Group picture before the ceremony took place - All the dancers are men, and the women dressed in kimono just helped out during the ceremony.
The podium at Gate 51
ANA Drum
The new SJC advertisement
Sake Wood Cups to commemorative the inaugural flight
The Sake Barrel – local sake to commemorate the inaugural flight
The list of guests attending the ceremony
US Embassy is sending the counselor for Commercial service, Gregory Loose, as the ambassador was actually in San Jose and flew back to Tokyo with the former Secretary of Transportation and House representative, Norman Y Mineta on the return inaugural flight, and they were doing a special promotional tour this week
The ceremony started at 4pm and here was the MC – very formal and spoke only Japanese. With the US service, I would expect at least one English speaking staff, but not surprised.
It began with a traditional Japanese dance, with men playing drums, and then flutes, and three men making movement and clapping their hands
Then they removed their hair bands and did some more dances.
Towards the end of the ceremony, the invited guests showed up and took their seats. They talked among themselves and some business cards were exchanged.