Misawa Air Base to host Japan Day Published March 31, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Misawa Air Base will host the 22nd annual Japan Day celebration April 4. Sponsored by the Misawa International Club, the event will feature 40 different demonstrations and displays sharing Japanese culture with Americans stationed at the base. "Japan Day provides another unique opportunity for strengthening of international relations between the American and Japanese communities," said Capt. Fred Harris, Japan Day coordinator. "A tremendous amount of effort is committed to bringing the Japanese culture to the American community." The event will start at 10 a.m. at Edgren High School with a performance by the Towada Suijin Thunder Drummers and opening remarks by Col. David Stilwell, 35th Fighter Wing commander, and Misawa Mayor Kazumasa Taneichi. To help promote Japan Day, Captain Harris brought in two taiko drumming teams from Aomori and Hachinohe to perform at the base exchange the weekend prior. "It was good to see the Misawa community stop and enjoy watching the Taiko drummers. Some of the children were smiling from ear to ear which is always good to see," said Captain Harris. Captain Harris said he was particularly looking forward to seeing the variety of stage shows taking place throughout the day, ranging from martial arts demonstrations to traditional Japanese musical performances. "This is a great opportunity to learn the traditions of another nation," he said. Click here for a schedule of events and list of activities.