Bilateral relations strengthened; friendships created at Misawa Sports Day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachary Kee
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Distinguished members of the Misawa City community, United States Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force gathered at the base beach to get to know one another and become friends during Sports Day at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 30, 2012.

Nine teams were compiled to compete in the day's events, which included an egg carry, kayak relay, nerf newcomb and fill the container. Nerf newcomb was an event where participants threw the balls over a net and then scored points when the ball hit the ground on the opponents side of the net.

"We took teams of people that had never met and from the competition we learned a lot about each other," said Col. Al Wimmer, 35th Fighter Wing vice commander.

After the events concluded, the Base Club catered a luncheon for the participants that featured traditional American barbecue.

"Despite differences in culture, the Japanese and U.S. participants discovered we had a lot in common at the event," said Wimmer. "That is something we were able to learn today; even though we have our own distinct cultures we still have many things in common."

Whether it was teaching one another new words or talking about hobbies that they both enjoy, common ground was not a hard thing to find for the Americans and the Japanese at the event.

As different teams won different events, one thing remained constant: each team was having fun getting to know each other.

"It was a very fun time and a great experience," said Kazuto Orikasa, Misawa City hall official. "When the Japanese participate in events like this one once with the Americans, we want to do it again."

Then when the day came to a close and all the events were over, one team did have to come out on top of the rest. Team Falcon finished first place ahead of Team Viper finishing second, Team Mustang in third. All teams were comprised of American and Japanese members.

An award was also given to the team who showed the best camaraderie and teamwork during the day's events. This award was given to two teams, Team Shooting Star and Team Eagle. Considering what this event was really looking to accomplish, these two teams received an award that was necessary, according to participants.

Throughout the day, teamwork and camaraderie were displayed despite language and cultural barriers. The Americans and Japanese were cheering and laughing together from the moment the event started to when the final event ended, and it continued throughout the luncheon.

Wimmer said he was a proud winner and champion always, but there was absolutely more to this event than winning.

"With a little investment in time to share the beach, the barbecue and a couple of fun games, it opens the door to our future together," said Wimmer.