American, Japanese children participate in youth exchange

  • Published
  • By Ed Gulick
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) --  Children from the U.S. and Japan attended a cultural exchange event at the Kadena Youth Center here Aug. 5.

Approximately 40 American and Japanese youth from ages 9 to 11 spent much of the day learning about each other's culture by playing games and eating American style food, in addition to making shisa dogs.

"I think it's hard, but fun," said 11-year-old Ethan Stewart, while rolling clay in his hands to add to his shisa dog sculpture. Asaka Tamaki, his Japanese partner, expressed the same sentiment, and added that this was her first time creating a shisa dog.

After the craft event, participants went to the base exchange food court here so the Japanese students could try some American-style cuisine and practice ordering their meal in English.

While each student was given $10 in cash to pick out anything he or she wanted, 11-year-old Ryunosuke Teruya didn't stray too far from her traditional eating habits.

"I ate Yakisoba and fried rice" she said. "I like it. Their fried rice was better than the one I eat at home."

This youth exchange is just one of many programs the base sponsors to help build bridges between Americans at Kadena Air Base and their Japanese hosts.

"The International Exchange program between the Kadena Youth Center and our Okinawan neighbors is an opportunity for our kids to gain an understanding of the rich customs of Japan," said Teresa Witschen, the Youth Center Programs director, who organized the event in conjunction with the Chatan Town Lions Club International.

In the past, youth center officials have hosted international all night "lock-ins" that consisted of swimming, bowling and both American and Okinawan games and food, Ms Witschen said.

"This year we opted for a day of friendship building through crafts, games and lunch at the food court," she said. "This is a program and tradition we hope to continue year after year.