in a secret mission disguised as a scientific ocean survey for sustainable development, but in reality it's a political mission which originally included attempt landing at Diaoyu island.

Ishigaki mayor onboard the ship.

On the same day, a JASDF F-15DJ crashed into the sea, with its two pilots missing, in tiger paint scheme no less. Don't fool around in the year of Tiger, OK?

Then on the next day, Feb 1, the hawkish ex-Tokyo governor Shintaro Ishihara died. He ochestrated the "purchase" of Diaoyu island in 2012, leading to China Coast Guard permanent presence at the Diaoyu waters as response.