The Sōya (宗谷) is a Japanese museum ship that previously served as an icebreaker and patrol boat, and was the first Japanese ship to take part in an Antarctic research expedition.

In 1956 she was overhauled and modified to make her ready for Antarctic research. This involved re-engining with diesel engines and the installation of a helicopter deck and helicopters. Over the period 1956 to 1962 she made trips to the Antarctic. On the second trip, in 1958, she rescued the explorers from the first expedition who had become stranded at the Syowa research station. Unfortunately they had to leave the expedition's dogs behind. On Soya's return a year later, two of the dogs, Taro and Jiro (who are now famous in Japan) were found alive. The fame of these events was extended by the film of the events Nankyoku Monogatari (lit. "South Pole Story"; released in the U.S. as "Antarctica") and by Disney's adaption and Americanization in its film Eight Below.

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