Surigao City has officially received a painting by a Japanese artist depicting seven Japanese ships departing from Brunei Anchorage and heading toward Surigao Strait during the final days of World War II.

Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II and Surigao City Tourism Office head Roselyn Merlin formally accepted the artwork titled “Anchor Out – Nishimura Fleet 26041022” on Nov 19.

Painted by Hiroyuki Sugano, a renowned Japanese pencil artist specializing in nautical subjects, the original artwork was donated as a gesture of remembrance and friendship between Japan and the Philippines.

“It arrived last week, and it took us almost a week to process some important papers before it was released by the Bureau of Customs,” Merlin said in an interview on Thursday.

The artwork is set to be displayed at the Battle of Surigao Strait Museum for public viewing, especially for visitors and history enthusiasts.

“We are still finalizing (everything), but our target is next week. This piece of art will already be available for public viewing,” Merlin said.

Meanwhile, the Surigao City Public Information Office announced in a statement that Sugano sent his warm greetings to Dumlao and expressed his regret for not being able to attend the 81st anniversary of the Battle of Surigao Strait on Oct. 27.

The Battle of Surigao Strait occurred at dawn on Oct. 25, 1944, between the Nishimura Fleet, also known as the Japanese Southern Forces led by Vice Admiral Shoji Nishimura, and the combined American and Australian Navies.

The battle resulted in the sinking of six Japanese ships – the battleships Fuso and Yamashiro, as well as the destroyers Yamagumo, Asagumo, Michishio, and Mogami. Nishimura died during the battle when Yamashiro was sunk.

The annual commemoration of the Battle of Surigao Strait takes place in Surigao City, attended by dignitaries from the Philippines, the US, Australia, and Japan. (PNA)