Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Communication Strategy and Operations provides the following update in regards to the JMSDF/MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day, scheduled for Apr 15, 2023.  

The event official website      – iwakunifriendshipday.com
The event official Facebook   – www.facebook.com/IwakuniFriendshipDay
The event HOTLINE　　      – Tel: 0827 (79) 6227

GATE HOURS and NO PARKING POLICY

• Access to all event venues will begin at 7:00 a.m.

• Pedestrians and bicycles – The single point of entry for pedestrian and bicycle traffic will be through the West Gate, which will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

  • Gates will cease all inbound traffic at 2:00 p.m. Subject to change due to event capacity, traffic, and safety status.

  • Bicycle parking will be available on-base. Once on-base, cyclists are required to walk their bicycles to the designated parking area near the West Gate. Bicycles will not be allowed anywhere else on base.

• Event shuttle busses - The North Gate opens at 6:30 a.m. for local shuttle buses.

• No POV Parking on-base – Privately-owned vehicles, including motorcycles and mopeds, will be prohibited from entering the base.

• There will be no ferry services during Friendship Day. 

• No taxi services are allowed to access the installation during the event.

100 PERCENT I.D. CHECK

• The air station requires all visitors to bring valid photo identification.

• For Japanese Guests

  • Types of acceptable identification for Japanese guests include: passport, My Number Card, driver's license, well as any other government issued photo ID (must include full face), full name, date of birth, gender and address (supplemental paperwork is NOT required).

  • Children under the age of 12 will not need to provide identification, however, they will be required to be accompanied by an adult.

  • Teenagers (Ages 13-19) are required to bring their student ID or My Number Card to verify their age. 

  • Guests who do not bring identification will be extensively delayed in order to undergo additional security screening before being granted access.

• For Non-Japanese Guests

  • Non-Japanese guests MUST bring either a passport or residence card (Zairyu Card) to gain access to the air station.

SECURITY POLICY

• All visitors to the air station must pass through a security screening checkpoint prior to entry. The air station reserves the right to deny access to anyone for any reason. Refusal by a guest to submit to screening may be refused access to FD-23. (If selected for additional security screening, guests may have their photo taken and be subject to further questioning.)

• Check the list of prohibited items on base. All bags are subject to search. Please refrain from bringing oversized bags/containers. Oversized bags may slow down the screening process when coming on to the base. All restricted items found during security screening will be confiscated and not returned. Restricted items include, but are not limited to:

  • Drones

  • Kickboard, Rollerblades

  • Any narcotic drug, including marijuana, and paraphernalia

  • Knives, model guns, Weapons of any nature

  • Firearms, explosives or fireworks

  • Replica weapons and firearms

  • BBQ grills

  • Glass bottles

  • Dangerous instruments - any object/weapon that can inflict bodily harm on another person or cause a fire

  • Alcohol beverages

  • Selfie sticks exceeding 48 inches or 1.2 meters when fully extended

  • Wireless or handheld transmitter/receiver radio devices

  • Oversized beach parasols

  • Personal tents

• Only authorized service dogs are allowed in the venue. Any other pets are prohibited.

TRAFFIC INFORMATION 

• Public transportation is encouraged – Visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transportation to get to JR Iwakuni Station and walk to the West Gate. Guests can also pay a small fee to take a shuttle bus from the train station to the venue. Use of public transportation is greatly appreciated to mitigate heavy traffic congestion.

• Event shuttle buses (paid) will transport visitors from the JR Iwakuni train station to the drop off point aboard the installation, with easier and shorter 15 minute walk to the event venue. For those who need special assistance, and for families with small children, the shuttle buses may be a preferred option for easier access to the venue. Starting from the West Gate, pedestrians should expect a 30-to-40-minute walk to the event venue.

NOTES FOR TRAVEL AGENCIES AND COMMERCIAL TOUR BUSES

• Commercial Tour Busses are allowed on-base.

• The C-Gate will be open from 3:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. for large tour buses only. Tour buses may come on base at the pre-staging area inside the C-Gate at 3 a.m., however, passengers are required to stay inside their buses until the event venue opens.  

• Tour buses will be directed to the appropriate pre-designated parking location after 7:00 a.m. 

• After 1:00 p.m., all inbound tour bus traffic at the C-Gate will cease and the C-Gate will be utilized for outbound tour bus traffic only.

• Commercial chartered buses without passengers will not be authorized to enter the military installation.

• Re-entry of commercial chartered buses will not be allowed. All commercial tour buses are asked to stay at pre-designated parking location during the event.

NOTES and ADVISORIES:

• SMOKING is prohibited in the aircraft static display area. Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking pits aboard the installation.

• OFFICIAL MILITARY UNIFORMS are only active duty servicemembers. Visitors should refrain from wearing military-style or any official-duty uniforms aboard the installation during Friendship Day, unless they are on official duty.

• PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES – Political activities, “field tours,” gatherings, speeches, displays, signs and distribution of political leaflets and materials are strictly prohibited. Political leaflets are not allowed on base. Please follow the instructions provided by uniformed personnel at all times while on base. We reserve the right to remove anyone in conflict with our security and safety standards, or is interfering with an otherwise enjoyable experience for everyone.

• SAFETY TIPS – It is important to keep safety in mind while attending Friendship Day. 

  • Keep hydrated.

  • Wear sunblock/use hats, or personal umbrellas.

  • Wear comfortable shoes.

  • Ensure your children carry a sheet of paper with contact information (guardian’s name and cell phone number) in their pocket in case they become lost at the event.

  • A wrist band is available at each screening area. Upon entering the venue, the air station will provide young children a wristband on which parents can write their contact information. This is designed to assist reuniting parents and lost children.

  • Have a contingency plan and designated meeting spot with your group.