Misawa - Every year Japanese nationals from all over the country travel to the small city of Misawa, Japan, to indulge their taste buds and view the amazing performances of many different artists. Annually, 40,000 people attend American Day to immerse themselves in American culture. The festivities began on Saturday, June 4, 2016, with entertainment and numerous food booths.
The day started with a parade down Prefectural Road Route 10 and ended with an exceptional performance by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Jazz Band. Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station, Far East (NCTSFE) Detachment Misawa’s Information Systems Technician 1st Class (IT1) Kawantis Peters, IT1 William Schneegas, IT2 William Sahlin, IT2 Tyrone Smith, IT2 Jason O’Kelley, and IT2 Dylan Hardison volunteered for food preparation and grilled burgers and hotdogs for Commander Task Force 72’s Tactical Support Center food booth. Over an eight-hour period, the Sailors assisted the team in raising over $1,500 in food and merchandise sales.
When asked what IT2 Smith thought about the experience of American Day, he said, “It felt rewarding as an American and a member of the Armed Forces to be a part of such a big cultural event. Being there to see how interested the Japanese nationals were in the ‘American way’ made me realize how important it is to strengthen our relationship with our allies in order to better understand each other and tear down the walls that separate us as people.”
American Day has been a tradition in Misawa since 1988 and will continue to strengthen the bond between the United States of America and Japan. Many pictures and videos were taken along with merchandise and memorabilia sold to ensure long lasting memories of the festival for the Japanese and American people.