The "Bilateral Friendship Luau" hosted by the 35th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion on July 19 at the Sagamihara Family Housing Area brought several Camp Zama and Japanese community member together, here.

More than 50 guests, including community officials from Sagamihara City, the Japanese American Society, and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force 4th Engineer Group from Camp Zama attended the luau, which was held at the home of Lt. Col. Brian Lesiak, commander of the 35th CSSB.

Guest listened to live Hawaiian music, participated in Hula dancing, and ate Hawaiian entrees.

"The best part of today… is the whole atmosphere," said 1st Lt. Rachel Stone, 35th CSSB.

Akira Shirota, chairman of Chuo District Communities Joint Association, said community officials often interact with each other through the different events hosted on Camp Zama and the surrounding communities.

"I would like to maintain the relationships made, for the sake of the local communities' development," said Shirota.

"Events like (this) luau are absolutely important in maintaining those friendships and partnerships," said Lesiak.