Staff Sergeant Ryu Yamakawa serves as a guitarist and Noncommissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of “Final Approach,” a premier popular music ensemble within the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia, stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan.
A native of Chiba, Japan, and resident of Tampa, Florida, Sergeant Yamakawa enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in February 2017. He holds a Bachelor of Professional Music from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass. While pursuing his degree, he toured Europe as a sideman guitarist and studied under world-renowned instructors including Tomo Fujita, Mick Goodrick, John Baboian, and Tim Miller. Prior to his enlistment, he performed as a house band musician for Princess Cruises, touring across Asia, Australia, and the Americas.
A graduate of the Airman Leadership School at Yokota AB, he was awarded the prestigious Commandant’s Award. He currently serves as a LEAP Scholar in Japanese, providing high-level language and cultural support to international operations. His recent contributions include interpreting during Resolute Dragon 23 and Northwest Pacific 2024, enabling seamless coordination between U.S. and Japanese forces.
EDUCATION
2014 Bachelor of Professional Music, Berklee College of Music, Boston, Mass.
2024 Airman Leadership School, Yokota AB, Japan (Commandant’s Award)
ASSIGNMENTS
1. April 2017 – November 2019, Guitarist, USAF Heritage of America Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. (July 2018-November 2018, Guitarist, USAF Central Band, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar)
2. November 2019 – Present, Guitarist, USAF Band of the Pacific, Yokota AB, Japan (October 2022-February 2023, Guitarist, USAF Central Band, Al Udeid AB, Qatar)
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Commendation Medal
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Good Conduct Medal with oak leaf cluster
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border
Air and Space Longevity Service Award with oak leaf cluster
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Air and Space Training Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs Airman of the Year, 2022
PACAF Public Affairs Airman of the Quarter, 2nd Quarter 2021
PACAF Public Affairs Airman of the Quarter, 3rd Quarter 2023
PACAF Band of the Pacific Airman of the Quarter, 2nd Quarter 2021
PACAF Band of the Pacific Airman of the Quarter, 2nd Quarter (additional)
PACAF Band NCO of the Quarter, 1st Quarter 2025
Commandant’s Award, Yokota Airman Leadership School, Class 24-B
LEAP Scholar (Japanese) – Interpretation and cultural liaison support for Resolute Dragon 23 and NWPAC24
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class Feb. 21, 2017
Senior Airman Feb. 21, 2020
Staff Sergeant Sep. 1, 2023
(Current as of January 2026)