Sasebo, Japan, June 22

We pulled into the port of Sasebo at approximately 9:30 am, greeted by a landscape that was both inviting and foreboding. The sky was a blanket of gray, thick with clouds that hinted at the possibility of rain in the near future. The temperature hovered in the low 80s, creating a warm and sticky atmosphere, typical of the region's humid climate. You could almost sense the tension in the air, as it felt like the sky could open up at any moment, unleashing a thunderstorm that would drench everything in sight. Yet, despite the ominous weather, this was our last day in Japan, and I was determined to make the most of it by venturing out to explore what Sasebo had to offer.

Sasebo is notably home to a significant US Naval Base, which has influenced the city's culture and economy. The city is strategically built around the port, making it a very walkable destination for visitors. The presence of the US Navy has led to a unique cultural exchange, and as a result, most locals are able to communicate in English to some degree. This linguistic accessibility made navigating the city much easier for me, especially since this was our final stop in Japan and I needed to "check out" with Japanese immigration. I had braced myself for a potentially lengthy and complicated process, but to my surprise, it was remarkably fast and efficient, with everything wrapped up seamlessly upon reboarding the ship.

With no concrete plans for my time in port, I decided to simply wander and see what caught my eye. After a brief 10-minute walk, I stumbled upon the longest street mall in Japan, a remarkable covered thoroughfare where no cars are allowed. This pedestrian-friendly area stretches for about a mile and is lined with approximately 150 shops and stores, offering a diverse range of products and experiences. With a few thousand Yen still in my pocket, I was eager to spend it and see what interesting items I could find to bring home as souvenirs.

One of my primary goals was to find a special Japanese knife for my friend Conner, who is an avid collector of knives, axes and cuttlery. After days of searching without success, I finally discovered a shop that had a selection of knives that met my expectations. However, as much as I appreciate Conner, I couldn't justify spending $700 on a single knife. Instead, I opted for a more affordable yet thoughtful consolation prize. I won’t spoil the surprise, but I believe he will appreciate the more practical souvenir I ultimately chose for him.

As I continued my exploration, I came across a Karaoke Studio, which piqued my interest. With some time to spare, I thought, why not indulge in a little fun? Upon entering, I was escorted to a private room equipped with two large TVs, microphones, iPads for song selection, and a menu for ordering refreshments. The setup was designed for intimate gatherings, comfortably accommodating up to eight friends. You could choose songs from an extensive list and sing to your heart's content. The convenience of ordering beers, sodas, and food online made the experience even more enjoyable, with orders arriving in just a few minutes. I reserved the room for 90 minutes and treated myself to two refreshing draft beers and a generous order of fries, all for a total of 3,000 Yen, or about $20. While it was a fun experience, I couldn't help but think it would have been even more enjoyable if I had shared it with friends.

On my walk back to the ship, I couldn't help but notice the stark differences between the US Navy vessels and the other ships docked in port. Our ships, painted in a lighter shade of gray, stood out against the darker hues of their counterparts. Among them were two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and a CGN, vessels that exuded an aura of power and sophistication. Their stealthy designs and sleek profiles were impressive, instilling a sense of pride just to behold them. I couldn't help but think that any adversary, especially Iran, would be wise to reconsider any aggressive actions against the formidable US fleet. These ships are not just symbols of military might; they are ready and eager to demonstrate their capabilities should the need arise.

This evening marks the first time in three nights that the ship's casino will be open for business. I find myself hopeful for a change of luck, as the casino has not been particularly kind to me on this voyage. If it weren't for the delightful distraction of Karaoke and the allure of the casino, I might have found my evenings a bit dull, especially considering that this ship is on the smaller side and offers fewer entertainment options. Having already seen the shows during the previous cruise, I was looking for something new to engage my time.

That's all for now. Tomorrow, we will be heading back to Jeju Island, South Korea, and I look forward to what new adventures await me there.