#Japan #Tokyo #HMS Prince of Wales #British Navy #Japan Self-Defense Force

Celebrating Friendship Through Curry

On September 5, 2025, the British Embassy in Japan unveiled a captivating collaborative video titled Sailor's Curry, marking the significant occasion of the UK Carrier Strike Group's visit to Tokyo. This artistic piece features a friendly exchange between the chefs from the British Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales and the Japan Self-Defense Force's Izumo as they explore the rich history of curry and its ties to the two nations.

Curry, now considered a beloved national dish in Japan, has its roots tracing back to interactions between the British Navy and Japan in the early 19th century. The video utilizes curry as a lens to showcase the enduring partnership and human connections that have flourished over the years between the two countries.

In the video, the British Navy’s chef prepares Chicken Tikka Masala, a classic British curry, alongside Onion Bhaji, while the Izumo’s chef presents a traditional Japanese Chicken Curry. During the filming, chefs from both nations exchanged insights about their unique recipes, the spices they use, and their distinctive cooking techniques. This spirited exchange led to a delightful atmosphere filled with smiles, symbolizing the friendship and trust that binds the naval crews of both countries.

The initiative serves as a part of the promotional activities surrounding the Carrier Strike Group's visit to Japan, and aims to highlight the interpersonal connections between British and Japanese citizens. The engaging video is available on the official YouTube channel and social media platforms of the British Embassy in Japan.

Culinary Insights

The collaboration allowed for culinary discovery, with chefs expressing curiosity about each other's cooking methods. A chef from the HMS Prince of Wales remarked, “I found it fascinating to learn about the types of vegetables and the meat preparation methods used by the crew of Izumo. In our traditional style, we simmer the meat in sauce to create the base, but I saw that they roast the meat first before adding in the roux, which I found very unique.”

Similarly, Chief Petty Officer Hideki Sato from the Izumo stated, “The experience of cooking curry with our British counterparts opened my eyes to new perspectives. Though Japan and the UK are distant countries, we are connected by the sea. working together in such environments is significant, and I hope to apply what I’ve learned to our routine operations.”

Recipes Shared in the Video

1. Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe:
- Ingredients and preparation methods shared by the British Navy's HMS Prince of Wales.
2. Japanese Chicken Curry Recipe:
- Ingredients and preparation methods shared by the Self-Defense Force's Izumo.

You can watch this collaboration video titled Sailor's Curry at this link: Watch Here.

Background about The Carrier Strike Group's Visit

The HMS Prince of Wales, the flagship of the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG), visited Tokyo from August 28 to September 2, 2025, as part of the eight-month-long Operation HIGHMAST, aimed at strengthening ties in the Indo-Pacific region.