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"Incredible Response," "Makes Me Want to Take a Ferry Trip": Praise Pours in for Hokkaido Ferry That Safely Transported Passengers Amidst Tsunami Warning with the hashtag #GoSunflower
On July 30, the ferry "Sunflower" departed from Hokkaido for Ibaraki Prefecture but was unable to enter the port due to a tsunami warning. Numerous posts from aboard the ship detailing the situation have drawn a flood of supportive comments, such as "What an incredible response" and "Go, Sunflower!"
From aboard the Sunflower 🚢
The captain told us to "prepare yourselves."
What for, you ask? Based on his experience, tsunamis from overseas can prevent ships from docking for a considerable amount of time...!
Quote from a post by @hibike291
Sunflower Captain: "This ship cannot dock at Oarai Port, so we will continue sailing until the warning is lifted. We have enough fuel and food."
They're really sailing in a circle about 50km in diameter...! The crew is working hard to get us safely to land 🙏 Thank you!
Quote from a post by @hibike291
The poster, Hibiki Fukui, was a passenger on the Sunflower from Tomakomai Port (Hokkaido) to Oarai Port (Ibaraki Prefecture). Moved by the crew's dedication to safe operations even as a tsunami approached, he decided to "report on the Sunflower's efforts from onboard" and posted real-time updates about the situation.
"#GoSunflower": Real-Time Updates on the Crew's Efforts Onboard
Captain: "We have decided to abandon docking at Oarai Port today. We will prepare a simple meal for tonight and tomorrow morning. We apologize for the continued difficulty in contacting your families and workplaces while at sea."
I think every passenger was thinking, "Captain, you have nothing to apologize for." It's amazing that the captain is making all the announcements himself. #GoSunflower
Quote from a post by @hibike291
The dinner provided on short notice was curry and rice 🍛
Everyone from the bridge to the restaurant staff is pitching in. I even saw someone in a white uniform from the bridge wearing an apron to help prepare.🎓 While saying things like "Well, this is a pickle," they were smiling and discussing tomorrow's breakfast. It really shows how much they all love their jobs on the ship 🚢 #GoSunflower
Quote from a post by @hibike291
The large public bath is like something out of a ryokan (traditional inn) 🚢 I couldn't take pictures inside, but it even has a proper sauna...! For all you sauna enthusiasts, a ship might be a blind spot you never considered. I had a friendly endurance competition with some Self-Defense Forces members who seemed to be returning from training in Hokkaido, but I was easily defeated.
Quote from a post by @hibike291
As posts detailing the situation onboard were shared with the hashtag "#GoSunflower," a wave of support flooded in, with comments like, "I want to ride on a ship with such a wonderful captain," "This makes me even more of a fan," and "I hope you can dock safely." Then, on the morning of the second day at sea, an announcement was made for passengers to disembark.
As breakfast service began, the captain's announcement about disembarking came over the speakers 🚢 We are scheduled to dock around 9:30. However, this is apparently temporary permission just to let passengers off, and as soon as that's done, the ship will head back out to sea until the advisory is lifted. I'm truly in awe. Everyone, please choose the Sunflower for your next trip❗️ And I'm sure there are many ferry companies across the country. Thinking about how all of them likely make similar efforts to ensure safe passage, I really want people to experience a safe and enjoyable journey by sea.
Quote from a post by @hibike291
The Sunflower Sapporo has just docked 🚢
To all the crew members, thank you for your incredible hard work.
I hear you're heading back out to sea immediately after letting the passengers off. Please hang in there a little longer...! Everyone, now's the time to plan a trip by ferry! #GoSunflower
Quote from a post by @hibike291
Users who saw the posts commented, "I always fly, but this made me want to try a ferry trip," and "I want to ride the Sunflower." We asked Mr. Fukui what he found particularly appealing about the Sunflower during this journey.
I think the number one appeal of the Sunflower is the food. It's not just the Tomakomai-Sendai route; I remember the food in the onboard restaurant on the Osaka-Kagoshima route being delicious as well, so I feel that the Sunflower's dedication really shines through in its cuisine.
The restaurant's opening hours are limited, so the key is to go as soon as it opens, grab a beer, load up your plate with lots of appetizers from the buffet, and take your time enjoying the meal and conversation.
The dinner buffet that Mr. Fukui raves about
What also surprised me this time was the sauna facility. A proper sauna with the scent of wood is installed in the public bath, and as a sauna lover, I enjoyed it immensely. I ended up using the sauna five times before we disembarked.
The Unique Charm of Sea Travel, Different from Planes or Bullet Trains
With various travel options like planes and bullet trains, many people may have never been on a ferry. To them, Mr. Fukui says, "I think if you try it just once, even a short-distance route, you'll be captivated by the uniquely elegant way you can spend your time on a ship. From July to September, I highly recommend a trip to Hokkaido to escape the heat." If you're planning a trip to Hokkaido this summer, why not consider a ferry journey as one of your options?
Interview Cooperation & Photos Courtesy of: Hibiki Fukui -The Bicycle Washer-
■X: @hibike291
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