Spouses exchange cultures at bilateral event

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Eric Summers
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Spouses of U.S. servicemembers from Yokota Air Base and spouses of Japanese Self Defense Rorce members from Iruma Air Base took part in a Commanders' Spouses bilateral event here Feb. 13.

During the event, spouses took a dance class where they learned classic American dance styles to include the swing, pony and the twist. They then bowled two games and had a classic American lunch at Tomodachi Lanes.

"The spouses of Yokota planned the various fun events to show us U.S. culture, and we all had a wonderful time together. We are looking forward to inviting them to show our Japanese culture at Iruma Air Base in March," said Mrs. Sachie Hironaka, who is married to Maj. Gen. Masayuki Hironaka, commander of Iruma AB.

"Typically, four times a year spouses from Yokota and Iruma get together to introduce and exchange cultures with one another," said Renee Newell, who is married to Col. Jeff Newell, 374th Airlift Wing commander.

"This is just a great opportunity to make friends and learn about the Japanese culture as they learn about the American culture," said Mrs. Newell.

"Events like this help promote one of the key items of the commander's vision of being gracious guests of Japan. They are also a way for us to forge a closer community bond with our Japanese host," said Mrs. Newell.

"We are very thankful to the spouses of Yokota for inviting us," said Mrs. Hironaka.