PACAF Band plays Fussa Tanabata Festival 2023

The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific Asia band “Final Approach” performs at the 2023 Fussa City Tanabata Festival in Fussa City, Japan, July 8, 2023. Final Approach is a high-octane popular music ensemble that is composed of professional musicians who are well versed in American popular music of the 60’s through the hits of today, as well as the popular songs of Team Yokota’s host nation, Japan. This is the first Tanabata festival in four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and marks a return to more engagements between Team Yokota members and the local communities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Lackey)

PACAF Band plays Fussa Tanabata Festival 2023

A papercraft sign, celebrating 70 years of celebration, is displayed at the 2023 Fussa City Tanabata Festival in Fussa City, Japan, July 8, 2023. This is the first Tanabata festival in four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and marks a return to more engagements between Team Yokota and the local communities. The Tanabata Festival is also known as the ‘Star Festival’ and was introduced in Japan by Empress Kōken in the year 755. The festival celebrates the meeting of the celestial deities Orihime and Hikoboshi (also known as the stars Vega and Altair) as they are seen close together in the sky once a year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Lackey)

PACAF Band plays Fussa Tanabata Festival 2023

Staff Sgt. Peter Sommerville, U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific Asia guitarist for “Final Approach,” performs at the 2023 Fussa City Tanabata Festival in Fussa City, Japan, July 8, 2023. Final Approach is a high-octane popular music ensemble that is composed of professional musicians who are well versed in American popular music of the 60’s through the hits of today, as well as the popular songs of Team Yokota’s host nation, Japan. This dynamic group performs in a multitude of settings from orphanages to high school gymnasiums to world-class concert halls throughout the Asia-Pacific region, all while representing the professionalism carried out daily by the Airmen of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Lackey)

PACAF Band plays Fussa Tanabata Festival 2023

The rock music group “Final Approach,” part of the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific Asia, perform at the 2023 Fussa City Tanabata Festival in Fussa City, Japan, July 8, 2023. The Tanabata festival is also known as the ‘Star Festival’ and was introduced in Japan by Empress Kōken in the year 755. The festival celebrates the meeting of the celestial deities Orihime and Hikoboshi (also known as the stars Vega and Altair) as they are seen close together in the sky once a year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Lackey)

PACAF Band plays Fussa Tanabata Festival 2023

Tech. Sgt. Ben Huseby, U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific Asia guitarist and vocalist for “Final Approach,” performs at the 2023 Fussa City Tanabata Festival in Fussa City, Japan, July 8, 2023. Final Approach is a high-octane popular music ensemble that is composed of professional musicians who are well-versed in American popular music of the 60’s through the hits of today, as well as the popular songs of Team Yokota’s host nation, Japan. This dynamic group performs in a multitude of settings from orphanages to high school gymnasiums to world-class concert halls throughout the Asia-Pacific region, all while representing the professionalism carried out daily by the Airmen of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Lackey)

PACAF Band plays Fussa Tanabata Festival 2023

The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific Asia band “Final Approach” poses for a photo with fans at the 2023 Fussa City Tanabata Festival in Fussa City, Japan, July 8, 2023. Final Approach is a high-octane popular music ensemble that is composed of professional musicians who are well versed in American popular music of the 60’s through the hits of today, as well as the popular songs of Team Yokota’s host nation, Japan. This dynamic group performs in a multitude of settings from orphanages to high school gymnasiums to world-class concert halls throughout the Asia-Pacific region, all while representing the professionalism carried out daily by the Airmen of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Lackey)

PACAF Band plays Fussa Tanabata Festival 2023

Festival goers walk the streets of Fussa City decorated in banners and streamers at the 2023 Fussa City Tanabata Festival in Fussa City, Japan, July 8, 2023. This is the first Tanabata festival in four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and marks a return to more engagements between Team Yokota and the local communities. The Tanabata Festival is also known as the ‘Star Festival’ and was introduced in Japan by Empress Kōken in the year 755. The festival celebrates the meeting of the celestial deities Orihime and Hikoboshi (also known as the stars Vega and Altair) as they are seen close together in the sky once a year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Lackey)

PACAF Band plays Fussa Tanabata Festival 2023

Published July 11, 2023
By Staff Sgt. Ryan Lackey
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --

Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, and “Final Approach,” the rock music group from the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific Asia, were invited to attend and perform at the 2023 Fussa City Tanabata Festival. This is the first Tanabata festival in four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and marks a return to more engagements between Team Yokota and the local communities.