Japan Air Self-Defense Force Col. Takuya Saitou, Operation Support Wing commander, gives opening remarks during a rice pounding event hosted by Japan Air Self-Defense Force at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Dec. 12, 2018. Mochi-tsuki, or the act of pounding rice to make mochi (rice cakes), is a traditional event in Japan in preparation for the New Year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Machiko Arita)