Yokota hosts AAPI Heritage Month luncheon

A member of Yokota’s Tanabata Dance team performs Bon Dance with attendees during an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month luncheon at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 17, 2023. AAPI Heritage Month is celebrated in May to celebrate and commemorate the contributions of Asian-Pacific Islanders in America. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

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Yokota hosts AAPI Heritage Month luncheon

A member of the Yokota Haka Team performs Haka during an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month luncheon at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 17, 2023. Established in 1992, AAPI Heritage Month celebrates the historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Pacific Islander descent into the United States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

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Yokota hosts AAPI Heritage Month luncheon

Members of the Kuikanani Association perform a Hula dance during an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month luncheon at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 17, 2023. Established in 1992, AAPI Heritage Month celebrates the historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in the United States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

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Yokota hosts AAPI Heritage Month luncheon

Members of the Kuikanani Association perform a Hula dance during an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month luncheon at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 17, 2023. AAPI Heritage Month is celebrated in May to celebrate and commemorate the contributions of Asian-Pacific Islanders in America. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

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Yokota hosts AAPI Heritage Month luncheon

An attendee watches hula dancers perform during an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month luncheon at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 17, 2023. AAPI Heritage Month is celebrated in May to celebrate and commemorate the contributions of Asian-Pacific Islanders in America. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

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Yokota hosts AAPI Heritage Month luncheon

An Aloha dancer performs Tahitian dance during an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month luncheon at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 17, 2023. Established in 1992, AAPI Heritage Month celebrates the historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in the United States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

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Yokota hosts AAPI Heritage Month luncheon

Japanese contractors from Yokota Air Base demonstrate the art of the Kimono during an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month luncheon at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 17, 2023. The observance recognized AAPI Heritage Month, which was established in 1992. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

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Yokota hosts AAPI Heritage Month luncheon

Chief Master Sgt. Ireneo Alfaro, 374th Medical Group senior enlisted leader, gives remarks during an Asian American Heritage Month luncheon at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 17, 2023. Established in 1992, AAPI celebrates the historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Pacific Islander descent to the United States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

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Yokota hosts AAPI Heritage Month luncheon

Published May 17, 2023
By Yasuo Osakabe
374th Airlift Wing public affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Yokota Air Base hosted an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month luncheon at the Yokota Officers’ Club where performers from the Pacific Islands, Hawaii, Japan, and Korea conducted cultural demonstrations, May 17.

During the month of May, the Department of Defense recognizes AAPI Heritage Month to honor the legacy of the Asian and Pacific Islander community in the U.S..

The history of recognizing AAPI Heritage Month dates back to 1977, when Congress designated the first ten days of May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week after receiving support from both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. In 1992, Congress passed Public Law 102-450, formally designating May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, which was later renamed Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and it has been celebrated annually since.