Matsuyama Garrison

　　I joined an annual event of the Matsuyama Garrison of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) today. The inside of the garrison was open to the public and lots of goods related with the JGSDF were sold at the event. It was one of the PR activities of JGSDF. I wanted to see the inside of the garrison and first of all, I was eager to get on the tank. In order to get on the tank, I had to get a numbered ticket as soon as the gate was opened because it was the most popular activity at the event. However, I didn't know that and I was too late to reach the ticket counter. Then, to the sound of cheers, the JGSDF and assumed invaders performed a mimic battle using blank ammunition. It was really impressive. I have no words to describe how big the sound was.
　　What impressed me most in the garrison is the tidiness of things. I've never seen other country's military garrison, but I felt that it implies the strength of the JGSDF.
　　I dropped in at the outdoor tea ceremony and outdoor stalls run by young SDF personnel and SDF support persons. I talked with several young SDF personnel in the stalls. Their attitude was really invigorating and it made me happy.

(Vocabulary)
garrison  (都市・要塞などの) 守備隊, 駐屯軍; 駐屯地
numbered ticket  整理券
to the sound of　～の音を聞きながら、～の音と共に
blank ammunition/blank shot  空砲
live ammunition  実弾
mimic battle/warfare; mock battle  模擬戦
invigorating  元気づける, すがすがしい
The weather was cool and invigorating.   空気はひんやりしていて爽快だった．