The Wa-wa-wa Club performs with koto strings during the 32nd Annual Japan Day at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 6, 2019. The Wa-wa-wa Club plays a variety of classical Japanese music with symphonic Japanese instruments across the Aomori prefecture. (U.S. Air Force photo by Branden Yamada) ()
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- The Misawa International Club and Misawa Air Base leadership held their first Japan Day in 1988 to strengthen the community and share Japanese heritage. Thirty-one years later, these sentiments remain as the base and community celebrated the event again on April 6.
Bilateral events like Japan Day reinforce the two countries' more than 60-year relationship, helping to preserve peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region while providing people an occasion to connect with each other.
“I look forward to this event every year,” said Housei Kimura, a local Japanese volunteer. “It gives the local community the opportunity to showcase our wonderful Japanese culture with Team Misawa members.”
Sword fighting, taiko drums, koto string instructions, origami and local folk music performances are some of the various entertainment exhibits Airmen and their families took part in.
"I’m amazed at how much there is to the Japanese culture," expressed Kelly Toliver, a 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle management flight administrative specialist. "My kids enjoyed the Japanese schools taiko drums performance and ate the authentic Japanese food. It’s a rare treat that gave my children a better understanding of the culture."
With 19 stage shows, 34 displays and more than 180 Japanese performers, attendees experienced a variety of Japanese culture and activities.
"The goal is to bring the Japanese culture on base in one day," said Housei. "We have something for everyone; kids, families and individuals can all enjoy a piece of Japan.”
Japan Day continues to serve as one of many bilateral events Misawa Air Base holds each year, highlighting a strong tradition of sharing cultures and blending communities.
