I just returned home from a wonderful visit to Japan. This was the second year that my good friend Sadao Yokota had invited me to be a guest judge at the Marching in Okayama competition in Okayama, Japan. I am very grateful for the opportunity, as it has been a wonderful experience both times I have gone.

In addition to the competition, the judges were graciously shown around Kyoto for a couple of days before we worked at the show. I have been to Kyoto many times, but this time we went on a boat down a beautiful river in Kyoto, and I had never done that before. There was some truly stunning scenery!

In addition to me, the other guests included: U.S. judges Paul Rennick, Paul Hinman, Dale White, Steve Ulicny, Japan judges Masahiro Kato, Katsumi Okawa, and Masayoshi Ishikawa, and VIP guests Ron Nankervis, Tim Jackson, and Jason Paguio. It was a terrific group with whom to work and hang out!

I think the highlight of my trip occurred on the day of the show. One of the groups there consisted of members from various parts of Fukushima. Many of them had been affected directly or indirectly from the earthquake and tsunami disaster. At one point, before the show started, a friend of mine came up and asked if I would be willing to meet with these kids. I couldn’t say yes and get there fast enough. It was an honor to meet kids who had gone through so much, and still managed to pull this ensemble together to make music and dance. I have included a photo of our meeting in this post.

I am thankful to Sadao, as well as John Farbman of Drillmaster shoe company who helped to sponsor my visit. I do hope to return in the future!