Douglas Federspiel, Yakima superior court judge, receives a shirt from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces, as part of a gift exchange during a home visit event at Yakima, Wash., Sept. 17, 2016. Federspiel and his family invite Japanese service memb...

Sgt. Ijichi Satoru, a scout with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and Ace Federspiel, pose for a selfie during a home visit event at Yakima, Wash., Sept. 17, 2016. The Federspiel family invites Japanese service members to their house every year du...

Grace and Ace Federspiel (center), stand with Master Sgt. Kozo Ueno (left), a Japanese medic sergeant, Sgt. Ijichi Satoru (center), a scout, and Sgt. Ryoji Furusiro (right), a scout, all service members with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, duri...

Master Sgt. Kozo Ueno, a Japanese medic sergeant with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, tosses a football during a home visit event at Yakima, Wash., Sept. 17, 2016. Kozo and his fellow service members participated in the home visit with the Feder...

Douglas Federspiel, Yakima superior court judge, flips over a steak on the grill during a home visit event at Yakima, Wash., Sept. 17, 2016. Federspiel and his family invite Japanese service members to their house every year during Japan's annual bil...

The Federspiel family, neighbors and service members with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, conduct a group photo during a home visit event at Yakima, Wash., Sept. 17, 2016. The Federspiel family invites Japanese service members to their house eve...

Every year the Federspiel family goes out of their way to host a barbecue and give a tour of the Yakima Valley to the Japanese service members participating in Rising Thunder, an annual bilateral training exercise between the U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

This is the eighth time the Federspiel family has invited the Japanese service members to spend a day at their home and every visit is a unique experience.

Douglas Federspiel, a Yakima superior court judge, warmly greeted his guests and gave them gifts upon arrival. They were welcomed into the Federspiel home with open arms, played games with them and made them feel part of the family.

"It's very important to me to be friendly, hospitable and treat them as best as I can," Douglas said. "If my son Ace or my daughter Grace were to travel abroad, I would want a family to host them and treat them nicely and kindly and welcome them."

Mouthwatering aromas spread throughout the house as the Federspiel family, their neighbors and honored guests prepared to feast on a traditional barbeque dinner. As the Japanese service members sat at the table, their eyes opened wide and an expression of true appreciation came from them in response to the variety of food placed in front of them.

"I have never had a big whole steak, this is a wonderful new experience," exclaimed Master Sgt. Kozo Ueno, a medic sergeant with the 12th Regiment, JGSDF, as he humbly bowed his head in respect towards the family.

The Japanese service members brought the family a couple of presents such as necklaces and homemade bracelets.

"We wanted to bring some presents as a token of appreciation and friendly relationship, this is very important to us," Kozo emphasized.

Being able to learn about the Japanese culture has always been important to the family.

Douglas was born in Canada and his wife was from South Korea. They are from two very different cultural backgrounds and hope their children can be introduced to other Asian cultures.

Douglas finds ways to get their children involved in Japanese culture. Both Ace and Grace are trained in karate. During their sessions they learned a few Japanese words since it is constantly spoken by their teacher.

Hosting Japanese at their home not only gives the family the opportunity to learn about the Japanese culture, but also helps build long lasting relationships.

"This is very important, with this event we can enhance our good relationship and strong ties between Japan and the U.S.," Kozo said. "We all think that it's a rare opportunity. We taught each other a lot of things, especially movies and favorite sports, lots of fun."

As the night came to an end the Federspiel family bid their guests a good night, wished them the very best and hoped they had enjoyed their day and company.

"I would like them to go home and say to their friends that they were treated well, that they were welcomed into our homes and that they were treated as part of my family," Douglas said.

Rising Thunder is a three-week event between the United States Army and Japanese forces. During this event the Japanese service members share their knowledge and skill and continually strengthen their partnership.