Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni takes pleasure in announcing the 2014 U.S.-Japan, limited-scope, Friendship Day, scheduled for May 5, 2014.

As part of the larger Iwakuni community, it has been our pleasure and honor over the years to open the air station gates to the people of our host nation, in order to share our American culture and customs, and to display the military capabilities supporting the goals of the U.S. – Japan Security Alliance.  The culturally enriching spirit of Friendship Day has been mutually beneficial for years and years, as we have invited our neighbors and friends to our “home away from home.”

In our efforts to carry on this heartfelt tradition, we have faced numerous challenges, most notably the continuing U.S. Government fiscal constraints. 

In spite of these challenges, the MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day spirit is alive and well, and is the driving factor in our decision to push ahead and hold a limited-scope version of Friendship Day.

Friendship Day 2014 will include many static display aircraft, and other associated vehicles and equipment, from both U. S. and Japanese local units. As well, many of the same foods and activities available in previous Friendship Day events will again be available this year.

Regrettably, due to the constraints outlined earlier, Friendship Day 2014 will not include air performances. Similarly, as a result of the extensive on-base construction projects, privately-owned vehicles, to include motorcycles and mopeds, will be prohibited from entering the base, as will ferry services; commercial charter and Iwakuni City busses will be allowed entry, and, once inspected, will be directed to the appropriate pre-designated parking location.

Additional details will be officially released later, as planning and coordination for Friendship Day 2014 continue. Anticipate additional media advisories containing amplifying information at a later date, as well as a possible future press conference, depending on information flow requirements.

We respectfully request that media representatives withhold any and all queries on Friendship Day 2014, pending subsequent planned media advisories and communication with the public. In the meantime, please visit www.mccsiwakuni.com/friendship-day.aspx, or call 253-6227, for more information.

We look very forward to once again opening our gates and further nurturing the awesome spirit of friendship and cooperation that Friendship Day represents to the U.S.-Japan Security Alliance.