COMBINED ARMS TRAINING CENTER CAMP FUJI, Japan -- Marines of Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji welcomed thousands of visitors to the base during the Camp Fuji friendship festival May 12.
The festival provided an opportunity for the local community to come together and celebrate the relationship fostered by the Japanese and the Marines.
“Your attendance today is proof that you’ve accepted us in your community and the relationship between the U.S. Marines and Gotenba City (the city surrounding Camp Fuji) is very strong,” said Col. Anthony J. Johnson, CATC, Camp Fuji commanding officer, during the opening ceremony. “Our Marines are committed to the success of both of our nations.”
The festival grounds boasted more than a dozen food and merchandise vendors, a stage for music performances, pony rides and static displays of Marine Corps and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force military vehicles.
When the gate opened, a crowd poured into the festival area. Camp Fuji Marines and sailors, all in uniform, played with children and conversed with Japanese counterparts to show the community Marines are more than warfighters.
“This festival forms a better relationship between the Marines on base and the local community and creates an overall sense of comfort for the operations we conduct here,” said Cpl. Fadian Salazar, a radio technician with the communications section, CATC. Throughout the day, the Marines conducted several demonstrations, including military working dogs, explosive ordnance disposal tactics, techniques and procedures, and the Marine Corps martial arts program.
“(During the EOD demonstration) I was surprised to see the robot work so precisely,” said Naoto Yamada. “My kids laughed when they saw the ‘explosive’ was only stuffed animals tied together.”
The festivities were well received by many attendees, who now anticipate going back to this event every year, according to Sgt. Keiji Tanaka, an infantryman with the Takigahara Base Infantry School Regiment, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
“This festival has been very exciting and fun,” said Tanaka. “I think everyone expects this event every year because it is very enjoyable.”
All events were tailored to bring the Marines and the Japanese closer together.
“The Marines at Camp Fuji desire to be a part of the local community and (with this festival) we want to increase that friendship and cooperation,” said Johnson.