Subscribe
GINOZA VILLAGE, OKINAWA, Japan – Marines with 7th Communication Battalion joined residents and staff of the Hikarigaoka Nursing Home in Ginoza Village for the annual Moon Festival on October 25, 2025. The event celebrated friendship and strengthened long-standing ties between the local community and U.S. service members stationed on Okinawa.
Hosted by the Ginoza family, who own several local businesses including the Hikarigaoka Nursing Home, the festival opened with a buffet of traditional Okinawan dishes and freshly grilled food. As guests gathered outdoors, local leaders welcomed attendees, expressing gratitude and appreciation for the strong community bond.
Lt. Col. Stephanie Mafrici, the commanding officer of 7th Communication Battalion reiterated this appreciation and empahasized the importance of the relationship between Marines and the Okinawan community. “Our long-standing relationship with the Okinawan community is incredibly important to building and sustaining our alliance between the U.S. and Japan,” said Mafrici. “Over the past 34 years, our Marines have demonstrated that there’s truly no greater friend than a United States Marine. Events like this give our Marines the opportunity to experience local culture, connect with the community, and share a bit of our own traditions while serving alongside our neighbors here in Ginoza Village.”
The evening featured lively performances, such as karaoke and costumed acts, which entertained both residents and Marines. Guests shared laughter over a variety of local dishes while children and volunteers enjoyed games and music. As night fell, participants lit sparklers, symbolizing friendship and unity shared under the Okinawan sky.
“The Marines have become like family to us,” said Mr. Satoshi Ginoza, the secretary general for the social welfare corporation. “They support our staff, interact with our residents, and are always eager to help. This event is our way of saying thank you and sharing a part of our culture with them.”
The Moon Festival exemplified the ongoing partnership between 7th Communication Battalion and the Okinawan community, rooted in mutual respect, friendship, and shared experiences. Through continued participation in local events and volunteer efforts, Marines strengthen cultural understanding and goodwill that extend far beyond the base.
As sparklers glowed across the courtyard, smiles and laughter carried through the cool evening air, reminders that even simple moments of joy can bridge cultures and reinforce enduring bonds of friendship, strengthening long-standing ties between the local community and the U.S. Marines through shared cultural traditions and friendship. (U.S. Marine Corps story by Cpl. Meshaq Hylton)
| Date Taken: | 10.25.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.13.2025 20:40 |
| Story ID: | 550536 |
| Location: | GINOZA VILLAGE, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 5 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 7th Communication Battalion Marines join Okinawan community for annual Moon Festival, by Cpl Meshaq Hylton, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
