Jazz bassist’s musical tale

Children from the Misawa Municipal First Preschool listen to the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia Jazz Combo play an arrangement of Christmas songs Dec. 10, 2012, Misawa City, Japan. After the band’s set, the children presented them with handmade paper medallions as a gift of appreciation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Phillip Butterfield)

Making Mochi: pounding fun, spiritually powered rice cakes

A Japanese ceremony worker pounds steamed rice during the annual mochi-pounding ceremony in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force gym at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Dec. 14, 2012. Although mochi-tsuki is eaten year-round, it is a Japanese tradition to eat it New Years Day because of it is believed to bring protection from disasters in the year to come. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kenna Jackson)

Making Mochi: pounding fun, spiritually powered rice cakes

Maj. Gen. Tamotsu Kidono, Japan Air Self-Defense Force 3rd Air Wing commander, spoke during the annual mochi-pounding ceremony in the JASDF gym at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Dec. 14, 2012. After making the glutinous rice into gummy rice cakes, guests and participants were given the opportunity to eat them. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kenna Jackson)

Making Mochi: pounding fun, spiritually powered rice cakes

Mochi making equipment is laid out inside the Japan Air Self-Defense Force gymnasium in preparation for the mochi-pounding ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Dec. 14, 2012. During the annual event, where participants made mochi-tsuki, the American and Japanese community came together to share the Japanese tradition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kenna Jackson)

Misawa leaders support safety and crime prevention campaign

Kauzmasa Taneichi, Misawa City mayor, speaks during the end-of-year Traffic Safety and Crime Prevention Campaign at Misawa Police Station, Misawa City, Japan, Dec. 17, 2012. The event was held to encourage the Japanese community and Misawa Air Base service members to cooperate in eliminating crime and traffic accidents. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kenna Jackson)

Misawa tips off intramural basketball season

Johnny Smith, right, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron Team B center, defends an inbound pass as Lorenzo Lewis, 35th Force Support Squadron guard, looks for open teammates during their game at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Dec. 12, 2012. The 35 FSS and 35 CES Team B played a back and forth game until the end, but a last second traveling violation on Smith locked up the victory for the 35 FSS 64-62. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Kee)