Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Fischer | 260201-N-YS746-0067 - SAPPORO, Japan - Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical) 2nd Class Wyatt...... read more read more
NAF Misawa Sailor Shares Cultural Exchange During Sapporo Snow Festival
Naval Air Facility Misawa Public Affairs
SAPPORO, Japan (Feb. 2, 2026) — A Sailor from Naval Air Facility Misawa (NAFM) participated in a community relations homestay with an English tutor, gaining firsthand experience of Japanese home life on February 2.
Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical) 2nd Class Wyatt Rivet joined local Sapporo English tutor Takako Kitazaki and her students for grocery shopping, dinner, and conversation as part of the U.S. Navy’s involvement in the Sapporo Snow Festival.
The homestay, hosted by Mrs. Kitazaki, who invited her high school students to meet a native English speaker, offered Rivet a firsthand look at everyday life in Sapporo while strengthening relationships between the U.S. Navy and the local community. This visit demonstrates NAFM’s ongoing commitment to cultural exchange initiatives that foster mutual understanding between partner nations.
The day began with a visit to a local grocery store, where Rivet accompanied the host family and students as they selected ingredients for a traditional Japanese dinner. During the meal, students practiced English and discussed aspects of local life, academic pressures, and their perceptions of the United States.
AWF2 Rivet, assigned to the Operations Department, is a member of the NAFM Snow Team, which arrived in Sapporo on January 30. The team is creating a Navy-themed snow sculpture for the 76th annual Sapporo Snow Festival, marking the U.S. Navy’s 41st year of participation. Additional community outreach activities include a scheduled English lesson for elementary school children at a local Jidokan. The team is scheduled to depart Sapporo on February 8.
“The chance to sit down in a Japanese home, shop like a local, and talk with high local nationals practicing their English is what makes these trips unforgettable,” said Rivet. “It’s not just about the snow sculpture. It’s the people we meet that make this event all worthwhile.”
The Sapporo Snow Festival attracts millions of visitors each year to view large-scale snow and ice sculptures created by teams from across the globe. Naval Air Facility Misawa’s participation highlights the U.S. Navy’s longstanding partnership with Japan. -30-
| Date Taken: | 01.31.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 02.01.2026 21:20 |
| Story ID: | 557274 |
| Location: | SAPPORO, HOKKAIDO, JP |
| Web Views: | 53 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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