State Partnership Program

Video by Daisuke Sato

JSDF Marching Festival 2018

U.S. Army Garrison - Japan

Nov. 28, 2018 | 2:32

Narration:
The 2018 Annual Japan Self-Defense Forces Marching Festival was held at Budokan, a world famous multipurpose hall in Tokyo. Thousands of Ground, Maritime, and Air Japan Self-Defense Force members participated in the event performing a wide variety of music alongside military musicians from across the globe including the United States, Singapore, and France.

Interview: LTC Tsunemasa Watanabe, Public Affairs Officer, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
The festival began in 1963 as a way for Japanese citizens and intellectuals to have a better understanding of the Japan Self-Defense Forces' activities. It also helps build great relationships with our friends and allied countries. This year, we have four different bands from the U.S., Singapore and France. In total, 160 different military personnel are here performing with us in this year’s festival.

Narration:
The audience was also treated to music from the U.S. Army Japan Band, the Third Marine Expeditionary Force Band, and the Singapore Military Band, in addition to a special performance from the French Navy Band commemorating the 160th anniversary of Japanese and French diplomacy.

Interview: 1SG Ryan Knight, Commander, U.S. Army Japan Band

Interview: SPC Nathan Sheppard, U.S. Army Japan Band

Narration:
The highlight for the festival was the taiko drum performance put on by hundreds of Japan Self-Defense Forces members.

(Video Segment showing Taiko performances)

Reporting for U.S. Army Garrison Japan, this is XXXXXX