The eventful stay in Malta during WWI by one of Japan's most celebrated admirals, Tamon Yamaguchi, was recalled by one of his sons, Munetoshi, who has just ended a weeklong visit here.
Munetoshi Yamaguchi, 71, came to see the places on the island where his father had served in 1918 as part of his outstanding career in the Imperial Japanese Navy.
Admiral Yamaguchi, who was born in 1892, had already scaled the ladder in his navy career in a highly impressive manner, reaching the rank of admiral when still aged 26. Eventually, he fought the Americans, his allies in the First World War, in the Battle of Midway in WWII.
On June 4, 1942, his flagship, the Hiryu, was extensively hit by American dive bombers and he went down with his ship, refusing to abandon her.
He gave up his life with that of his men because of his strict adherence to the Bushido, the unwritten code of conduct of the Samurai.
The code held that true warriors must display loyalty, courage, veracity, compassion and honour above all else.
During World War I, seven German U-boats were taken back to Japan as spoils of war and one of these was brought to Malta by Adm. Yamaguchi, on his way to Japan from Marseilles.
In June last year, Munetoshi Yamaguchi, who was a career banker, published a book about his father.
Mr Yamaguchi found out only last year that his father had been to Malta when he studied in detail the books, letters and documents that used to belong to him.
Two of the books printed in 1918 chronicle the activities of the Japanese navy in the Mediterranean during the first world war.
Sections of these books which were presented as gifts to naval officers focus on Malta.
Speaking through interpreter Mayuko Vassallo Momosaka, Mr Yamaguchi remembered his father as a man who loved sport, enjoyed his drink and treasured his family.
"My father had found it hard to fight the Americans in 1942 because he had lived in America for 10 years and was a Princeton graduate.
"But war is decided by politicians," he added philosophically.
Of Malta he said: "There are no beggars here, the crime rate is very low and people are cheerful and happy. All this is crowned by beautiful scenery".
He was impressed and moved when he paid his respects to the Japanese servicemen buried at the Kalkara naval cemetery, saying they made him recall the two million Japanese servicemen who lost their lives during World War II.
Buried at the Kalkara naval cemetery are 71 seamen who were on board the Sakaki which was damaged on June 11, 1917, off Crete when she was torpedoed by the Austrian submarine U27. Her bows were blown off. But she was salvaged and repaired.
The majority of the Japanese do not know there are fellow countrymen who have been laid to rest in Malta. It is important for the Japanese to know more of the glorious part their country's navy had played in the Mediterranean, Mr Yamaguchi noted.
The Japanese visit places abroad where their fellow countrymen are buried and hold remembrance services for them.
"Although what happened in World War I seems too distant in time, it is important for future generations to know about it," he said.
Japanese destroyers with cruiser flagships were based in Malta from April 14, 1917, providing an anti-submarine convoy escort.
Eight of the Kaba class destroyers, including the Sakaki, formed part of the 10th and 11th flotillas with the cruiser Akashi as their flagship. The Japanese warships were under the command of Admiral Sato Kozo.