CAMP HIGASHI-CHITOSE, Japan -- Throughout the command post at Camp Higashi-Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan, Soldiers from America’s First Corps and the Japan Northern Army discuss ideas and strategies, use interpreters and gestures to navigate the language barrier and learn the nuances in the ways each force operates at Yama Sakura 75, Dec. 10-16, 2018.

About 600 Soldiers from the U.S. Army, including I Corps and the Utah National Guard, are working with the Japan Ground Self Defense Force in the week-long, bilateral exercise to increase cohesiveness and deepen the alliance between America and Japan.

The U.S. Army is augmented by the U.S. Marines, Navy and Air Force during the exercise.

Yama Sakura is a simulation of the defense of Japan in which participants practice the skills and requirements needed to deploy to aid with security of the region. Personnel from multiple sections, including intelligence, current and future operations, logistics, medical and legal, are engaged in the exercise.

The annual exercise moves to a different location in Japan each year, allowing the U.S. to work with each of Japan’s five regional Armies.