American Day fosters friendship between Japan, U.S. communities

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Manuel Carvajal, an explosive ordnance disposal journeyman with the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron, smiles as he poses for a photo in his bomb suit with Japanese residents from across the Aomori Prefecture during the 28th Annual American Day in Misawa City, Japan, June 5, 2016. In a showcase of the region’s bilateral partnership among U.S. military and Japanese citizens, more than 80,000 attendees enjoyed live performances, including Sublime with Rome, indulging in American and Japanese cuisine and strengthening international bonds. Carvajal is a Lorraine, Texas, native. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton)

Japanese and Americans line the street, shoulder-to-shoulder, watching as the 28th Annual American Day parade banner marches past in Misawa City, Japan, June 5, 2016. Events like these are important as they afford Misawa neighbors, American and Japanese alike, opportunities to interact in a relaxed environment specifically planned for building friendships. More than 80,000 attendees from across the Aomori Prefecture traveled to Misawa City to enjoy American and Japanese culture. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton)

A Japanese mother and her two daughters enjoy ice cream cones during the 28th Annual American Day in Misawa City, Japan, June 5, 2016. Showcasing the region’s bilateral partnership among U.S. military and Japanese residents, more than 80,000 annual attendees interacted with volunteers from private base organizations at various American-based food booths sharing a taste of home. Americans and Japanese residents also participated in activities such as a family fun run, an American-themed parade, sports tournaments, street performances and a haunted house. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Taryn Mendoza, the 28th Annual American Day queen and an allergy and immunization technicians with the 35th Medical Operations Squadron, smiles and waves as she walks by attendees during the parade in Misawa City, Japan, June 5, 2016. More than 80,000 attendees from across the Aomori Prefecture traveled to Misawa City to enjoy American and Japanese culture. Serving as the American Day queen is a two-year honor requiring applicants to compete in numerous events testing their merit and propensity as a queen. Mendoza said she’s truly humbled to have been a part of the event. She hails from Pocatello, Idaho. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Juan Gamboa, a patrolman with the 35th Security Forces Squadron, braces for contact as a military working dog takes him down during a MWD capabilities demonstration as part of the 28th Annual American Day in Misawa City, Japan, June 5, 2016. Showcasing the region’s bilateral partnership among U.S. military and Japanese residents, more than 80,000 annual attendees interacted with volunteers from private base organizations at various American-based food booths sharing a taste of home. Americans and Japanese residents also participated in activities such as a family fun run, an American-themed parade, sports tournaments, street performances and a haunted house. Gamboa hails from Fort Stockton, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton)

Sublime with Rome performs during the 28th Annual American Day which saw more than 80,000 attendees and showcased the prefecture’s bilateral partnership among U.S. military and Japanese residents in Misawa City, Japan, June 5, 2016. Events like these are important as they afford Misawa neighbors, American and Japanese alike, opportunities to interact in a relaxed environment specifically planned for building friendships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton)

A local Japanese resident records a Misawa Air Base fire truck during the 28th Annual American Day parade showcasing the city’s bilateral partnership between U.S. military and Japanese residents in Misawa City, Japan, June 5, 2016. Events like these foster positive community engagement and afford Misawa neighbors, American and Japanese alike, opportunities to interact in a relaxed environment specifically planned for building friendships. More than 80,000 attendees from across the Aomori Prefecture traveled to Misawa City to enjoy American and Japanese culture. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton)