American Day comes to Japan

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Laura McFarlane
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Americans share their culture with the Misawa community here during American Day on May 31 and June 1.

"The tradition of celebrating American Day began 20 years ago as a thank you to the Japanese for Japan Day," said Capt. Karen Dayle-Horsley, 35th Mission Support Squadron.

American Day is a chance to strengthen Japanese and American relations with the Japanese experiencing a bit of American culture. The two-day event includes music, cultural booths and a traditional American parade.

"The festival allows Misawa Air Base to say thank you to Misawa City for allowing us to be a part of their community," said Capt. Denise Duriga, 35th Services Squadron. "This also allows us a chance to share our culture with the city through musical performances, food, sport demonstrations and various other activities."

The unofficial opening ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at the BX stage.

Misawa residents will see a bit of a change this year as the live entertainment and cultural booths move from the visitor's parking lot to the BX.

The live entertainment includes local bands, an Elvis impersonator, and the Band of the Pacific-Asia. In addition, this year, American Day will host the finals of Misawa Idol.

More than 26 states will be represented at the cultural booths. The booths will give the Japanese a chance to try variations of American food from different states.

The festivities are scheduled to continue 10 a.m. Sunday with a parade featuring a wide representation of Misawa Air Base. Some of the representatives include the honor guard, the American State Flags, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force marching band, classic cars, prom court, Elvis in Cadillac, Star Wars (Storm Troopers), and the fire department.

The parade will be followed by the official opening ceremony at the Civic Center.

"Events in the Civic Center include a quilt display, demonstration of quilt making, a haunted house with the makeup done by the moulage team from the hospital, and new this year will be a children's activity area," said Captain Dayle-Horsley.

American Day is also a good opportunity to volunteer and give back to the community. Volunteers are needed for security, setup and tear-down. To volunteer please call Senior Master Sgt. Jason Stachowski at 226-7829.