EE FR
March 5, 2015 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly Nakijin Castle
St. Patrick’s Day at the Clubs
E
Clockwise from the top right: Milleflore Images/bigstock.com, Thomas Alan Smilie.
B
efore the Ryukyu Kingdom was united, Okinawa was divided into three principalities: Hokuzan in the north, Chuzan in the center and Nanzan in the south. The seat of power for Hokuzan was Nakijin Castle. The castle is now in ruins, but remnants of the original foundations and features are still present and can be enjoyed year round by visitors to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Nakijin Castle ruins are located strategically on the top of a hill, where it is naturally protected
inside
by valleys, rivers and cliffs. It was one of the largest castle estates on the island, comprised of several wards that stretch up the hill. The grounds include several utaki, sacred groves used for the veneration of ancestors and gods. The ruins are known for being one of the best places to enjoy hanami, the viewing of cherry blossoms, between mid-January and early February each year. It also provides one of the most spectacular views of the East China Sea on Okinawa.
Living at Large: 4 Person Spring Scramble | 3 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5 Culture Corner: Earthquake | 5 Off Base Events: Pop Circus | 7
ach year, people worldwide gather to celebrate the life of St. Patrick. No matter what you’re looking for, check out an MCCS Club for a St. Patrick’s Day party that is sure to knock your green socks off. The festivities will start on March 13 and end on March 20 with parties, social hours and more on camps across the island. On March 13, stop by the Ocean Breeze or Chesty’s SNCO Lounge on Camp Foster, Hashmarks SNCO Lounge and Legends Officers’ Lounge on Camp Courtney, or make your way to the Habu Pit on MCAS Futenma. On March 14, the Bayview on Camp Courtney and Thirsty’s E Club on MCAS Futenma will host their parties. On March 17 the Enlisted Lounge on Camp Schwab will have their party, and on March 18 The Palms on Camp Hansen will host theirs. Finally, on March 20, The Butler Officers’ Club Lounge will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day to finish out the festivities. For event details and hours, please visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs.
Photo of the Week | 7 Spotlight: Imagination Station | 9 Movie Schedule | 11 Health Tip of the Week | 11