The Memories of Tokyo, U.S Forces Japan
When I first moved to Tokyo in early 1990s I knew barely the rhythms of life in Japan. But soon, I discovered the people of Japan, with a remarkable grace. They were kind beyond words, with a culture a delicate blend of tradition and openness.
Even now, long after I left Japan, that spirit stays with me. In every step I take, I feel the gentle wisdom of those years—the gratitude, the optimism, the humble strength I absorbed from the Japanese people.
I still carry the American spirit with me, a beacon that guides my soul, no matter where I go. Yet, beneath that light, there is a subtle, deep current of Japanese culture—a beautiful sparks that reminds me to be always optimistic and yet humble at the same time.
In my early twenties, as I lived in Tokyo, I encountered a striking presence of U.S. military life woven into the city’s pulse. To me, that was a vivid symbol—an emblem of the United States’ global reach.
Near Tokyo, there was a radiant city called Yokohama—an exquisite gem along the Pacific coast. There, I first experienced the beauty of the U.S. military culture. I saw how their discipline, their service, and their commitment to something greater than themselves left a profound mark on me—showing me a different way to see responsibility, and the shared impact across the globe. Yokohama area and its coastal charm attracted me always. But in that landscape, I also saw the majesty of the American bases—the U.S flags, the Air Force, Army, and in Yokosuka the Marine Corps and Navy.
……. Continue to read the article (on this site under U.S Forces Japan)
Acknowledgment: Image-1 Catherine S. Schmidt Germany May 2026. Image 2/ Catherine S. Schmidt NASA Exhibition Tokyo mid- 1990s. Article by Catherine S. Schmidt, Director and Editor in Chief.







