CAMP ITAMI, Japan - U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy visited U.S. and Japan Self-Defense Force service members at Camp Itami, Japan, Dec. 9, 2015.

Kennedy toured the base as operations were underway for Yama Sakura 69, the annual bilateral command post exercise between the U.S. and Japan. She toured exercise control and also observed a commanders' update assessment in the bilateral exercise area.

“I had the privilege of attending last year, so now I will be able to compare and understand a little better,” she said. “I heard from all the U.S. military how important this partnership is.”

Yama Sakura is a two-week training event and is the largest bilateral command post exercise for the two nations, with more than 6,500 service members participating. Based on computer simulation, JSDF and the U.S. forces practice bilateral staff activities to respond to an armed attack on Japan.

Lt. Gen. Stephen Lanza, I Corps commanding general, expressed the importance of the exercise.

“I know both organizations will benefit from the things we will learn here during Yama Sakura,” said Lanza. “We will exchange ideas, share experiences and make professional friendships that we will have for the rest of our careers. More importantly, we must be successful together as a team.”