Laughter and the soft murmur of voices warmed up the room during a home visit event for Sailors and Japanese families onboard U.S. Fleet Activities (FLEACT) Yokosuka, March 21. The event, coordinated by FLEACT Yokosuka Public Affairs in partnership with the City of Yokosuka, was a great opportunity for Sailors to meet Japanese families and for Japanese families to meet U.S. Navy Sailors.

"This is the first time we've had a chance to meet U.S. military even though we live in Yokosuka," said Mr. Shigeru Oyama, with wife Airi and their infant son. "It would be strange to just talk to Americans on the street so this is a good way to meet Americans."

During the home visit event, Sailors visited a Japanese family home with volunteers from the City of Yokosuka to better understand each other on a personal level.

"I'm excited to speak English!" said Ms. Oyama, whose family invited the Salisburys into their home as part of the home visit event. "I lived in England for work and I'm excited to speak English today!"

The home life of their Japanese neighbors is an uncommon experience for Sailors in Yokosuka so there was much for the Salisbury and Oyama families to talk about.

"We are really excited for this home visit because we want to get to know the culture of Japan and how people are at their home," said Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Anthony Salisbury, sitting with his spouse before visiting the Oyama's home.

"I'm interested in seeing the differences in home styles but [I] also look forward to the similarities," said Logistics Specialist Seaman Falcone, as she smiled at the youngest Oyama, Wataru.

Despite the unseasonably chilly day in Yokosuka, the warmth of the Japanese families opening their homes to Sailors was apparent and provided a unique prospect for friendships.

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