TMCnet News
Friendship day brings Americans, Japanese togetherFeb 26, 2010 (DEFENSE DEPARTMENT DOCUMENTS AND PUBLICATIONS/ContentWorks via COMTEX) -- Bechtel Elementary School, Camp McTureous, okinawa, Japan -- American and Japanese elementary school children proved language is no barrier to fun and friendship during the Japan-U.S. Friendship Day on Camp McTureous Feb. 11. Giggles and laughs abounded among the 300 American and Japanese children as they tried to communicate in English and Japanese. The event was part of the Japan-U.S. Sports and Cultural Exchange Program sponsored by the Okinawa Defense Bureau. The program, which began last year, is intended "to increase the understanding between local people living around the military bases and their military neighbors," said Ro Manabe, Okinawa Defense Bureau director, during opening remarks at Bechtel Elementary School where the event was held. "I hope everybody here enjoys the event, and this remains a lasting memory," Manabe told the students. The 150 Japanese students participating came from Kawasaki Elementary School, Agena Elementary School and Taba Elementary School, all in Uruma City. The 150 American students were Bechtel third, fourth and fifth graders who volunteered for the after-school event. The students were split into teams with Americans and Japanese on each team. After listening to speeches by American and Japanese officials, the teams played sports and games on Bechtel's soccer field, made crafts in the school's art rooms and played music in the school gym. Afterwards, everyone gathered for a turkey dinner that included stuffing and all the fixings. The first event held at a Kadena Air Base school last year was touted as a success, so when Camp Courtney's command came to Bechtel asking for participation, the staff jumped at the chance, said Reynaldo Toquero, the school's vice principal. These types of events afford Bechtel children opportunities not available to stateside children, he said. These events allow Bechtel students to learn about foreign cultures firsthand, giving them a more global perspective, he explained. "It broadens our children's experiences," he added. The fun-filled day is a creative way to bridge the gap between the two cultures at a young age, said Kent Grubbs, Bechtel's physical education teacher and one of the event coordinators. "Seeing the Japanese culture, working with them and seeing that other kids in other cultures are just like them is a great experience (for Bechtel's students). The first impression is always going to stay with them. Hopefully this will be a positive first impression," he said. There is an added benefit, Grubbs and Toquero said. "It's going to build good relations with the community," Toquero said. "We are bringing the two cultures together and having fun doing things we love doing," Grubbs said. Anna Field, 9, a fourth grader at Bechtel Elementary, agreed. "I think that it's nice to have Japanese and Americans come together and try to make friends," she said. |