JAPAN
U.S. Marines with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band’s brass band, perform for attendees during the Fuji Friendship Festival on Camp Fuji.

U.S. Marines with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band’s brass band, perform for attendees during the Fuji Friendship Festival on Camp Fuji, Oct. 15, 2023. The Fuji Friendship Festival is an annual event open to Status of Forces Agreement personnel and residents of Japan. The event features musical performances, various food stands and other forms of entertainment. (Cpl. Zachary Sarvey, U.S. Marine Corps)

Camp Fuji will host its Friendship Festival Oct. 20, bringing plenty of food, game booths and entertainment for visitors.

The annual festival is a celebration of the enduring U.S.-Japan partnership and is an open base event at Combined Arms Training Center (CATC) Camp Fuji.

Expect military vehicle static displays and hands-on activities with heavy-duty military gear. The family-friendly event will also have a kid land play area, street performers, bouncy castles and more.

Performances by the III MEF Band, JGSDF Fuji School Band, Oyama Wind Orchestra, 7th Fleet Rock Band, Banana Lemon, DME Dance Crew and Lili Tokyo Dreamgirl. The headliner of the festival is Jamaican singer OMI, known for his 2012 hit single “Cheerleader.”

Japanese guests (ages 18 and older) should bring a government-issued photo ID, such as passport or driver’s license upon entry. Ages 17 and under will not need to provide identification but they are required to be accompanied by an adult. Non-Japanese guests must bring residence card (Zairyu Card) to gain access to the Combined Arms Training Center.

Things to know

  • Address: 2092 Nakabata, Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture

  • Hours: Oct. 20, 12 – 8 p.m.

  • Tel.: 0550-88-5856

  • Website

  • Facebook

Festival attendees browse food stands and food trucks during the Fuji Friendship Festival on Camp Fuji, Oct. 15, 2023. The Fuji Friendship Festival is an annual event open to Status of Forces Agreement personnel and residents of Japan. The event features musical performances, various food stands and other forms of entertainment.

Festival attendees browse food stands and food trucks during the Fuji Friendship Festival on Camp Fuji, Oct. 15, 2023. The Fuji Friendship Festival is an annual event open to Status of Forces Agreement personnel and residents of Japan. The event features musical performances, various food stands and other forms of entertainment. (Cpl. Zachary Sarvey, U.S. Marine Corps)

2024 Fuji Friendship Festival flyer

2024 Fuji Friendship Festival flyer (Image: Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan)

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