Community News
AANHPI shares cultural performances with the community
By
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs May 20, 2024
Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs May 20, 2024
The Yokota Tanabata Dancers perform during the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month mid-month event at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 14, 2024. The dancers share Japanese culture by performing traditional dances at events and holding weekly classes open to the Yokota community. (Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Community members convened at the Yokota Officer’s Club to partake in a luncheon and enjoy cultural dance performances in honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 14.
The event began with a buffet-style lunch of diverse Asian cuisine from around the world and opening remarks from U.S. Air Force Col. Burt Okamoto, 5th Air Force director of cyberspace operations. Afterwards, community members witnessed numerous cultural dance performances and a fashion show of traditional dress from the different AANHPI nations.
The month of May, nationally titled AANHPIHM, is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions made in culture, innovation, and history by Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander peoples in the U.S.
The remaining events for the month will consist of a professional development senior leader panel on May 22 and closing 5K Bataan Memorial Run on May 31.