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, 2019.

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 for entry from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be 2 bicycle parking areas available. One is located on Route 189 between the Main Gate and railroad crossing. The other is located just inside the West Gate. Once on base, cyclists are required to walk their bicycles to the designated parking area. Bicycles will not be allowed anywhere else on base.
• Gates will cease all inbound traffic at 2:00 p.m. Subject to change due to event capacity, traffic and safety status.
• Commercial tour buses – The C-Gate will be open from 3:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. for large-size tour buses only. Tour bus may come aboard the pre-staging area inside the C-Gate at 3 a.m., however, passengers are required to stay inside their buses until the gate opens and buses are allowed to proceed at 7:00 a.m. After 1:00 p.m., all inbound tour bus traffic at the C-Gate will cease and the C-Gate will be utilized for outbound tour bus traffic only.
• Event shuttle busses - The North Gate opens at 6:30 a.m. for local shuttle buses.
• No POV Parking on base – Privately-owned vehicles, including 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 valid photo identification.
• For Japanese Guests
  • Types of acceptable identification for Japanese guests include: passport, driver's license, health insurance card (Kenko Hoken Card), as well as any other government issued ID with a photo, full name, date of birth, gender and address (supplemental paperwork is NOT required).
  • Children under the age of 12 will not need to provide identification, however they will be required to be accompanied by an adult.
  • Teenagers (13 yrs to 19 yrs) 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.
  • Teenagers with ID can accompany children under 12yrs.
  • Guests who do not bring identification will be extensively delayed in order to undergo additional security screening before being granted access.
• For Non-Japanese Guests
  • Non-Japanese guests will be directed to come aboard the base only through the West Gate.
  • 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. *Please see list of prohibited item on the bottom of the document. 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.
• The station reserves the right to deny entry to anyone for any reason.

TRAFFIC INFORMATION AND NOTES FOR TRAVEL AGENCIES

• Public transportation is highly encouraged – Use of public transportation is greatly appreciated for the cooperation with mitigating extremely heavy traffic congestion. Visitors are strongly encouraged to use JR Iwakuni station and walk 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 drop off point aboard the installation, which is about a 15 minute walk to the event venue. For those who need special assistance and for families with small children, the shuttle buses may be a preferred option for easier access to the venue. Starting from the West Gate pedestrians should expect a 30 to 40 minute 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 symbols of being on active duty 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. Political leaflets are not allowed on base. 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.
• Restricted Items - All restricted items found during security screening will be confiscated and not returned.
  • Drones
  • Kickboard, Rollerblades
  • Pets (except service dogs)
  • Any narcotic drug, including marijuana, and paraphernalia
  • Weapons of any nature
  • Firearms, explosives or fireworks
  • Replica weapons and firearms
  • Glass bottles
  • Dangerous instruments - any object/weapon having the capability of inflicting bodily harm on another person
  • Alcohol
  • Selfie sticks exceeding two meters when fully extended
  • Radios
  • Oversized beach parasols
  • Personal tents
• 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, or personal umbrellas.
  • Wear comfortable shoes.
  • Ensure your children carry a contact information sheet of paper in their pocket at all times, with cell phone number of guardians in case they become lost at the event.
  • 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.