Huh? There’s a Self-Defense Force station in Matsudo?
After watching a special feature on the Self-Defense Forces
ぱいん
Ah, the Self-Defense Forces are so cool, nya~
きなちゃん
You really admire them when you see how they handle national defense and disaster response.
ぱいん
By the way, does Matsudo have anything to do with the Self-Defense Forces？
きなちゃん
Well, it’s not just anything. There’s actually a station of the Self-Defense Forces there.
ぱいん
Eh? Really, nya?
きなちゃん
Actually, it’s right near Kunugiyama Station or Motoyama Station on the Shin-Keisei Line.
きなちゃん
here’s a 71st-anniversary event happening on 11/25 (Saturday).
Let’s go since we have the chance.
ぱいん
Eh? Yeah, let’s go!
Under the autumn sky at the Matsudo Self-Defense Force Station
The 2023 Matsudo Station Establishment Commemorative Event was held on November 25th, 2023 (Saturday).
The event included ceremonies, music performances, training demonstrations, vehicle rides, and food stalls, providing a rare opportunity for citizens to observe the training of the Self-Defense Forces.
Under the refreshing autumn sunshine, it was a successful annual event.
Visitors walked a short distance from Motoyama Station on the Shin-Keisei Electric Railway to the Self-Defense Force station,
Where they could see helicopters up close,
And witness training demonstrations by the Self-Defense Forces,
Offering a valuable chance to see aspects of the military not usually visible to the public.
ぱいん
Wow! That’s impressive, nya!
きなちゃん
It’s my first time seeing a helicopter up close!
Various Events
There were various events, among which the mini Shin-Keisei train had a very long line.
The sight of children joyfully riding the mini Shin-Keisei train was a delight for the visitors.
There was also a display of military trucks, and many families enjoyed taking commemorative photos with them.
We had to leave early due to other commitments, but next year we hope to see more!
ぱいん
Shin-Keisei worked hard, nya.
きなちゃん
My daughter was so happy and excited.
Various Food Stalls and Dining Areas
There was an international gourmet area for lunchtime (why?).
From India, the Caribbean, to Chinese – there was a wide variety of food (why?).
At a Caribbean food stall, a brightly colored yellow rice topped with juicy chicken caught the eye. Adding small xiaolongbao to it, the delicate flavors of these bite-sized dim sums were a treat.
Eating under the clear sky was exceptional!
The beautiful ginkgo trees added to the pleasure of eating, looking, and spending time in this wonderful atmosphere.
ぱいん
Everything was delicious, nya.
きなちゃん
I ended up eating too much.
Interaction Between the Self-Defense Forces and the Community
This event was not just an exhibition but a valuable time for the Self-Defense Forces and local people to interact.
It was a wonderful day where you could sneak a peek at the faces of the Self-Defense Forces not usually seen and feel a connection with the community.
We look forward to attending and reporting more events held in Matsudo.
ぱいん
Seems like they do this every year, nya.
きなちゃん
Everyone in the Self-Defense Forces was a gentleman, well-postured, well-built, and I just couldn’t help but admire them.
About Matsu-Neko Guide
Matsunecko Guide is a site where a cat-loving author attempts to introduce Matsudo, the city where they were born and raised, in multiple languages.
I am trying to look at the good things about Matsudo so that my daughter, who was born here, will also like Matsudo as a wonderful town!
Feel free to leave comments!
