The circle of life

Children release baby salmon into the river at Oirase Town, Japan, March 18, 2017. More than 200 people demonstrated their commitment to fostering natural elements and strengthen the communities bond and understanding of the American and Japanese cultures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Melanie Hutto)

Thank you for coming

U.S. civilian contractor Zakary Payne, the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron deputy base civil engineer, provides opening remarks prior to the start of the 20th Annual Baby Salmon Release, Oirase Town, Japan, March 18 2017. Every year, Misawa Air Base community members partner with local Japanese citizens to release more than 400,000 young fish into the Oirase River to grow, breed and return for the annual Rokkasho Salmon Festival in the fall. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Melanie Hutto)

A young girls excitement

Addelyn, daughter of U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Shannon Hutto, a 35th Security Forces Squadron swings flight chief, walks with a bucket during the 20th Annual Baby Salmon Release at Oirase Town, Japan, March 18, 2017. The event provided a bonding experience for the Japanese and Americans. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Melanie A. Hutto)

Baby Salmon

Baby salmon were placed into the buckets of young children and released into the river in Oirase Salmon Park during the 20th Annual Baby Salmon Release at Oirase Town, Japan, March 18, 2017. The release is a local tradition in Oirase Town to assist these fish in carrying out their life cycle, and the custom is shared with the base each year strengthening the community’s friendship. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Melanie Hutto)

Prepare to release the salmon

Children walk toward a truck housing more than 400,000 baby salmon during the 20th Annual Baby Salmon Release at Oirase Town, Japan, March 18, 2017. The event embodies the Japanese culture and their rich history associated with connection to the Earth. American attendance strengthens the partnership between the two nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Melanie A. Hutto)

Circle of life: Team Misawa releases baby salmon into wild

Published March 27, 2017
By Staff Sgt. Melanie A. Hutto
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OIRASE TOWN, Japan -- Families and children flooded the Oirase Salmon park, as the wind whipped around them, for the 20th Annual Baby Salmon Release, March 18.

“This event plays a big part in both uniting with our gracious Japanese hosts and reminding us of our connection with the environment,” said Zakary Payne, the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron deputy commander. “As we take care of it [environment], it takes care of us. This is something we, our children and even our children’s children must never forget. Releasing these baby salmon allows us to touch one of the beautiful life-cycles of nature we are deeply a part of.”

Every year, Misawa Air Base members partner with local Japanese citizens to release more than 400,000 young fish into the Oirase River to grow, breed and return for the annual Rokkasho Salmon Festival in the fall.

“It’s kind of morbid, we are releasing these baby salmon to be caught and eaten in the future,” expressed Senior Airman Romona Dollison, a 35th Maintenance Group weapons load crew member. “However, this does offer a new perspective on the circle of life.”

The baby salmon released at this event were bred from last season's migratory salmon catch. After living for three to five years in the Northern Sea, the salmon will find their way back to the Oirase River, thus, creating the next generation. Replenishing the rivers with salmon ensures the species remains healthy as a whole and helps balance the aquatic life in the waterways.

Japan has a long and rich history associated with connection to the Earth, especially in the Shinto and Buddhist religions. It is a local tradition in Oirase Town to assist these fish in carrying out their life cycle, and the custom is shared with the base each year.

More than 200 people demonstrated their commitment to fostering natural elements and strengthen the community's bond and understanding of two different cultures.

“This natural circle of life is something we are intrinsically attached to and effected by,” said Payne. “Releasing baby salmon into the Oirase River shows our commitment to replenish what we have taken, lest we put our future in jeopardy.”