Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni public affairs office provides the following update in regard to the 2014 U.S.-Japan, limited-scope, Friendship Day, scheduled for May 5, 2014.

EVENT INFORMATION

• Event hours: 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
• Static Display – Your chance to view numerous US military aircraft and US military equipment, up close and in person.
• Cultural Exchange – Throughout the event grounds, there will be many opportunities to interact with Americans, experience a little of the station and get a glimpse of what it is we do here. Don't be afraid to start a conversation or snap some photos with our community members.
• Live Entertainment – Several acts will be performing throughout the day at the main stage. Be sure to keep up to date with our facebook page for a sneak preview of our performers.
• Wargaming.Net – Our Premier sponsor Wargaming.net will be providing an onsite gaming simulation for their popular web based battle game. "World of Tanks", with over 78 million users worldwide, it is easy to operate and can be enjoyed by everyone. Demonstrations will only take about 10 minutes, visit their site and battle it out.
• Fun for the Kids – We have many options for kids to enjoy their special day. They will have full days' worth of exciting slides, ball pits, mazes, and more to keep them entertained.
• Food and Beverages – Several Food and Drink stations are conveniently located on the Friendship Day grounds. Traditional American Favorites including Pizza, steak, hamburgers, hotdogs and our famous Turkey legs will be cooking throughout the day.
• Regrettably, Friendship Day 2014 will not include air performances.

GATE HOURS and NO PARKING POLICY 

• Pedestrians and bicycles – Main Gate opens at 8:00 a.m. for pedestrians.  Cyclists are asked to walk in as bicycle parking is available aboard the base until the place is filled up to 400 bicycles.  No entry to the event site until it opens at10:00 a.m.
• Main Gate may cease all inbound traffic at around 2:00 p.m., or earlier during event hours in association with given traffic and safety status.
• Iwakuni City buses and commercial tour buses – Contractor’s Gate opens from 7:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. for tour buses with more than 50 passenger capacity.  North Gate opens from 7:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. for city shuttle buses.  No entry to the event site until it opens at 10:00 a.m. 
• No POV Parking on base – 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, during Friendship day.

100 PERCENT I.D. CHECK AND SECURITY POLICY

• Bring I.D. – The air station requests to bring identification to visitors. This additional security measure will help ensure the safety and is no cause for concern at the open house event.
• Passport, Driver's License, Health Insurance Card (Kenko Hokensho), Certificate of Residential Registration (Jumin Kihon Daicho Card), Certificate of Individual Seal Registration (Inkan Shomeisho), as well as any other ID with photo, full name, date of birth, gender and address are all acceptable forms of identification (supplemental paperwork is NOT required).
• No visitors will be turned away based solely on lack of identification card. Guests who do not bring identification could be delayed to undergo additional security scrutiny before being granted access. The station reserves the right to deny entry to anyone for any reason.
• Non-Japanese guests MUST bring either passport or alien registration card to gain access to the air station. Children will not need to produce identification, however young adults (high school age to adult) are encouraged to bring student ID to verify their youth. We are aware that this is an unusual step to ask of our host nation residents, but we are equally sure they will understand the importance of security at this event. Your patience is appreciated.
• All visitors to the air station will pass through a security screening checkpoint prior to entry. The following items are prohibited: Knives, model guns, fireworks, BBQ grills and any other items that may cause harm or a fire. Alcohol and pets are prohibited. Please refrain from bringing oversized bags/containers. All bags are subject to search.  Oversized bags may slow down the screening process when coming aboard the base.

TRAFFIC INFORMATION AND NOTES FOR TRAVEL AGENCIES

• Public transportation encouraged – Due to complications from construction and traffic, more so than at any Friendship Day in previous years it is imperative that everyone who is able to use public transportation or attend on foot or bicycle do so.
• Iwakuni shuttle buses will transport visitors from the JR Iwakuni train station.  Further details of the local shuttle buses are referred to; 
• Iwakuni City Transportation Bureau: (Tel: 0827-22-3225) or http://www9.ocn.ne.jp/~iwa-bus/
  Iwakuni Bus:  (Tel: 0827-22-1092) or http://www.iwakuni-bus.com/
• Commercial tour buses with more than 50 passenger capacity will be allowed entry.  Once inspected, all buses will be directed to the appropriate pre-designated parking location.
• No entry of vacant commercial chartered buses aboard the military installation.
• No re-entry of commercial chartered buses.  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

• Official duty utilities are symbol of being on active duty and service.  Visitors are asked to refrain from wearing military or any official duty uniforms aboard the installation during Friendship Day unless they are on active duty.
• Restricted Items
  o Pets (except dogs that support the blind)
  o Any narcotic drug, including marijuana, and utensils
  o Weapons of any nature
  o Fire Works or explosives
  o Firearms
  o Replica weapons and firearms
  o Dangerous Instruments - any implement/weapon having the capability of inflicting bodily harm on another person
  o Alcohol
• Safety Tips – It is important to keep your safety in mind while attending Friendship Day. Please practice the following guidelines:
  o Keep Hydrated
  o Wear Sunblock/Use Hats or Umbrellas
  o Wear Comfortable Shoes
  o Let your children carry contact information all time, as many Lost Child reported
  o Have a Designated Meeting Spot