A key feature is the adoption of a hybrid propulsion system that utilizes a hydrogen fuel cell system in addition to a diesel engine, significantly reducing vibration, noise, and exhaust fumes compared to conventional ships, thereby creating a comfortable onboard environment. This system was designed by Yanmar Power Solutions. It uses hydrogen supplied from hydrogen storage modules manufactured by Toyota Motor Corporation to generate electricity via a hydrogen fuel cell power generation system, which then powers the motors through a battery. ENEOS supplies the hydrogen used as fuel.
The meals served on board carry on the tradition of French cuisine once served on the company’s passenger ships. They consist of French course meals designed by Kenji Hayama, Executive Chef of Lady Crystal, that showcase the seasonal flavors of various regions across Japan.
The newly built AMANE is a 500-metric-ton-class restaurant ship. With a seating capacity of approximately 90 guests, the ship features a three-deck layout: the first deck houses the main dining room and kitchen; the second deck features private dining rooms and a bow deck reserved exclusively for guests in those rooms, with a bar lounge located at the stern; and the third deck, where the bridge is located, features an open-air flying deck at the stern.
This initiative aims to renew the restaurant ship operated by the Nippon Yusen Group by building a successor to the “LADY CRYSTAL,” a restaurant ship based in Tennozu Isle. At the same time, the company aims to allow guests to experience the challenges it is tackling—such as promoting environmental technology and contributing to regional revitalization through the use of domestically sourced ingredients—alongside a high-quality cruise experience. The new cruise ship, named “AMANE,” is scheduled to begin service in the spring of 2027.
Offering a new cruise experience on Tokyo Bay through a high-quality onboard environment and carefully curated multi-course meals
At the start of the presentation, Takaya Soga, President and CEO of Nippon Yusen, took the stage and said, “Since our founding in 1885, we at Nippon Yusen have walked hand in hand with the history of Japan, a maritime nation. In 2025, celebrated our 140th anniversary last October,” he said by way of introduction, adding, “Currently, the entire group operates 912 vessels, has annual revenue of 2.4 trillion yen, and employs approximately 40,000 people worldwide.”
Regarding our cruise ship business, “We have been operating luxury cruise ships since before World War II, serving as a maritime link that connects people and cultures. Although we briefly withdrew from the passenger ship business after the war, we revived it in 1991 with the launch of Asuka Cruises, and we continue to carry on that history and spirit of hospitality through the current ‘Asuka II’ and the ‘Asuka III,’ which is scheduled to enter service in 2025,” he said.
Regarding the cruise ship business operated in Tokyo Bay, the company announced that it will launch a new ship and offer new services, as the “Lady Crystal”—which has been operating as a restaurant ship based in Tennozu Isle, Tokyo—will retire at the end of November 2026 after 36 years of service. “While carrying forward the spirit of hospitality we have cultivated over the years, we will make the most of Tokyo Bay’s world-class scenery to offer a new and valuable cruise experience through a high-quality onboard environment and carefully curated course meals,” the company commented.
Similar to the Lady Crystal, the cruise route will use the dedicated pier at Tennozu Isle as its departure and arrival point, while being flexibly adjusted to ensure safety based on the day’s weather conditions and the operational status of other vessels. “Being able to enjoy Tokyo Bay, which reveals a slightly different face each time, is one of the unique charms of this cruise. During the cruise, you’ll get a close-up view of the Rainbow Bridge and experience the thrilling sight of passing directly underneath it, as well as see aircraft taking off and landing at Haneda Airport and the container terminals lining Oi Pier—scenes unique to Tokyo that are rarely visible from land. Set against the backdrop of Tokyo Bay—one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes—we hope to provide you with a special experience featuring views that can only be encountered from a ship.”
Furthermore, rather than simply offering cruises, the company has established three key priorities—”creating a new cruise culture,” “a commitment to domestically sourced ingredients,” and “environmental initiatives”—to position this ship as a “hub for communicating NYK’s new challenges and values to society.” Through these three values—hospitality, cuisine, and the environment—the company aims to make this “a ship where guests can experience the future and new challenges that NYK is pursuing,” and expressed the hope that “the cruise itself will serve as an opportunity for guests to gain a deeper understanding of NYK as a company.”
Finally, regarding the ship’s name, “We’ve imbued this name with the hope that our new ship and our aspirations will reach people far and wide. Furthermore, the kanji characters in ‘Amane’—which means ‘the sound of the sea’—evoke images of a calm voyage and the soothing sounds of the ocean. We chose this name in the hope that the time our guests spend aboard this ship will be a memorable experience for them,” he revealed.
Next, Masamichi Katayama, CEO of Wonder Wall, which handled the overall design, took the stage. Regarding the ship’s design, he stated, “Wabi-sabi and Esprit, Toward the Future. Beyond styling: Designing experiences and memories.” He explained that, much like the former Iwasaki Garden in Taito Ward, the design fuses traditional Japanese culture with new cultural elements (specifically French culture, given the restaurant’s French cuisine), and that he aimed for “an extremely understated design that won’t feel dated even 30 or 40 years from now.”
Regarding the ship’s interior, since passengers will be “experiencing the ship’s design for the first time,” private cabins—which are typically located at the stern for quietness—have been arranged at the bow. To make this “whim” a reality, the wheelhouse was moved from the second deck to the third deck, allowing guests to enjoy a cruise experience unlike any other. He concluded by saying, “It’s no exaggeration to say we designed the ship with the memorable scene of passing under the Rainbow Bridge in mind,” adding, “I’d even like to go on board as a guest myself.”
Finally, Shinpei Terada, President and CEO of Tysons & Company, explained the service concept and customer experience. The company is a Tokyo-based restaurant group operating 17 locations across 15 different concepts. Regarding AMANE, he stated, “We set out to create the flagship of Tokyo Bay cruises,” adding, “We aimed to create a small-scale, highly designed, and high-quality But one that’s warm and welcoming, with a close sense of connection between people. We aimed to create a city cruise experience with that kind of atmosphere.”
For this reason, we aimed to offer more than just meals on board—we sought to provide “time spent enjoying a meal while aboard the ship” and “an experience where every moment, including the time before and after, comes together as a single story.” On the day of the event, guests receive a paper boarding pass at check-in and take a moment to relax in the lounge with a welcome drink until boarding time. Before boarding, time is set aside for guests to explore the ship with a drink in hand while admiring the AMANE from the pier.
For guests staying in private cabins, the plan includes providing dedicated private rooms on land, as well as a special experience where a butler accompanies them on a tour of the ship. Dining on board will feature French cuisine with modern twists. Aiming to offer French cuisine unique to Japan, the crew is currently preparing a course menu that makes maximum use of domestic ingredients. Additionally, the ship plans to offer a signature dish: “bouillabaisse made with ‘underutilized fish’ sourced from the port, with Japanese seasonings used as a secret ingredient.”
“The new urban cruise experience that AMANE aims to provide is one where guests can enjoy the scenery while savoring a meal and conversation on the stage of Tokyo Bay, and—true to the ship’s name—feel the sounds of the sea as they discover their own way to relax,” he commented.
© Source travel watch