U.S. Forces in Japan and the open gate friendship celebration of spring festival ‘Cherry Blossom’

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The presence of U.S. military in Japan has fostered a strong alliance, contributing significantly to the regional stability and security. This partnership has played a crucial role in maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. Every spring, U.S. Forces Japan hosts the friendship cherry blossom festival, attracting upward of 17,000 visitors. This year’s open gate festivals were held on Yokosuka Naval Base and Army Camp Zama on March 22nd. Yokota Air Base has scheduled to host its celebration on March 29th.

Open gate celebration, involving U.S. military bases promotes cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

  • It builds community support and partnership; 
  • It illustrates positive intercultural engagements and friendships;
  • It provides valuable opportunities for U.S. personnel and local communities to connect;
  • And it cultivates goodwill and strengthens people-to-people ties.

Get news from  U.S Forces in Japan 

Additional:  Annual event celebrates spring while bringing together 17,000 U.S., Japanese visitors ( U.S Army 2024)

Acknowledgments: Source © U.S Forces in Japan, U.S Army. Yokota U.S Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2018. U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe. Article by Catherine S. Schmidt, Editor in Chief.