CFAY Navy Awesome Café

Photo By Eryn Navarro | YOKOSUKA, Japan (June 24, 2025) – A Japanese national speaks to a Sailor during Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka’s (CFAY) Navy Awesome Cafe. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families. (Official U.S. Navy photo by Eryn Navarro)  

YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JAPAN

07.09.2025

Story by Eryn Navarro 

Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka

FLEET ACTIVITIES YOKOSUKA, Japan – The Japanese Media Relations division of Public Affairs at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) hosted Navy Awesome Café June 24, 2025. The event brought 21 participants together for a morning of games, conversation and cultural exchange.

The group was comprised 11 U.S. Sailors, six Japanese civilians and four members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). Participants engaged in icebreaker games, shared stories and learned about each other’s customs and traditions.

Navy Awesome Café was introduced in 2016 as a way for U.S. Navy personnel and Japanese locals to connect. Nine years later, the program remains popular and continues to grow.

Kyoko Sugita, CFAY community relations specialist, kicked off the event by leading a round of charades. The group quickly erupted in laughter as volunteers acted out prompts like “a rush hour train car causes you to miss your stop” and “an American at an onsen (hot spring) for the first time.”

“The first game is tough for Japanese people,” said one Japanese participant who asked to remain anonymous. “We talked about how hard it is for us to step forward or stand out. Maybe it’s just a cultural thing—but it was funny to notice that!”

Participants later broke into small groups to discuss a range of topics. U.S. Sailors asked about Japanese customs and daily life, while Japanese attendees were curious about how the Americans were adjusting to life in Japan.

Some participants relied on event organizers to assist with translation.

“We encourage all interested Japanese persons to attend Navy Awesome Café, even those who don’t speak English,” Sugita said. “Many of them believe they will never have the chance to communicate with American service members, but we are here to support and facilitate those conversations.”

Every 15 minutes, participants rotated tables and changed conversation partners.

“Each group had a totally different vibe—some super energetic and others more relaxed,” said the anonymous Japanese participant.

As attendees grew more comfortable, discussions became livelier. People shared photos of their pets, talked about favorite sports teams and even video-called family members back in the states. New friendships began to form as the event progressed.

As the event wrapped up, participants took selfies and exchanged contact information.

“The feedback from both Japanese and U.S. service members is always excellent,” said Kazuyuki Takagi, CFAY information and editorial specialist. “By the end, people are less shy and excited to talk, learn more about each other and establish friendships.”

This session was especially notable due to the participation of members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). It provided a valuable opportunity for JMSDF and U.S. Navy personnel to connect on a personal level. Events like this play a vital role in strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance.

Navy Awesome Café, the most popular exchange event, is part of CFAY’s ongoing community engagement efforts to deepen the mutual understanding and strengthen relationships between U.S. Navy Sailors and the local Japanese community.

For more information visit https://cnrj.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/CFA-Yokosuka/

• Date Taken: 07.09.2025
• Date Posted: 07.16.2025 20:52
• Story ID: 542266
• Location: YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JP