Members of the 296th Army Band's Brass Band pose with local music students.

On April 21, The 296th Army Band’s Brass Band, played at the Shibazakura Festival in Sagamihari City, Japan. The festival celebrates the moss phlox flower, which was imported to Japan from America, and featured performances by taiko drummers, a local school band, and traditional Japanese story tellers. When the Brass Band took the stage, they added their unique blend of rock, pop, and funk to a day already filled with great music.

This festival is an important one for the Camp Zama community – the family of one of the festival’s organizers used to own the land Camp Zama sits on today. Always searching for ways to strengthen our bond with the local community, the 296th Army Band was glad to be a part of this event!