The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force 2nd Band Concert 2024! (The 38th Hokuryu-cho Sunflower Festival, Hokuryu-cho Sunflower Village, Hokkaido)

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

On Saturday, July 27, a concert by the 2nd Music Band of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force was held at the Himawari no Sato lawn in Hokuryu Town.

JGSDF 2nd Band Concert 2024 Held


JGSDF 2nd Band Concert 2024
JGSDF 2nd Band Concert 2024

Introduction of the 2nd Band of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force

 The 2nd Music Band of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force is located in Asahikawa City as the division's only unit specializing in music. The 23rd Commander, 1st Lieutenant Takamitsu Ichiyama, is the core of the 2nd Music Band, which performs both inside and outside of the Self-Defense Forces.

 The band also holds wind and percussion instrument workshops for children and students of the brass band club, and its small concerts at the Hokuchin Memorial Hall adjacent to the Asahikawa Garrison have been well received. (Excerpt from the website of the 2nd Band of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force)

Opening remarks: Yasuhiro Sasaki, Mayor of Hokuryu Town:
A great concert that will make our hearts bloom once again with big sunflowers!"

Talk by Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki
Talk by Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki

The concert by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force 2nd Band has not been held for the past four years due to the Corona disaster. It used to be on a weekday, but this year it was on a Saturday, so we were able to have them come out. Thank you very much.

I have just requested to wear a bulletproof vest, and I am now wearing it. I was reminded of the fact that they are protecting us by wearing such heavy vests and training with them.

In the back, tanks, jeeps, etc. are on display. Please come and experience the ride.

The town also has a fire brigade and police force. There are also employees of the town hall. They all play a role in protecting the town's residents, and I believe they have the same awareness as the Self Defense Forces. Please listen to today's concert with the understanding that you will be protected, not in a special way.

We believe that today's concert is a wonderful concert that will make our hearts bloom once again with big sunflowers. Please look forward to it, everyone.

Thank you for gathering with us today. Enjoy yourselves!" Mayor Sasaki said.

musical performance

The 23rd Commander, 1st Lieutenant Takanori Ichiyama, conducted the performance by the 2nd Band of the JGSDF. The performance was filled with emotion as they performed powerful pieces such as "Honorable Young Man" (composed in 1923 by Tetsu Onuma, an army soldier).

Performance by the 2nd Music Band of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
Performance by the 2nd Music Band of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
Tourists listening to the performance
Tourists listening to the performance

Self-Defense Forces Vehicle Exhibit

Self-Defense Forces Vehicle Exhibit
Self-Defense Forces Vehicle Exhibit

motorcycle

❂ An armored vehicle mainly equipped by reconnaissance units

motorcycle
motorcycle

Type 73 light-duty truck

❂ 4✕ 4-wheel drive vehicle, powered by a 4-cylinder diesel engine, used for multiple purposes including command and communication, reconnaissance and warning, weapons and ammunition transport, communications, and first aid

Type 73 light-duty truck
Type 73 light-duty truck

Type 82 command and communications vehicle

❂ Armored vehicles equipped by division headquarters, regular regiments, special regiments, etc., used for command and communication activities.

Type 82 command and communications vehicle
Type 82 command and communications vehicle

Inside the Communication Car

Inside the Communication Car
Inside the Communication Car

With Mr. Wakisaka, Mr. Kanno, Director of Public Relations Office, and Mr. Sasaki, Mayor of the town.

From the right: Public Relations Chief Takehiro Kanno, 1st Chief of the 3rd Battalion Headquarters of the 2nd Artillery Regiment Kenichi Wakisaka, and Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki of Hokuryu Town
From right: Mr. Takehiro Kanno, Chief of Public Relations Office, and Mr. Kenichi Wakisaka, 1st Chief, 3rd Battalion Headquarters, 2nd Special Regiment,
Yasuhiro Sasaki, Mayor, Hokuryu Town
At the lawn square.
At the lawn square.

Sunflower village dyed green and yellow

Sunflower village dyed green and yellow
Sunflower village dyed green and yellow

We express our infinite love, gratitude, and prayers to the powerful and heroic sounds of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force 2nd Band, which united us in a moment of emotion with the green and yellow sunflower fields in the background.

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Related Sites and Pages

 

The 38th Himawari Festival (Hokuryu Town, Hokkaido) was held!
Saturday, July 20, 2024 - Sunday, August 18, 2024
❂ Days: 30 days ❂ Area: approx. 23 ha ❂ Number of trees: 2 million ❂ Best time to visit: early August

2024 38th Hokuryu Town Sunflower Festival (front)
2024 38th Hokuryu Town Sunflower Festival - Back

 

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◇ Reporting and writing by Ikuko Terauchi (Photography and editorial assistance by Noboru Terauchi)

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