In 2012, a Japanese man was allowed to take a supervised tour of the secretive country of North Korea, we’ve reported some of his observations about their fine dining, public transportation, and more. And now we bring you coverage of one of the most unique tourist spots in the world: the only currently captured United States Navy Ship, the USS Pueblo.
Our correspondent’s tour guide and government appointed escort took him to the ship moored in Pyongyang where the guide told him “even today, America continues to beg the ship be returned.”
Throughout the ship bullet holes are clearly marked, hoping to be seen as clear evidence of a violent struggle as the ship was taken and lend support to North Korea’s claim that the Pueblo was actually a warship rather than the observation ship that the US maintains it was.
There was also an old man who was said to be a veteran of this “battle” and told the story of how the boat came into North Korean waters and was subsequently captured leaving one crew member dead and the rest prisoners. A video in Japanese could also be seen outlining the heroic deeds of North Korean sailors against the “savage” Americans.
“I’ve always had my suspicions about the North Koreans, so as I listened to their stories I had a hard time buying all of it. The tour guide and escort were both very kind, but I still could shake this doubt coming from somewhere inside me. As a Japanese person I have a long history of not believing their actions, but I’m also willing to change my tune if they start doing honest things from now on. I think it’s not only the Japanese who feel this way either. After giving it a lot of thought though I still can’t trust everything they are telling me.” (Japanese visitor’s account)
The Japanese people may be the ones who wear their distrust on their sleeves the most. Japan’s news outlets all have bluntly referred to North Korea’s recent rocket program with the word “missile.” As politically incorrect as that may be, it probably is what most people in the world are thinking to themselves.
Photo’s and Story Courtesy of rocketnews24
• related story
– North Korean Souvenirs Unwelcome in Japan, Travelers Must Throw Everything Away
– A North Korean Wearing Pink Discovered Over 100 Meters Under Pyongyang
– North Korean Gasoline-Baked Clams Taste Great, Could Reinvent BBQ As We Know It
[ Read in Japanese ]
Rare photos from inside North Korea’s mysterious buildings
Spectacular video footage from inside North Korea by travel vlogger【Video】
If you want to explore the Hermit Kingdom of North Korea, there’s an app for that
North Korea bars foreign tourists to prevent spread of Ebola
Our Reporter’s Top 10 Awesome Things About North Korea
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
Fewer ramen restaurants declare bankruptcy in Japan for first time in several years
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Our anime dreams come true as we operate a robot suit from Appleseed
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Sapporo man attempts to rob store with lighter, goes as you’d expect
Abacus making a comeback with Japanese kids in an increasingly digital age
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Investigation of North Korea Reveals Their Fried Chicken Is Pretty Good
North Korean Souvenirs Unwelcome in Japan, Travelers Must Throw Everything Away
35 fascinating photos of Korea from 100 years ago (before K-dramas took over Asia)
Leave a Reply