Origins of Sasebo

I've been lacking on the blogs and SO MUCH has happened the last three days!

All week we have been attending classes to get us acquainted with the Navy Base and the Japanese culture.

Tuesday was the worst....seriously...minus a 5 minute history brief on the Navy Base so let me fill ya in!

First of all, Sasebo city is only 111 years old. I'm pretty sure Everett is older than this town!! This place began as a fisherman's town. Then one day the Emperor decided he needed space for his Imperial Navy and some guy found Sasebo. So Japan's Imperial Navy set up shop right here in Sasebo!

There are a few rows of brick buildings that have been here nearly as long as the town itself. The rest was either built or rebuilt by the United States when we came and occupied it in World War II. Now, even though we came to occupy this port, we still share with the Japanese and there are thousands of Sasebo natives that work on base. There wouldn't be a Sasebo if it wasn't for the Navy. I don't mean just the United States either.

Next to the Navy is the SSK. I'm not sure exactly what those letters stand for but its basically a ship yard to fix...well...ships duh!!! That is entirely ran by the Japanese. It is their space. However, we bought a slip from them to use to fix our ships. It's the only agreement like it in the world.

Most Japanese are very happy we are here. We give them jobs and we also blow all our money in town which of course they love! ;)  There are still groups of people who will protest against the base, but I heard its all peaceful anyways.

I'm going to assume you may be wondering how the law works here. Well, if we get in trouble on base and with other Americans, the law and its consequences are carried out by the military. If we get in trouble in town? Japan has full jurisdiction. Moral of the story? Don't get in trouble!!!! They are much much stricter on their consequences here. Best to just be nice, follow the rules, and get home!

A few years ago, there were some Marines in Okinawa that raped a Japanese girl. Because of this, all bases in Japan are on curfew. I think its 9pm. So we have to be on base or in our homes by then. I heard it's getting lifted soon though.

Well, that's all I know about Sasebo for now!!

Sayonara!