MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, JAPAN -- A strong presence of Japanese culture came aboard the station with the aid of the Japanese American Society here March 4.
The event, held in the Matthew C. Perry School cafeteria, attracted many American and Japanese attendants.
“We enjoy sharing our culture,” said Miho Fukuda, JAS vice president. “We’re so happy to have Americans of all ages attend and experience what Japanese culture has to offer.”
Attendies experienced Japanese culture at a number of stations including origami, a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, Japanese calligraphy, flower arrangement, a playland area for kids and Japanese food samples of tonjiro and sushi rice.
“The JAS has been bringing Japanese culture to Americans for 50 years,” said Duanne Cole, JAS president. “The Japanese who come here and set these events up do so at no cost. They do it simply because they want to share their culture.”
Not only were there stations set up for cultural knowledge and food, but also performances. The proceedings started with a Japanese tea ceremony, followed by a Taiko drum performance, then Kagura- Yamata no Oroch.
Kagura, meaning “godentertainment,” refers to a type of theatrical dance. “Yamata no Orochi” means “8-branched giant snake,” or Orochi, translated to eightforked serpent in English, a legendary eight-headed, eighttailed dragon.
“I hope everyone will enjoy the dragon dance,” said Fukuda.
Spectators of all ages watched the dance and gazed in wonder at the fluid movements of the dragon costumes as they spun and twirled, shooting fire from their mouths.
“I really had a fun time,” said Madie Peet, 6, from M.C. Perry Elementary School. “It was a little scary when the dragons spit fire, but I really liked it.”
The smiling faces of adults and children shined throughout the room as the dragon dance went on.
Paricipants departed with smiles and full bellies, evident from empty platters of Japanese food and empty water jugs. The event left everyone with a better appreciation and understanding of Japanese culture.