CAMP ZAMA, Japan -- Every year, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Japan District participates in the annual Bon Odori Friendship Festival hosted on Camp Zama. Opening the installation gates to local Japanese citizens, the event stands as one of the community’s largest celebrations, drawing in more than 15,000 visitors for an evening of food, music, traditional dancing and spectacular fireworks organized by Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR).
This year, Col. Patrick Biggs, USACE JED commander, and Lt. Col. Simratpal "Simmer" Singh, USACE JED deputy commander, joined in the festivities, participating in the traditional dance ceremony while wearing yukuta (cotton summer kimonos). Their participation reflects the district’s commitment to engaging with host-nation neighbors and building lasting relationships that extend far beyond technical project sites.
"Engineering excellence requires a foundation of trust,"said Lt. Col. Singh, deputy commander of USACE JED. "Events like Bon Odori are essential in building that trust and bridging cultures. When we celebrate together as a community, we strengthen the interpersonal bonds that make our shared mission possible."
While USACE’s primary mission in Japan focuses on delivering world-class engineering and construction support, community engagement events like the Bon Odori festival are vital. They demonstrate the depth of the U.S.- Japan alliance through meaningful, personal cultural exchanges.
Obon, a Japanese Buddhist custom observed to welcome and honor ancestral spirits, is celebrated annually, and Bon Odori are traditional dances are performed during the festival to welcome the spirits and celebrate. Today, the festival has evolved into a massive, inclusive celebration of community, food and friendship.
For the Japan Engineer District, these moments strengthen our connection and helps enable USACE to continue delivering engineering excellence in support of both nations.