Col. David Stilwell, 35th Fighter Wing commander, Misawa Air Base, Japan, and Misawa City Mayor Kazumasa Taneichi, stand while the Japanese and American national anthems play during the American Day opening ceremony June 7. This marks the 21st annual American Day held in Misawa City. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Chad C. Strohmeyer)

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American Day parade volunteers march through the streets of Misawa City passing out candy during the American Day celebration June 7 near Misawa Air Base, Japan. About 31 units from the base helped in support of the celebration. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Chad C. Strohmeyer)

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A Japanese woman rides her motorcycle during the American Day parade June 7 near Misawa Air Base, Japan. The parade consisted of gymnasts, dancers, show cars and various military displays. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Chad C. Strohmeyer)

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A storm trooper waves at a Japanese boy during the American Day parade June 7 near Misawa Air Base, Japan.. Despite the rain, Japanese and Americans came out to enjoy the parade featuring popular American characters and icons. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Araceli Alarcon)

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Chief Master Sgt. Rick Price, 35th Fighter Wing command chief, hands candy to a child during the American Day parade June 7 at Misawa Air Base, Japan. The parade was part of a weekend full of American entertainment and games. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Araceli Alarcon)

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American Day 2009

MISAWA CITY, Japan -- Satou Hiroko spins her dress while dancing "Gypsy Trail" at the Misawa Civic Center June 7, 2009. Several American and American-lead music and dance groups performed inside the Civic Center to share their art with the Japanese audience during the American Day festival. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

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American Day 2009

MISAWA CITY, Japan -- Dianna Olsen reveals a sheathed scimitar, a type of middle-eastern sword, during a ritual ottoman scimitar dance at the Misawa Civic Center June 7, 2009. Mrs. Olsen instructs middle-eastern belly dancing to American and Japanese students and performed with them during the American Day festival in Misawa City. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

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Locals experience American culture

Published June 7, 2009

American Day 2009

American Day 2009