CNFJ/RJ Celebrates 100 Years of Heritage Site
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DVIDS - GeorgiaThe ceremony brought together U.S. Navy leadership, local government officials, and members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) to reflect on the building’s history and its continuing role in supporting the U.S. – Japan alliance.
“C-1, our headquarters building, enters its second century continuing to serve as the home where we will build on the shared history of the United States and Japan, working together to strengthen the alliance and step into our shared tomorrow,” said Rear Adm. Ian L. Johnson, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan/ Navy Region Japan. “We have inherited this building and this alliance from those who came before us, both built through decades of trust, cooperation and combined commitment.”
Completed in 1926 following the destruction of the previous Yokosuka Naval District Headquarters during the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, engineers incorporated earthquake -resistant features – making it one of the first buildings in Japan to be built with such features.
The ceremony was attended by the descendants of Mr. Hideho Shimada, one of the architects of this sturdy building, as well as the president of Mabuchi Construction, the company that completed the construction in only eight months.
Throughout history, the building has laid witness to dramatic changes within the U.S. – Japan relationship. Once adversaries, the two nations are now among the closest of allies - a beacon of strength, stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
The centennial celebration provided an opportunity to acknowledge this transformation while recognizing the contributions of Japanese and U.S. personnel whose contributions have strengthened that partnership.
“As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of its completion, I am reminded that this building is more than just a structure,” said City of Yokosuka mayor, Katsuaki Kamiji. “It is a presence that has witnessed the history of Yokosuka and the evolving relationship between Japan and the United States.”
The ceremony also included the premiere of a short documentary, highlighting the construction, history, and importance of the building to the U.S. – Japan alliance. The documentary included perspectives from U.S. Navy leadership, government officials and historians in regarding the importance of the building and its role in preserving the alliance.
From Dec, 11-13, 2026, the City of Yokosuka will host “Japan Heritage Month” on the 5th floor of Haneda Airport Terminal 2. As part of this large-scale exhibition, the documentary and the panels unveiled at the ceremony will be on public display for visitors to view. Furthermore, as part of a social media campaign, 100 Japanese citizens will be selected by lottery to tour historic buildings located within the U.S. Naval Base Yokosuka.
As C-1 enters its second century, the building remains a historical centerpiece of Yokosuka’s history and a working headquarters committed to the continuation of the steadfast alliance between the U.S. and Japan.
Building C-1 is owned by the Government of Japan through the Ministry of Finance and made available for U.S. Navy use in support of shared mutual defense responsibilities.
CNRJ is responsible for the Navy installations at Atsugi, Misawa, Okinawa, Sasebo, Yokosuka, in Japan and activities in Diego Garcia, Singapore and Australia.
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