"It started as a small festival for friendly interactions and goodwill among the citizens of Ginowan City," said Hideo Matsuya, chairman of Ginowan City Tourism Association. "It promotes citizens to participate in the event instead of just observing it."

"There were times the festival was held at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. Marines on Okinawa used to lend us a large generator for the event and they took very good care of us," Matsuya said. "However, (the festival) gradually got bigger and we were in need of a larger place.  Approximately 22 years ago, the event site was moved to the west coast of Ginowan city, the Okinawa convention center area."

Matsuya further explained that this was the first time ever Marines have been given the opportunity to participate in the cultural event.

Col. Dale M. Smith, MCAS Futenma commanding officer, says that participation in these Ginowan Community events is extremely important, not only from the perspective of developing meaningful friendships and true relationships, but participation also strengthens partnerships which ultimately strengthens our overall alliance with this wonderful nation. 

The 17-member team, International Uchinanchu, translated to "International Okinawans," comprised of MCAS Futenma leaders, their families, U.S. and Japanese civilian workers and junior marines, celebrated their friendship and appreciation with and for the wonderful, thoughtful, caring people of Ginowan City, said Lt. Col. Ian Wallace, executive officer of MCAS Futenma.

Matsuya extended an invitation to Futenma leaders asking them to participate in the dance competition.

"It was an absolute honor to be invited by the community to participate in their amazing festival," said Wallace. "The team only practiced three times for two hours but it was an incredible experience actually getting out there and learning Okinawa culture. We hope we added to the fun and entertainment of the event for the people."

"We spoke and took pictures with many of the attendees.  The children seemed to enjoy interacting and laughing with us as well," he added.

Wallace says that it would be incorrect to just say participating in the festival was leading by example. The leaders all signed up because they wanted to experience the Japanese culture and hope that their performance will encourage even more Americans to participate in next year's festival.

"Sometimes you have to get out there and experience the culture," said Wallace.  "It creates lasting memories and shows the community that we care and appreciate them."

Wallace says that as the only team with Americans, they felt that the local community enjoyed their performance.

"By the smiles, encouragement, pictures, and congratulations we received from the audience, we think they enjoyed and appreciated our participation," said Wallace. "We hope they felt our respect for them, their culture and their traditions."

The dance contest is not the only community relations project MCAS Futenma partakes in.

Their biggest event is the annual Futenma Flight Line Fair, when they invite the local community to come out and celebrate with them, Wallace said. Futenma personnel also volunteer to teach English through the Volunteer English Teaching Assistance Program, participate in Dragon Boat races and conduct beach clean-ups.

"Marines have pledged an oath to support and defend the United States of America with their very lives, this same oath applies to the Nation of Japan via the treaties and alliances our two governments have agreed upon," said Smith. "Participating in community events, whether they are social, athletic, humanitarian, etc., equates to being involved and understanding the community at large. I believe the local citizens of Ginowan saw critical 'partnership building' at its best at the festival, and I'm extremely proud of the MCAS Futenma Marines, sailors, civilians, and MLCs who devoted their time and energy to be a part of something significant."