Misawa Air Fest 2026 celebrates 46 years of community and partnership

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan — Rainy skies greeted visitors as Air Fest 2026 opened Sept. 20, bringing U.S. service members, their families and local residents together for a day celebrating community, partnership and airpower.

The event reflected a partnership that extends beyond the flightline. For 46 years, Misawa Air Base and the city of Misawa grew side-by-side, building a strong connection between the installation and surrounding community. Air Fest continues that tradition by opening the base to its neighbors and creating an opportunity to strengthen relationships through friendship, cultural exchange and airpower.

“Misawa is more than a fighter wing defending Japan and deterring conflict in the Pacific to ensure peace and prosperity,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Oliver Lause, 35th Fighter Wing commander. “We are an air base bringing two cultures together into one community. Air Fest offers us a tremendous opportunity to welcome our neighbors onto base, share what our Airmen do every day in partnership with Japan Air Self-Defense Force and joint personnel, and celebrate the relationships that make Misawa such a special place to live and serve.”

Throughout the day, visitors explored static aircraft displays, watched U.S. Air Force and JASDF military working dog demonstrations, cheered on competitors during the strongman competition and viewed various vehicles featured in the car show. Vendors and other activities across the flightline gave visitors even more ways to experience Air Fest, while F-16 Fighting Falcon and both U.S. and JASDF F-35 Lightning II weapons load demonstrations offered a closer look at the skill and teamwork of American and Japanese maintainers.

The bilateral demonstrations throughout the day showcased more than individual capabilities. They highlighted the integration, skill and readiness of U.S. and Japanese forces operating together.

Beyond showcasing military capabilities, Air Fest gave visitors an opportunity to meet the people behind Misawa’s mission and experience the connection shared between the base and surrounding community.

“I always enjoy seeing how Air Fest brings so many people together,” said Hikari Ogata, a Misawa community member. “There is so much to see and experience, but my favorite part is seeing the local community and people from the base enjoying the day together.”

As Air Fest 2026 came to a close, the day served as a celebration of the strong U.S.-Japan alliance across Misawa Air Base and the surrounding community.

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