Misawa families cook up friendships with Japanese women

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Misawa families here opened up their homes and kitchens to more than 80 Japanese women March 4. 

The women, members of the Tohoku Health and Diet Improvement Program, toured the base and visited residents' homes as part of a cultural exchange. 

"The Tohoku Health and Diet Improvement Program approached us about having a visit where the ladies would come in and cook a meal," said Master Sgt. Allison Day, 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs. "This event was the first of its type here on Misawa Air Base. It's a great opportunity for the Japanese people to meet and interact with Americans. For some of them, this was their first time interacting with Americans." 

After touring an F-16 Fighting Falcon and the base commissary, the women were divided into groups of four and visited American families homes where they cooked two local dishes for their hosts. In exchange, the American hosts shared a dish of their own with their Japanese guests. With the help of an interpreter, the Japanese women and Americans had a chance to get to know each other, share recipes and learn a little about each other's culture. 

"I wanted to learn more about Japan, because we've only been here for four months," said Michelle Miguel, wife of Senior Airman David Miguel, 35th Fighter Wing. "It was really cool. The women were funny and very helpful. It was nice to have them over." 

The Japanese women prepared a Chinese yam soup and mixed vegetable rice. In turn, they had the chance to try a variety of American dishes, as well as other cultural dishes. Mrs. Miguel prepared spaghetti and meatballs for her guests. Other hosts prepared such dishes as chicken fajitas, curried chicken salad, shredded wheat soup, and a variety of cakes and cookies. 

"The two dishes they prepared were delicious, and I hope to make them for my family," said Tara Ogburn, wife of Tech. Sgt. Dustin Ogburn, 35th Operations Support Squadron. "I would definitely participate in this event again and would recommend friends to participate as well if this event happens annually. The women were wonderful, friendly and great to spend time with. I feel very fortunate to be in Japan and even more now that I've had this experience."