Godzilla statue plays a role in Yama Sakura 75

Photo By Sgt. Erica Earl | A Godzilla statue stands in the Army intelligence section of the command post during Yama Sakura 75 at Camp Higashi-Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan, Dec. 10-16, 2018. The statue is a representation of the strength of the U.S. and Japan. Yama Sakura is a bilateral exercise between the U.S. Army and the Japan Ground Self Defense Force that solidifies the alliance between the two nations. The exercise simulates the defense of Japan. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Erica Earl  

CAMP HIGASHI-CHITOSE, HOKKAIDO, JAPAN

12.16.2018

Story by Sgt. Erica Earl 

I Corps

CAMP HIGASHI-CHITOSE, Japan-- In the Army intelligence section of the command post at Camp Higashi-Chitose Japan, a two-foot tall Godzilla stands fiercely, its mouth open to show a row of razor-sharp teeth and its giant feet prepared to crush entire cities.

Sgt. Maj. Atsusi Endo, Japan Northern Army, brought the statue to the command post during Yama Sakura 75, Dec. 10-16, 2018, as a symbol of strength to defeat adversaries.

In lore, Godzilla is a creature that rises from the ocean to either attack or adamantly defend Japan.

In the case of the bilteral exercise, the monster stands ready to protect Japan. Godzilla is Endo’s unit’s mascot.

During Yama Sakura, Soldiers from America’s First Corps and the Japan Ground Self Defense Force are partnering in a simulation of the defense of Japan. The exercise strengthens the alliance between the two countries through the exchange of ideas, tactics, military experience and culture.

The statue has been a point of bonding for American and Japanese intelligence personnel. Two I Corps night shift analysts, Spc. Mason Fontenot and Pvt. 1st Class Donald Hernandez, and their Japan Northern Army partners made American and Japanese flags and a Yama Sakura 75 hat for Godzilla to wear.

“We were looking at Godzilla and thought he needed a hat,” Hernandez said. “Our chief gave me the idea to use a computer to make it more official looking.”

Hernandez said people then starting adding to the statue, and it became a group project at the closing of shifts and on meal breaks.

Endo gifted the Godzilla statue to Sgt. Maj. John Hosfield, Army intelligence sergeant major, I Corps.

Hosfield said he plans to keep up the Godzilla tradition by bringing it to future Yama Sakura exercises.

Yama Sakura is an annual exercise that rotates to different parts of Japan each year for the U.S. Army to train with each of Japan’s five regional Armies.

• Date Taken: 12.16.2018
• Date Posted: 12.16.2018 20:19
• Story ID: 303806
• Location: CAMP HIGASHI-CHITOSE, HOKKAIDO, JP