Sōkō (Japanese Navy Academy)

Sōkō was the training facility for the Imperial Japanese Navy’s officer cadets, established in 1874 near Tokyo. It served as the primary academy to educate future naval officers, focusing on leadership, naval skills, and maritime strategy. Over time, the academy evolved, playing a key role during Japan’s naval expansion in the early 20th century. The facility was integral to Japan’s naval development until the end of World War II, when it was disbanded following Japan's surrender and the restructuring of its military forces. Today, its legacy is reflected in Japan’s modern Maritime Self-Defense Force training institutions.