Collaboration builds lasting relationships.

For the 34th time, American and Japanese soldiers are working together during Yama Sakura 67, Japan's largest command post exercise.

The bilateral exercise, which began on Dec. 8 and ends on Dec. 14^, is being conducted at Camp Asaka, Japan.

"This is one operation; we are literally working side-by-side in a collective action," explained Lt. Gen. Stephen Lanza, commander, I Corps, during a telephone interview today.

Approximately 2,000 soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines are engaged in operations along side approximately 4,500 Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) members of the Eastern Army of Japan.

Since the exercise's inception in 1982 during the Cold War, it has evolved to keep pace with real-world events.

"This is not only a joint force operation, it is also a total force operation that brings together interoperability, readiness and the building of relationships," explained Lanza in his typical rapid-fire manner of speech. 

He also mentioned that the planning for Yama Sakura 67 took five months.

American and Japanese forces are being tested against a computer-generated invader in which a hostile force has seized an island claimed by Japan.

"U.S. forces are an irreplaceable partner," said Lt. Gen. Koichi Isobe, commander, Eastern Army, in a written communiqué. "We will continue working together in response to new challenges and emerging threats."

The joint and total collaboration has garnered political interest.

U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy and ranking members of the Japanese government have visited the operations center and been briefed on the exercise's importance.

"This exercise is very important to both our countries," Lanza added.

The full spectrum of military operations, with an emphasis on a bilateral counter-attack and amphibious operations - are being exercised.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord's top soldier again stressed that the exercise centers on the strengthening of relationship and the need for operability and readiness in order to meet global and regional challenges.

"You would be amazed at how our total force represents not only their respective service branches but the United States," concluded Lanza. "It is what these servicemembers bring to the countries we interact with that builds and strengthens vital relationships."