Yokota honors host nation traditions during Japan Culture Day Published Jan. 29, 2024 By Airman 1st Class Jarrett Smith 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Mark Wagner, 374th Contracting Squadron commander, celebrates after pounding rice to make mochi during Japan Culture Day at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 26, 2024. The Japanese tradition of “mochitsuki” is done by pounding rice into making mochi, and serves as a symbol of good fortune into the new year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Samantha White) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Members of the Yokota community celebrated Japan Culture Day by partaking in Japanese traditions at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 26. Over 600 Japanese employees and members of the Yokota community came together to help celebrate and bring good fortune into the new year. Japan Culture Day was hosted by the Japanese Welfare Association, a committee dedicated to providing morale, welfare and recreation activities for Yokota’s Japanese employees and local community. The JWA has been hosting this event since 2013 at Ofukuroya, the Japanese dining facility for local Japanese employees on Yokota Air Base. A member of the local community performs a traditional Japanese dance during Japanese Culture Day at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 26, 2024. Attendees enjoyed many festivities including a drum performance from the Samurai Taiko Team, mochi pounding, kimono wearing, a tea ceremony, as well as “Kagami-biraki”, a sake barrel opening from distinguished guests. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Samantha White) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res JWA was founded in 1947 during the recovery process from World War II and was founded for the purpose of quality life for local national employees. Today, they help bring both U.S. and Japan communities together to share Japanese traditions. “The event was a resounding success, and I am immensely grateful to all who contributed to its accomplishment,” said Kazuhito Urano, Japanese Welfare Association president. “Your support and dedication made this event possible, and I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each of you.” Members of the Yokota community watch as a performer dressed as a lion walks around during Japanese Culture Day at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 26, 2024. During “Shishimai” or “lion dance,” the lions may “bite” people on the head to bring good luck. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Samantha White) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Participants enjoyed many festivities including a drum performance from the Samurai Taiko Team, mochi pounding, kimono wearing, a tea ceremony, as well as ‘Kagami-biraki’, a sake barrel opening from distinguished guests. This event also offered 300 bowls of traditional Japanese dishes containing mochi named ‘O-Zoni’ and ‘O-shiruko’, and a chance to win a prize for the first 300 guests. Ofukuroya offered a special menu for guests to enjoy new Japanese meals. Taiko drummers perform for attendees of Japan Culture Day at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 26, 2024. Shrines and temples across Japan display taiko drums as a symbol of purification and to dispel evil spirits. Dating back as early as the 6th century, taiko drums played a sacred role in rituals and festivals. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Samantha White) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res This event also invited distinguished guests, such as Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, Col. Brett Cochran, 374th AW deputy commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Dunn, 374th AW command chief. “Thank you to Urano-san and the Japanese Welfare Association for inviting me here today to celebrate the new year,” said Roddan. “Through this event, I wish everyone the best of luck and further development of the U.S. and Japan friendship.” A member of the local community tries on a kimono during Japan Culture Day at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 26, 2024. Kimonos date back to the Heian period, dating from the years 794-1185 and symbolized your status in society, class, wealth and age with the style, fabric, and colors of certain kimonos. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Samantha White) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Yokota Air Base values the communities from both on and off-base, making sure to integrate frequently to continue their partnership, as well as boost morale and knowledge in the community.