The cruise ship Nippon Maru retired on May 10, 2026, returning to Yokohama Port to conclude 35 years of service [1, 2].
As one of Japan's most recognizable cruise vessels, the ship's retirement marks the end of an era for domestic maritime tourism. The vessel served as a primary gateway for thousands of passengers to explore the Japanese coastline over three decades.
Launched in 1990 [1], the 22,472-ton ship [8] operated for approximately 35 years [1]. Throughout its tenure, the Nippon Maru completed more than 2,000 voyages [1] and visited over 400 ports [1]. The total distance traveled by the vessel was equivalent to 133 laps around the Earth [1].
During its career, the ship carried approximately 600,000 passengers [1]. The decision to retire the vessel followed a standard operational plan and was influenced by the aging of the ship's hull [5].
Captain Koichi Uchida addressed the milestone during the proceedings. "I won't forget you, Nippon Maru. Thank you, Nippon Maru. Everyone, thank you very much for your long time," Uchida said [6].
While most records indicate the final return and ceremony occurred at Yokohama Port on May 10 [2, 3, 4, 8], some reports suggest a separate final departure ceremony was held at Oarai Port in Ibaraki Prefecture on May 27 [10].
“The total distance traveled by the vessel was equivalent to 133 laps around the Earth.”
The retirement of the Nippon Maru reflects a broader transition in the cruise industry toward larger, more modern vessels with updated environmental and safety standards. Its 35-year run demonstrates the longevity of Japanese maritime engineering while signaling a shift in how the domestic market approaches luxury coastal tourism.
