The 42nd Japanese Antarctic Programe was once again supported by the Japan Defense Ship "Shirase". The following photos record this 42nd JARE which took place between November, 2000 and April 2001.

The Map at left shows the route of the "Shirase"  which includes a circumnavigation of Australia.

At right we can see the departure of "Shirase" from Japan with the traditional streamers much in evidence.

The above is a sticker used by the Shirase.

The "Shirase" arriving at Fremantle on the Western Australian Coast on the morning of November 28th, 2000.

Escorted by two Fremantle Port tugs the "Shirase glides up the main channel.

The "Shirase" being turned around by the tugs.

Being turned to face downstream.

Being held into the wharf as mooring lines are fixed.

The "Shirase" berthed at the Fremantle Passenger Terminal on Victoria Quay.

With the gangway lowered important people are allowed on board.

The vessel wears its name while in port.

The Ship's agent in Western Australia is Mr Derek Zylinski of K-Line

The noted Antarctic Postal Historian Klaus Arne Pedersen on the "Shirase's" helicopter deck with the "Shirase's" Radio Officer/Postmaster Mr Kohei Okamura.

The Ship's agent in Western Australia, Mr Derek Zylinski of K-Line at left and the "Shirase's" Radio Officer Kohei Okamura.

On the evening of the 28th November, 2000 the Consul-General of Japan hosted an official welcome to the "Shirase" on board the vessel on behalf of the Commanding Officer, Captain Yoshinari Ishikado and the leader of the 42nd Japanese Antarctic research Expedition, Professor Yoichi Motoyoshi. The photo above shows people on the helicopter deck during the reception.

A special ceremony  was held on board  involving several chosen guests as shown above who were honoured with the task of splicing the sake barrell.

The "Shirase" had a small number of items on board including the above picture postcard showing the vessel in the Antarctic on the previous 1999-2000 season.

An early morning view of "Shirase" before her departure from Fremantle

The view above shows "Shirase" in ice not far from Syowa Base.

This view taken from a helicopter shows "Shirase" near Syowa Base with people and vehicles visible on the ice during December, 2000

Above we see two of the tracked vehicles used to transfer goods and people to Syowa Base alongside "Shirase" on 30th December, 2000.

A different angle with "Shirase" parked in the ice.

Helicopter operations from "Shirase"

Helicopter operations from "Shirase"

The "Shirase" arriving in Sydney on 21st March, 2001

"Shirase" docked at the Overseas passenger terminal as seen above with the Sydney Harbour bridge visible in the background.