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January 22, 2015 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly Nago Cherry Blossom Festival
Clockwise from the top right: Thomas Alan Smilie, Space-Heater/bigstock.com
Big Game, Big Breakfast
S O
kinawa hosts the earliest hanami (flower viewing) in all of Japan; it is an event that represents the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Their short-lived beauty is representative of the concept of mono no aware (the pathos of things), a Japanese term describing the transient nature of beauty and the bittersweet sadness of their passing. The cherry blossoms, which bloom for no more than two weeks per year, is said to represent mortality and is a common symbol in Japanese art. It is also an icon of love, affection, good fortune. The tradition of hanami is a centuries-old tradition in Japan. It is believed to have started in the Nara Period (710–794) where people gathered for the viewing of ume (plum) blossoms. By the Heian Period
inside
(794–1185), sakura, or cherry blossoms, began to attract more attention and the term hanami became synonymous with a festival to celebrate cherry blossoms exclusively. Today, thousands of people flock to the flowering trees to feast under the cotton candy like foliage to watch eisa dancers and taiko drummers march through the dreamy scenery. On January 31 and February 1, let MCCS Tours+ take you on a tour of this year’s Nago Cherry Blossom Festival. Come and enjoy family fun with food, cultural dances, parades and the beautiful view of the cherry blossom. The tour will run from 11:30 a.m.– 7:30 p.m., $23 for adults, $16 for children 3–11 and FREE for children under three.
Living at Large: Arabian Night | 3 Culture Corner: Kei Cars | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5 Off Base Events: Cherry Blossom Festival | 7
uper Bowl Sunday is approaching, but that does not mean that Okinawa is going to miss out on the festivities. The big game isn’t complete without a giant spread of food and watching the show with other football fanatics. Look no further because the MCCS Clubs have arranged all the necessities for this year’s match-up including food, drinks, snacks and big-screen TVs. On Monday, February 2 at 7 a.m., have a pregame breakfast and watch The Super Bowl at one of the MCCS Clubs with complimentary snacks, giveaways and prizes throughout the game for only $9.95. Kickoff will be approximately at 8:30 a.m. Participating MCCS Clubs include the Butler Officers’ Club, Ocean Breeze, Bayview, Hashmarks, Legends Officers’ Club, Thirsty’s, Habu Pit, BeachHead, The Palms and Surfside. Mark your calendars now for the sporting event of the season. For details, please visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs or call your local participating club.
Photo of the Week | 7 Spotlight: Families During Deployment | 9 Movie Schedule | 11 Health Tip of the Week | 11
2 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | January 22, 2015
3 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | January 22, 2015
livingatlarge
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | Jim Kassebaum MANAGING EDITOR | Ryan Anastoplus ART DIRECTORS | Hector Nieves, Karie Morton GRAPHIC ARTS MANAGER | Henry Ortega GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Kelli Davis, Corrinne McKenna EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Mike Daley EDITOR | Courtney Rick PHOTOGRAPHER | Thomas Alan Smilie AD/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER | Roy Forster AD SALES | Aya Chilcote, Yoshihiro Shinzato, Yoriko Yamashiro, Jessica Wagner, Lola Cardenas, Carina Fils-Julien DISTRIBUTION | Gideon Juko MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Andrew Menges ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH | Amy Schultz, Kelly Longo, Phylicia Callahan, Lindsay Roegge, Katherine Melrose, Amanda Bakun CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALISTS | Ayako Kawamitsu
Arabian Night
E
xperience an Arabian Night filled with Middle Eastern dishes and live entertainment. Whether you have a deep love for Middle Eastern fare, have never had the opportunity to taste this rich and savory cuisine, or just want to watch a live belly dancing show, Arabian Nights will fulfill your wishes. Tengan Castle offers the opportunity to satisfy your appetite with classic Middle Eastern dishes. This event will be held on Camp Courtney at Tengan Castle on Saturday, February 21 from 6 to 11 p.m. Tickets for this event will go on sale February 2 at Tengan Castle and Ocean Breeze. Prices are $25 for adults, $12.50 for children ages
Questions? Comments? Please e-mail OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org
5 to 11 and $5 for children under 5. Enjoy a night of food and dance unlike any other on Okinawa. For more
information, call Tengan Castle at 622-9413 or visit mccsokinawa.com/ tengancastle.
mccsevents&happenings Smooth Move Workshop January 26, 8 a.m. –noon Community Center Camp Foster 645-2104 FREE
Money Management January 27, 8:30–11:30 a.m. Education Center MCAS Futenma 645-2104 FREE
Command Financial Specialist Round Table January 29, 1–4 p.m. Crow’s Nest, Camp Shields 645-2104 FREE
Professional Communication January 26, 9–11 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Kinser 645-2104 FREE
Federal Resume Writing January 27, 8:30–11:30 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Kinser 645-2104 FREE
Relocation Assistance Coordinating Committee January 29, 2–3:30 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Foster 645-2104 FREE
Basic Japanese Language January 26–29, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Foster 645-2104 FREE
L.I.N.K.S. 4 Spouses January 28–29, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Bldg. 5677, Camp Foster 645-3689 FREE
No Department of Defense, U.S. Marine Corps or Marine Corps Community Services endorsement of commercial advertisers or sponsors implied.
We Make Okinawa Home
Other FREE Media:
Channel 15 & 118
This publication printed with
Camp Courtney
Camp Foster
January 24 & 25, 7 a.m. Turn unwanted items into ca$h. For a full schedule, visit mccsokinawa.com/fleamarket. Special Events 645-5829
February 17–21 Foster Framing & Fine Arts Build the frame of your dreams and take 20% off of material fees. Foster Framing & Fine Arts 645-3674
Camp Foster
Taiyo Golf Club
February 13, 3:30–4:30 p.m. Ashibina Child Development Center Share some Valentine’s Day love with your child at this special event for parents. Ashibina CDC 645-5072
Thursdays Ladies enjoy FREE clinics between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., FREE range balls between 8 and 11 a.m. and 5 and 8 p.m., and FREE cart rentals from 7 a.m. to noon. Taiyo GC 622-2004
Flea Market
Clockwise from the top right: szefei/bigstock.com
Kids and Deployment January 30, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Bldg 5677, Camp Foster 645-3689 FREE
To advertise in Okinawa Living Weekly, call 645-2245, fax 645-0975, or email sales@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. MCCS is not responsible for designing and editing outside ads.
Share Your Love
Frame Sale
Ladies of the Links
4 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | January 22, 2015
5 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | January 22, 2015
japanese phrase
culturecorner
of the week
T
Doko ni sunde imasu ka? Where do you live?
Clockwise from the top right: szefei/bigstock.com
For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs– Resources at 645-2104/2106.
he yellow plate cars you may have noticed in front of you during rush hour are known as kei cars. The term “kei” is short for keijidosha which translates to light automobile. They can be identified by their bright yellow license plates with black text. By Japanese law, kei cars can be no taller than 2 meters, no wider than 1.48 meters, no longer than 3.4 meters and can only go up to 64 horsepower. Kei cars originated shortly after WWII when the auto industry in Japan needed reviving. Most people couldn’t afford cars, so kei cars were created to serve as a cheaper alternative. Because of their size restrictions, they are cheaper to purchase and have much more affordable tax and insurance prices. Kei cars were originally exempt from certain laws that applied to standard-sized cars, such as proof of a parking spot before purchasing the car. Despite the size restrictions, all kinds of features have been added
Kei Cars
to kei cars. Kei cars come in the form of regular passenger cars, vans, pickup trucks and even ambulances. Anyone interested in a suped-up car need not worry; kei cars can have turbo chargers, sports suspension, body kits and GPS navigation systems installed. The small size of kei cars certainly
has advantages. The small engine is more eco-friendly than a standard car engine—they use less gas and get better gas mileage. The downside to kei cars is that they are not built for long trips. They may also be less safe than larger cars. With their weight less than 1,800 lbs., they would not pass an American crash test.
6 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | January 22, 2015
7 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | January 22, 2015
off-base events get out and explore.
Nakijin Castle Cherry Blossom Festival January 22- February 1 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Nakijin Castle Ruins Nakijin Village Children 6–17 ¥300, Adults ¥400 Kadena Town Industrial Festival January 24, 1–5 p.m. January 25, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Michi no Eki Kadena Kadena Town FREE Okinawa City Industrial Festival January 25–26, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Okinawa Comprehensive Park, Okinawa City FREE
tours+
adventure begins here. Nago Cherry Blossom Festival January 31 & February 1 11:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. Adults $23, Children (3–11) $16 (under 3) FREE Come and enjoy the beautiful view of the cherry blossoms with food, cultural dances and parades. Okinawa World & Habu Museum February 9, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $32, Children (12–15) $27 (4–11) $20, (under 4) FREE Tour Gyokusendo Cave, and then enjoy an eisa drum show, a glass‐blowing center, a pottery village, awamori shop, and the Habu museum.*
Battle Sites Tour February 7, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $28, Children (3–11) $18 (under 3) FREE Explore the Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters, and end the day at Peace Prayer Park.
Whale Watching Tour February 8, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $54, Children (4–11) $35 Watch these mammoth‐sized creatures surface around the Kerama Islands. After a morning on the seas, head to Kokusai Sreet.
Pop Circus February 14, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Adults $36; Childen (3–15) $25 (under 3) FREE no seats Come see thrilling and amazing performances such as the Juggling Flying Trapeze, Serial Hoop, Dog Show and more.*
Expo International Orchid Show & Aquarium February 8, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $37, Children (16‐17) $32 (12–15) $26, (6–11) $22 (under 6) FREE See the largest Orchid show in Japan at the Tropical Dream Center, watch a free dolphin show, visit an Okinawan Village or relax on Emerald Beach. Finally, visit the four‐ story Churaumi Aquarium.
For more information, contact MCCS Tours+: Camp Foster 646-3502 | Camp Hansen 623-6344 | Camp Kinser Temporarily Closed | U.S. Naval Hospital 646-7013 Camp Foster Tours+ has moved. We are now located in bldg. 1010 with Tsunami SCUBA.
Clockwise from the top right: Thomas Alan Smilie, Thomas Alan Smilie
photooftheweek
Have a light lunch and take some pottery home with you at Café Doka Doka. To get there, take the expressway to exit six. Follow Rt. 73 until you reach the Hwy. 58 bypass. Take the bypass and on the café will be on your right. Google map link: http://goo.gl/1zOZjx.
8 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | January 22, 2015
9 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | January 22, 2015
spotlight Deployment Success
I
Clockwise from the top right: Thomas Alan Smilie
t is never easy when a loved one is going on deployment. There is a period of adjustment to the many life changes as well as sadness when having to say goodbye. Deployments can be especially tough on families because children have to adjust to having only one parent around while the other is gone. Marine Corps Family Team Building is offering a workshop called Deployment Success to help military families and spouses facing
a deployment. Families can locate island highlights, identify education and employment goals and successfully stay connected during their spouse’s deployment. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, February 4 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Camp Foster in Bldg. 5677. Registration is required. For more information and to register, call Marine Corps Family Team Building at 645–3689 or visit mccsokinawa.com/ mcftb to register by February 2.
10 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | January 22, 2015
11 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | January 22, 2015
upcoming semperfitevents movieschedule Proud sponsor of MCCS Youth Sports Athletics/Adult Sports 645-3521/3522 Aquatics 645-3180 Courtney Ironworks 622-9261/7297 Futenma Semper Fit 636-2672 Gunners Fitness Center 645-3985/2235 Hansen House of Pain 623-5558/4831 Health Promotion 645-3484/3910 Kinser Fitness Center 637-1869/1114 Schwab Power Dome 625-2654/2442 Taiyo Golf Club 622-2004 Tsunami SCUBA 645-9500 Youth Sports 645-3533/3534
Open Flag Football Tournament February 6–8 Camp Hansen House of Pain Fitness Center Register by 1 p.m. at any MCCS fitness center on February 2 for $95 per team. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. Tournament brackets and bylaws will be e-mailed to each coach. Details: 636-5558. Open Basketball Tournament February 6–8 MCAS Futenma Semper Fit Fitness Center Register by 1 p.m. at any MCCS fitness center on February 2 for $95 per team. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. Tournament brackets and bylaws will be e-mailed to each coach. Details: 636-2672. 15K Relay February 7 Camp Kinser Fitness Center Register by 1 p.m. at any MCCS fitness center on February 2 for $60 or onsite between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. for $70. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place finishers in each division. A participants’ brief will be held at the event site at 7:45 a.m.* Details: 637-1869. Open Basketball Tournament February 13–15 Camp Schwab Power Dome Register by 1 p.m. at any MCCS fitness center on February 9 for $95 per team. This event is open to participants island-wide. Tournament brackets and bylaws will be emailed to each coach. Details: 625-2654. *Attendance is required for participation.
classoftheweek Zumba Mix body-sculpting movements with dance steps derived from Latin backgrounds. The routines feature aerobic interval training with fast and slow rhythms to tone and sculpt the body. It targets the glutes, legs, arms, abdominals and heart. Dancing skills are not necessary. For a full class schedule, visit schedule mccsokinawa.com/wellness.
weeklyhealthtip Is there such a thing as an anabolic window? In other words, how crucial is what you eat pre and post workout? You may have heard that it’s best for you to have protein and carbs at least one hour after your workout to replenish your glycogen stores and increase protein synthesis. However, there has never been definitive proof that this magical window of muscle gain exists. So don’t worry, there is no need to rush for your shaker bottle after the gym. Source: http://www.jissn.com/content/10/1/5
CAMP KINSER | 637-2177
CAMP COURTNEY | 622-6101
Friday, January 23 The Boy Next Door (R) 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 22 CLOSED Friday, January 23 Strange Magic (PG) 6 p.m. The Boy Next Door (R) 9 p.m.
Saturday, January 24 Strange Magic (PG) 3 p.m. The Boy Next Door (R) 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 24 Paddington (PG) 3 p.m. The Boy Next Door (R) 6 p.m.
Sunday, January 25 Paddington (PG) 1 p.m. Strange Magic (PG) 3:30 p.m. The Boy Next Door (R) 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 25 Paddington (PG) 3 p.m. The Boy Next Door (R) 6 p.m.
Thursday, January 22 The Wedding Ringer (R) 6:30 p.m.
Monday, January 26 CLOSED Tuesday, January 27 CLOSED Wednesday, January 28 Blackhat (R) 6:30 p.m.
MCAS FUTENMA | 636-3890 Thursday, January 22 CLOSED Friday, January 23 The Boy Next Door (R) 6:30 p.m. Saturday, January 24 American Sniper (R) 4 p.m. The Boy Next Door (R) 7 p.m.. Sunday, January 25 The Imitation Game (PG 13) 4 p.m. The Boy Next Door (R) 7 p.m.
Monday, January 26 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 (PG 13) 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 27 CLOSED Wednesday, January 28 Strange Magic (PG) 7 p.m.
CAMP HANSEN | 623-4564 Thursday, January 22 The Wedding Ringer (R) 7 p.m. Friday, January 23 The Boy Next Door (R) 6:30 p.m. Blackhat (R) 10 p.m. Saturday, January 24 The Boy Next Door (R) 6 p.m. American Sniper (R) 9:30 p.m.
Monday, January 26 The Wedding Ringer (R) 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 25 The Boy Next Door (R) 3:30 p.m. The Imitation Game (PG 13) 7 p.m. Monday, January 26 The Wedding Ringer (R) 7 p.m.
Tuesday, January 27 CLOSED
Tuesday, January 27 Taken 3 (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Wednesday, January 28 CLOSED
Wednesday, January 28 Blackhat (R) 7 p.m.
CAMP FOSTER | 645-3465
CAMP SCHWAB | 625-2338
Thursday, January 22 Blackhat (R) 7 p.m. Friday, January 23 Strange Magic (PG) 6 p.m. The Boy Next Door (R) 9 p.m..
Thursday, January 22 CLOSED
Saturday, January 24 Strange Magic (PG) Noon Strange Magic (PG) 3 p.m. The Boy Next Door (R) 6 p.m. American Sniper (R) 9 p.m. Sunday, January 25 Strange Magic (PG) 1 p.m. Strange Magic (PG) 4 p.m. The Boy Next Door (R) 7 p.m.
Friday, January 23 The Boy Next Door (R) 6 p.m. Top Five (R) 9 p.m. Saturday, January 24 Top Five (R) 6 p.m. The Boy Next Door (R) 9 p.m. Sunday, January 25 The Wedding Ringer (R) 4 p.m. The Boy Next Door (R) 7 p.m. Monday, January 26 American Sniper (R) 7 p.m.
Monday, January 26 Blackhat (R) 7 p.m.
Tuesday, January 27 Blackhat (R) 7 p.m.
Tuesday, January 27 The Boy Next Door (R) 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 28 The Boy Next Door (R) 7 p.m.
Wednesday, January 28 CLOSED
Movie schedule is subject to change. For the latest updates call your local theater.