U.S., Japanese Airmen meet for cultural exchange

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Clark
  • Det. 10, Air Force News Agency
TOKYO (AFPN) --  Air Force and Japan Air Self Defense Force officers came together at the JASDF's Meguro College here May 31 for an English language cultural exchange.

During the year-long Command and Staff Course at the college, JASDF majors and captains learn the necessary skills to take on future challenges. One skill these officers don't have a lot of experience with is English language training.

During an hour-long classroom exchange, Airmen from the two countries discussed the similarities and differences between their Air Forces, all in English. Exchanges like this offer officers from both countries an opportunity to do more than simply improve a language skill.

"Since we're the one's who will be working with the Japanese on this level, it's important for us to make friends, strengthen relationships, and understand how the Japanese military works," said Capt. Michelle Lewis, a C-130 Hercules pilot from Yokota Air Base, Japan. "We can learn from the similarities and differences between our cultures and use that to our benefit."

The exchange also can go beyond learning about cultural differences and learning a language.

"If you're not comfortable with someone, you can't communicate with them very well," said Maj. Masakage Seki, a JASDF weapons controller. "I believe the most important thing is building a good rapport. Learning English will happen on its own."

"The best thing was the communication," said Captain Lewis. "Being able to talk to them in an open forum with no restrictions was a great opportunity. I hope there are more opportunities for that in the future." 

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