MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, JAPAN (Dec. 5, 2017) -- Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni residents and Japanese locals gathered together to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Japanese American Society (JAS) and the holidays at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 2, 2017.
The party was a way for Japanese locals and station residents to spend some time getting to know one another by combining their cultures and sharing a night of celebration and entertainment.
“The JAS Iwakuni provides opportunities for Americans from MCAS Iwakuni and the local Japanese community to meet, interact and build friendship by sponsoring social, recreational and cultural activities, and education and language programs,” said Bobby T. Shibazaki, the president of JAS Iwakuni. “JAS also collaborates with Iwakuni City to promote U.S.-Japan friendship activities, and with other non-profit and private organizations involved in the enhancement of the U.S.-Japan bilateral friendship. JAS Iwakuni plays an important role by initiating, facilitating, supporting and connecting the base and local community through hosting various bilateral activities and programs scheduled throughout the year.”
The event featured crafts for children and adults, a buffet, a guest speaker, an Eisa Okinawan dance team, a Raestru ninja performance, a raffle, games and an opportunity for the children to take pictures with Santa Claus.
The event supports the bond of the two countries by strengthening ties with friends and neighbors through interactions at a personal level.
“The U.S.-Japan is extremely important to security in the region and there are strong economic ties between the two countries,” said Vanessa S. Zenji, the Consul for public affairs, U.S. Consulate Fukuoka, and guest speaker at the event. “Alongside the security and economic issues, another very important relationship is the people-to-people ties. JAS gets everyone involved and brings together Americans and Japanese.”