OTAKE CITY, Japan -- Children gathered around the fence near the edge of their school grounds donned in plain white-shirt and black-bottom uniforms, their eyes focused attentively on the Marines boarding the bus destined to leave, knowing full well they wouldn’t see them again for quite some time. The laughter and smiles of the children, as they waved goodbye, gave proof to the Marines that their visit was well worth the trip.
Service members from Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, who spend time with the children twice a year, were invited to share an afternoon of cultural exchange and friendly conversation with the students of Kono Elementary School, a small structure hidden within the Kono District of Otake City, July 5.
“The children were really excited when I told them about this visit,” said Eiko Saiko, Kono Elementary schoolteacher and Otake City native. “They really enjoy learning English and spending time with Marines.”
Upon walking into the school’s gym, teachers led the Marines to their seats so they could settle in before the children readily welcomed their guests with a warm introduction.
“They were organized, waiting for us in rows, ready to put on a performance for us. I was actually impressed because some of the ages of the children were really young, and they really felt comfortable with us, and they were definitely not shy,” said Navy Lt. Gregg R. Peters, MWSS-171 chaplain and Detroit native. “You could tell they were excited, but they were really well disciplined.”
The children wowed the Marines with their expert coordination and precision while using their kendamas, a Japanese toy for children that consists of a hammer-like object with a ball connected to it by a string. The two sides of the "hammer" are concave and the object is to throw the ball upwards and land it on one of the concave parts of the "hammer". The children were able to land the ball on top of the “hammer” multiple times in rapid succession, while maintaining sync with the music played during the performance.
“I was really impressed with their kendama skills,” said Gunnery Sgt. Ronald C. Medina, MWSS-171 communications staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge and Temecula, Calif., native. “I couldn’t even do it myself, and the little ones made it look so easy.”
After the introduction, the Marines were finally able to interact with the children. The Marines tried to play with the children’s kendamas, but were unable to have the same success, however, the children trained the adults on how to play and quickly enhance their skills.
“To watch those kids actually instruct adults on how to do those things was impressive,” said Peters. “I think the Marines were pleasantly surprised.”
“They seemed really excited to teach us and they always had fun no matter what they were doing,” said Sgt. William P. Houin, MWSS-171 radar operator and Chicago native.
Next the Marines got to play a familiar game called Janken, the Japanese version of “paper, rock, scissors.” The children challenged the Marines to Janken games using small, thin discs as the ante. The children seemed more interested in friendly interaction than winning.
“I really enjoy talking to the Americans,” said Seiya Monaga, 9, Kono Elementary School student and Otake City native. “It’s really exciting and I am able to understand English better.”
“I have been on a lot of community relation events, and this one was, by far, the best. The kids seemed like they had a lot more fun,” said Houin. “They seemed really excited to teach us and play games with us. It didn’t matter what we were doing, they just had fun doing it.”
The Marines then broke into groups with the children and learned how to write calligraphy. Afterward, the Marines were taught the history behind the annual Tanabata Festival, meaning “star festival” a Japanese festival held July 7 or August 7. Decorating bamboo was part of preparation for the festival and allowed time for the children to practice their English with the Marines.
“I was really impressed that at a young age they are so willing to learn our language. It really makes you feel good being around their happiness. It doesn’t matter who we are or what we do. They just have fun spending time with us,” said Medina.
After making new friends and understanding a little bit more about the Japanese culture, the time with the children was almost up. However, the day would not have been complete without a little hip wrestling to say goodbye. Set up in front of the exit was a wrestling mat where contenders were to battle.
“They all couldn’t wait to get in that little circle and they didn’t even care who their competition was. Some of them even said they wanted Marines,” said Medina.
The competitors entered the ring one by one to test their skills. Backs toward each other and hips pressed firmly against the other, they were ready to start the fight. Children versus children, Marines versus Marines and Marines versus children - this was the scene as everyone watched with excitement. The object of the game was to push the competition out of the ring using only hips. Hilarity ensued as contenders stumbled, chased and fell over the other during the lighthearted matches.
Although their time together was relatively short, the Marines enjoyed the moment they spent with the children and the chance to play in child-like games.
“I really liked interacting with the kids. It was a great chance for me to enjoy some of the things I do with my own children – just playing games and laughing,” said Medina, who is stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni unaccompanied.