Japanese-American Friendship Festival 2014

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Melissa K. Mekpongsatorn
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  The U.S. and Japan have had a standing relationship for nearly 70 years and it grows stronger every year. Yokota and local Japanese communities often unite to share cultural experiences and build upon an already strong foundation.

This year's 2014 Japanese-American Friendship Festival, hosted at Yokota Air Base Sept. 5 and 6, continued to foster and develop that close relationship. More than 148,000 attendees of all ages came to Yokota during the two-day festival to experience each other's cultures and to see U.S. and Japanese military capabilities.

"We are proud to host this event because it provides a unique view of our service members and their vital mission here in the Pacific region," said Col. Douglas C. DeLaMater, 374th Airlift Wing commander. "It also gives us an opportunity to thank our Japanese brethren for their continued support of Yokota Air Base."

Despite rainy weather, this year's festival continued with live performances, food booths and military capability demonstrations. There was also an aircraft display section with more than 20 U.S. and Japanese military aircraft.

Three stages across the festival site featured music, dancing and cultural performances throughout each day. The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific, Yokota Samurai Taiko Drummers and 30 other acts found their way to the stage during the event. More than 80 booths gave festival goers a taste of American and Japanese cuisines.

Capt. Katherine Weeks, this year's festival project officer, said the festival was a great opportunity to welcome our host nation to our "home away from home." She added that it provided an understanding of the strong partnership fostered between the U.S. and Japan.

The festivities drew to a close with flair of colors, as a massive fireworks display signaled the culminating event celebrating another year of lasting friendship.