Our Community

The Royal Naval Association Japan Branch is a thriving community of over 30 members who share a common bond through naval service and maritime heritage. Our diverse membership draws from various distinguished backgrounds, including retired officers from the Japanese Navy, historians, authors, teachers, scholars, ambassadors, and defense attachés, alongside former Royal Navy personnel and Commonwealth navy veterans. All are united by the enduring values of service, friendship, and mutual support that define the RNA worldwide. Living across Japan, our members bring together a wealth of knowledge about Japan itself - from its culture and history to practical local insights - that we are able to share with visiting crews and each other. This collective expertise, spanning decades of life and work in Japan, creates a rich tapestry of knowledge and perspectives that strengthens our collective identity and enhances our ability to welcome and support Royal Navy vessels during their visits to Japanese ports.

Our Activities and Connections

Throughout the year, we maintain an active calendar centered around our annual AGM, complemented by numerous social events and ship visits that bring our community together. These gatherings provide opportunities not only for fellowship among our own members but also for strengthening the important relationships we maintain with partner organizations. Our strong connections with the Royal British Legion (RBL) ensure we remain linked to the broader British veteran community in Japan, while our partnership with Suikokai, the Japanese retired naval officers association, continues the spirit of naval cooperation that has characterized British-Japanese relations for over a century. When Royal Navy vessels visit Japanese ports, our members often serve as welcoming hosts, providing a vital link between visiting crews and the local community while maintaining the traditions of naval hospitality and camaraderie.

Our Mission

As a chartered branch of the Royal Naval Association, we uphold the organization's fundamental mission of providing companionship, comradeship, and unity to everyone with a naval story. Whether you're a career naval officer, served briefly in the fleet, or simply share our passion for naval heritage and values, we offer support through life's challenges and celebrations. Our branch serves as both a social network and a support system, ensuring that no one with naval connections in Japan need face life's journey alone.