exploring the old research ship inside and out

Beside the ship is Fuji Park, featuring a tribute to the hero sled dogs Taro and Jiro who were left behind on a late 50’s mission, only to be found alive a year later having survived alone in the bleak and freezing conditions. The Fuji’s propeller and drive shaft, anchor and even one of the researcher’s futuristic looking snow- vehicles is also on display.

Sled dog heroes Taro and Jiro, with the Fuji’s huge screw in the background

Experience the conditions of the crew and researchers, and the equipment used on the long and dangerous missions

Explore the Fuji to appreciate the displays and the difficult conditions under which the vessel operated. While you’re there, visit the Aquarium, Port Tower lookout, Sea-Land amusement area and other top class attractions at the Port of Nagoya.

Writer
Chris Glenn

Chris Glenn is a bilingual radio DJ, TV presenter, producer, narrator, MC, copywriter, author and columnist, and Japanese historian, specializing in samurai castles, battles, armor and weapons. He is an inbound tourism advisor, and is often called upon as a lecturer and speaker on Japanese history and topics. He was born in Adelaide, South Australia in 1968, and has spent over half his life in Japan, most of that time in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. Chris is dedicated to promoting and preserving Japans’ long history, deep culture, traditions, arts and crafts.