Members from HMAS Coonawarra strengthened their connection with the local community through participation in the Japanese Children’s Day celebration at Bicentennial Park in Darwin this month.

Lieutenant Hinako Shiraishi and Chief Petty Officer Ronald Schauer represented the local Navy base, establishing an engaging display that attracted families and visitors throughout the day.

The event, hosted annually by the Australian Japanese Association of the Northern Territory, provided a vibrant cultural setting for community members to celebrate Japanese traditions.

There were stalls spread across the grass, including sushi stations, a kimono workshop, calligraphy tables and traditional games.

The Navy stall featured displays of past and present ships and allowed visitors to learn more about Navy life, with personnel answering questions and sharing their personal anecdotes.

The event held personal significance for Lieutenant Shiraishi, who has a Japanese background.

“It was a special moment to be able to connect with members of the local Japanese community and celebrate an important cultural tradition with them,” she said.

“Some people who visited our tent were surprised when I started speaking in Japanese with them.

“It’s not every day that I’m able to use my language skills and it creates a bridge for my professional and cultural identity.”

There were Navy-themed gift packs for visitors who stopped by, such as ship-shaped balls, colouring pencils, foldable origami ships and water bottles.

Coonawarra’s presence supported Navy’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and cultural connection within the Northern Territory, particularly with long-standing international partners such as Japan.