A visitor poses with U.S. and Japanese sailors during the annual Spring Festival at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, April 19, 2025. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan — This shared base an hour southwest of Tokyo recently welcomed spring and 62,000 visitors for a daylong celebration of food, entertainment and American culture.
Throngs lined up for the 8 a.m. opening of Saturday’s annual Spring Festival. Hundreds quickly queued at food booths for pizza, fried and grilled chicken, burgers and more. Even the on-base McDonalds drew a crowd.
“I appreciate all the locals coming out and experiencing American culture,” Raven Crawford told Stars and Stripes while working at a food booth. “I’m expecting us to sell out today,” she said with a laugh.
Throughout the day, guests enjoyed live music and performances at Taylor Field, including a DJ set, taiko drumming, a karate demonstration by the Atsugi Karate Kids, and a performance by Japanese rapper Sho.
Visitors pose in samurai gear during the annual Spring Festival at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, April 19, 2025. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
Hiro Aizawa, of central Tokyo, poses with his collection of miltary patches during the annual Spring Festival at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, April 19, 2025. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
Taiko performers entertain the crowd during the annual Spring Festival at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, April 19, 2025. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
The Atsugi Karate Kids show off their moves during the annual Spring Festival at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, April 19, 2025. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
Children play inside a large snow globe during the annual Spring Festival at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, April 19, 2025. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
Children bounced in inflatable play areas under the watchful eyes of parents, while others lounged on the grass or posed for selfies with American and Japanese service members in dress uniforms and flight suits. Visitors also snapped photos of static aircraft displays.
Later in the afternoon, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force pilots conducted aerial maneuvers with the Kawasaki P-1 and P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft.
Hiro Aizawa, who traveled from central Tokyo, said he attends the event every year and never misses a stop at Anthony’s Pizza.
“I often go for the pizza,” he said, referring to the exchange-sponsored American vendor.
