| Original caption: “Rear Admiral Osami Nagano, commander of the Japanese naval training squadron, anchored at Annapolis, and his staff went to Arlington Cemetery today to pay tribute to America’s Unknown Soldier. Photo shows Admiral Nagano fourth from left, placing wreath on tomb.” Japanese Vice Admiral Osami Nagano (June 15, 1880 – January 5, 1947), lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. From left to right: Commander Taichi Miki (August 31, 1886 – February 17, 1956), Captain Kizo Isumi (September 23, 1880 – March 10, 1964), Nagano, and Captain Akira Fujiyoshi (May 2, 1883 – March 31, 1970). At the right end of the Japanese delegation is the Naval Attache to the United States, Captain Isoroku Yamamoto (April 4, 1884 – April 18, 1943). The United States Navy officer standing hatless just behind them is Lieutenant Commander Paulus P. Powell (April 25, 1892 – July 31, 1963), Aide to Vice Admiral Nagano during this visit. Another member of the delegation was Captain Yasutami Takeuchi (July 15, 1882 – March 21, 1944). The Washington Evening Star reported on October 11, 1927: President Honors Japanese Visitors – Entertains Naval Men at Breakfast-Tribute Paid to Unknown Soldier. After being entertained by President Coolidge at breakfast at the White House this morning. Rear Admiral Osami Nagano, commander of the Japanese naval training squadron, which is anchored off Annapolis, and his staff went to Arlington National Cemetery, and with impressive ceremony, placed a wreath of flowers upon the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Thence they went by automobile to Mount Vernon, where they placed a wreath on the tomb of George Washington. Meantime, about a 180 midshipmen and 350 commissioned officers, petty officers, and enlisted men of the squadron, in 3 parties, arrived in Washington over the Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis Railway and/spent the day touring the city and visiting Arlington and Mount Vernon. Guests of the President. Besides Admiral Nagano, the Japanese officers who were guests of the President at breakfast were: Captain [Akira] Fujiyoshi of the cruiser Asama, Captain Kizo Isumi of the cruiser Iwate, Captain Yasutami Takeuchi, squadron engineer, and Commander Taichi Miki, staff officer.The other guests included Secretary of State Kellogg, the Japanese Ambassador, Tsuneo Matsudaira; Secretary of the Navy Wilbur; Rear Admiral Eberle, Chief of Naval Operations; and Capt. Wilson Brown, commander of the presidential acht Mayflower. 6 White House naval aides were on hand to assist in receiving the guests upon their arrival, but were not included in the company at breakfast. When the President met the visiting Japanese officers at his office yesterday, he invited them to breakfast this morning, saying that the meal would be a simple, informal affair, typical of the average American home. However, 1 or 2 dishes were added to the menu that do not customarily appear at the morning meal of President and Mrs. Coolidge. Just what these “specials” were was not disclosed, but they were selected because it was thought they would appeal to the distinguished visitors from the Far East. It is rumored that the housekeeper of the White House experienced considerable difficulty in obtaining them on short notice. The rest of the meal consisted of fruit, bacon, scrambled eggs, hot cakes, sausage, preserves, honey, tea, coffee, and milk. Escorted by Troop. When Admiral Nagano and the other officers of his party reached the entrance to Fort Myer, they were met by Troop E of the 3rd Cavalry and escorted to the main gate of Arlington Cemetery, while a salute of 13 guns boomed through the grounds. Arriving at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the party of about a dozen officers lined up at attention. Admiral Nagano stepped forward and bowed solemnly. After the wreath had been put in place, the other officers stepped forward, 1 at a time, stood for a moment at attention, and bowed slowly, facing the tomb. Commissioned officers and midshipmen from the squadron were entertained at luncheon at the Navy Yard by the Navy Department at noon. After which, they were shown around the yard. Medical officers of the squadron were, at the same time, visiting the Naval Hospital. The officers and midshipmen were to be received by the Ambassador and Madame Matsudaira at the Japanese embassy at 3:80 o’clock this afternoon. At 2000 Hours tonight, Admiral Nagano and 8 other officers will attend a dinner at the Carlton Hotel given by Secretary of the Navy Wilbur. Ambassador Matsudaira will be 1 of the guests. Will Leave Thursday. Admiral Nagano and all members of the party will have returned to Annapolis by tomorrow evening. The officers and enlisted men who came here on the electric cars today were going back late this afternoon, but the admiral and his immediate party will remain overnight. The ships of the squadron will leave Annapolis at noon, Thursday, for Norfolk, on their way home to Japan. Captain Yamamoto, naval attache of the Japanese embassy, entertained about 200 guests at a reception at the Mayflower [Hotel], from 1600 to 1800 Hours, yesterday afternoon, to meet Admiral Nagano and the other officers of the squadron. Ambassador Matsudaira gave a banquet at 2000 Hours last night at the Willard Hotel for a company of 60, at which Admiral Nagano and 20 other officers of the squadron were honor guests. High officers of the State and Navy Departments were among those present. | |
| Image Filename | wwii1486.jpg |
| Image Size | 1.63 MB |
| Image Dimensions | 5740 x 3861 |
| Photographer | |
| Photographer Title | United States Navy |
| Caption Author | Written or Adapted by Jason McDonald |
| Date Photographed | October 10, 1927 |
| Location | |
| City | Washington |
| State or Province | District of Columbia |
| Country | United States |
| Archive | Naval History and Heritage Command |
| Record Number | NH 96118 |
| Status | Caption ©2026 MFA Productions LLC Please Do Not Duplicate or Distribute Without Permission; Image in the Public Domain |
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