MARINE CORPS Air STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Thousands of sake enthusiasts lined the streets to partake in the 14th annual Saijo Sake Festival held in the Saijo district of Higashi-Hiroshima City Oct. 11-13.
The festival drew over 900 vendors of sake this year and provided those in attendance with a variety of Japanese rice wine to sample.
"The festival started as a local festival which was part of the revitalization project of Higashi-Hiroshima City in 1985," said Yoko Seo, Marine Corps Community Services Cultural Adaptation specialist. "Since this area of Japan is very famous for their ability to brew sake they decided to change it to a Sake festival to promote more visitors to Saijo and enjoy the sake."
The visitors, foreign and domestic, did not seem to have any trouble enjoying the vast amounts of sake offered to them.
According to Lance Cpl. Jermid Vang, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron new joins clerk, the festival was like something he had never seen before.
"It was crazy," exclaimed Vang. "There was so much going on. A ton of food vendors, concerts, karaoke, traditional dance shows and more sake than I have ever seen in my life."
The three-day festival kicked off early each day and ended promptly at midnight, but not without lively parades to go along with the food and wine.
"Going to the festival was one of the best times I have had in Japan. There was so much interaction with the Japanese and they were so helpful with explaining what was going on to me and getting me involve in the events," said Vang.
The festival itself is now 14 years old, but the history that surrounds it dates back hundreds of years.
"The breweries were built in the 1860s originally. Most of these buildings are open to the public during the festival and they are a sight to see with their unique black and white walls with small windows on them," said Seo.
For those stationed here who have never experienced a true Japanese festival, Seo said they are missing out on the true spirit of Japan.
"The Japanese culture is very beautiful. These festivals are always filled with energy and tradition. The entire event is a great learning experience as well as a good time," she said.
For information on future events call Information, Tours and Travel at 253-4377.