Press Releases

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni public affairs office provides the following update in regards to the JMSDF/MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day, scheduled for May 5, 2017.

The event official website – friendship-day.net
The event official facebook – www.facebook.com/FriendshipDayIwakuni

GATE HOURS and NO PARKING POLICY

• Access to all event venues will begin at 7:00 a.m.
• Pedestrians and bicycles – Two entry points. The Main Gate and C-Gate, off of Route 188, will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for pedestrians and bicycles. There will be bicycle parking available at both gates. Once on base, cyclists are required to walk their bicycles to the designated parking area, and then walk to the venue. Bicycles will not be allowed in the venue.
• ates will cease all inbound traffic at 2:00 p.m. This is subject to change due to event capacity and traffic and safety status.
• Event shuttle buses and commercial tour buses – Old Contractor's Gate will be open from 6:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. for tour buses. After 1:00 p.m., all inbound traffic will cease and the same gate will be utilized for tour bus outbound traffic only. North Gate opens at 6:30 a.m. for local shuttle buses.
• 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.
• There will be no ferry services during Friendship Day.

100 PERCENT I.D. CHECK AND SECURITY POLICY

• Bring I.D. – The air station requires all visitors to bring identification.
• Types of identification accepted include: Passport, Driver's License, Health Insurance Card (Kenko Hokensho), Individual Number Card (My Number Card), Certificate of Individual Seal Registration (Inkan Shomeisho), as well as any other ID. All ID must include: photo, full name, date of birth, gender and address. The forms of ID above are all acceptable forms of identification (supplemental paperwork is NOT required).
• Children under the age of 12 will not need to produce identification, however they will be required to be accompanied by an adult.
• Young adults (13 yrs to adult) are required 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.
• Guests who do not bring identification will be extensively delayed in order to undergo additional security screening before being granted access. The station reserves the right to deny entry to anyone for any reason.
• Non-Japanese guests MUST bring either a passport or Residence Card (Zairyu Card) to gain access to the air station.
• 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, wireless or handheld transmitter radio devices, alcoholic beverages and any other items that may cause harm or a fire. Please refrain from bringing oversized bags/containers. All bags will be searched. Oversized bags may slow down the screening process when coming aboard the base.
• Only authorized Service Dogs are allowed in the venue. Any other pets are prohibited.

TRAFFIC INFORMATION AND NOTES FOR TRAVEL AGENCIES

• Public transportation is highly encouraged – Due to complications from construction and traffic, more so than at any Friendship Day in history, it is imperative that everyone who is able to use public transportation do so.
• Due to the construction and redevelopment projects at the JR Iwakuni train station, use of the JR Minami-Iwakuni station is encouraged. The C-Gate will be approximately a 20 minute walk from the JR Minami-Iwakuni station and serves as the closest gate to those guests utilizing the JR Minami-Iwakuni station or arriving from the south.
• Event shuttle buses (Paid) will transport visitors from the JR Iwakuni train station to the dropping point aboard the installation close to the event venue. For those who need special assistance, families with small children, the shuttle buses may be a preferred option for easier access to the event venue. Pedestrians from the Main Gate and C-Gate should expect approximately 30 to 40 minutes’ walk to the event venue.
• Large commercial tour buses will be allowed entry. All buses will be directed to the appropriate pre-designated parking location.
• No entry of empty commercial chartered buses aboard the military installation.
• No re-entry of commercial chartered buses. All commercial tour buses must stay at pre-designated parking locations during the event.

NOTES and ADVISORIES:

• Smoking is prohibited in the aircraft static display area. Smoking is only permitted at the limited, designated smoking pits aboard the installation.
• OFFICIAL-DUTY UNIFORMS are symbol of being on active duty. 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, politically-oriented tours, gatherings, speeches, displays, signs and distribution of political leaflets and materials are strictly prohibited. Please follow the instructions provided by uniformed personnel at all times while on base. We reserve the right to escort off the station any person in conflict with our security and safety standards, or interfering with an otherwise enjoyable experience for everyone.
• KICKBOARD, ROLLERBRADES – are strictly prohibited on base during Friendship Day.
• DRONES – Visitors are strictly prohibited to bring and/or fly drones on base at the event venue, or in the air space.
• Restricted Items
  • Pets (except Service dogs)
  • Any narcotic drug, including marijuana, and paraphernalia
  • Weapons of any nature
  • Fireworks or explosives
  • Firearms
  • Replica weapons and firearms
  • Glass bottles
  • Dangerous Instruments - any implement/weapon having the capability of inflicting bodily harm on another person
  • Alcohol
  • Drones, Quad-copters, RC planes, aerial flying devices of any kind.
  • All restricted found during security screening will be confiscated and not returned.
• Safety Tips – It is important to keep your safety in mind while attending Friendship Day. Please practice the following guidelines:
  • Keep Hydrated.
  • Wear Sunblock/Use Hats, Parasols, or Umbrellas.
  • Wear Comfortable Shoes.
  • Ensure your children carry contact information sheet of paper in their pocket at all times, with cell phone number of guardians, as many Lost Children reported.
  • Upon entering the venue, the air station will provide young children a wristband on which parents can write contact information. This is designed to assist reuniting parents and lost children.
  • Have a designated contingency plan and meeting spot in advance.