Kendo training fosters good will between U.S. service members and Japanese people

Photo By Staff Sgt. Francis Horton | CAMP KENGUN, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan – U.S. soldiers pose for a photo with the children of the Kumamoto City police station Kendo dojo after Kendo training and handing out snacks and drinks. The Soldiers attended Kendo training at the Kumamoto city police station to foster good relations between the U.S. military and the Japanese people during Yama Sakura 71. Exercise Yama Sakura 71 is an annual command post exercise co-sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific and the JGSDF at Camp Kengun from Dec. 1-13. The purpose of the exercise is to enhance U.S. and Japan’s combat readiness and interoperability while strengthening bilateral relationships and demonstrating U.S. resolve to support the security interests of allies and partners in the Indo-Asia- Pacific region. During the exercise, U.S. military members and JGSDF members exchange ideas, tactic, techniques, military experiences, and culture. Yama Sakura strengthens military operations, trust and friendship. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Francis Horton)  

KUMAMOTO, KUMAMOTO, JAPAN

12.09.2016

Courtesy Story

U.S. Army Japan

Kendo training fosters good will between U.S. service members and Japanese people

CAMP KENGUN, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan – The crack of wood on plastic fills the air as Japanese children of all ages run through drills, sparring against one another with shinais, the traditional weapon used for Kendo.
Alongside the children, a group of U.S. Soldiers are also being trained in the art of Kendo by Kodai Atobe, a Kumamoto police officer.
The Soldiers are participating in the event as a cultural engagement while temporarily stationed at nearby Camp Kengun, in support of Yama Sakura 71. Exercise Yama Sakura is an annual bilateral command post exercise co-sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
The purpose of the exercise is to enhance U.S. and Japan’s combat readiness and interoperability while strengthening bilateral relationships. During Yama Sakura, American and Japanese service members work side-by-side to conduct everything from preparing meals to bilateral mission planning.
On Camp Kengun, the U.S. military police work in tandem with the Japanese to patrol the camp.
“Our main purpose is to protect the base, the safety of everyone on the base, and around the base,” said Sgt. Quincy Williams, Military police noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the 247th Military Police Detachment. Three times a day, either he or one of his military police officers patrol the base with their Japanese counterparts and investigate any suspicious activity reported.
Williams, a New Orleans native, brought several of his soldiers and others to the Kumamoto police station to give them an opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture and build community relationships with the Japanese people.
“We had an interview with the Japanese police headquarters and they pretty much asked if we'd want to come here (to train),” Williams said. He jumped at the chance, and coordinated the training through the station police chief.
The Soldiers participating in the Kendo training included military police, finance and transportation specialists. Williams said it was important to have as many Soldiers as possible to get out and connect with the local community.
“It shows that we care and that we're here for them if they need us. The Army is here to support them no matter what,” said Williams.
Spc. Shamell D. Martin, military police officer with the 247th MP Detachment, said it was a great experience, especially being able to see the children demonstrate their Kendo skills.
“I was honored to be there,” said Spc. Shamell D. Martin, military police officer with the 247th MP Det. “The kids had so much energy.”
After the sparring, the Soldiers gave snacks and drinks to the kids in the dojo and posed together for pictures.
“It builds a lot of trust between us and the Japanese people,” Martin said, adding that they don't get many chances to interact with the local populace.
As for the local populace, Williams has been very happy with how the U.S. service members have been treated.
“The people of Japan are really kind,” he said. “It's like being down south back home. Everyone has southern hospitality.”

• Date Taken: 12.09.2016
• Date Posted: 12.12.2016 01:34
• Story ID: 217243
• Location: KUMAMOTO, KUMAMOTO, JP