Naming the upgraded Mogami-class: a nod to tradition, a symbol of friendship
Author: Matthew Bell
The acquisition of the upgraded Mogami-class frigates from Japan marks a significant new chapter for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). In accordance with the ministerial directive of “no change” to the design[1][1], these new General Purpose Frigates not only strengthen the Australia-Japan relationship but also adhere to the concept of minimum viable capability. Naming these vessels is a significant responsibility, as a warship’s name is more than just a label; it reflects a nation’s character, honours its history, and signals its identity to the world.
The RAN has a proud tradition of naming ships after Australian rivers and cities. This new fleet offers a unique opportunity to continue these conventions while also recognising our strategic and diplomatic partnership with Japan. It is therefore suggested that a coherent and meaningful naming scheme be adopted to reflect this particular collaboration.
The Case for a Thematic Naming Scheme
The decision to acquire the Mogami-class frigates marks a significant milestone in the Australia-Japan relationship, demonstrating a high level of trust and a shared dedication to security in the Indo-Pacific. As these ships will be the first major naval platforms purchased from Japan, their names should serve as meaningful symbols of this “Special Strategic Partnership.” By adopting a thematic naming system for both the RAN and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), we can develop a fleet whose identity strengthens our alliance and highlights the shared values underpinning our cooperation. This approach extends beyond national symbols to celebrate the bilateral nature of the project.
It is therefore proposed that the entire class of frigates be designated as the <em>“Kizuna”<em> class. Kizuna (絆), a Japanese term meaning “bonds” or “ties,” signifies the strong and unbreakable connection between people and has become a symbol of hope and solidarity in Japan. The name would reflect the strategic, diplomatic, and personal bonds between Australia and Japan. It is a modern, respectful, and culturally meaningful name that honours the frigates’ Japanese origins while representing a shared future. Philosophically, this name reinforces the idea of a single class serving with both the RAN and JMSDF, with the only variations being the translation of the combat management system and the regulatory adjustments required under Australian law. This philosophy should also guide the upgraded Mogami’s ongoing improvement program, fostering the Australian and Japanese relationship on enhancements and leveraging Japan’s ‘software-first’ approach.[2][2]
The Lead Ship: A Name of Friendship
While it is common for RAN ships to be named after the class itself, like HMAS Anzac or HMAS Hobart , this proposal deliberately diverges from that tradition to offer a more specific and meaningful tribute. It is therefore proposed that the lead Australian ship be named HMAS Nara, in honour of the 1976 Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation, also known as the “Nara Treaty”. Naming the lead ship after this foundational diplomatic document symbolises the enduring friendship that underpins the growing military partnership. This is further strengthened by the Canberra-Nara sister city link, connecting Australia’s newest capital city with one of Japan’s oldest.
River-Class and Sister Cities
Building on the naming convention of the Japanese Mogami-class ships, which are named after significant rivers, it is proposed that the Australian frigates be named after Australian rivers following on from the previous River-Class. This approach aligns with the tradition of naming new RAN ships after geographical features (such as the Cape Class) or regions (like the Hunter-Class).
The “River-class” names have been used for two distinct types of vessels with significant service histories. The first were the River-class torpedo boat destroyers, the first ships of the RAN, which included HMA Ships <em> Parramatta (I), Warrego (I), Yarra (I), Swan (I), and Huon (I) <em> . They served with distinction during World War I, particularly in the blockade of the Adriatic Sea to counter enemy submarines. A later iteration of the “River-class” was a group of frigates that served during and after World War II, many of which were later converted to survey or research ships. Homage to naval tradition by reusing names from a previous RAN lineage, linking the new, modern frigates to the honoured service of their predecessors.
Exploring the cultural link with Japan, the specific selection of River-Class names also incorporates existing community-level ties. This approach involves identifying Australian cities that hold sister-city relationships with Japanese counterparts, particularly those situated along the proposed Australian river names. This ensures that the naming convention honours the long-standing community-level ties between Australian and Japanese cities that form the bedrock of our bilateral relationship.
A Symbol of a Shared Future
Therefore, the Australian ships in Kizuna-class could be named HMA Ships Nara (I), Barwon (II), Burdekin (II), Derwent (II), Lachlan (II), Macquarie (II), Murchison (II), Parramatta (V), Shoalhaven (II), Swan (IV), Torrens (III), Yarra (V). Note, there are 12 names suggested for 11 ships.
The proposed naming scheme is more than a list of names; it is a narrative that honours Australian and Japanese history, geography, and culture. It upholds naval traditions while embracing the unique strategic partnership with Japan. The “Kizuna” class would serve as a constant reminder of the unbreakable bond between our two nations, a visible symbol of a shared commitment to security, and a testament to the friendship that has flourished from a common past.
[1] [1] https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/transcripts/2025-08-05/press-conference-canberra
[2] [2] https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/cne-2025/2025/08/jmsdf-steers-course-for-software-first-force-structure/
