US service members from Misawa Air Base recently participated in a local Japanese Hinamatsuri festival hosted by the local town:

Capt. Keith Henry, commanding officer of Naval Air Facility Misawa, gave opening remarks that highlighted the importance of sharing Japan and American cultures at events.

“It was a great event because it not only taught base families about Japanese culture but we had Japanese students and parents working side by side with American students and parents which allows them a deeper understanding across both cultures,” said Henry.

The students and parents were working on hina dolls:

We display a set of dolls and pray for the sound growth of the girls in our families…

The origins of this event started during Japan’s Heian period when they believed that dolls had the power to contain bad spirits. Straw dolls, known as hina, were put in boats that were placed in a river to drift out to sea supposedly taking troubles and bad spirits with them.

There are actually a host of Japanese events like this in which members of the US military and their families participate.  They almost certainly provide unique cultural opportunities for many Americans unfamiliar with Eastern traditions.

Some people complain when US troops participate in events with even the mildest Christian connection.

No one seems to mind US military participation with Eastern religious ideas.

Wonder why that is.

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