IWAKUNI CITY, Japan -- U.S. Marines and sailors from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni participated in the 60th Annual Iwakuni Festival in Iwakuni City, Japan, Oct. 16, 2016.
Hosted by the Iwakuni Festival Committee, the festival consisted of 83 different organizations and approximately 800 people, making it one of the three largest festivals in Iwakuni.
“I enjoyed being part of this cultural event,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ivette Garcia, an installation personnel administration center administration specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron. “It was a lot of fun.”
Yoko Seo, technical information specialist with protocol at Headquarters and headquarters Squadron, said the festival strives to enrich the Iwakuni image, show the development of the community and build relationships between Iwakuni locals and station residents.
“I enjoyed the opportunity of putting on the attire, participating in the parade and seeing the local crowd,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Ricardo Benavides, provost marshal at MCAS Iwakuni. “No matter where you go, it’s good to maintain relationships. Being able to go out in town with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force displays our ties both with Japan and its military.”
Spectators enjoyed demonstrations, performances, concerts, a flea market and food vendors, and children were provided photo opportunities with the JMSDF and Iwakuni police.
Benavidez said with this being his first time in Japan, the festival helped him learn Japanese culture.
“Regardless of whether you are participating or going out in town, it is one of those things in which you don’t get to know the local population unless you immerse yourself into it,” said Benavides. “I had a good time and I’m looking forward to possibly participating next year . . . I would highly encourage more people to participate in it”