Airmen musicians hit road for tour of southern Japan

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kimberly Spinner
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia's rock band "Pacific Trends" recently traveled to five cities in southern Japan to perform for the general public in each locale.
The band, based here, consists of full-time professional musicians who strive to inspire both military and civilian audiences in the Western Pacific region of the world.

Several times throughout the year the band enhances goodwill and furthers mutual respect for cultural differences between the citizens of Japan and the United States by performing numerous concerts in the Japanese community. During the recent tour, audiences ranged from small children to the elderly.

"This is the third time the band has visited -- we look forward to them returning," said Yuzo Hashimoto, sponsor of the Ogaki City concert. "We value our friendships with the Americans and we feel refreshed after listening to the band's performance."

On the trip, the band performed with a taisho-goto or pedal-steel guitar group, tsugaru-shamisen or three-string banjo band and a blue grass band.

The band members greeted each audience in the Japanese language and added widely-recognized Japanese music selections to their performances to express admiration and respect for Japanese musical traditions. It also helps to overcome language barriers between the performers and the audience.

A majority of Japanese citizens have little to no exposure to U.S. forces stationed in Japan or knowledge of why they are here. The band can enhance citizens understanding of the security alliance and U.S. forces through music.

"Our music makes the people more at ease," said Staff Sgt. Rebecca Packard, vocalist. "The audience walks away from the concert having a good impression of the band and in turn the United States military."