Press Releases

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Communication Strategy and Operations provides the following update in regards to the JMSDF/MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day, scheduled for May 5, 2018.

The event official website – friendship-day.net

The event official Facebook – www.facebook.com/FriendshipDayIwakuni

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 entry point 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. There will be bicycle parking available upon entering through the West Gate. Once on base, cyclists are required to walk their bicycles to the designated parking area. Bicycles will not be allowed in the venue.
• Gates will cease all inbound traffic at 2:00 p.m. Subject to change due to event capacity, traffic and safety status.
• Event shuttle buses and commercial tour buses – The Contractor Gate will be open from 6:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. for large-size tour buses only. After 1:00 p.m., all inbound traffic will cease and the same gate will be utilized for tour bus outbound traffic only. The 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 a valid photo identification.
• Types of identification accepted include: Passport, Driver's License, Health Insurance Card (Kenko Hoken Card), as well as any other ID with a photo, full name, date of birth, gender and address 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 age. 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 are subject to search. 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.
• The newly renovated JR Iwakuni train station is now open. Visitors are encouraged to utilize this station and walk or bicycle to the West Gate. Guests can also pay a small fee to take a shuttle bus from the train station to the venue.
• Event shuttle buses (Paid) will transport visitors from the JR Iwakuni train station to the dropping point aboard the installation, which is about a 15 minute walk 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 West 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.
• Commercial chartered buses without passengers will not be authorized to enter 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. Only limited, designated smoking pits allow smoking aboard the installation.
• OFFICIAL-DUTY UNIFORMS are symbol of being on active duty and service. 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. 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, ROLLERBLADES – are strictly prohibited on base at the event venue.
• 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
  • All restricted found during security screening will be confiscated and not returned.
  • Selfie sticks exceeding two meters when fully extended
• 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.
  • 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 contact information. This is designed to assist reuniting parents and lost children.
  • Have a designated contingency plan and meeting spot in advance.