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Japan Air Self-Defense Force Col. Hiroyuki Ishii, Operations Support Wing commander, gives opening remarks during the Operational Support Wing-JASDF Bilateral Hanami at Yokota Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2024. Leadership and community members representing the U.S. Air Force and JASDF came together to view and celebrate the first sakura blooms of the season in a traditional Japanese custom known as hanami. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)

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Members of Team Yokota meet with Hayate, Japan Air Self-Defense Force mascot, at the Operational Support Wing-JASDF Bilateral Hanami at Yokota Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2024. In addition to meeting Hayate, attendees viewed the cherry blossoms, received prepared bento lunches, watched a koto performance and participated in a bingo game. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)

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Shannon O’Callaghan, staff judge advocate secretary, and U.S. Air Force Capt. Kevin O’Callaghan, 374th Operational Support Squadron weather flight commander, participate in a bingo game at the Operation Support Wing-Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Bilateral Hanami at Yokota Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2024. In addition to the bingo game, attendees experienced cherry blossoms, prepared bento lunches, a koto performance, and interacted with the JASDF mascot, Hayate. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)

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Koto players perform at the Operational Support Wing-Japan Air Self-Defense Force Bilateral Hanami at Yokota Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2024. The koto, also known as the Japanese harp, was played during the bilateral hanami to share traditional cultural practices with theTeam Yokota community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)

Yokota, JASDF celebrates beginning of spring through Friendship Hanami

Published April 3, 2024
By Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --

Community members and leaders representing the U.S. Air Force and Japan Self-Defense Force (JASDF) came together to view and celebrate the first sakura blooms of the season during the Operational Support Wing (OSW) -JASDF Bilateral Friendship Hanami at Yokota Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2024.

Hanami, a traditional Japanese custom, is held annually to celebrate springtime and the appearance of sakura, or cherry blossoms. In addition to viewing the cherry blossoms, attendees were prepared bento lunches, watched a koto performance, participated in a bingo game and interacted with the JASDF mascot, Hayate.

The OSW-JASDF Bilateral Friendship Hanami presents the opportunity for U.S. Air Force and JASDF members to participate in traditional culture and customs together, further strengthening the bonds and partnerships between nations.