Military Appreciation Event for former Military Personnel of USFJ (U.S. Forces in Japan)
2022/5/18
Banner on the Entrance of the Venue
Welcome Remarks by Consul General Murabayashi
With the Guests
Wadaiko (Japanese Drums) Performance
Karate Performance
On May 14, the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston and the Japan-America Society of San Antonio（JASSA）co-hosted a reception titled "Military Appreciation Event" for former military personnel of USFJ (U.S. Forces in Japan) and their families at Eisenhower Park in the suburbs of San Antonio.
The reception was held in hopes that former USFJ military personnel and their families, who gained familiarity of Japan through their time abroad, will continue to embrace Japan after their return to the U.S. and build a lasting network that uses their positive and personal experience to promote Japan’s virtues and further strengthen Japan-U.S. relations.
In his welcoming remarks, Consul General Murabayashi emphasized the importance of the U.S. - Japan alliance and noted the basis of strong alliance is the people to people exchanges and mutual understanding. He also welcomed the relationship that former USFJ personnel and their family members continue to share with Japan after their homecoming. He further expressed his wishes that they continue to be good friends of Japan and create bridges between the two countries.
Ron Nirenberg, Mayor of San Antonio, and Peter Sakai, former judge of the Texas 225th District Court, addressed the audience as guests of honor. Mayor Nirenberg showed his respect for the contributions of the U.S. military in the world peace and security, and stated how meaningful it was to have this exchange reception in San Antonio, which houses military bases for land, sea, and air forces and is nicknamed “Military City, USA.” He further mentioned the sister city exchange between Kumamoto City and San Antonio and expressed his wish for the further development and promotion of exchange between both countries. Judge Sakai referred to his roots as a third-generation Japanese American, saying that the current state of friendship is a result of promoting mutual understanding between both countries and San Antonio’s inclusive community.
The event was attended by approximately 200 active and retired U.S. military personnel of the USFJ and their families. There were stage performances of military songs by the U.S. military band, Japanese taiko drums, martial arts demonstrations, and booths for each U.S. military base in Japan. Also in attendance were 10 Japanese Self-Defense Force officials undergoing training at the Lackland U.S. Air Base’s Language Training Center, who eagerly helped deepen exchange between the participants.
The reception was held in hopes that former USFJ military personnel and their families, who gained familiarity of Japan through their time abroad, will continue to embrace Japan after their return to the U.S. and build a lasting network that uses their positive and personal experience to promote Japan’s virtues and further strengthen Japan-U.S. relations.
In his welcoming remarks, Consul General Murabayashi emphasized the importance of the U.S. - Japan alliance and noted the basis of strong alliance is the people to people exchanges and mutual understanding. He also welcomed the relationship that former USFJ personnel and their family members continue to share with Japan after their homecoming. He further expressed his wishes that they continue to be good friends of Japan and create bridges between the two countries.
Ron Nirenberg, Mayor of San Antonio, and Peter Sakai, former judge of the Texas 225th District Court, addressed the audience as guests of honor. Mayor Nirenberg showed his respect for the contributions of the U.S. military in the world peace and security, and stated how meaningful it was to have this exchange reception in San Antonio, which houses military bases for land, sea, and air forces and is nicknamed “Military City, USA.” He further mentioned the sister city exchange between Kumamoto City and San Antonio and expressed his wish for the further development and promotion of exchange between both countries. Judge Sakai referred to his roots as a third-generation Japanese American, saying that the current state of friendship is a result of promoting mutual understanding between both countries and San Antonio’s inclusive community.
The event was attended by approximately 200 active and retired U.S. military personnel of the USFJ and their families. There were stage performances of military songs by the U.S. military band, Japanese taiko drums, martial arts demonstrations, and booths for each U.S. military base in Japan. Also in attendance were 10 Japanese Self-Defense Force officials undergoing training at the Lackland U.S. Air Base’s Language Training Center, who eagerly helped deepen exchange between the participants.
Katana Performance
Panel of USFJ (Navy version)