Tuesday, July 30, 2024
On Saturday, July 27th, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force 2nd Band Concert was held at the Himawari no Sato Lawn Square in Hokuryu Town.
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Second Band Concert 2024

Introducing the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Band No. 2
The 2nd Band of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force is the division's only music-focused unit, located in Asahikawa City. Led by the current 23rd commander, Lieutenant Takanori Ichiyama, the band performs both inside and outside the Self-Defense Forces, including regular concerts, the 2nd Division Music Festival, chamber music concerts, concert tours in the northern Hokkaido region, and event support upon request.
They also hold wind and percussion instrument training sessions for children and students in the brass band, and small-scale concerts at the Hokuchin Memorial Hall adjacent to the Asahikawa Garrison, which have been well-received. They act as a bridge connecting the Self-Defense Forces and the local community in eight cities, 42 towns, and five villages, from Wakkanai in the north to Shimukappu in the south. (Extract from the Ground Self-Defense Force Second Band website)
Opening remarks: Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki of Hokuryu Town:
"It was a wonderful concert that made the big sunflowers bloom in our hearts once again!!!"
"Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2nd Ground Self-Defense Force Band's concerts have not been able to be held for the past four years. Until now, they have been held on weekdays, but this year they were able to attend on a Saturday. Thank you very much.
I have requested to try on a bulletproof vest and am now wearing one. It reminded me of the heavy equipment we wear and the training we go through to protect us.
Behind them, tanks, jeeps, etc. are on display. We encourage everyone to try riding in one.
The town has members of the fire brigade and police, as well as town hall staff. They all have the role of protecting the townspeople, and I believe they have the same awareness as the Self-Defense Forces. Please listen to today's concert with the understanding that they are protecting us, not in a special way.
I believe today's concert will be a wonderful one that will make the big sunflowers bloom in our hearts once again. I hope everyone will look forward to it.
Thank you for coming today. I hope you enjoy it!" said Mayor Sasaki.
Performance
The 2nd Band of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, under the direction of the 23rd Commander, Lieutenant First Class Takanori Ichiyama, performed powerful songs such as "Splendid Young Man" (composed by army officer Satoshi Onuma in 1923), which moved the audience.
Self-Defense Forces vehicle exhibition
motorcycle
❂ Wheeled vehicles primarily used by reconnaissance units
Type 73 small truck
❂ 4x4-wheel drive vehicle. Equipped with a four-cylinder diesel engine, it is used for multiple purposes, including command and communication, reconnaissance and surveillance, carrying weapons and ammunition, communications, and rescue.
Type 82 command communication vehicle
❂ Wheeled armored vehicles equipped by division headquarters, infantry regiments, artillery regiments, etc., and used for command and communication activities.
Inside the communications vehicle
Together with Chief Wakisaka, Public Relations Director Kanno, and Mayor Sasaki...
Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki of Hokuryu Town
Sunflower Village dyed in green and yellow
With the green and yellow sunflower village as a backdrop, we were united in the powerful and heroic sounds of the 2nd Ground Self-Defense Force Band, and were filled with emotion, filled with limitless love, gratitude, and prayers.
image
Related sites and pages
| The 38th Sunflower Festival (Hokuryu Town, Hokkaido) will be held! Saturday, July 20, 2024 - Sunday, August 18, 2024 |
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❂ Duration: 30 days ❂ Area: Approximately 23 hectares ❂ Number of trees: 2 million ❂ Best time to see: Early August  |
◇ Interview and text: Ikuko Terauchi (Photography and editing assistance: Noboru Terauchi)
