July 11, 2008

BZ: First I would like to say how enjoyable the recent Friendship Day at Negishi was. I have been to several in previous tours here, but this one was the best. The international flavor that is often missing from these events was in full bloom. While pizza, hotdogs, hamburgers and nachos were available, the majority of the vendors were selling various types of food from all over Japan (Okinawa, Hiroshima, Hokkaido) and other Pacific nations as well. I would highly recommend that the Negishi personnel, who made this event a success, pass along their expertise to the organizers of the Yokosuka and Ikego Friendship Day events. With that said, there was one area that appeared to be overlooked. As my family and I were walking around looking at the various booths, I came upon a vendor that had black, old minstrel show-like dolls prominently displayed in a Japanese vendor’s booth. Not only were they displayed but some were actually hanging from the support structure of the booth. I am sure that no ill-intent was meant. Just as we would not allow anyone to sell drug paraphernalia or adultoriented items at such an event, this also should not be tolerated. I suggest that in the future the responsible personnel ensure that all items being sold are in line with Department of Defense standards.