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Kota Kinabalu: Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force destroyer JS Asahi arrived at the Sepanggar Naval Base on Friday, carrying more than 200 officers and crew as part of its Overseas Training Cruise 2026 conducted in cooperation with the Royal Malaysian Navy.

The ship is commanded by Captain Jo Takemasa and includes graduates of the 78th Aviation Officer Candidate Course among its personnel.

Students from the Kinabalu Japanese School (KJS) attended a welcoming ceremony at the base, presenting flowers to the visiting officers and crew.

The port call reflects growing maritime cooperation between Malaysia and Japan, encompassing naval training exchanges and regional security collaboration.

The visit forms part of ongoing engagement efforts between both navies to strengthen bilateral ties.