A 2-meter rectangular granite plaque bears an inscription in Japanese and Russian describing the admiral's visit to Japan.
A similar plaque will be installed in Kronshtadt. It has already been made in Japan and will be shipped to Russia by sea in July. The Japanese side took the responsibility for all manufacturing and transportation expenses.
A solemn ceremony, organized by Simoda mayor's office with support of the Russian Embassy and the Roszarubezhcenter representative office in Japan, was held in the center of a park in Simoda, a town located in the central part of the main Japanese island of Honshu.
In December 1854, frigate Diana under command of Vice-Admiral Putyatin arrived here. After a series of talks with Japanese officials, Russia and Japan signed the Treaty of Commerce, Navigation and Delimitation in February 1855. It was the first step in the development of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Frigate Diana was seriously damaged by tsunami caused by a powerful earthquake and sank in the Suruga Bay. Residents of a local village rescued the entire crew. Russian sailors and Japanese peasants built the Heda schooner, and the Russian crew safely returned to Russia in 1855.
