Japan Coast Guard Museum Yokohama
海上保安資料館 横浜館
A museum dedicated to the December 2001 spy ship incident involving the Japanese Coast Guard and a North Korean vessel, displaying the sunken ship's hull.
The museum is dedicated to an event known as the "Spy Ship Incident in the Southwest Sea of Kyūshū," which unfolded during a six-hour confrontation on December 22, 2001. This dramatic incident occurred in the vicinity of the Japanese island of Amami Ōshima in the East China Sea and involved the Japanese Coast Guard and an armed North Korean vessel.
Ultimately, the encounter concluded with the sinking of the North Korean vessel, as subsequently confirmed by Japanese authorities, who determined it to be a spy craft. Following inspections, the ship's hull was prominently displayed at the Japanese Coast Guard Museum Yokohama in Yokohama, where it quickly became a popular tourist attraction.
The museum officially opened its doors on December 10, 2004. Its primary exhibit showcases the hull of the North Korean ship, along with a smaller boat and personal belongings of the crew members. Additionally, remnants of their weaponry are on display, providing visitors with a comprehensive perspective on this historic and significant event.
