YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --
Yokota Air Base invited farmers and vendors in the local community to participate in its first farmers market event on Oct. 22, 2022.
More than 25 local farms and vendors shared their goods and services with base members as part of an effort to strengthen ties between communities.
“I am excited to join you all here in celebration of today’s event,” said Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander. “I am glad that we can collaborate and create this farmers market event with our amazing and supportive Japanese friends.”
Amy Rule, the spouse of the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, attended the event alongside base leadership and helped kick off the festivities with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The city mayors of Fussa, Mizuho, Tachikawa and Akishima also attended to show support of local vendors and the Yokota community.
“Putting on an event like this is no small feat and though they make it look easy,” said Maj. Jordan Hayes, 374th FSS commander. “The men and women of the force support squadron have pulled off an incredibly difficult task, as they brought this idea to life in just two short months and Yokota is incredibly lucky to have such devoted professionals in this unit.”
The farmers market was developed as a way to increase access to fresh produce for base residents, and provide a fun opportunity for the Team Yokota community to engage with their Japanese neighbors.
Connections made through events and activities like the farmers market help build and maintain the bonds of trust between Yokota Air Base and the local community.
Yokota will plan to hold a farmers market monthly between February and October as seasonal harvests permit.