The practice of making the traditional Japanese dessert 'mochi' is a cultural event that involves local communities and families gathering together.
In March, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) crew of HMAS Toowoomba was invited on board the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer JS Akizuki to participate in the centuries-old tradition.
Conducted at the port of Sasebo in Kyūshū, the event marked the commencement of Exercise Nichi Gou Trident, and signified the increasingly close ties between Japan and Australia.
The flight hangar of Akizuki was transformed into a festive outdoor kitchen allowing officers and sailors of both nations to celebrate together, launching the 17th premier bilateral maritime training activity between Australia and Japan.
The annual exercise aims to strengthen the relationship and enhance cooperation between the JMSDF and RAN, with a focus on high-end maritime roles and capabilities.
Commanding Officer Toowoomba Commander Alicia Harrison said she was thrilled that her ship's regional presence deployment included the opportunity to further enrich one of Australia's most important relationships.
"Japan is an indispensable defence partner for achieving regional peace and prosperity. We share an unwavering commitment to democracy, human rights and a rules-based international order," Commander Harrison said.
'This ensures if there was ever a real situation in the future, our navies are well-equipped to operate together.'
After completing the planning phase, Exercise Nichi Gou Trident was conducted during the middle of March in the East China Sea.
"Our comprehensive and growing defence relationship, as displayed during Nichi Gou Trident, is underpinned by our shared commitment to regional security and enormous potential for future cooperation," Commander Harrison said.
Commanding Officer Akizuki Commander Kiichiro Toyama said, before even heading to sea, the close connections being forged between JMSDF and RAN personnel of all ranks was an exercise highlight.
"I am thrilled that your crew views Japan as a popular place to visit. It pleases me to hear that our people have been so accommodating. I welcome you all back to visit the other islands," he said.
Commander Toyama said he was pleased that while Toowoomba was visiting Japan, his brother and sister JMSDF personnel were also in Australia participating in Exercise Kakadu.
"Your navy comes here to the East China Sea multiple times a year, now our ships and crews go to Australia, Sydney and Darwin," Commander Toyama said.
"This ensures if there was ever a real situation in the future, our navies are well-equipped to operate together."
Exercise Nichi Gou Trident ran over five days and included joint-planning, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare serials by ships and embarked helicopters, tactical manoeuvring between both ships and a cross-deck opportunity to share subject-matter expertise at sea.
