US Ambassador showcases Japanese scallops at Yokota Published Nov. 8, 2023 By Airman 1st Class Natalie Doan 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel samples scallops at the commissary on Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 31, 2023. The U.S. recently purchased a metric ton of scallops to offset a ban imposed on Japan’s fishing industry. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Natalie Doan) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel visited the commissary Oct. 31 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, to witness the first delivery of Japanese seafood at the installation and reiterate U.S. support for Japan in the wake of recent limitations imposed on Japan’s fishing industry. While at Yokota, Emanuel announced that Japanese seafood will be sold in U.S. military shops and restaurants, starting with Hokkaido-sourced scallops available at Yokota’s commissary. This marks the first time U.S. service members and their families will be able to purchase Japanese seafood on base. "We are delighted to introduce Japanese seafood at the Yokota Air Base commissary," said Matthew Whittaker, Defense Commissary Agency’s Pacific Area director. "This addition not only enriches our culinary offerings, but also strengthens our connection with our host nation. We are always excited to bring our members more options at our local commissaries and are looking forward to hearing any feedback from our base community." During his visit to Yokota, Emanuel emphasized the quality and safety of these products, citing his own consumption of them. “I have served the fish products to some of the highest elected officials in the United States government and armed forces,” said Emanuel. "So we will continue to stand with our friends in Japan.” U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, center, participates in a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside U.S. and Japanese officials at the commissary on Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 31, 2023. Emanuel was joined by representatives from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as the Hokkaido Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations and Hokkaido Scallops Promotion Association and Tokoro Fisheries Agency. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Natalie Doan) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res After delivering remarks, Emanuel participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside U.S. and Japan officials to mark the introduction of Japanese seafood at the Yokota commissary. He then sampled the scallops with other distinguished guests. “This is an example of collaboration and cooperation of the best of its kind,” said Emanuel. “The United States and Japan are treaty allies, but more importantly, we're friends. And you need a friend not when things are good, but when things are tough.”