The JCG is established as an affiliated agency of the MLIT, and has Regional Coast Guard Headquarters and Coast Guard Offices nationwide, which are operated centrally under the JCG Headquarters in Tokyo.
Message from Commandant
The Japan Coast Guard was established in 1948 with the mission of ensuring maritime safety and security. Since its establishment, the JCG has been engaged in criminal investigations, maritime security operations, search and rescue, marine environment preservation, disaster mitigation, oceanographic research, and maritime safety operations. We will inherit the spirit of "Humanity and Justice" that OKUBO Takeo, the first commandant of the JCG, advocated, and will strengthen the coast guard system. Through this policy, all the JCG staff will carry out operations to realize safe and peaceful seas where order is maintained based on the rule of law, while cooperating with foreign coast guard agencies.
The 47th Japan Coast Guard Commandant
ISHII Shohei
History
Inauguration of the Japan Coast Guard on May 1. 1948
At this time, Japan was under occupation immediately after WWII. Operations were limited at the onset for the Japan Coast Guard with limitations on the number of crew members, officers, and ships, and also such as ship speed. Such limitations resulting from the United Nations, although not a military entity, being careful in the organization of a units with maritime capabilities.
On May 12, 1948, the official flag of JCG was hoisted for the first time by Takeo Okubo, the first Commandant of the JCG on the roof of the JCG Headquarters.
Opening of the Japan Coast Guard School (June 1949)
The Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11. 2011
On March 19, the Japan Coast Guard patrol craft transporting relief supplies and then handing them over to JSDF trucks (Sendai Shiogama Port, Miyagi Prefecture)
The patrol craft "Kitakami" making an emergency exit from port while as tsunami hits(Kamaishi Port, Miyagi Prefecture)
Organizational chart
The JCG is established as an affiliated agency of the MLIT, and has Regional Coast Guard Headquarters and Coast Guard Offices nationwide, which are operated centrally under the JCG Headquarters in Tokyo.
