Fifteen National Defense Academy of Japan cadets visited U.S. Fleet Activities (FLEACT) Yokosuka’s Japan-U.S. cultural exchange center to interact with 12 Sailors aboard USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), Aug. 29, 2018.

The event was a cultural exchange opportunity hosted by FLEACT Yokosuka Public Affairs Office, to help facilitate understanding between Sailors and the local community.

“This event, is the first of its kind since our organization was established this April,” said Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Major Kennich Seto, a member of the school’s Center for International Exchange, Institute of Advanced Studies Office. “I expect our cadets to deepen their understanding of U.S. Sailors first-hand. While they have their own English classes and some of them have experience abroad from our exchange programs, it is still exciting for them to have an opportunity to speak to Yokosuka Sailors first-hand.”

Seto also said that the visit also gives his students an opportunity to nurture international ways of thinking and communication skills for their future intraoperative assignments. 

“It gives me an opportunity to speak in English and I am really having fun in actually speaking to Sailors like this,” said Cadet Seiya Kuroiwa, who majors in international relationships. “It also helps me to quickly respond when I am spoken to in English.”

Chief Information Technician Robert Esters, attached to USS Blue Ridge and an event coordinator, said that the Sailors who participated were all chief selectees: “Among many applicants, they are the best of the best. [The event] also gave them an opportunity to develop a greater insight into their own and other’s cultures.”

“It was enlightening to know about their culture,” said USS Blue Ridge, Chief (select) Culinary Specialist Alleyn George. “I was a little amazed at the fact that all the Japanese here are very much interested in differences of Starbucks in Japan and the U.S!”

Esters also added: “Many of the Sailors and cadets have similar interests and experiences, and it’s really awesome to witness the new connections forged through mutual understanding.”

FLEACT Yokosuka provides, maintains, and operates base facilities and services in support of 7th Fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, 71 tenant commands, and 27,000 military and civilian personnel.

Garrett Zopfi and Maria Dumanlang of FLEACT Yokosuka Public Affairs Office contributed to this story.

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