MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Displaying generous and resilient hospitality, Japan continues to take steps to deepen relationships with its United States allies. A culture exchange between Japanese Ground Self Defense Force soldiers and Iwakuni Marines Jan. 21-27 provided another demonstration of this fact.
Twenty-nine soldiers from JGSDF drove eight hours from northern Camp Otsu to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in order to tour Station facilities, meet with unit leaders and enjoy camaraderie with Marines. The soldiers were comprised of units throughout the Japanese Army, all taking part in a three-month English language program based out of Camp Otsu, a JGSDF recruit training depot.
When the soldiers returned Jan. 23, two Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron Marines went along. Three days of food, sight-seeing and friendship building followed.
"From the first step off the base to the last good-byes, it was nothing but grand," said Sgt. Stephen A. Robbins, food services training noncommissioned officer. "They treated me with respect and curiosity, and my first impression was that we were going to have an awesome time."
Robbins wasn't disappointed. The tour kicked off with a hike up Kyoto's Mount Hiei to visit Enryaku-ji Temple at the summit. The temple grounds are deeply sacred, and all the service members shared a moment of awe when they observed the Kiezu-no-Tomyo, a row of candles within that have burned continually since the founding of the temple over 1,000 years ago.
After the climb, the Marines were escorted to Lake Biwa, Japan's largest body of water, where they boarded an afternoon cruise ship. Breathtaking mountains could be viewed in all directions from the water.
"People need to know about this," said Staff Sgt. Thomas Lynch, H&HS training NCO. "There is so much fun to be had here."
With two days of travel ahead, the Marines had amazing experiences yet to come. The Japanese soldiers showed off the impressive Kiyomizu Temple the following morning. One of Japan's most famous structures, the temple also boasts a sweeping view of Kyoto City. The day went by quickly with more visits to temples and shrines throughout Kyoto, and afternoon shopping in the city's vast, outdoor malls.
Throughout the fun, the Marines experienced a variety of Japanese foods, and engaged in conversation with their hosts, helping to develop their English speaking skill and confidence.
"There was nothing like it," said Robbins. "It was like I was their substitute teacher, and I could actually make an impact on them."
On the last day of the culture exchange, the Marines traveled to Camp Kawanishi, JGSDF command post training center. They received a tour of the operations building, exchanging similarities and differences with Marine Corps and JGSDF command operation methods.
The Marines also toured Camp Otsu, including a military museum that displayed uniforms, weapons and other artifacts from past wars.
Climaxing the exchange was a meeting between the Marines and the Camp Otsu command. Speaking through interpreters from the English language class, the Camp commanding officer and sergeant major expressed their appreciation to the Marines for coming and asked questions about Marine Corps customs and programs. In turn, the Marines asked questions with topics ranging from JGSDF rank structures to Japanese troops in Iraq. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Marines were presented with a plaque of appreciation and a gift of Japanese pottery.
"I felt unprepared," said Lynch. "I wasn't expecting this extent of generosity and appreciation."
That evening, a social was held with the English students, the Camp Otsu command and the Marines. Korean Yakiniku was served, and as a memorable surprise, a samurai performed demonstrations of Toyama Iado, a sword-wielding martial art.
Later, the Marines took a turn to address the assembly and express the deep emotions everyone felt.
"I want to thank every one of you," said Lynch. "We are honored by your friendship and generosity, and I hope that the relationships that we have built will be a foundation for many things to come."
"I see you as more than just my friends," said Robbins. "I see you as my brothers."
Gifts and addresses were exchanged as time drew short and the Marines returned the following morning.
"Japan now, and always, will be my home away from home," said Robbins. "Theses guys are my brothers among brothers."
With the end of the exchange comes the expectation for more and greater meetings in the future.
The JGSDF English training school cycles quarterly, and the Camp Otsu command has expressed desire to continue to meet with Iwakuni Marines.
The precedent has been set, and the future is bright for deepening bonds of friendship between two great countries, said Lynch.
"There is so much we can do," Lynch explained. "This is something important, and we need to take the time to develop it."