IWAKUNI CITY, Japan -- The Japanese American Society hosted the 61st Annual Culture Festival in Iwakuni City, Japan, March 17, 2018.
The event was held for the first time outside Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni at Iwakuni City Hall, which allowed more Japanese locals and station residents to come together.
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard F. Fuerst, commanding officer of MCAS Iwakuni, spoke about how this event has been one of JAS’s most wonderful events. He said he was glad to see it expand to the local Iwakuni community with the support of Iwakuni City.
“Having the event off base allowed Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni residents to spend the afternoon off the air station,” said Bobby Shibazaki, JAS president. “I believe this gives them an opportunity to learn and enjoy Japanese culture alongside Iwakuni residents.”
JAS offered many cultural activities including origami, calligraphy and ikebana, which allowed residents to make flower arrangements. Local volunteers helped dress attendees in kimonos, performed tea ceremonies and taught kendama, a Japanese game that challenges hand-eye coordination.
In the beginning, everyone came together to eat sushi they rolled together and watched a kendama performance. There was an activity corner dedicated to teaching visitors how to perform kendama and learn new tricks.
The final performance was a dramatic dance with music involving actors with masks, props and dragon costumes called the Kagura. They interacted with the audience filling the room with smiles and laughter.
JAS’s mission is to bring U.S. military personnel, family members and civilians from MCAS Iwakuni to meet and socialize with Japanese community members and strengthen the U.S.-Japan friendship at the local level.
“The ultimate goal is to keep the friendship between the MCAS Iwakuni community and the Japanese residents of Iwakuni City strong.” said Shibazaki.