MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Station residents participate in many cultural exchanges which appear to be as varied and diverse as the people involved.
Children from Matthew C. Perry Elementary helped Japanese children plant rice June 7 at a rice plantation to participate in a cultural exchange of their own.
"It was a great opportunity for us to get out and meet local people," said Chief Petty Officer Edward Carrigan, cryogenics division officer and parent of a participating child. "This is what it's all about. While visiting a foreign country and doing military service, you don't want to stay on base. You want to get out and see the country."
The rice paddies were segmented into an area of about two football fields in size, with the narrow segments reaching about 50 meters in length. Children and teachers alike removed their shoes and began walking through the ankle-deep, rice paddy water. They used a guide rope taught along the width of the segment to line up their rice stalks. Barefooted children giggled as mud squashed in between their toes.
"We have to line up along this rope, pick out three rice stalks and put them into the dirt like this," said muddy-footed 6-year-old Chanel Stewart, M.C. Perry student, as she planted her rice stalk.
The field trip was a little different than what the students were used to.
"This was the first time we've been on a field trip like this," said Stewart.
This unique field trip might not have taken place if it weren't for the generous farmers.
Joint owner of the rice farm, Shiro Tsukamoto, said he enjoys helping other people. When someone suggested an American and Japanese cultural exchange involving rice planting, he was glad to help.
After the rice was planted, everyone washed up and visited a Japanese elementary school for some playtime. During this time, about eight Japanese children jumped onto unicycles and entertained M.C. Perry's students.
As the Japanese children continued to entertain, it seemed easy for all who attended to relax and contemplate the day's events.
"It was a lot of fun to get out there, squash around in the mud and watch the kids really have a good time," said Carrigan. "As a parent, it's wonderful to see how your children interact with Japanese children."
After lunch and an exchange of gifts, each of the Station's children stood up and recited at least one thing they enjoyed about the day. Each child appeared to have a good time and walked away with memories which will stay with them forever.