Bon Dance Festival 2019

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Video by Daisuke Sato

Bon Dance Festival 2019

U.S. Army Garrison - Japan

Aug. 3, 2019 | 2:51

Bon Dance Festival 2019

Narration:
Camp Zama opened its gate to the public for the 60th annual Bon Odori Festival. Despite the hot and humid weather, nearly 20,000 people from both on and off the installation came to the base to experience a vibrant mix of Japanese and American culture.

Remarks: COL Thomas R. Matelski, Commander, U.S. Army Garrison Japan

Remarks: COL Masayuki Amako, Commander, 4th Engineer Group/Zama Chuton-chi, JGSDF
Camp Zama is the only camp shared by the U.S. Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. It is important to understanding each other’s cultures through traditional Japanese events, such as the Bon dance.

Narration:
Service members, civilians, family members, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members, local Japanese residents, children and adults all gathered in a circle, both around and on a large Bon tower to join in the traditional Bon dance.

Interview: SGT Jonathan Paredes, 38th ADA Bde.

Interview: Masako Kawasaki, Bon-Dance Teacher
American people are always up for anything, so they quickly learned the Bon dance moves. It was fun teaching them. Hopefully, people learn something about the Japanese mentality through events like today’s. I would be so happy if we all became friends with each other.

Narration:
“Bon” is a week-long observance during which it is said deceased ancestors return to their families and relatives, who welcome their loved ones with a large meal. Also during this time, neighborhoods gather to hold a festival that celebrates their ancestors’ return with singing and dancing. The Camp Zama Bon Odori Festival has become one of the major events that helps bridge the relationship between the U.S. Army and the Japanese community.

Interview: COL Thomas R. Matelski, Commander, U.S. Army Garrison Japan

Interview: COL Masayuki Amako, Commander, 4th Engineer Group/Zama Chuton-chi, JGSDF
Understanding each other’s culture more deeply is very important to work together as good neighbors and good partners. It is also a great opportunity for local community to look us how we closely work together by opening installation.

Reporting for U.S. Army Garrison Japan Public Affairs, this is Dustin Perry.