Yokota Air Base Japanese-American Friendship Festival was opened on 22
and 23 August. Many aircraft of US Forces and Japan Self Defense Forces
were displayed in Yokota apron area, and drum beating by Yokota Samurai
Taiko Team, Eisa (Okinawa) and Sohran (Hokkaido) dancing, rock music by
American rock-band and light music by PACAF Band were performed on indoor
and outdoor stages. Many people attend to the festival because of fine
weather.
Festival reception was held at Yokota NCOs Club from 1:00p.m. of 22 Aug.
(Sat). JAAGA members were invited to this event by Col.Mark Hicks, commander
of Yokota Air Base and 374th Airlift Wing. So secretariat Bandoh and Minamoto,
member Yamaoka and Ishikawa participated in. Lt.Gen.Rice, 5AF/CC, and USAFJ's
high ranking officers, Col. Itonaga, commander of JASDF Fuchu AB, neighboring
local governors of Yokota AB., Yokota AB Friendship Clubs' members and
others attended to this reception. We enjoyed American foods and drinks
there and had friendly conversation with attendance, while light music
played. Reception was very good for Japanese and American friendship.
At the reception he had speech in Japanese, "we thank you so much
that you come to Yokota Friendship Festival 2009 today. We were very welcome
you. Four months past since I had arrived at Yokota, I have enjoyed with
you about friendship between Japan and United States. And I could deepen
our mutual understanding. I appreciate your support and cooperation to
us. Please enjoy the festival. (outline)"
After 1 hour reception, we moved to apron area to see displayed aircraft. Displaying
area of two F-22s was so crowded, many peoples showed their interesting
on this state-of-art aircraft. We would like to thanks for warm hospitality
showed by commander Hicks and base members. (reported by secretariat Minamoto)
