Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni public affairs office provides the following update in regard to the JMSDF/MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day 2015 Airshow, scheduled for May 3, 2015.

The event official website - friendship-day.net

The event official facebook - www.facebook.com/FriendshipDayIwakuni

GATE HOURS and NO PARKING POLICY

• Pedestrians and bicycles – Both the Main Gate and C-Gate, off of Route 188, will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for Pedestrians and bicycles.  There will be bicycle parking available at both gates.  Once on base, cyclists are required to walk their bicycles to the designated parking area.  Bicycles will not be allowed in the venue.
• Gates will cease all inbound traffic at around 2:00 p.m.  Subject to change due to event capacity, traffic and safety status.
• Event shuttle buses and commercial tour buses – Contractor's Gate opens from 6:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. for tour buses.  Due to space, 50 passenger tour buses will only be allowed. North Gate opens from 7:00 a.m. for local shuttle buses.
• Access to the main viewing area will begin at 9:00 a.m.  Before 9:00 a.m., visitors will have access to static display aircraft and vendors.
• No POV Parking on base – As a result of the extensive on-base construction projects, privately-owned vehicles, to include motorcycles and mopeds, will be prohibited from entering the base.
• There will be no ferry services during Friendship day.   

100 PERCENT I.D. CHECK AND SECURITY POLICY

• Bring I.D. – The air station requires all visitors to bring identification.
• Types of identification accepted are; Passport, Driver's License, Health Insurance Card (Kenko Hokensho), Certificate of Residential Registration (Jumin Kihon Daicho Card), Certificate of Individual Seal Registration (Inkan Shomeisho), as well as any other ID with photo, full name, date of birth, gender and address are all acceptable forms of identification (supplemental paperwork is NOT required).
• Children under the age of 12 will not need to produce identification, however they will be required to be accompanied by an adult.
• Young adults (13 yrs to adult) are required to bring student ID to verify their youth. We are aware that this is an unusual step to ask of our host nation residents, but we are equally sure they will understand the importance of security at this event.
• Guests who do not bring identification will be extensively delayed in order to undergo additional security screening before being granted access. The station reserves the right to deny entry to anyone for any reason.
• Non-Japanese guests MUST bring either passport or alien registration card to gain access to the air station.
• All visitors to the air station will pass through a security screening checkpoint prior to entry. The following items are prohibited: Knives, model guns, fireworks, BBQ grills, Alcohol and any other items that may cause harm or a fire.  Please refrain from bringing oversized bags/containers. All bags are subject to search.  Oversized bags may slow down the screening process when coming aboard the base.
• Only authorized Service Dogs are allowed in the venue.  Any type of pets are prohibited.

TRAFFIC INFORMATION AND NOTES FOR TRAVEL AGENCIES

• Public transportation is highly encouraged – Due to complications from construction and traffic, more so than at any Friendship Day in history it is imperative that everyone who is able to use public transportation do so.
• Event shuttle buses (Paid) will transport visitors from the JR Iwakuni train station.
• Large commercial tour buses will be allowed entry. Once inspected, all buses will be directed to the appropriate pre-designated parking location.
• No entry of vacant commercial chartered buses aboard the military installation.
• No re-entry of commercial chartered buses.  All commercial tour buses are asked to stay at pre-designated parking location during the event.

NOTES and ADVISORIES:

• Smoking is prohibited in the aircraft static display area.
• Official-duty uniforms are symbol of being on active duty and service.  Visitors should refrain from wearing military-style or any official-duty uniforms aboard the installation during Friendship Day, unless they are on active duty.
• Restricted Items
  • Pets (except Service dogs)
  • Any narcotic drug, including marijuana, and utensils
  • Weapons of any nature
  • Fireworks or explosives
  • Firearms
  • Replica weapons and firearms
  • Glass bottles
  • Dangerous Instruments - any implement/weapon having the capability of inflicting bodily harm on another person
  • Alcohol
  • All restricted found during security screening will be confiscated and not returned.
• Safety Tips – It is important to keep your safety in mind while attending Friendship Day. Please practice the following guidelines:
  • Keep Hydrated
  • Wear Sunblock/Use Hats or Parasols
  • Wear Comfortable Shoes
  • Ensure your children carry contact information at all times, as many Lost Children reported
  • Have a designated contingency plan and meeting spot