IWAKUNI, Japan -- Thousands of Japanese gathered at the Kintai Bridge April 29 to celebrate the 26th Annual Kintai Bridge Festival.
Among the locals, service members and family members from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni attended the festival to not only experience the culture, but participate as well.
The Daimyo and Young Warriors Procession Parade, the main attraction of the festival, featured hundreds of Japanese locals clad in traditional Japanese costumes and weaponry alongside 10 Americans from the Station adorned in the same fashion.
Side by side during the parade, the Japanese and Americans marched across the bridge and through the streets around the Kintai bridge.
"We dressed up like samurai guards," said Lance Cpl. John Inabinet, visiting aircraft line aircraft handler. "It's the equivalent to a private through lance corporal in the Marine Corps."
The sight of Americans dressed in feudal Japanese costumes was quite a hit, according to Inabinet.
"The people were a blast," he enthused. "They were waving at us, hooting and hollering and laughing."
"I often imagine myself on the red carpet at Hollywood," added Lance Cpl. Patrick J. Gerow, VAL aircraft handler. "Once you leave Japan, you're probably never coming back, so do whatever you can to experience Japanese culture."
"I was really lucky and fortunate to have that opportunity to interact with the local community," Inabinet affirmed. "It was a great experience to get out of the work environment and see the surrounding culture. It was a chance to see what they have to offer and show them we're interested too."
Yoko Seo, Station culture specialist, said that the expressed American interest was appreciated by the Japanese.
"I think it's great that the community asks for volunteers from the base and invites them as a guest to share their traditions," said Seo. "It's nice that the Americans show they appreciate the Japanese enough to be in the parade. Not only did they wear the costumes, but they communicated with people throughout the day."
Inabinet agreed the day's focus was about fostering friendships with the host country.
"Basically it was all about walking and smiling and connecting with the people," said Inabinet.