Sydney Harbour, heading for Fleet Base East Garden Island. 18 March 2013.
See Google Earth 33°51'17.08" S 151°14'06.56" E

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force owns the ship. Like its predecessor it makes one single long voyage each season from Japan via Fremantle to the Japanese Antarctic Bases of Syowa (established 1957), Mizuho (est. 1970) and Asuka (est. 1985). It then returns to Japan via Sydney after a trip of around 6 months.

Standard Displacement : 12,500-ton
Length :138 meters ... Width : 28 meters .... Depth 14.5 m .... Draft 9.2 m
Propulsion : 6 x Mitsubishi 12V42M diesel ; 6 x electric motor
Horsepower 30,000ps .... Maximum Speed 19kt
Crew :170 .... Scientists : up to 80
Special Equipment
1 x loading system
various ocean observation devices
Aircraft : 2 x large helicopter ; 1 x small helicopter

For background history see
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/shirase.htm

Tugs : Willara and Woona