I served in the U.S. Air Force from 1985 through 1989 and spent most of my enlistment stationed in California. One summer, I was lucky enough to go on a temporary duty assignment to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, as part of the ground crew supporting a KC-135 training mission.
Once the plane was in the air, a few of us had some time off, and our crew chief offered to take us around the island. That outing led to one of those quiet, unexpected moments that stays with you long after the trip itself fades into memory.
This story is about that day. It reminded me that kindness doesn’t always need a shared language, a comfortable setting, or perfect circumstances. Sometimes it arrives in the simplest possible form: a welcome, a gesture, and the willingness to see one another as human.
BRETT
1987-type music intro.
NARRATOR
It was the June of 1987, and I was sent to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa as one of the ground crew supporting a KC-135 training mission. Once the plane was in the air, we had some time off, so our crew chief, Sergeant Williams, offered to take me and two of the other airmen in shop on a tour around the island.
SFX
A car engine shutting off. Doors opening and closing.
CREW CHIEF
Here we are, guys! Our first stop today is this hilltop. We’ll park at the foot and hike up to the top. The view is well worth the climb.
SFX
Footsteps climbing stone steps.
NARRATOR
We parked at the foot of a hill and began climbing a series of stone staircases. The air was warm, the smell of saltwater wafting through the breeze. As we neared the top, Sergeant Williams gave us a heads up.
CREW CHIEF
(slightly serious) One thing to be aware of: sometimes homeless folks take shelter up in these public parks. They’re harmless, so just pay them no mind.
SFX
Footsteps that stop. A soft crackling fire.
ALL JAPANESE MEN
(quiet murmuring)
NARRATOR
And sure enough, when we reached the top, we saw them. Three men, clearly living rough, camped out on the concrete beneath a pavilion. They had a small fire going, heating what looked like a glass container of liquid. My crewmates and I hesitated, unsure of what to do.
JAPANESE MAN 1
(in Japanese, calm but firm) Oi!
NARRATOR
One of the men called out to us in Japanese. We didn’t know if he was telling us to leave or if he was just shouting. Sergeant Williams stepped forward.
CREW CHIEF
It’s alright. I’ll see what they’re saying. I know a little Japanese.
JAPANESE MEN
(Low murmurs in Japanese between the three men, their voices calm but animated.)
JAPANESE MAN 2: (in Japanese, welcoming tone) Watashitachi wa anata o kangei shimasu) [translation: We welcome you!]NOTE: if no one feels comfortable learning how to say this (YOUTUBE is great for this) they can murmur loudly instead
CREW CHIEF
Don’t worry, they’re welcoming us. They said we’re in their home.
JAPANESE MAN 3
(in Japanese, offering) Kore, dōzo [translation: Here, please.]
SFX
Fire crackles a bit louder. Glass container clinks as it’s moved.
JAPANESE MAN 1
(in Japanese, proudly) Sake o dōzo [translation: Please, have some sake.]
NARRATOR
One of the men took the glass of liquid off the fire and extended it toward us. Sergeant Williams smiled and translated.
CREW CHIEF
It’s sake. They’re offering to share it with us. (noisy sip) Here…you only need to take a sip.
CREWMATE 1
(hesitant but grateful) Well… here goes nothing. (noisy sip) That’s actually… pretty good!
CREWMATE 2
(laughing) Hey, pass it over here!
NARRATOR
My crewmates took a sip and passed it around. I, however, politely declined.
NARRATOR
Thank you… thank you for your kindness. I don’t speak Japanese, but I appreciate this.
JAPANESE MEN
(laugh warmly and bow)
JAPANESE MAN 1
(in Japanese, warmly) Dōitashimashite! [translation: You’re welcome!]
NARRATOR
They smiled at me, their eyes crinkling with warmth. Even though I didn’t understand their words, their kindness spoke volumes. They had nothing but the clothes on their backs and a few belongings, yet here they were, offering what little they had to us.
CREWMATE 3:
Man… they’re treating us like guests. I feel kinda bad I didn’t bring anything to share with them.
CREW CHIEF
Yeah… makes you think, doesn’t it?
NARRATOR
As I looked out at the stunning views of the ocean, I couldn’t help but feel ashamed of my initial hesitation. These men, who had so little, had shown us such generosity. It was humbling. I didn’t have anything to give them in return, and yet… they didn’t expect anything.
That day, I left with more than just memories of a beautiful view. I left with a new understanding of what it means to truly welcome someone into your home. Even if that home is just a hilltop pavilion. Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness, even just a sip, last a long time.
