ZAMA, Japan – Leaders from U.S. Army Garrison Japan attended a festival in a nearby town Nov. 17 that helped strengthen the partnership between the military and the host nation, said the commander of the garrison.

The Town of Zama’s 39th Annual Hometown Festival featured Col. Marcus Hunter and Command Sgt. Major David A. Rio and the Hunter family will have the chance to experience food and produce from local vendors, as well as traditional Japanese performances.

Kazumi Naito, president of the Zama City Chamber of Commerce, said the festival is a showcase for the city’s locally produced vegetables, cuisine and other products. The live performance also highlights Zama’s connection to Japanese history, he said.

Introducing the festival to garrison leadership and encouraging Camp Zama families to attend the event helps bring the two communities closer together, Naito said.

“Zama City and the Camp Zama community have a great partnership as neighbors,” he said. “Experiencing each other’s cultures at open events and local festivals like this is a great opportunity for both parties to get to know each other better and build a stronger relationship.” »

Hunter echoed the comments, adding that being able to interact at the event with people like Zama Mayor Mito Sato, Chamber of Commerce representatives and other city staff was a great opportunity to come together and share one of the many fun activities offered by the city.

“We are basically adopted members of the Zama City community,” Hunter said. “In every way, it means a lot to be able to come back and share (events) with the city.”