ROK, U.S., Japan Bands Speak Through Music at Budokan

Photo By Sgt. William Hester | Petty Officer 3rd Class Holden W. Moyer performs a cover of “My Girl” Nov. 15 at the Nippon Budokan Arena, Tokyo, during the Japan Self-Defense Force Marching Band Festival. The festival provides an opportunity for military bands from the U.S., Japan and Republic of Korea to bond through music and military culture. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. William Hester/Released)  

TOKYO, JAPAN

11.16.2015

Story by Cpl. William Hester 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

TOKYO, Japan — The Nippon Budokan Arena is a prestigious venue where artists like Bob Dylan and The Beatles have performed in the past, and has also been the home of the Japan Self Defense-Force Marching Band Festival for several years in a row.

The 51st Japan Self-Defense Force Marching Band Festival provided an opportunity for bands from each of the U.S. military branches, the Republic of Korea Navy and Japan Self-Defense Forces to communicate and bond through music and military culture at the Nippon Budokan Arena, Tokyo Nov. 12-16.

“This is a great opportunity to perform in front of the people of Japan, and interact with foreign, military bands,” said Sgt. Ayami Nakama, a percussionist in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

Each nation’s performance reflected their culture in their music, according to Cpl. Nassim Amirouche, a saxophone player in the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, III MEF.

“The Koreans play their traditional style music and the U.S. plays their traditional, like jazz,” said Sgt. Ayami, Nakuma, at her 7th festival. “It is very interesting and it inspires us.”

“Music is a universal language,” was a common message throughout this year’s festival.

“I love music because of the emotional feelings that you get out of it,” said Amirouche. “A song can make you feel the utmost joy because of a simple melody. Playing it for people and seeing their reaction to something that I created makes it worthwhile. No matter what walks of life you are, or where you come from, you can always understand music.”

The thunderous applause from the crowd were enough to vouch for that.

“It is great for the audience to see our international relationship,” said Nakama.“There is not only music, but military alliance.”

Not only did each nation play their own piece, but they also stepped on stage together and performed in harmony on multiple occasions.

“To be able to go out and do something this extraordinary is mind boggling,” said Amirouche. “It’s pretty amazing that there’s so much musical talent everywhere. Everyone is so gifted.”

• Date Taken: 11.16.2015
• Date Posted: 11.18.2015 03:10
• Story ID: 182211
• Location: TOKYO, JP