higher-grade officer rank (JMSDF)
Used as a suffix in Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ranks, e.g. 一等海佐 (captain), 二等海佐 (commander), 三等海佐 (lieutenant commander).
See also: 一等海佐 (いっとうかいさ) · 海尉
He was promoted to captain (JMSDF).
Ranks above 海佐 are called flag officers.
captain (JMSDF)
lieutenant-commander (JMSDF)
commander (JMSDF)
Compound of 海 (sea) and 佐 (assistant, help), modeled after Imperial Japanese Navy rank terminology and adapted for the JMSDF.