MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Rain or shine, students from Kawashimo Yochien in Iwakuni City enjoyed their last day of swimming at the IronWorks indoor pool aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 21, 2015.
The Japanese senior kindergarten class visited the station pool six times this July as part of an annual tradition. When weather permits, the Japanese children and teachers use the station outdoor pool, but due to inclement weather on the last pool day, guests moved to the indoor pool.
“It is very nice to see the kids having so much fun in the water,” said Yoshiko Yoshida, a teacher at Kawashimo Yochien. “Especially in the outdoor pool where it’s airy and spacious.”
The kindergarteners donned lifejackets and waited their turn to enter the pool. The shrieks and giggles of joy echoed throughout the pool house as they splashed and swam about.
Yoshida said the students wish they could come to the pool every day, but coming to the station pool is an honor unique to the senior kindergarten class and is a 30-year tradition. Many of the student’s parents came to the station pool as kindergarteners as well and the trips to the pool symbolize the kindergarteners are ready to move on to the first grade.
While visiting, the Japanese students mingled with the Matthew C. Perry Elementary School kindergarteners as they came on base. Yoshida said it’s special for the students to connect with the children on station and create these friendships.
“The kindergarteners are thankful for the close relationships with American children and the time to play together,” said Yoshida. “They are very thankful to have the opportunity to come on base.”
To commemorate the last day at the pool, Kawashimo Yochien staff hosted a luncheon at the Crossroads Food Court after an hour of fun at the pool. To express their gratitude and thanks, the kindergarten class invited Col. Robert V. Boucher, MCAS Iwakuni commanding officer, Staff Sgt. Edward Guevara, station public affairs chief, Keiji Hironaka, the aquatics supervisor at IronWorks Gym and Stephanie Brown, Semper Fit athletic director.
The kindergarten class decorated fans with photographs of their swimming adventures, made ribbons expressing thanks and presented their creations to the special staff and guests who made it possible for them to enjoy their time at the pool. The Japanese parents and teachers also gave flowers and small gifts of gratitude.
“I really enjoy it when the kids come out,” said Stephanie Brown. “They get to come to the pool, learn a little water safety and interact with the American staff. I hope it continues for many years to come.”
According to Yoshida, Kawashimo Yochien has a small pool, but the opportunity to come to the station pool is totally different and special. This pool is large to them and the kindergarteners love to interact with the lifeguards and pool staff. Getting to come here is a privilege that the students and teachers are very thankful for.
“I just want to thank the commanding officer again for granting them the permission of coming to the pool and all the people who made it possible for us to come,” said Yoshida.