Texas guard unit gets taste of Japanese culture

By Sgt. Charlie Helmholt, 139th MPAD, ILARNGOctober 20, 2011

Texas guard unit gets taste of Japanese culture
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A hostess prepares a traditional Japanese cuisine and serves soldiers from the 3rd Battalion 141st Regiment during the cultural day event. Culture day is held on the fourth and final day of functional training during Orient Shield, and provides soldi... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Texas guard unit gets taste of Japanese culture
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Texas guard unit gets taste of Japanese culture
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

OSHINO VILLAGE, JAPAN--Soldiers from the Texas National Guard 3rd Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment were treated Saturday to an evening of history, performing arts, and cuisine.

Members of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force organized the event, that included the visitation of "Toenji" Temple for a lesson in Zen Buddhist meditation, a visit to "Sengen-jinja" shrine where soldiers witnessed a Kuraga, a dance by a masked person, and several local homes even cooked and hosted a dinner for them.

"It was very interesting, a lot of fun, and an excellent experience that we had," said Captain Kevin Jackson a member of logistics with the 3rd Battalion 141st Infantry Regiment.

The cultural day event was an opportunity for the Soldiers to get out and see something they don't see every day.

Major Osamu Segawa, a member of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force expressed the significance of the cultural day event, whereby the U.S. Forces are able to gain some exposure to Japanese culture.