Nebuta Festival 2025: Strengthening Mission, Culture, and Community Together

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  • 35th Fighter Wing

An American Nebuta festival participant ties a head covering around a Japanese participant during the annual Nebuta Festival at Aomori City.

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An American Nebuta festival participant ties a head covering around a Japanese participant during the annual Nebuta Festival at Aomori City, Japan, Aug. 6, 2025. Sharing in the festival’s colorful celebrations builds lasting bonds that enhance the 35th Fighter Wing’s mission readiness and cooperation with host nation forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)
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An American Nebuta festival participant ties a head covering around a Japanese participant during the annual Nebuta Festival at Aomori City.

250806-F-VQ736-1074

An American Nebuta festival participant ties a head covering around a Japanese participant during the annual Nebuta Festival at Aomori City, Japan, Aug. 6, 2025. Sharing in the festival’s colorful celebrations builds lasting bonds that enhance the 35th Fighter Wing’s mission readiness and cooperation with host nation forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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A festival participant calls the crowd to join the parade and dance during the annual Nebuta Festival at Aomori City, Japan.

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A festival participant calls the crowd to join the parade and dance during the annual Nebuta Festival at Aomori City, Japan, Aug. 6, 2025. Sharing in the Nebuta Festival strengthens the bonds that keep the 35th Fighter Wing postured to operate seamlessly with allies across the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Davidson, right, 35th Fighter Wing (FW) commander, dances with festival participants during the annual Nebuta Festival at Aomori City, Japan.

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U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Davidson, right, 35th Fighter Wing (FW) commander, dances with festival participants during the annual Nebuta Festival at Aomori City, Japan, Aug. 6, 2025. Participating in the Nebuta Festival alongside the community strengthens base-host nation cohesion, enhancing the 35th FW’s operational readiness and joint response capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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Haneto dancers and festival participants walk through the streets during the annual Nebuta Festival at Aomori City, Japan.

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Haneto dancers and festival participants walk through the streets during the annual Nebuta Festival at Aomori City, Japan, Aug. 2, 2025. Taking part in the Nebuta Festival’s lantern-lit parades connects the 35th Fighter Wing with Japan’s rich traditions, strengthening trust between the bilateral partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andre Medina)

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Festival participants push an illuminated parade float depicting historical, mythological and kabuki characters during the annual Nebuta Festival at Aomori City, Japan.

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Festival participants push an illuminated parade float depicting historical, mythological and kabuki characters during the annual Nebuta Festival at Aomori City, Japan, Aug. 2, 2025. Sharing in the Nebuta Festival deepens cultural understanding that bolsters the 35th Fighter Wing’s ability to operate seamlessly with host nation partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andre Medina)

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Haneto dancers call the crowd to dance in the parade during the annual Nebuta Festival at Aomori City, Japan.

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Haneto dancers call the crowd to dance in the parade during the annual Nebuta Festival at Aomori City, Japan, Aug. 2, 2025. Participating in the Nebuta Festival reinforces the 35th Fighter Wing’s commitment to cultural respect, directly supporting mission integration and regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andre Medina)

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