IWAKUNI CITY, JAPAN (Jan. 25, 2019) -- U.S. Marines and families from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni participated in a community cultural exchange with local Japanese children at Tsuzu Elementary School, Iwakuni City, Jan. 25, 2020.
The exchange included interactive games, where Japanese students practiced speaking English and participants learned how to make different types of traditional Japanese soup. In addition, the event included the opportunity for residents on base to learn more about Japanese culture from local Japanese students.
“We learned about Japanese culture and they had the opportunity to learn about American culture. And with that, respect grows,” said Micah Chase, assistant English teacher for multiple schools.
The cultural exchange is a semi-annual event that is coordinated with the Marine Corps Community Services on base and the Tsuzu Elementary School. This year marks the 21st anniversary for the event.
“I wanted to have the opportunity to share what Japanese students offer with the air station personnel,” said Nobuaki Miyai, principal of Tsuzu Elementary School. “Once they know who we are, I think that brings us closer together.”