 Last additions - Yokota Air Base Japanese-American Friendship Festival 2009 横田基地日米友好祭 |
My YouTube video of the Friendship Festival tanabata dancers, air show, etc., in 2009.Jun 06, 2010
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JR Ushihama Station platform. Fewer people than I expected, to my relief.Aug 24, 2009
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Interesting sign at the gate.Aug 24, 2009
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Exit at Supply Gate No. 5, was terribly crowded. The gate wasn't the problem. The problem was the street traffic signal beyond. We had to wait for it to turn green several times. They should've just closed the road to traffic.Aug 24, 2009
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Crowd going home. This was around 4:30 pm. There were still people entering the base, probably for the fireworks later in the evening. But I went on to Mitaka to see the Awa Odori.Aug 24, 2009
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Toilets, both American and Japanese style. They had many portable toilets on hand. And they were busy all day long.Aug 24, 2009
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Train for kids plied between the gate to the main festival site.Aug 24, 2009
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Thanks to all who made it possible. Make no doubt, I am a proud American (from Hawaii), and always happy to see activities and events promoting better friendship and relations between the US and Japan.Aug 24, 2009
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The Yokota Air Base Japanese-American Friendship Festival in 2009 was great. I really enjoyed it. So much to see. The variety of aircraft was excellent. Obviously, a lot of preparation went into this festival with aircraft coming from many bases.Aug 24, 2009
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Chinook helicopter up and away.Aug 24, 2009
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The Chinook helicopter going to the runway to take off.Aug 24, 2009
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Aug 24, 2009
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Most of the planes leaving Yokota were from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. a nice festival climax, but the festival wouldn't end until night time when fireworks were held.Aug 24, 2009
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BeechcraftAug 24, 2009
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U-125AAug 24, 2009
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Helicopter taking off at Yokota Air Base.Aug 24, 2009
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Deafening noise, but very dramatic and a great ending to a great friendship festival. Also see my YouTube video here.Aug 24, 2009
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Fighter on the runway.Aug 24, 2009
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We were then treated to a series of flybys by planes leaving Yokota Air Base. After each plane took off, they flew by us and did a few airborne tricks.Aug 24, 2009
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At around 2 pm, they started to clear people away from part of the aircraft display area. Some of the aircraft were to depart. This happens only on the second day of the festival.Aug 24, 2009
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On a garbage truck.Aug 24, 2009
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The aircraft started departing at around 3 pm.Aug 24, 2009
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Our fly boys on a lunch break.Aug 24, 2009
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This strongman pulled a bus loaded with kids.Aug 24, 2009
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Trying on pilot's helmets.Aug 24, 2009
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In the afternoon at the outdoor stage, they had a Strongman's Competition.Aug 24, 2009
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So what's the difference between a green helo and a blue one (next photo)?Aug 24, 2009
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The green (camoflauge) one is for flying over land, the blue for ocean.Aug 24, 2009
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Interesting shape of the rotor blades.Aug 24, 2009
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Chinook helicopterAug 24, 2009
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Now for the helicopters. A bunch of them were on display, including this Huey.Aug 24, 2009
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Long lines almost everywhere.Aug 24, 2009
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Japan Air Self Defense Force, U-125AAug 24, 2009
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People lined up to sit in the cockpit of the Huey helicopter.Aug 24, 2009
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Torii at Yokota Air Base. I remember that there was a control tower back here. Not there anymore. In fact, I couldn't find the control tower anywhere.Aug 24, 2009
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Torii at Yokota Air Base.Aug 24, 2009
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They should understand that the samurai was a land-based fighter. They never flew in the air.Aug 24, 2009
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I wish they had signs in front of each plane so we can identify the plane and know where it came from.Aug 24, 2009
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Girl in yukata kimono posing with military persons in uniform in front of the C-130.Aug 24, 2009
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C-130 noseAug 24, 2009
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A long line to enter the C-130 Hercules plane.Aug 24, 2009
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C-130 Hercules.Aug 24, 2009
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We could only peek inside Japan's C-130.Aug 24, 2009
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Sky-colored C-130 of the Japan Air Self-Defence Force.Aug 24, 2009
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Entering the KC-135 Stratotanker.Aug 24, 2009
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Young Tigers on the tail of this KC-135 Stratotanker.Aug 24, 2009
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Below the tail is the refueling pipe (with fins) of the KC-135 Stratotanker.Aug 24, 2009
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People could also enter the KC-135 Stratotanker.Aug 24, 2009
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The KC-135 Stratotanker has been in service since 1957. Aug 24, 2009
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Inside the C-17 Globemaster III. I could almost smell the Hawaiian air. A few people from Hawaii were inside the plane selling souvenirs, greeting people with "Aloha!"Aug 24, 2009
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Next to the C-17 Globemaster III was this refueling plane called the KC-135 Stratotanker made by Boeing.Aug 24, 2009
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Engines of the C-17 Globemaster III.Aug 24, 2009
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Entering the C-17 Globemaster III cargo plane.Aug 24, 2009
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Aug 24, 2009
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C-17 Globemaster III has only one opening (in the rear) for loading/unloading cargo.Aug 24, 2009
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We could also enter the C-17 Globemaster III from the rear.Aug 24, 2009
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People also lined up to sit in the cockpit of the C-17 Globemaster III. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to line up and see the cockpit of any of the planes.Aug 24, 2009
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C-17 Globemaster III and C-5 Galaxy cargo planesAug 24, 2009
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C-17 Globemaster IIIAug 24, 2009
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C-17 Globemaster IIIAug 24, 2009
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Front and nose of C-17 Globemaster IIIAug 24, 2009
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Next to the C-5 Galaxy was the second largest plane on display: The C-17 Globemaster III. This plane came from Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu, Hawaii.Aug 24, 2009
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C-5 Galaxy crewAug 24, 2009
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At the mouth of the plane is this ladder going up the cockpit of the C-5 Galaxy.Aug 24, 2009
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Lining up to see the C-5 Galaxy's cockpit on the upper deck. There are some passenger seats as well.Aug 24, 2009
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These people are lining up to see the C-5 Galaxy's cockpit on the upper deck.Aug 24, 2009
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Side view of the C-5 Galaxy's front end. The closest thing we have to Thunderbird 2.Aug 24, 2009
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C-5 Galaxy engineAug 24, 2009
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The C-5 Galaxy has 28 wheels.Aug 24, 2009
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Inside the C-5 Galaxy, selling T-shirts, "Size does matter."Aug 24, 2009
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Exit of the C-5 Galaxy. The plane's openings on both the front and back enables unloading and loading to be done at the same time.Aug 24, 2009
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Floor of the C-5 Galaxy, dotted with eyelets for hooks or ropes to secure the cargo.Aug 24, 2009
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People could also sit and rest inside the C-5 Galaxy.Aug 24, 2009
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This baby can carry a lotta stuff. It can swallow a helicopter whole. Can you believe the C-5 has been in service since 1969? That's 40 years ago! Happy birthday!Aug 24, 2009
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This C-5 Galaxy came from Travis Air Base in California. Its gaping mouth open for visitors. I like the design of this plane. It's nice.Aug 24, 2009
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C-5 Galaxy transport plane was fully open for public viewing. We could just walk through the plane's cargo hold. No lines of people.Aug 24, 2009
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On the farthest end of the festival site were the two biggest planes on display. The C-17 Globemaster III (left) and C-5 Galaxy (right).Aug 24, 2009
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C-130 landing at Yokota Air Base. These planes drew large crowds as they took off and landed. There are many aircraft fans in Japan, photographers crazy about military aircraft.Aug 24, 2009
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C-5 Galaxy transport plane, one of the largest aircraft in the world. One of my favorites.Aug 24, 2009
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After a job well done, the three C-130s return to Yokota Air Base.Aug 24, 2009
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Men in parachutes heading toward Yokota Air Base. They landed on the runway area.Aug 24, 2009
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Some time later, the three C-130 planes dropped several men in parachutes.Aug 24, 2009
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Parachutes in the air.Aug 24, 2009
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C-130 taking off.Aug 24, 2009
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Three C-130 Hercules cargo planes start to take off one after another for an airborne demo.Aug 24, 2009
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C-130 on the runway to take off for an airborne demo.Aug 24, 2009
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AWACS planeAug 24, 2009
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P-3 OrionAug 24, 2009
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Japan Air Self Defense Force Kawasaki C-1Aug 24, 2009
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Japan Air Self Defense Force F-4 PhantomAug 24, 2009
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Planes with the familiar red dot belong to Japan's Self-Defense Forces. Japan Air Self Defense Force Mitsubishi F-2 fighter.Aug 24, 2009
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Most of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force planes took off later in the day. Most of the US planes from outside Yokota left the next day.Aug 24, 2009
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F-22 Raptor, the stealth fighter. I thought the plane was black, but they are dull gray.Aug 24, 2009
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F-22 Raptor, the plane that Japan wants, but US bans its export. As a US and Japanese taxpayer, I paid a part of the cost of all the planes on display. Doesn't that make me a part owner?Aug 24, 2009
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F-22 Raptor, the stealth fighter. They had two of them on display. They came from Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. Next time, I'll ask them what it takes to become a stealth fighter pilot.Aug 24, 2009
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Fighter pilots always look quite intelligent. A college degree is required.Aug 24, 2009
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This plane, they allowed people to look inside the cockpit. A long line for this.Aug 24, 2009
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Climb up to see the cockpit. "Wow, awesome!"Aug 24, 2009
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F-15 Eagle fighterAug 24, 2009
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Fightin' Samurai T-shirtAug 24, 2009
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This one stood out, like a swank sports car. Looks like a fast critter.Aug 24, 2009
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The pilots or staff were on hand selling patches, T-shirts, etc. Aug 24, 2009
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Pilot's nameAug 24, 2009
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F-16 Fighting FalconAug 24, 2009
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Besides Yokota, these planes came from various places such as Kadena (Okinawa) and Misawa (Aomori) Air Bases.Aug 24, 2009
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I'm not an expert at military aircraft. I can only tell you the names of the most famous ones.Aug 24, 2009
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On the right side, were mostly fighter planes.Aug 24, 2009
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On the left side were mostly helicopters and cargo aircraft.Aug 24, 2009
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When you walk further down, you see the static displays of miltary aircraft. Aug 24, 2009
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HummerAug 24, 2009
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Hokusai ukiyoe on the tail of a Cessna.Aug 24, 2009
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Would you believe an ambulance made its way through the food court?? People had to get up and make room.Aug 24, 2009
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A giant food court on the tarmac. Good idea to bring something to sit on. Lucky that it wasn't a bright sunny day. Otherwise, the tarmac would be like a frying pan.Aug 24, 2009
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Outdoor stage had more entertainment.Aug 24, 2009
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Inflatable rides for kids, a long line as well. Very important to have something for kids. Lotta families came to the festival.Aug 24, 2009
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Dunking contest. Hey, where's the bikini girl?Aug 24, 2009
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The black Camaro was on sale.Aug 24, 2009
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Hot rodsAug 24, 2009
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They even had a race car display. They must've been happy that it didn't rain. There was some cloud cover, so it wasn't an unbearably hot day.Aug 24, 2009
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An American icon, SPAM.Aug 24, 2009
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Mrs. Yokota?? Hmm, maybe she's married to a Mr. Yokota. Actually, she's Heather Fife, wife of Maj. Kurt Fife, 36th Airlift Squadron,like an ambassador for Yokota. Read about her here.Aug 24, 2009
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Many food booths had long lines. Sasebo Burgers here.Aug 24, 2009
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Cub Scout T-shirts, better design.Aug 24, 2009
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T-shirtsAug 24, 2009
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The entertainment when I was there was the "Tanabata Dancers." Good to see these military wives embracing Japanese culture. Tanabata is the star festival for which host city Fussa is also famous.Aug 24, 2009
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One food booth was "Sons of Hawaii," run by people from Hawaii. Maybe they should change their name to "Sons and Daughters of Hawaii" cuz I saw mostly daughters. BBQ pork sticks and cupcakes. How come neva have Haw'n food??Kalua pig, poi, lomi-lomi salmon, and haupia. C'mon guys, bring out da real Hawaiian food. (If you guys really from HI.)Aug 24, 2009
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Hangar 15 had an indoor stage and food booths. A good place to sit and rest. It wasn't so hot, like I remembered before. I was told that this hangar is normally used for the C-130.Aug 24, 2009
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Hangar 15Aug 24, 2009
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Hangar 15Aug 24, 2009
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Entertainment schedule. There was an indoor stage inside Hangar No. 15 and an outdoor stage. Plus airborne demos.Aug 24, 2009
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Layout of the place. Lots of food booths and souvenir stalls.Aug 24, 2009
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The festival's main area was lined with food booths and PEOPLE!! This is a lot more people than I had ever seen at this festival, and this was my third time. About 100,000 people came this day. Looked more like 500,000.Aug 24, 2009
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K-9 Unit posing for photos with a German Shepherd. That's a big doggie.Aug 24, 2009
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A long line to take pictures with a dog.Aug 24, 2009
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Basketball courtAug 24, 2009
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The Japanese loved to take pictures with the Americans.Aug 24, 2009
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Here we are in Yokota Air Base passing by numerous hangars.Aug 24, 2009
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Lotta local people also came by bicycle.Aug 24, 2009
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Poster for the Yokota Air Base Japanese-American Friendship Festival 2009. Free admission. You had to be either a Japanese or American citizen. (I happen to be a US citizen.)Aug 24, 2009
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Massive crowd going through the gate at Yokota Air Base. We were advised not to bring large bags. I only had a waist pouch. They inspected large bags and rucksacks. Foreigners had to show a photo ID. Of course, I look Japanese, so no ID check for me.Aug 24, 2009
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From the train station, just follow the crowd. I don't know why they didn't close the road to traffic and let us (a much larger number of people than those in cars on the road) walk to the base. The sidewalks are very narrow.Aug 24, 2009
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Ushihama Station is small, and certainly not used to handling the huge crowd of people trying to get out of the station. The train platform was jammed with people. It took maybe 10 min. to get out.Aug 24, 2009
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During Aug. 22-23, 2009, Yokota Air Base held its annual Japanese-American Friendship Festival. I went on the 23rd, arriving at about 11 am. The base was open through Supply Gate No. 5 which is near Ushihama Station on the JR Ome Line.Aug 24, 2009
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Here's Supply Gate No. 5 at Yokota Air Base. It looked like a long wait here too, but it went smoothly.Aug 24, 2009
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