Leadership from Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) participated in a traditional Japanese mochi pounding ceremony, Dec. 8, in order to ensure good luck for each nation in the coming year.

Capt. Hiroki Saigawa, commanding officer for the JMSDF Ship Supply Depot, recognized the success of their bilateral relationship, which also commemorated 19 years of continuous, mutual support between the Japan and U.S. supply depots.

"For today's ceremony, I have prepared some attractions, such as mochi pounding. This event has been held by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and U.S. Navy Supply Corps for many winters at this location. I have heard that before the establishment of the Ship Supply Depot, it was held for many years by our predecessors," said Saigawa. "That is to say, mochi pounding in this location is a historical and traditional event for both our nations. We can consider it a living witness to our solid U.S. and Japan alliance."

NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka Commanding Officer Capt. Jeffery Davis reiterated the importance of the bilateral relationship and the significance of the day's event.

"I want to thank our Japanese friends for inviting me to participate again in this ceremony. It is my second year and I'm honored to be here for this annual Japanese tradition," said Davis. "I've been told Mochitsuki takes place all over Japan this time of year and is really about giving thanks. That is a shared sentiment for many Americans as well. We have a special relationship with Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Ship Supply Depot, so I thank you again for including us in this rich, cultural event that celebrates our nations' bilateral relationship."

A glutinous rice food, mochi is made during a ceremony called Mochitsuki, which dates back to the 10th century. There are various kinds of mochi used during imperial offerings and religious ceremonies. Though mochi is eaten yearround, it is traditionally used in preparation for the Japanese New Year (shogatsu or oshogatsu), one of the country's most important holidays.

For Senior Chief Logistics Specialist Walter Guerrero, it was his first time pounding mochi.

"I honestly didn't know what to expect. It was truly an honor and a very enriching experience to take part in an event that has been observed for the past 90 years between our nations," said Guerrero. "One of the characteristics I admire most in our Japanese counterparts is that they have many traditions and hold those to the highest standards, in order to continue their legacy."

The art of pounding mochi involves two people working in tandem, one pounding and the other turning and wetting the mochi substance. Both individuals must work together to keep a steady rhythm while using a heavy mallet tool known as a kine. Mochi was often taken into battle by the Japanese samurai because it was easy to prepare and carry. The sound of samurai pounding mochi was also a signal that they were about to go into battle.

In addition to mochi pounding, the JMSDF provided a demonstration of kendo, a type of modern Japanese martial art or swordsmanship that uses bamboo swords and protective armor. With origins in the traditional Japanese martial arts of kenjutsu, kendo, also referred to as the way of the sword, is not merely a battle to win: it is also used to discipline character, develop good manners and nurture a strong spirit. Widely practiced in Japan, the All Japan Kendo Federation, established in 1928, estimates there are several million kendo practitioners throughout the country.

NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka is one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS). Headquartered just 26 miles south of Tokyo, it is the Western Pacific region's largest U.S. Navy logistics command, networking more than 14 sites with a mission to deliver supply and logistics solutions that enable deployed maritime warfighter readiness in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of approximately 6,300 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide, providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.

NAVSUP provides U.S. naval forces with quality supplies and services. With headquarters in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP oversees logistics programs in the areas of supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation, and security assistance. In addition, NAVSUP is responsible for quality-of-life issues for naval forces including food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges, and movement of household goods.

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