Press Releases

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Communication Strategy and Operations provides the following update regarding the JMSDF/MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day, scheduled for May 4, 2025.

The event official website – www.iwakuniairshow.com
The event official Facebook – www.facebook.com/MCASIwakuniAirshow
The event HOTLINE – Tel: 0827 (79) 6227 for general information
0827 (22) 3181 ext. 6180 or ext. 6181 for specific inquiries in Japanese language

GATE HOURS and NO PARKING POLICY

• Access to all event venues will begin at 7:00 a.m.
• Pedestrians and bicycles – The single point of entry 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.
  • Gates will cease all inbound traffic at 2:00 p.m. Subject to change due to event capacity, traffic, and safety status.
  • Bicycle parking will be available on-base. Once on-base, cyclists are required to walk their bicycles to the designated parking area near the West Gate. Bicycles will not be allowed anywhere else on base.
• 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.
• No taxi services are allowed to access the installation during the event.

100 PERCENT I.D. CHECK

• 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, as well as any other government issued photo ID (must include full face), full name, date of birth and address (supplemental paperwork is NOT required).
  • Children 12 years of age and under will not need to provide identification, however, they will be required to be accompanied by an adult.
  • Teenagers (Ages 13-19) are required to bring their student ID to verify their age.
  • Guests aged 13 and older who do not bring identification will be denied entry to FD-25.
• For Non-Japanese Guests
  • Non-Japanese guests MUST bring either a passport or residence card (Zairyu Card) to gain access to the air station.

SECURITY POLICY

• All visitors to the air station must pass through a security screening checkpoint prior to entry. The air station reserves the right to deny access to anyone for any reason. Refusal by a guest to submit to screening may be refused access to FD-25. If selected for additional security screening, guests may have their photo taken and be subject to further questioning.
• Check the list of prohibited items on base. All bags are subject to search. Please refrain from bringing oversized bags/containers. Oversized bags may slow down the screening process when coming on to the base. All restricted items found during security screening will be confiscated and not returned. Restricted items include, but are not limited to:
  • Drones
  • Kickboard, rollerblades
  • Narcotic drugs, marijuana products (to include CBD products), and drug paraphernalia.
  • Knives, model guns, weapons of any nature
  • Firearms, explosives, or fireworks
  • Replica weapons and firearms
  • BBQ grills
  • Glass bottles
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Dangerous instruments - any object/weapon that can inflict bodily harm on another person or cause a fire. A small personal cigarette lighter is allowed.
  • Selfie sticks exceeding 48 inches or 1.2 meters when fully extended
  • Wireless or handheld transmitter/receiver radio devices
  • Oversized beach parasols which typically measure beyond 6 feet in diameter. A handheld, personal umbrellas, typically ranging from 33 to 35 inches, are allowed. If an umbrella appears larger than a personal size, it will either be denied entry at the screening area, required to be returned to the tour bus, or confiscated by military police.
  • Personal tents
• Bags must be able to be carried/kept on person, at all times, and not left unattended.
• Only authorized service dogs are allowed in the venue. Any other pets are prohibited.

TRAFFIC INFORMATION

• Public transportation is encouraged – Visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transportation to get to 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. Use of public transportation is greatly appreciated to mitigate heavy traffic congestion.
• Event shuttle buses (paid) will transport visitors from the JR Iwakuni train station to the drop off point aboard the installation, with easier and shorter 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 with the shortest walking distance. Starting from the West Gate, pedestrians should expect a 30-to-40-minute walk to the event venue.

NOTES FOR TRAVEL AGENCIES AND COMMERCIAL TOUR BUSES

• Commercial Tour Buses are allowed on-base.
• The C-Gate will be open from 6:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. for large tour buses only. Chartered Tour buses may come on base at the pre-staging area inside the C-Gate at 3:30 a.m., however, passengers are required to stay inside their buses until the event venue opens.
• Tour buses will be directed to the appropriate pre-designated parking location after 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.
• Chartered buses without passengers will not be authorized to enter the military installation.
• Re-entry of chartered buses will not be allowed. All tour buses are asked to stay at pre-designated parking location during the event.

NOTES and ADVISORIES:

• SMOKING/VAPING is prohibited in the aircraft static display area. Smoking/vaping is only allowed in designated smoking pits aboard the installation.
• OFFICIAL MILITARY UNIFORMS are only to be worn by active duty servicemembers. Visitors should refrain from wearing military-style or any official-duty uniforms aboard the installation during Friendship Day, unless they are on official duty.
• POLITICAL ACTIVITIES RESTRICTED – Political activities, “field tours,” gatherings, speeches, displays, signs and distribution of political leaflets and materials are restricted. 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 remove anyone that violates our security and safety standards or interfering with an otherwise enjoyable experience for everyone.
• SAFETY TIPS – It is important to keep safety in mind while attending Friendship Day.
  • Keep hydrated.
  • Wear sunblock/use hats, or personal umbrellas.
  • Wear comfortable shoes.
  • Ensure your children carry a sheet of paper with contact information (guardian’s name and cell phone number) in their pocket 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 their contact information. This is designed to assist reuniting parents and lost children.
  • Have a contingency plan and designated meeting spot with your group.