Submitted by Naomi East
A group of former classmates with one of the most unusual high school experiences in America’s history is reuniting this week on the shores of Myrtle Beach.
More than 120 alumni of Johnson High School once located on a US Air Force base in Japan, are gathering to reconnect and reminisce. The school, which operated from 1959 until 1973, stood on land that had been a kamikaze training camp during WWII before being transformed into a postwar base for American military families.
The students, many of them children of the US service members, grew up with a unique blend of American and Japanese culture. They still recall climbing Mt Fuji, attending the 1964 Olympics, shopping in Tokyo’s bustling markets, watching Hollywood films with Japanese subtitles, and even hearing the familiar voice of James Arness from “Gunsmoke” dubbed in Japanese. They wore the label of “military brats” with pride.
Attendees at this year’s reunion in Myrtle Beach range in age from 68 to 82 and have traveled from 28 states, as far away as Hawaii to be here. The oldest graduate, from the class of 1962 will be joined by the youngest reunion class of 74.
Over the years, Johnson high alumni have held gatherings across the country, including a memorable reunion in Washington, DC, during the cherry blossom festival. This year’s program includes everything from a welcome dance with a DJ, a cruise on the Barefoot Queen, seafood buffets, and more.
The reunion is not so much about the entertainment—it’s the chance to look back on their teenage years overseas, to share stories of life in Japan during the 60s and early 70s and to rekindle friendships that in some cases, have lasted more than half a century.
