Japanese community shares culture, builds bonds

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- The Towada Thunder Drummers perform during the Japan Day opening ceremony April 4, 2009. Japan Day, hosted at Edgren High School and sponsored by the Misawa International Club, is a yearly effort to bridge cultural gaps and promote understanding between the Japanese community and the residents of Misawa Air Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

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Japanese community shares culture, builds bonds

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Col. David Stilwell, 35th Fighter Wing commander, delivers opening comments at Japan Day April 4, 2009. To get in the spirit of the festivities, Colonel Stilwell wore a traditional Japanese hakama for the day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

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Japanese community shares culture, builds bonds

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- A Japanese sacred dragon blesses the distinguished guests during the Japan Day opening ceremony April 4, 2009. The dragon was part of the Kagura Sacred Music and Dancing following the opening remarks of the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

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Japanese community shares culture, builds bonds

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- The Makibano Kids Drummers perform during Japan Day April 4, 2009. They played both traditional Japanese music and music adapted from "Pirates of the Caribbean," dressing in pirate costumes accordingly. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

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Japanese community shares culture, builds bonds

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Cheiko Ito repairs a noh mask during Japan Day April 4, 2009. Noh theater is a traditional Japanese dramatic theater style. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

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Japanese community shares culture, builds bonds

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Abe Terumasa (right) shows Tiarra Erby how to perform the next stitch in her kogin embroidery during Japan Day April 4, 2009. Kogin embroidery is a hand-stitching technique originating in Northern Japan to re-enforce fabric to withstand the cold, but has grown into an art form that still survives today. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

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Japanese community shares culture, builds bonds

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Hiroshi Yamamoto makes taiyaki, a pastry filled with sweet red bean paste, during Japan Day April 4, 2009. In addition to the demonstrations, musical performances and cultural exhibitions, food vendors provided a taste of Japan through their culinary skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

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Japanese community shares culture, builds bonds

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Isaiah Erby throws a Japanese judo student during Japan Day April 4, 2009. The local judo school performed a demonstration for the audience and then gave spectators a chance to learn a few moves. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

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Japanese community shares culture, builds bonds

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Kathy Dela Cruz and Mark Garces stand silently dressed as samurai during the Japan Day opening ceremony April 4, 2009. One of the exhibits that day gave Americans the chance to try on armor such as this. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

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Japanese community shares culture, builds bonds

Published April 7, 2009