374th leaders, Airmen enjoy local Bon Dance festivals

Japan Air Self-Defense Force Col. Ota Masashi (left), 2nd Tactical Airlift Group commander and U.S Air Force Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, pose for a photo at Iruma’s Bon festival, Japan, July 26, 2023. Participants were treated to food, fireworks and performances of various styles of bon dancing. Events like these are designed to strengthen the ties between the U.S. and local Japanese people. (U.S Air Force photo by Senior Airman Manuel G. Zamora)

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374th leaders, Airmen enjoy local Bon Dance festivals

Japan Air Self-Defense Force Major General Yasuko Onouchi (left), Central Aircraft Control and Warning Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, pose for a photo at Iruma’s Bon festival, Japan, July 26, 2023. Participants were treated to food, fireworks and performances of various styles of bon dancing. Events like these provide an opportunity to promote positive relations between U.S military members and local Japanese people. (U.S Air Force photo by Senior Airman Manuel G. Zamora)

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374th leaders, Airmen enjoy local Bon Dance festivals

Bon Odori dancers from local Japanese cities perform during Iruma’s Bon festival, Japan, July 26, 2023. The traditional dance is nearly 600 years old and is a form of honoring the spirits of one's ancestors. Events like these provide an opportunity to promote positive relations between U.S military members and local Japanese people. (U.S Air Force photo by Senior Airman Manuel G. Zamora)

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374th leaders, Airmen enjoy local Bon Dance festivals

Japan Air Self-Defense Force Col. Hiroko Konno (left), Air Weather Group commander, and U.S. Air Force Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, pose for a photo during a bon festival at Fuchu Air Base, Japan, July 27, 2023. The leaders had a brief conversation before enjoying the remainder of the bon dance festival. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Samantha Perez)

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374th leaders, Airmen enjoy local Bon Dance festivals

Fireworks burst in the air during Iruma’s Bon festival hosted by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, July 26, 2023. The event had food, fireworks and various styles of traditional Bon dancing. Events like these are designed to promote positive relations between U.S military members and local Japanese people. (U.S Air Force photo by Senior Airman Manuel G. Zamora)

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374th leaders, Airmen enjoy local Bon Dance festivals

Japan Air Self-Defense Force Chief Master Sgt. Toshiya Araki (left), Air Development and Test Command senior enlisted advisor, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Dunn, 374th Airlift Wing command chief, discuss military leadership opportunities during a festival at Fuchu Air Base, Japan, July 27, 2023. Leaders, Airmen, and family members from the 374th Airlift Wing were invited to the festival to further cooperation and understanding between the U.S. military and Japan Air Self Defense Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Samantha Perez)

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374th leaders, Airmen enjoy local Bon Dance festivals

U.S. Air Force Col. Andrew Roddan (left), 374th Airlift Wing commander, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force Col. Kimitoshi Sugiyama, Space Operations Group commander, pose for a photo during a Bon Odori at Fuchu Air Base, Japan, July 27, 2023. A Bon Odori is a festival held only during the summer to honor one’s ancestors. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Samantha Perez)

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374th leaders, Airmen enjoy local Bon Dance festivals

Shannon O’Callaghan, 374th Airlift Wing spouse (left), and Regina Hennenlotter, 374th Airlift Wing Special Victim’s Counsel officer, perform Japanese Bon Odori during a bon dance festival at Fuchu Air Base, Japan, July 27, 2023. Bon Odori is a type of traditional Japanese dance used to show gratitude towards one’s ancestors. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Samantha Perez)

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374th leaders, Airmen enjoy local Bon Dance festivals

Airmen, family members and leaders from the 374th Airlift Wing and Japan Air Self-Defense Force pose for a photo at a bon dance festival at Fuchu Air Base, Japan, July 27, 2023. The Airmen and their families were invited to experience Japanese culture and tradition at the festival. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Samantha Perez)

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374th leaders, Airmen enjoy local Bon Dance festivals

Published Aug. 4, 2023
By Senior Airman Manuel G. Zamora
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Japan Air Self-Defense Force Col. Ota Masashi (left), 2nd Tactical Airlift Group commander and U.S Air Force Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, pose for a photo at Iruma’s Bon festival, Japan, July 26, 2023. Participants were treated to food, fireworks and performances of various styles of bon dancing. Events like these are designed to strengthen the ties between the U.S. and local Japanese people. (U.S Air Force photo by Senior Airman Manuel G. Zamora)