A Japan Day performer beats a taiko drum at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 2, 2016. This was the 29th Annual Japan Day event which allows Misawa service members and their families to experience their host nation’s culture. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jordyn Fetter)

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Japanese mask display

Japanese hand-carved wooden Noh masks line a table during the 29th Annual Japan Day at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 2, 2016. The Noh mask is used during Japanese theatre productions and is used to represent different characters like elders, women, demons, ghosts and spirits. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jordyn Fetter)

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Bonsai trees line the entrance of the enlisted club during the 29th Annual Japan Day at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 2, 2016. The art of growing bonsai trees derives from an ancient Chinese horticulture practice and has been around for more than a thousand years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jordyn Fetter)

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Traditional Japanese tea ceremony

A 29th Annual Japan Day volunteer pours tea at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 2, 2016. This booth demonstrated the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, a ritual of preparing and serving green tea called Matcha. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jordyn Fetter)

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Flower arranging

Attendees of the 29th Annual Japan Day arrange flowers at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 2, 2016. Hundreds of base residents attended Japan Day to absorb various forms of Japanese culture. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jordyn Fetter)

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Balloon making

A 29th Annual Japan Day volunteer presents a balloon animal monkey to a child at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 2, 2016. Multiple booths were on display highlighting Japanese culture for Misawa’s service members and families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jordyn Fetter)

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Traditional Japanese dance

A 29th Annual Japan Day performer conducts a traditional Japanese dance at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 2, 2016. Dozens of performances took place to highlight and recognize Japanese traditions throughout the day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jordyn Fetter)

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Playing ring toss

A child attending the 29th Annual Japan Day plays a ring toss game at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 2, 2016. This year’s festival brought more than 2,000 attendees from the local community to experience various facets of Japanese culture. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jordyn Fetter)

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Performing traditional Japanese music

Performers play kotos, traditional Japanese instruments, at the 29th Annual Japan Day at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 2, 2016. The musicians, along with other volunteers, showed their skill by playing instruments like the koto, flutes and the popular taiko drums. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jordyn Fetter)

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Japan Day displays local culture, tradition

Published April 4, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Jordyn Fetter
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- More than 2,000 service members, families and Japanese partners experienced the host country's culture during the 29th Annual Japan Day here, April 2.

The day-long festival was comprised of stage performances and lessons ranging from dancing to poetry and painting.

The annual event helps to develop the Misawa Air Base community's understanding of the local culture, resulting in stronger ties between the American and Japanese partners.

Japanese mask display

Traditional Japanese tea ceremony

Flower arranging

Balloon making

Traditional Japanese dance

Playing ring toss

Performing traditional Japanese music