Misawa mayor tours base first time in 67 years

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. A.C. Eggman
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan (AFPN) --  After 67 years of living next door, the newest mayor of Misawa set foot on the base for the first time July 26.

Kazumasa Taneichi, the new Misawa City mayor, received a tour of the flightline, fire station, new dorms and dining facility. He was even treated to a seat in the cockpit of the 35th Fighter Wing commander's F-16 Fighting Falcon. The mayor then enjoyed lunch at the officer's club with base leaders. 

Mr. Taneichi was appointed to the Misawa City position June 17 after the former mayor passed away. For more than 20 years, former Misawa City mayor Shigeyoshi Suzuki, along with base leaders, promoted a "co-existence and co-prosperity" philosophy.

The tour gave Mr. Taneichi the opportunity to get acquainted with base leaders and gain an understanding of the 35th Fighter Wing's mission.

"We have a long legacy of strong relationships with the community and its officials," said Col. Terrence O'Shaughnessy, 35th FW commander. "We wanted to familiarize the new mayor with our mission, promote cultural awareness, and increase our goodwill, so he would have a clear understanding of what we do here."

The mayor took time after lunch to convey his thoughts to the Japanese media and American Forces Network. He focused on the current relationship with the base and shared ideas for improvement.

"I'll take over the late Mayor Suzuki's principle guidance of co-existence and co-prosperity with the base," said Mr. Taneichi. "Mainly, I will stay by this policy, but times change easily and I have to cope with the situations (in a) timely (manner).

The mayor said he has an obligation to protect Misawa City citizens. By touring the base and getting a better impression of its servicemembers and their mission, he is able to relate to the Americans on base and to the Japanese citizens he serves.

"I realized they (Airmen) work hard to maintain (the) defense of the nations in this region," said the mayor. "I appreciated the base commander's special consideration to give me a tour today."

The mayor said he has much to do and has many ideas on how to improve the relationship such as continuing to promote events like American Day and Japan Day, which furthers cultural awareness.

Mayor Taneichi also mentioned the Misawa City officials' efforts to make bilingual signs, "so Japanese and Americans can get together easily and expand the circle of friendship."

He also feels communication is the key to improving the base and community relationship, like when Colonel O'Shaughnessy informs him of situations that will affect the people of Misawa.

"This communication leads to a good, friendly relationship. We should maintain a good relationship," the mayor said.

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