WEBVTT

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- [LCPL Norris] The Japanese American Society

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sponsored the 55th annual

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Japanese and English speech contest

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for members of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

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and the surrounding community

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at the Sinfonia Iwakuni Concert Hall.

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- I've entered on the Japanese side for the speech contest

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and it's to help them really, like give them

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a unique experience of having a foreigner

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actually learning their language and culture.

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Many times, when we're stationed overseas and stuff,

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we get angry and oh, I wish they'd speak

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more English and everything.

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And I already see a lot of these children here,

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they're excited to learn English and everything.

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So the least I can do is go in there

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and, you know, try to learn a little bit of Japanese

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to really improve and help build,

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help really maintain the relationship

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that the Japanese, American alike has had.

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- [LCPL Norris] The event provided a time

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to show off how literate the contestants are

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in another language.

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From first graders at level one,

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to adults and some children at level seven,

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which is the advanced level.

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- I would encourage people to like, get involved

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with the Japanese American Society.

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Don't just come to Japan and sit in your barracks

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or like, go to the first bar outside the gate.

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It enriches your experience

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and I think it enriches your life.

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- [LCPL Norris] Participating in JAS events

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helps strengthen the bond between MCIC Iwakuni

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and the Japanese citizens,

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in turn, building a better future.

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- I really feel that if more Marines,

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and not just Marines, but just more people did this stuff

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in general, we wouldn't have the kind of problems

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we do today.

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And we'll only get stronger as not only a country,

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but as two nations coming together.

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- [LCPL Norris] The Japanese American Society

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provides opportunities for people to build friendships

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and enjoy the cultural experience

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through each other's company.

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Reporting from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan,

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I'm Lance Corporal Emma Norris.

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(audience applauding)