On April 12, Japan Day returned to Misawa Air Base offering the military and local communities to enjoy a cultural exchange.

Misawa’s Japan Day started in 1988 to uphold the strong tradition of sharing cultures and blending the Misawa on-base and off-base communities. With a theme of “Two Cultures, One Community,” this year’s Japan Day featured traditional performances, a kimono fashion show, live music and other great activities at the Misawa Club.

Food vendors outside the building served up some delicious Japanese festival foods like yakitori and ramen. Traditional rickshaws were also available for fun rides in the club and eventgoers also tried calligraphy, Koto practice, pottery making and more.

While about 400 of 48 groups performed or displayed various traditional Japanese arts, about 3,000 participants enjoyed the event, according to the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper. 

“Blessed with beautiful weather, a lot of visitors in family enjoyed performances and festive foods,” Yoshihito Morita, a Misawa Commissary employee said. “Demonstrations of ninja and sumo wrestling by local college and high schoolers were some of the most popular attractions during the event and I saw many adult visitors enjoyed the event more than children.”

The event marks the start of spring for the area, so now the community has the upcoming cherry blossom season to look forward to!

Misawa Air Base