Japan Ground Self-Defense Force teaches origami to US service members

Photo By Todd Pruden | Maj. Nicole Ussery, detachment intelligence planner, 5th Battlefield Coordination Detachment, U.S. Army Pacific, tries on an origami samurai helmet she made with the assistance of members of the Northern Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force at Camp Higashi-Chitose, Japan, during Yama Sakura 65, a bilateral command-post exercise.  

CAMP HIGASHI-CHITOSE, HOKKAIDO, JAPAN

12.03.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Todd Pruden 

301st Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP HIGASHI-CHITOSE, Japan -- Soldiers of I Corps had an opportunity to take part in cultural activities to introduce them to the Japanese way of life during their visit to Chitose.

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) showed the soldiers participating in Yama Sakura-65 different activities, which included the art of origami, or paper art.

The JGSDF taught their U.S. Army counterparts how to make boats, samurai helmets, and birds by simply folding paper. The lessons are intended to teach the soldiers some of the local customs in order to embrace camaraderie between the U.S. Soldiers and JGSDF members.

“It teaches you different experiences through different languages,” said Spc. Xavier Green, cable systems installer/maintainer, 78th Signal Battalion, Camp Zama, Japan. “Getting to know them through culture and what the differences are forms a better and stronger friendship.”

I Corps and the JGSDF will conduct a five-day bi-lateral military simulation exercise at Camp Higashi-Chitose, located on the northern island of Hokkaido. This is another significant step for U.S. military’s “Rebalance to the Pacific.”

• Date Taken: 12.03.2013
• Date Posted: 12.05.2013 21:08
• Story ID: 117813
• Location: CAMP HIGASHI-CHITOSE, HOKKAIDO, JP