U.S. Air Force Col. Mathew Kenkel, 35th Fighter Wing (FW) deputy commander, and his son release juvenile salmon into a riverbank during the 26th Annual Oirase Salmon Release near the Oirase Shimoda Salmon Park at Oirase, Japan, March 15, 2025. The participation reflects the 35th FW’s focus on strengthening host-nation relationships through cultural and environmental cooperation. (Photo by Airman 1st Class Koby Mitchell)
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- American and Japanese participants joined together for the 26th Annual Oirase Salmon Release at Shimoda Salmon Park Oirase, Japan, March 15, 2025.
Oirase Vice Mayor Hitoki Komukai and town officials invited members of Misawa Air Base to attend the salmon release, ensuring conservation and preservation of the environment as one community.
“We look forward to sharing this experience with our local friends, appreciating the region’s natural beauty together,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Davidson, 35th Fighter Wing (FW) commander. “As part of Green Day and Earth Day, we release baby salmon into the river, hoping they will return in the years to come.”
Children pose with a sign for the 26th Annual Oirase Salmon Release near the Oirase Shimoda Salmon Park at Oirase, Japan, March 15, 2025. Events like this strengthen grassroots connections between the 35th Fighter Wing and the local community, which are vital to maintaining regional stability and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Koby Mitchell)
Children from both communities worked together to release over 100,000 salmon, making friends and positively impacting the environment at the same time. The Salmon Release offers an opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in a different culture while also helping the local ecosystem.
“Their journey upstream is a symbol of resilience, perseverance, and the natural cycle of life—a reminder of our deep connection to nature and one another,” said Davidson. “May this day inspire us to cherish the environment, embrace this shared experience, and strengthen the bonds within our community.”
During the ceremony, event organizers selected two Japanese and two American children to participate in a ceremonial gift exchange. Following the exchange, both communities shared goodie bags as a gesture of friendship. The ceremony honored the rich cultural traditions of northern Aomori and strengthened the bonds of unity between the two communities.
“It’s a great opportunity to connect with the local Japanese community,” said Jodi Kosto, a Misawa AB resident and long-time salmon release ceremony attendee. “We enjoy giving back, and this event allows us to do so.”
This year’s event not only celebrated the salmon’s journey, but also reinforced the enduring partnership between Misawa AB and its neighboring communities. Through shared traditions, cultural exchanges and environmental stewardship, participants deepened the bonds that unite them. Just as the salmon find their way home, the spirit of collaboration continues to flow—fostering mutual respect and strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance.
