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Col. David P. Olszowy, Camp Hansen camp commander, gives an opening statement prior to a brief on Okinawan history at the staff noncommissioned officers lounge at the Palms March 23.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr.

Marines gain knowledge of local culture

8 Apr 2011 | Lance Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr. Marine Corps Installations Pacific

Marines from throughout the island gathered at the Camp Hansen staff noncommissioned officers lounge at the Palms for a cultural seminar to learn about the Okinawa culture March 23.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan coordinates the cultural seminars to educate Marines about Okinawan history.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is one of the local-level governmental entities here in Okinawa,” said Kaori Martinez, the community relations officer for Marine Corps Bases Japan. “Their role is like our State Department: to take care of diplomatic issues in Okinawa.

“This seminar was implemented by MOFA as part of our education process to enhance the understanding and knowledge of the U.S. forces personnel stationed here on the history and culture of Okinawa and to appreciate the host community,” Martinez said.

“We hold about 10 a year,” she added.

This course has been implemented in the Corporal’s Course on Camp Foster and Marine Corps Air Station Futenma as a professional military education class, she said.

Originally, the seminar was offered to officers only; the audience was later expanded, said Col. David P. Olszowy, Camp Hansen camp commander.

Olszowy explained to the Marines at the Palms the importance and purpose of the class prior to starting the presentation.

“Your decisions have a strategic impact,” said Olszowy. “You guys are the ones out in town, really getting around and being with the people (of Okinawa).”

That is why it is so important that NCOs and SNCOs attend this course, he added.

Knowing the history of a people and their cultural background help people better understand one another, said Kazuhiko Nakamoto, an archivist with the Okinawa Prefecture Archives who spoke at the presentation.

“I truly believe it is good for both of us to build a better understanding,” he said.

Nakamoto lived in the United States for 12 years and attended the University of Maryland. He attributes his time in Maryland to a better understanding of the American people.

Throughout the presentation, Nakamoto explained Japanese sentiment about the American culture from World War II to present day.

Nakamoto explained how Okinawa evolved, Japan’s role in World War II and mannerisms of the Japanese people.

He also detailed Okinawa’s past governments and the former rulers of the island.

“When you have the knowledge, you can speak intelligently on a subject,” said Gunnery Sgt. Hewitt Ballard, the logistics chief for Camp Hansen and an attendee of the meeting.

“They have a heightened awareness,” Ballard said about the Marines attending the seminar.

The seminar armed them with the information to prevent mishaps, he added.

At the end of the seminar, Nakamoto left the Marines with one piece of advice.

“The past is prologue,” he said, meaning lessons of the past should be a stepping stone to a better future.