Public eye #28

Shino, full-time housewife

Where did you travel from today?
S : From Iruma, in Saitama.

Is this your first time to the Yokota Base Friendship Festival?
S: Yes, it’s the first time for me. People recommended it, but I like the fact that it’s a chance to go into a place that you can’t usually go into. But, anyway, it’s big, isn’t it? The base is pretty far from the station, but even once you are through the gates it’s still a long way to the festival. Then, inside it’s really big too.

Have you seen the fighter planes?
S: I only just got here, but they are the ones on display towards the back of the festival area, right? I saw them from a bit of a distance. They are big, aren’t they? I’ve heard that you can go into the cockpit, but...

There’s quite a long queue to get in the cockpit.
S: That’s too bad. I’ve come all this way, so I did want to see inside, but...

There’s lots of stalls, have you tried any of the food?
S: I haven’t eaten anything yet! But, I have had a beer to start off with. [Laughs] I also had some hot chips. But the prices are much less expensive than I thought they would be; they’re normal. Considering the large portions, it’s all quite cheap.

It seems like there is a stage set up for live performances too.
S: Oh, I’ve not really heard of any of the performers. I guess I’m not so interested…

Is there anything that has caught your interest?
S: The smiles on the faces of the …soldiers?... are wonderful. I think maybe foreign people have better smiles.

Did you come here on your own today?
S: No, I came with a group of friends, but... A rather big group, actually. Some of them have even been to the festival quite a few times.

What connection does everyone in the group have to each other?
S: It’s my husband, and friends through him. Everyone is connected to my husband in some way. So everyone is from different areas, and different ages – because my husband is from Tokyo.

So, Shino, you aren’t from Tokyo?
S: No, I’m not. I’m from Sendai. I’ve only just left there, but...

How long ago did you move here?
S: About two or three months ago; I just got married last month, but... That’s why I came to live here.

That really is recently! Have you gotten used to the lifestyle out here?
S: Well, where I was, the sea was close by and you could get to the mountains within 30 minutes… and the food was delicious too. So at first I did think my hometown was better, but with time you get settled in to a new place, and it becomes a good place to be. I’m not in the city or the country now. So I’ve come to quite like Iruma too.

What do you think about Tokyo?
S: Of course, there are a lot of people, and it’s hot! But actually, three or four years ago I lived around here. I worked in a clothing store in Alta. That’s when I met my husband. [Laughs]

More from Shino

‘I’m still not really used to the environment here. It’s a shame that there are just so few trees in Tokyo. I feel a little cramped by it.’

‘Kids can have so much fun in places like this too, so I’m glad I came in the group with everyone.’

‘I think everyone should visit Sendai at least once because there’s so much there, like gyu-tan [beef tongue], sasa-kamaboko [kamaboko fish cake cooked in the shape of a bamboo leaf], Matsushima and the Tanabata Matsuri [Star Festival].’