U.S. and Japan thrill at airshow in Iwakuni
The Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) co-hosted the 46th annual Friendship Day, the largest single-day airshow in the Asia-Pacific region. The event attracted over 150,000 visitors, celebrating the enduring U.S.–Japan alliance through thrilling aerial demonstrations and cultural exchanges.
The aerial highlights of the event included performances by various military aircraft from the U.S. and Japan. The JMSDF's official aerobatic team, the White Arrows, made their debut at Iwakuni, showcasing precision maneuvers in Fuji T-5 trainers. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's agile and fast F-2 fighter jet also delivered dynamic aerial displays, demonstrating its advanced capabilities.
The U.S. Marine Corps presented the F-35B Lightning II, highlighting its short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) features, underscoring its versatility in modern combat scenarios. Pilots from the U.S. Navy's Carrier Air Wing 5 executed high-speed passes and tactical maneuvers with the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, showcasing the aircraft's combat prowess.
The event also featured performances by the U.S.-based professional skydiving team, Team Fastrax, and renowned pilots like Yoshihide Muroya, the 2017 Red Bull Air Race World Champion, and Masahiro "Masa" Utsumi, who enthralled spectators with his signature low-speed rotations and vertical maneuvers in the Whiskey Papa aircraft.
The Friendship Day 2025 event not only highlighted advanced military aviation but also reinforced the deep-rooted camaraderie between the U.S. and Japan, offering attendees a memorable experience of aerial excellence and international cooperation.
