On a lighter note (US forces in Japan)

[GnyseGirl]

I know that there is a big debate on if US forces should leave Japan. However on a lighter note I would like to say that had it not been for the US staying in Japan for so long. I would have never had the opportunity to enjoy Japanese culture for the last 5 years. It's one thing to visit for a few months, but entirely another to actually live in such a place. Japan has given me experiences that I will cherish for as long as I live. Regardless of the politics behind the situation, I am truly grateful that I was allowed to serve in the US military in Japan. My thanks extend out to the Japanese for being such a wonderful host country and allowing us to be here. As well as the US government for continuing to value the relationship and stay in Japan.

[DoctorP]

Nice post, glad that you enjoyed your time here. I am sure that Mike, Frank, Jeff, Carlson, Hachiro, and a few others would join me in saying that we feel the same way.

[Pachipro]

Same here, If it wasn't for the US military I probably never would've set foot in Japan as I had no desire to go there in the first place except to be with friends who got stationed there.

[Jim Hodges]

I agree. I did two tours in mainland Japan and two in Okinawa. I have had a Japanese wife for 35 years and two kids and grand kids. This would have not been possible if I had not been sent there by the military. Oh, I was never in trouble there and I made many long time friends. I took the time to be able to live using Japanese and after only a few minutes I was welcome in areas that many americans could not be in without trouble. I found that how I acted I was treated.

[Capster78]

Unfortunalty I have not seen much of japan yet. I am providing for my fiance right now and have little money to go out of the base. However, once I get back from Iraq and im married I should have plenty of time and money to devote to seeing the sight and learning the culture. I have already taken a few japanese culture classes and some basic language classes. I hope to learn more so that I can show my appreciation to the Japanese people around Misawa. We have a really good realationship here with them.

[grapefruit]

This positive aspect of the US military presence in Japan never occurred to me. I wonder if it has a bigger impact than the JET program on the relationship between the two countries.

[Capster78]

Originally Posted by grapefruit

This positive aspect of the US military presence in Japan never occurred to me. I wonder if it has a bigger impact than the JET program on the relationship between the two countries.

We certainly try our best here in Misawa to be curtious to the community surrounding the base. We have many programs that foster the mixing of the base populace with the community around Misawa. We have Japan day, which is a day our hosts teach us about japan culture. The main road thru the base is lined with vendors and there are cultural shows on the base and alot of exchanges between the local japanese and the military members on the base. We also have American Day at the base which is in response to Japan day. The same thing occurs. We open the gates of the base and have american food, music and share some of our customs with the local community. We also have an annual airshow. The base opens up yet again and we invite anyone who wishes to come to watch a joint JSDAF and USAF airshow. Of course there is a large exchange of culture during the airshow as well. We also have several base programs that encorage friendly relashions such as cultural exchange clubs where we teach them english and in turn they teach us some japanese phrases. We try our best.