Japan's Only Private Training Sailboat 'Miraihe' Embarks on a Month-Long Voyage Connecting Kokura, Okinawa, and Keelung, Taiwan in Golden Week 2026
NPO Zeri Japan will conduct a 1-month sail training voyage connecting Kitakyushu, Okinawa, and Taiwan from April 2026. Ordinary citizens can join as trainees with no prior experience needed.
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- 📰 Published: April 2, 2026 at 18:30
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The "Sailboat BLUE OCEAN Miraihe," operated by the specified non-profit organization Zeri Japan (Location: Kobe City, Representative: Yusuke Saraya), which develops [Company's Business Content], will conduct a long-term sail training voyage from April 11 to May 11, 2026. The voyage will depart from Kokura Port in Kitakyushu City, pass through Amami Oshima, Okinawa Main Island, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki Island, and make a round trip to Keelung, Taiwan.
"Miraihe" is the only private training sailboat in Japan that accepts the general public as "trainees" and allows them to participate in a real sailing voyage. Participants will experience moving the ship as a member of the team, taking on tasks such as operating the sails and standing navigation watch alongside the crew. No prior knowledge or experience is required, and the program is conducted at a comfortable pace tailored to each individual's physical strength.
This voyage features a highly international route, traveling southwest along Japan's domestic islands and finally crossing borders by sailboat to enter Keelung, Taiwan. Keelung is a port city known for its access to Jiufen and is a place with deep historical ties to Japan. The extraordinary experience of crossing the ocean on a sailboat will surely leave a strong impression.
Furthermore, from the second leg onwards, about 10 trainees from the maritime officer (sailor) training course will join the ship. This will be a unique voyage where future sailors and general citizens cross the ocean on the same ship, delivering the best sailing experience to all participants as "friends of the sea."
Voyage Schedule
Section | Period | Route / Main Ports of Call
Leg 1 | Apr 11 (Sat) - Apr 18 (Sat), 8 Days 7 Nights | Depart Kokura -> Call at/Depart Koniya (Amami Oshima) -> Call at Naha. Passing through the Kanmon Straits and heading south into the deepening colors of the sea. After resting at the calm Koniya Port, head to Okinawa Main Island.
Leg 2 | Apr 21 (Tue) - Apr 26 (Sun), 6 Days 5 Nights | Depart Naha -> Ishigaki Island.
"Miraihe" is the only private training sailboat in Japan that accepts the general public as "trainees" and allows them to participate in a real sailing voyage. Participants will experience moving the ship as a member of the team, taking on tasks such as operating the sails and standing navigation watch alongside the crew. No prior knowledge or experience is required, and the program is conducted at a comfortable pace tailored to each individual's physical strength.
This voyage features a highly international route, traveling southwest along Japan's domestic islands and finally crossing borders by sailboat to enter Keelung, Taiwan. Keelung is a port city known for its access to Jiufen and is a place with deep historical ties to Japan. The extraordinary experience of crossing the ocean on a sailboat will surely leave a strong impression.
Furthermore, from the second leg onwards, about 10 trainees from the maritime officer (sailor) training course will join the ship. This will be a unique voyage where future sailors and general citizens cross the ocean on the same ship, delivering the best sailing experience to all participants as "friends of the sea."
Voyage Schedule
Section | Period | Route / Main Ports of Call
Leg 1 | Apr 11 (Sat) - Apr 18 (Sat), 8 Days 7 Nights | Depart Kokura -> Call at/Depart Koniya (Amami Oshima) -> Call at Naha. Passing through the Kanmon Straits and heading south into the deepening colors of the sea. After resting at the calm Koniya Port, head to Okinawa Main Island.
Leg 2 | Apr 21 (Tue) - Apr 26 (Sun), 6 Days 5 Nights | Depart Naha -> Ishigaki Island.