Honoring Tradition: Japan Culture Day

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From left, Japan Air Self-Defense Force Col. Yuichi Hosokawa, Operations Support Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Col. Richard McElhaney, 374th Airlift Wing commander, open a barrel of Japanese sake during the annual Japan Culture Day at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 16, 2026. The event provided an opportunity for cultural exchange, strengthening ties and mutual understanding between U.S. and Japanese personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Carissa McSwain)

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A Japan Culture Day participant dressed as a lion performs the shishi-mai dance during the annual event at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 16, 2026. The traditional Japanese lion dance dates back to 752 and is commonly performed during the New Year and other festivals to symbolize good luck and ward off evil spirits. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Carissa McSwain)

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A Yokota community member participates in a mochi-pounding ceremony during Japan Culture Day at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Dec. 11, 2025. During the tradition, steamed rice is pounded into paste and molded into the desired shape to make the Japanese snack. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Carissa McSwain)

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Event performers play taiko drums during Japan Culture Day at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 16, 2026. The annual celebration provided an opportunity for cultural exchange, strengthening ties and mutual understanding between U.S. and Japanese personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Carissa McSwain)

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Members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force perform yosakoi for observers during the annual Japan Culture Day at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 16, 2026. Yosakoi is a high-energy Japanese dance style that combines traditional movements with modern music and is commonly performed by large teams during festivals and events. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Carissa McSwain)

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U.S. and Japanese community members came together to enjoy the annual Japan Culture Day on Jan. 16, 2026. Volunteers and attendees were able to celebrate the new year with Japanese traditions such as lion dances, kimono fittings and mochi pounding. These traditions dated back as far as year 710 and are believed to bring good fortune and health into the new year.

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