THE  LONG  BEACH  JUNIOR  CONCERT  BAND

1997 Tour of Japan

One memorable event will forever captivate the minds and hearts of LBJCBs young members.  From July 28th to August 5th, 1997, the band embarked on an international trip for the first time in decades.  This eight-day journey to celebrate the city of Yokkaichi's 100th Anniversary was highlighted by the following events; a tour of the majestic city of Osaka, a performance at the opening of the Yokkaichi Dome, a special hour-long performance for the Mayor's Youth Association, a tour of the ancient city of Kyoto, two-night stay at a five-star hotel (New Otani), two-night stay at a local hostel in Yokkaichi a performance at the city's Dream Parade, our stay with our host families, and a surprise performance at the very emotional farewell party given to the band by the city of Yokkaichi.

Hard to believe, but it has been over 10 years since this amazing trip.  The sister-city committee of Long Beach and Yokkaichi got together one more time in February 1998 to have a "wrap up session" about the trip.  They all agreed that LBJCB had a very colorful and exciting performancein the Dome.  Along with the professional band and singer, LBJCB's half-hour performance at the opening of the dome was a huge success.

The committee reminisced on the success of the trip, including the strange turn of events when two band uniforms were almost lost that forced two band members to be in banner uniforms and the parade that was so hot that we traded in our band coats for hopi coats.  As the committee watched the Yokkaichi tape again, someone mentioned how the Mayor Inoue was delighted with a certain band member's enthusiasm and talent when he was on the field with the singer.

We would like to thank all the people who were involved in the success of this trip.  Between 200 faxes, workers who rode the busses with us, staying with us in the hostel, we thank you.  There are too many names to list these special people, but here's a few to thank Dr. John Kashiwabara, Jeanne Karatsu, Takuya Takano, Mayor O'Neill of the City of Long Beach, and Mayor Inoue of the City of Yokkaichi.  Arigato gozaimasu!