Marking the 44th anniversary of our open house, Friendship Day, the JMSDF Fleet Air Wing 31/MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day offers a full spectrum of entertainment with static displays on the ground and aerial performances. The joint open house will feature U.S. and Japanese aerial demonstration teams, a Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration, and civilian performers. Guests attending the event will experience an unforgettable air show.

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni takes pleasure in announcing performers who are planned to participate in the JMSDF Fleet Air Wing 31/MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day, which will be held on Apr. 15. Japanese Air, Maritime and Ground Self-Defense Force service members alongside U.S. Marines, Sailors, Airmen, and Soldiers look forward to welcoming you to our home away from home. The list is subject to change based on the availability of performers.
The event official website – iwakunifriendshipday.com
The event official Facebook – www.facebook.com/IwakuniFriendshipDay
The event HOTLINE – Tel: 0827 (79) 6227

Flight Displays:

*New* JMSDF White Arrows – The official acrobatic team of Japan Maritime Self Defense Force will join in our air show for the first time. Established in Oct. 2018, the team is comprised of flight instructors who educate future aviators for the JMSDF at Ozuki Air Base, Yamaguchi. It showcases special acrobatic flight techniques featuring the Fuji T-5 aircraft.
https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/oz-atg/whitearrows/whitearrow.html

Yoshihide Muroya – Having participated in more than 260 air shows over the past two decades, Yoshihide Muroya has gained experience flying in competitive aerobatic competitions such as the World Aerobatic Championships (WAC). As the first Asian pilot in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in 2009, he has helped raise the popularity of the sport in East Asia, particularly in his home country of Japan.
http://www.yoshi-muroya.jp/

Whiskey Papa – Flying for more than 20 years, Masahiro Utsumi has competed in many international aerobatic competitions and is a popular air-show pilot in Japan.
https://ja14wp.wixsite.com/home/

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force airborne rappelling demonstration – As part of the U.S.-Japan friendship exchange, JGSDF units under the command of the 13th Brigade will participate in Friendship Day 2023. The JGSDF 17th Infantry Regiment, Camp Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, will be in attendance with their UH-1J multi-role helicopter. Spectators will be thrilled to watch JGSDF rangers rappelling down from the helicopter hovering in the air with a high level of skill and precision.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ceremonial flight – Iwakuni-based JMSDF aircraft will be pleased to demonstrate a ceremonial flight over their home community. This year, JMSDF Fleet Air Wing 31 celebrates the 50th year anniversary. In commemoration of it they will conduct a stunning flyover with Japanese aircraft that will surely impress spectators.

Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2 – The Japan Air Self-Defense Force will be showcasing its F-2 multirole, single-engine fighter aircraft, which is popular for its air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities. The F-2 is known for its incredible maneuverability, speed and power. This is an aerial demonstration every aviation enthusiast will want to see. Subject to change depending on operational commitments.

F-35 Lightning II – The F- 35B, the world’s first short-takeoff, vertical landing (STOVL) stealth fighter will be showcased by Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Following the aerial demonstration at Friendship Days in 2018 and 2019, this year’s F-35B demonstration will be more robust and exciting. In addition the Marine’s F-35B the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s F-35A will also be in attendance as a static display.

Marine Air-Ground Task Force Demonstration – An action-packed demonstration that showcases the diversity and power of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. The MAGTF is the organizational structure of the Marine Corps and is made up of four elements: command element, ground combat element, aviation combat element, and logistics combat element. During the MAGTF demonstration, audiences will be thrilled with extended capabilities of Marine Corps assets to perform in expeditionary environments as various aircraft provide close air support and tiltrotor aircraft insert troops on the ground.

Pacific Air Forces' F-16 Demonstration Team – Based at Misawa Air Base, Japan, and flying the Air Force's F-16 Fighting Falcon, the team demonstrates the breathtaking power and maneuverability of the F-16 to the delight of aviation enthusiasts everywhere. Through exceptional precision in the air, they have been helping promote positive relations between the U.S. and nations across the Western Pacific.

Ground Events and Static Displays:

On Friendship day, MCAS Iwakuni will be filled with a full variety of military aircraft and equipment from the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force, Japan Air Self Defense Force, and Japan Ground Self Defense Force as well as the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Army. Additionally, a performance by the JMSDF Fancy Drill Team from Ozuki Air Base, Yamaguchi, will make a comeback to Friendship Day.

In celebration of the special year, the 50th year anniversary of Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Fleet Air Wing 31 since the establishment, JMSDF invites you for a presentation of picture panels and maps of old days to look back the history of the defense installation in Iwakuni. Visit JMSDF special booth, and enjoy an extended offer from JMSDF with an opportunity of MCH-101 walk in tour and flying JMSDF aircraft in simulation.

For those who are interested in heavy-duty military gear, Friendship Day offers a unique opportunity to get a hands-on experience of the ground combat capabilities of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force and U.S. Marine Corps. Iwakuni-based Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 will be displaying heavy equipment, utility equipment, and a wide variety of military vehicles.

It is our pleasure to open our gates to the Japanese community to further our cultural connection. Visitors are welcome to see and learn what U.S. and Japanese service members do in daily. We greatly value the shared spirit of friendship and cooperation that is evident every day in Iwakuni as we support the U.S.-Japan Security Alliance.

We look forward to seeing you at the JMSDF Fleet Air Wing 31/MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day.