A Year of Adventure, Friendship, and Community: A Look Back at the 2025–2026 OSAY Year

As head into another OSAY year, we're reflecting on all the moments that made the Officers' Spouses' Association of Yokosuka so special last season. From welcoming new members to hiking mountains, learning Japanese traditions, creating handmade crafts, and sharing countless meals together, last year was filled with opportunities to connect, explore, and make lasting memories.

Whether you attended one event or many, thank you for helping make OSAY a welcoming community where friendships flourish and adventures begin. And if you're new here, take a look at all the exiting things that happen when you become a member of OSAY!

Kicking Off the Year

We started last year by reconnecting after summer with our No Host Happy Hour, followed by a delicious Unagi Lunch Experience that introduced members to one of Japan's most beloved traditional meals. Mimosa Monday gave parents a welcome break on the first day with kids back in school.

September brought even more opportunities to connect. We welcomed new and returning members at our Coffee Brunch, enjoyed beautiful views during our Mt. Takatori Hike, and celebrated the beginning of a new OSAY season at our annual Welcome Party. It was the perfect way to introduce new faces, reconnect with old friends, and build excitement for the year ahead.

Exploring Japan Together

One of the greatest benefits of living in Japan is experiencing its incredible culture, history, and natural beauty—and this year's calendar was full of opportunities to do just that.

Members explored scenic trails during hikes at Mt. Ogusu, Mt. Sengen, Miura, and Kenchoji Temple & the Kamakura Tenen Trail. We also enjoyed a peaceful Forest of Koajiro Nature Walk & Picnic, giving everyone a chance to slow down, enjoy nature, and spend quality time together.

Seasonal traditions made this year especially memorable. We welcomed autumn with Japanese Fake Food Magnet crafting and celebrated Halloween during our Spooky Cookie Decorating Class. As winter approached, we enjoyed a festive Holiday Gift Exchange Party full of laughter and holiday cheer and members learned to create beautiful holiday décor during our Kadomatsu and Wreath Making workshop.

Throughout the year we embraced Japanese culture with unique experiences like our Kamakura Tea Tasting, where members sampled traditional teas while learning about Japanese tea culture. During the Kintsugi Pottery Workshop, we discovered the beautiful philosophy of finding beauty in imperfections by repairing broken pottery with gold. Members also learned the art of wearing traditional Japanese clothing during our Yukata Dressing event before many summer festivals.

One of the year's favorite family events was our Family Friendly Mochi Pounding, where members and their families experienced a beloved Japanese New Year tradition together.

Learning Something New

OSAY isn't just about social events—it's also about growing together.

Members picked up new culinary skills during our popular Gyoza Making class, learning to prepare one of Japan's favorite comfort foods from scratch.

We also focused on wellness during our Dietitian-Guided Commissary Tour, where participants learned practical tips for healthy grocery shopping while making the most of the commissary.

Our Valentine's Trivia night brought out everyone's competitive spirit, proving that a little friendly competition makes for a great evening with friends.

Building Community

At its heart, OSAY exists to build meaningful friendships, and this year's social gatherings did exactly that.

Our OSAY Friendsgiving brought members together around the table to celebrate gratitude, delicious food, and the community we've built together far from home.

Following the holiday season, our OSAY Re-Welcome Coffee Social helped everyone reconnect after winter break and warmly welcomed new members who had recently arrived in Yokosuka.

These simple opportunities to gather over coffee, meals, and conversation often become the moments members remember most.

Ending the Year in Style

We closed out the season with unforgettable experiences that perfectly captured what OSAY is all about.

Members celebrated the year's adventures with a beautiful Yakatabune Dinner Cruise through Tokyo Bay. Sharing a traditional Japanese meal while cruising beneath the city lights was the perfect way to celebrate another successful year together.

Thank You

None of these events would have been possible without our incredible board members, volunteers, and every member who chose to participate throughout the year. Whether you joined us for a hike, tried a new cultural experience, attended a craft workshop, volunteered behind the scenes, or simply came to meet new friends, you helped make this community what it is.

Military life often brings change, but one thing remains constant: the friendships we build along the way.

As we look ahead to another exciting year, we can't wait to welcome new members, create new traditions, and continue exploring everything Japan has to offer—together.

Here's to another year of adventure, connection, and community. We can't wait to see you at the next OSAY event!