 Most viewed - Fussa 福生市 |
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.806 views
|
|
Interesting sign at the gate.263 views
|
|
JR Ushihama Station platform. Fewer people than I expected, to my relief.261 views
|
|
Michael Jackson tribute in Aug. 2009, Fussa Tanabata Matsuri, Tokyo. Very good likeness.258 views
|
|
Fussa manhole cover with Tanabata design234 views
|
|
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.225 views
|
|
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.215 views
|
|
JR Fussa Station on the JR Ome Line is decorated with tanabata streamers during Aug. 6-9.214 views
|
|
The Japanese loved to take pictures with the Americans.205 views
|
|
Another manhole with the city's flower, bird, and tree, and Tanabata.203 views
|
|
Fussa manhole depicting tanabata festival in Tokyo.203 views
|
|
JR Fussa Station, North side185 views
|
|
On the reverse side of MJ, was Barack Obama, Fussa Tanabata Matsuri, Tokyo183 views
|
|
K-9 Unit posing for photos with a German Shepherd. That's a big doggie.179 views
|
|
Here's Supply Gate No. 5 at Yokota Air Base. It looked like a long wait here too, but it went smoothly.178 views
|
|
JR Fussa Station on the Ome Line. 福生駅174 views
|
|
Here we are in Yokota Air Base passing by numerous hangars.165 views
|
|
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.162 views
|
|
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.161 views
|
|
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.159 views
|
|
|
|
Lotta local people also came by bicycle.158 views
|
|
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.)157 views
|
|
Layout of the place. Lots of food booths and souvenir stalls.154 views
|
|
Basketball court150 views
|
|
Hangar 15150 views
|
|
Hangar 15149 views
|
|
A long line to take pictures with a dog.148 views
|
|
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 500,000.147 views
|
|
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-130.147 views
|
|
Kanizaka Park near Tamagawa River かに坂公園145 views
|
|
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.143 views
|
|
Tanabata decorations on the west side of Fussa Station.142 views
|
|
Barack Obama at Fussa Tanabata Matsuri, Tokyo. A very good likeness.142 views
|
|
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.142 views
|
|
Dunking contest. Hey, where's the bikini girl?141 views
|
|
JR Fussa Station connects to Seiyu140 views
|
|
Entertainment schedule. There was an indoor stage inside Hangar No. 15 and an outdoor stage. Plus airborne demos.139 views
|
|
|
An American icon, SPAM.139 views
|
|
Fighter pilots always look quite intelligent. A college degree is required.139 views
|
|
Girl in yukata kimono posing with military persons in uniform in front of the C-130.139 views
|
|
JR Fussa Station, North side138 views
|
|
137 views
|
|
Toilets, both American and Japanese style. They had many portable toilets on hand. And they were busy all day long.137 views
|
|
Samba dancer at Fussa Tanabata Matsuri, Tokyo136 views
|
|
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??136 viewsKalua pig, poi, lomi-lomi salmon, and haupia. C'mon guys, bring out da real Hawaiian food. (If you guys really from HI.)
|
|
Many food booths had long lines. Sasebo Burgers here.135 views
|
|
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.135 views
|
|
Samba dancer at Fussa Tanabata Matsuri, Tokyo134 views
|
|
The black Camaro was on sale.134 views
|
|
Hokusai ukiyoe on the tail of a Cessna.134 views
|
|
Haijima Station platform 拝島駅133 views
|
|
Cub Scout T-shirts, better design.133 views
|
|
Samba dancer at Fussa Tanabata Matsuri, Tokyo132 views
|
|
T-shirts132 views
|
|
Hummer132 views
|
|
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?132 views
|
|
JR Fussa Station131 views
|
|
People could also sit and rest inside the C-5 Galaxy.131 views
|
|
Hot rods130 views
|
|
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.129 views
|
|
Train for kids plied between the gate to the main festival site.129 views
|
|
JR Fussa Station platform128 views
|
|
Fightin' Samurai T-shirt128 views
|
|
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.127 views
|
|
JR Fussa Station, South side126 views
|
|
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.126 views
|
|
Samba dancer at Fussa Tanabata Matsuri, Tokyo125 views
|
|
125 views
|
|
Besides Yokota, these planes came from various places such as Kadena (Okinawa) and Misawa (Aomori) Air Bases.125 views
|
|
|
124 views
|
|
I'm not an expert at military aircraft. I can only tell you the names of the most famous ones.124 views
|
|
This one stood out, like a swank sports car. Looks like a fast critter.124 views
|
|
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!"124 views
|
|
The pilots or staff were on hand selling patches, T-shirts, etc. 123 views
|
|
Japan Air Self Defense Force Kawasaki C-1123 views
|
|
JR Fussa Station, South side122 views
|
|
Kami Josui Park near Tamagawa Josui canal. 加美上水公園122 views
|
|
Tanabata Galaxy Street had food stalls.122 views
|
|
Would you believe an ambulance made its way through the food court?? People had to get up and make room.122 views
|
|
This plane, they allowed people to look inside the cockpit. A long line for this.122 views
|
|
Inside the C-5 Galaxy, selling T-shirts, "Size does matter."122 views
|
|
Inflatable rides for kids, a long line as well. Very important to have something for kids. Lotta families came to the festival.121 views
|
|
Map along the Tamagawa River120 views
|
|
|
Outdoor stage had more entertainment.120 views
|
|
Planes with the familiar red dot belong to Japan's Self-Defense Forces. Japan Air Self Defense Force Mitsubishi F-2 fighter.120 views
|
|
Japan Air Self Defense Force F-4 Phantom120 views
|
|
C-5 Galaxy crew120 views
|
|
On the right side, were mostly fighter planes.119 views
|
|
F-16 Fighting Falcon119 views
|
|
F-15 Eagle fighter119 views
|
|
F-22 Raptor, the stealth fighter. I thought the plane was black, but they are dull gray.119 views
|
|
119 views
|
|
MJ who died in June 2009.118 views
|
|
Quite a few people wore yukata.118 views
|
|
Samba dancer at Fussa Tanabata Matsuri, Tokyo118 views
|
|
Climb up to see the cockpit. "Wow, awesome!"118 views
|
|
Torii at Yokota Air Base.118 views
|
|
Jogging route along Tamagawa River117 views
|
|
|
On the left side were mostly helicopters and cargo aircraft.117 views
|
|
Some time later, the three C-130 planes dropped several men in parachutes.117 views
|
|
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.117 views
|
|
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!117 views
|
|
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.117 views
|
|
Walking guide to Fussa at Haijima Station.116 views
|
|
Brass band parafe by Self-Defense Force.116 views
|
|
When you walk further down, you see the static displays of miltary aircraft. 115 views
|
|
JR Haijima Station being renovated in early 2007. 拝島駅114 views
|
|
Mini samba parade at Fussa Tanabata Matsuri, Tokyo114 views
|
|
114 views
|
|
114 views
|
|
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.114 views
|
|
Park to meet someone special and to "create happiness" as the name "Fussa" implies.113 views
|
|
Sign in English113 views
|
|
Right outside the west exit of Fussa Station was this helpful information booth, offering free maps and info about the festival.113 views
|
|
Ekimae-dori road had outdoor tanabata decorations. In fact, there are no indoor arcade areas for tanabata in Fussa.113 views
|
|
The weaver is represented by the Vega star and the herdsman by the Altair star. As a prayer to produce better arts and crafts, the Imperial Court and the warrior class paid homage to these two stars from ancient times. This practice spread to the masses.113 views
|
|
113 views
|
|
113 views
|
|
AWACS plane113 views
|
|
JR Fussa Station. Go out the West (Nishiguchi) exit for the Tanabata Matsuri.112 views
|
|
Area in front of Fussa Station's west exit.112 views
|
|
C-5 Galaxy transport plane, one of the largest aircraft in the world. One of my favorites.112 views
|
|
C-5 Galaxy engine112 views
|
|
Next to the C-17 Globemaster III was this refueling plane called the KC-135 Stratotanker made by Boeing.112 views
|
|
JR Fussa Station111 views
|
|
C-130 on the runway to take off for an airborne demo.111 views
|
|
|
After a job well done, the three C-130s return to Yokota Air Base.111 views
|
|
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).111 views
|
|
Young Tigers on the tail of this KC-135 Stratotanker.111 views
|
|
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.111 views
|
|
Making their way through Ekimae-dori.110 views
|
|
Side view of the C-5 Galaxy's front end. The closest thing we have to Thunderbird 2.110 views
|
|
Kami Josui Park109 views
|
|
Another road with tanabata decorations in Fussa was this Ginza-dori road, also outdoors.109 views
|
|
Pilot's name109 views
|
|
Three C-130 Hercules cargo planes start to take off one after another for an airborne demo.109 views
|
|
The C-5 Galaxy has 28 wheels.109 views
|
|
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.109 views
|
|
We could also enter the C-17 Globemaster III from the rear.109 views
|
|
Tamagawa River108 views
|
|
Samba dancer at Fussa Tanabata Matsuri, Tokyo108 views
|
|
Parachutes in the air.108 views
|
|
Men in parachutes heading toward Yokota Air Base. They landed on the runway area.108 views
|
|
These people are lining up to see the C-5 Galaxy's cockpit on the upper deck.108 views
|
|
People lined up to sit in the cockpit of the Huey helicopter.108 views
|
|
Long lines almost everywhere.108 views
|
|
In the afternoon at the outdoor stage, they had a Strongman's Competition.108 views
|
|
This strongman pulled a bus loaded with kids.108 views
|
|
Fussa's biggest event is the Fussa Tanabata Matsuri. The 59th festival was held during Aug. 6-9, 2009. I visited on Aug. 9, 2009.107 views
|
|
107 views
|
|
P-3 Orion107 views
|
|
107 views
|
|
107 views
|
|
C-17 Globemaster III107 views
|
|
C-17 Globemaster III and C-5 Galaxy cargo planes107 views
|
|
Now for the helicopters. A bunch of them were on display, including this Huey.107 views
|
|
106 views
|
|
This angered her father who banished the herdsman to the other side of the Milky Way. He allowed the two to meet only once a year on the evening of the seventh day of the seventh month (according to the lunar calendar).106 views
|
|
The festival is said to have originated from a Star Festival in China. According to Chinese legend, east of the Milky Way there was a Heavenly King whose daughter worked as a weaver. However, when she married a herdsman, she quit weaving.106 views
|
|
106 views
|
|
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.106 views
|
|
Floor of the C-5 Galaxy, dotted with eyelets for hooks or ropes to secure the cargo.106 views
|
|
Lining up to see the C-5 Galaxy's cockpit on the upper deck. There are some passenger seats as well.106 views
|
|
C-17 Globemaster III106 views
|
|
C-17 Globemaster III has only one opening (in the rear) for loading/unloading cargo.106 views
|
|
They should understand that the samurai was a land-based fighter. They never flew in the air.106 views
|
|
Japan's largest Tanabata Matsuri is in Sendai. Tanabata in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa and Asagaya in Tokyo are also well known.105 views
|
|
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.105 views
|
|
Tamagawa Josui canal in Fussa104 views
|
|
Fussa Tanabata Matsuri, Tokyo104 views
|
|
Entrance to the Daiichi Elementary School.104 views
|
|
C-130 taking off.104 views
|
|
At the mouth of the plane is this ladder going up the cockpit of the C-5 Galaxy.104 views
|
|
104 views
|
|
The green (camoflauge) one is for flying over land, the blue for ocean.104 views
|
|
Our fly boys on a lunch break.104 views
|
|
On a garbage truck.104 views
|
|
103 views
|
|
Daiichi Elementary School had a stage for performances, etc. There were numerous performers every day of the festival.103 views
|
|
Entering the C-17 Globemaster III cargo plane.103 views
|
|
Japan Air Self Defense Force, U-125A103 views
|
|
103 views
|
|
The decorations on Ginza-dori were more creative.102 views
|
|
Front and nose of C-17 Globemaster III102 views
|
|
So what's the difference between a green helo and a blue one (next photo)?102 views
|
|
Helicopter taking off at Yokota Air Base.102 views
|
|
101 views
|
|
101 views
|
|
Engines of the C-17 Globemaster III.101 views
|
|
People could also enter the KC-135 Stratotanker.101 views
|
|
101 views
|
|
Fighter on the runway.101 views
|
|
My YouTube video of the Fussa Tanabata Star Festival in 2009.101 views
|
|
100 views
|
|
Sky-colored C-130 of the Japan Air Self-Defence Force.100 views
|
|
100 views
|
|
100 views
|
|
100 views
|
|
My YouTube video of the Friendship Festival tanabata dancers, air show, etc., in 2009.100 views
|
|
99 views
|
|
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been in service since 1957. 99 views
|
|
Entering the KC-135 Stratotanker.99 views
|
|
I wish they had signs in front of each plane so we can identify the plane and know where it came from.99 views
|
|
Interesting shape of the rotor blades.99 views
|
|
Deafening noise, but very dramatic and a great ending to a great friendship festival. Also see my YouTube video here.99 views
|
|
U-125A99 views
|
|
The Chinook helicopter going to the runway to take off.99 views
|
|
A band parade by local school children.98 views
|
|
98 views
|
|
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.98 views
|
|
A long line to enter the C-130 Hercules plane.98 views
|
|
Chinook helicopter98 views
|
|
The aircraft started departing at around 3 pm.98 views
|
|
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.98 views
|
|
97 views
|
|
We also saw a mini samba parade promoting a college wrestling event.96 views
|
|
96 views
|
|
We could only peek inside Japan's C-130.96 views
|
|
96 views
|
|
95 views
|
|
95 views
|
|
C-130 Hercules.95 views
|
|
95 views
|
|
95 views
|
|
94 views
|
|
94 views
|
|
Below the tail is the refueling pipe (with fins) of the KC-135 Stratotanker.94 views
|
|
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.94 views
|
|
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.94 views
|
|
93 views
|
|
Chinese-style tanabata decoration.93 views
|
|
C-130 nose93 views
|
|
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.93 views
|
|
Beechcraft92 views
|
|
Trying on pilot's helmets.91 views
|
|
90 views
|
|
Chinook helicopter up and away.90 views
|
|
89 views
|
|
88 views
|
|
87 views
|
|
Anpan Man of course. What would a tanabata festival be without this character?86 views
|
|
86 views
|
|
84 views
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
