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1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
to orchestrate movements and deconflict with the Japanese in order to fight the battle with maximum efficiency.
The exercise closed down with a parade for all involved, featuring speeches from both British and Japanese formation command- ers, including the Commander Field Army which really drove home the importance of the exercise. The JGSDF were generous hosts and had even constructed the ‘Friendship Hall’ for us all to socialise in. Having enjoyed some new and interesting Japanese cookhouse food and getting together to support both England and Japan in the Football World Cup we had to bid a fond farewell to the JGSF as we headed into Tokyo!
Having earnt some good time off we travelled to Tokyo to engage in some cultural pursuits. The first activity took us the Senso- Ji Temple in Asakusa, which is Japan’s oldest temple. Exploring Asakusa, many found a host of hidden gems within the town, while some bee-lined for the closest Maccies. Team Labs was another activity that was planned for us; removing our shoes
and socks, the experience took us through a variety of sensory stimulation rooms including a bean bag room, hall of mirrors and a partially flooded room with Koi fish being projected onto the water. We also visited the Tokyo sky tree which is the tallest view- ing platform in Japan. It gave us a full view of the city from 634 Metres up. During our time in Tokyo there was plenty of time to see other sights with smaller groups splitting off to explore the city. Discovering new foods, markets, temples, bars and all man- ner of weird and wacky experiences. All had an incredible time in a city many only dreamed of seeing.
Working with the Japanese and exploring Tokyo was a once in a lifetime opportunity and all involved represented the regiment with the upmost professionalism. Special thanks must go to the team involved in the planning and logistics of executing and exer- cise on the other side of the globe including the Embassy team who navigated us through the minefield of Japanese customs and helped create a memorable week of ‘culture’ in Tokyo.
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