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March 26, 2015• mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly World’s Best Dive
Month of the Military Child
Clockwise from the top right: Thomas Alan Smilie
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ith its rich coral reefs, vibrant sea life and almost year-long warm water, Okinawa has a reputation as one of the best dive locales in the world. Whether you’re a master diver or a recreational snorkeler, the waters of Okinawa offer something for everyone. At spots like the Junkyard you can explore the reef that houses octopus, eel, clownfish, angelfish and much more. At Maeda Point you can find schools of fish, tube worms, chromis and, if you’re lucky, a sea turtle. More advanced divers can explore the underwater mountains and valleys of spots like the “Toilet Bowl” or Bolo Point. Of course, always be safe as diving conditions can
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change rapidly and check the dive site’s current condition before heading out. Details about island dive sites with full directions to each of them can be found at mccsokinawa.com/dive_sites. A short boat ride offers even more—the 20-island chain of the Keramas make up one of the top five dive spots in the world. Only four of these islands are inhabited, which means clean, untouched waters. Naha port offers regular ferries to the Keramas and MCCS Tours+ provides snorkel trips to this diver’s paradise as well. Visit mccsokinawa.com/tours for more information.
Living at Large: Schwab Beach Games | 3 Ryan vs. Courtney: Bug Warriors | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5 Off Base Events: Pop Circus| 11
pril is the Month of the Military Child, a month that recognizes the role that children play in the military community. To praise and support our military children, MCCS Okinawa promotes special programs, public education and activities throughout the bases. MCCS clubs are offering special Month of the Military Child events. Enjoy weekly Family Nights from 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays at Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster, Thursdays at the Butler Officers’ Club on Plaza Housing and Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney. Prices are $7.95 for adults, $3.95 for children ages 5 to 11 and free for children under 5. Along with a kid-friendly buffet, there will be games and activities. All military children will also receive a free gift bag to take home. Also have a chance to win an overnight stay for two courtesy of Moon Ocean. Contact your nearest participating club or check out mccsokinawa. com/clubs or the MCCS Okinawa Clubs & Restaurants Facebook page for more details.
Photo of the Week | 11 Spotlight: Easter Family Night | 13 Movie Schedule | 15 Health Tip of the Week:Blood Type Diets | 15
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livingatlarge
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CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | Jim Kassebaum MANAGING EDITOR | Ryan Anastoplus ART DIRECTOR | Corrinne McKenna GRAPHIC ARTS MANAGER | Henry Ortega GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Kelli Davis, Hector Nieves 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, Lola Cardenas, Carina Fils-Julien DISTRIBUTION | Gideon Juko, Sho Vivas MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Andrew Menges ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH | Kelly Longo, Amanda Bakun, Megan Milovich, Lindsay Roegge, Katherine Melrose CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALISTS | Ayako Kawamitsu
Schwab Beach Games
t’s It’s time to hit the beach again and while we’re at it, why not make things a little interesting? This April, Oura Wan Beach will become a battle ground to determine who is the strongest at this year’s Schwab Beach Games. All active duty personnel are invited to the northern shores for one of the first beach sporting events of the summer. The Beach Games are three classic events that test the mind and body. On April 3, come out to the toasty sands for 6 vs. 6 beach volleyball. For a challenge that both physical and nautical, kayak racing on April 10 is for you. The final event on April 17 is a simple test of endurance—a functional fit beach run. All events
are on Friday afternoon from 3 to 5 p.m. Advance registration is not necessary. Prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of each day. For more
information, call MCCS Semper Fit Aquatics at 645-3180 or visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics.
mccsevents&happenings Credit Report and Credit Score Analysis March 26, 11:30–1 p.m. Camp Hansen, MFP-R 645-2104 FREE
AFCT Testing March 29, 8–9 p.m. Camp Foster, Testing Center 645-3944 *Uniform of the day required for all military testing
Movie Night March 31, 6–7:30 p.m. MCAS Futenma, Library 636-3946 FREE
Habu Pit – Bosses Night March 27, 5 p.m.–7 p.m. MCAS Futenma, Habu Pit 636-3081 FREE
Basic Origami March 30, 6–7 p.m. Camp Foster, Library 645-7178 FREE
TA Brief & College 101 March 31, 10–11 p.m. Camp Kinser, Education Center 637-1821 FREE
Movie Madness March 28, 3 p.m.–6 p.m. Camp Foster, Teen Center 645-1004 FREE
Basic Kanji March 31, 5:30–6:30 p.m. Camp Schwab, Library 625-2518 FREE
Camp Foster Road Closure Starting May 2, no right turns onto Stillwill Drive from Tarawa Road (USNH) on Camp Foster. Road will re-open in October.
Questions? Comments? Please e-mail OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org 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. 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
Camp Kinser
Camps Courtney, Kinser & Foster
April 3, 3–6 p.m. Kinser Youth Center Enjoy games, music, food and fun. This event is FREE and open to members and non-members ages 10 to 12. Kinser Youth Center at 637-2248.
April 18, 10 a.m.–noon Courtney Fitness Center April 19, 9–11 a.m. Kinser Fitness Center April 25, 9:30–11:30 a.m. Foster Fitness Center Show your support for Sexual Assault and Alcohol Awareness Month with three special Zumba events. Health Promotion 645-2134
Camp Kinser
Kadena AB
March 27, 3:30–6 p.m. Kinser Youth Center Let us show our appreciation with special games and food at this fun event. Open to members and non-members. Kinser Youth Center 637-2248
First Thursdays of the Month, 5–6 p.m. Bob Hope Elementary School Join Proactive Advocates Sharing & Supporting group for families with special needs. Register via e-mail to efmp@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. EFMP 645-9237
Month of the Military Child Carnival
Youth Appreciation Party wdeon/bigstock.com
This publication printed with
Zumbathon
P.A.S.S.
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ryan vs. courtney
japanese phrase of the week
Bug Warriors
C XYZ wo sagashite imasu. I’m looking for XYZ. For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs–Resources at 645-2104/2106.
ourtney: Hey, you want to go catch some bugs with me? I hear some of them sell for hundreds of dollars. We need to cash in on this Japanese bug craze. Ryan: Not really. As a kid I went out and caught beetles to keep as pets since my parents wouldn’t let me get a dog. A beetle is basically the worst companion ever. C: Is that why I see so many neighborhood kids on a mission every weekend with a net and box in tow? Are they doing it for the companionship instead of the money? How did beetles
become such big business in Japan? R: Actually, one big draw to beetle breeding and domestication is the underground insect fight club. Stag beetles, rhinoceros beetles, kabutomushi (Japanese rhino) and goliath beetles are most popular because of their size. Owners “train” their beetles by feeding them special beetle supplements. Fights are usually done on a log or any designated “ring” area. There is a series online called Japanese Bug Fights (japanesebugfights.com) where you can watch some.
C: I heard that the largest of the stag beetles, called o-kuwagata in Japan, can cost you a small fortune, ranging from ¥40,000 to ¥150,000. A large okuwgata, however, can fetch several millions of yen. I don’t think I would want to risk that investment in a bug fight. I’ll just stick with a free one I can catch in the woods. Plus, they are probably better fighters since they grew up on the street. By Ryan Anastoplus and Courtney Rick
Clockwise from the top right: Bos11/bigstock.com, bernardbodo/bigstock.com
Contact Ryan or Courtney with your questions, comments or cookies at ryan.anastoplus@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or courtney.rick@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
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register online Online registration for the 2015 Camp Hansen World Famous Mud Run will be accepted at mccsokinawa.com/mudrun until 1 p.m. March 31.
Clockwise from the top right: txking/bigstock.com, Thomas Alan Smilie
Walk-in registration will be accepted at all MCCS Semper Fit Fitness Centers until April 13.
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Top 3 Reasons to do the Mud Run
he muddiest challenge of the year is approaching—the Camp Hansen World Famous Mud Run. If you still need to be convinced of why you should sign up, other than the entry fee being slashed, here are three more reasons. 1. Camaraderie. This event is open to participants island wide. Unlike other races, the Mud Run is a group effort. No person is left alone sinking in a brown-orange pit. After the race, the fun continues with MCCS Funland and vendors hawking post-race food and drinks. 2. Family Time. The Mud Run is an event for the whole family. Actual kids can participate on 500 meter (for kids 5-9 years of age) and 1K (for kids 10–14 years of age) fun runs on a separate course. Finally, the kids aren’t going to be the only ones guilty of tracking mud through the car. 3. Prizes. Of course there are prizes. After a day in the mud, have
a chance at pampering yourself for free with one overnight stay for two at Kafuu Resort Fuchaku or Tokyo Dai-ichi Hotel. Also up for grabs is one of six overnight stays for two at ANA Intercontinental Manza Beach Resort, one of three
overnight stays for two at Hotel Moon Beach or one of three overnight stays for two at Moon Ocean Hotel. Not enough? Then how about two round-trip tickets from Narita to any gateway city courtesy of United Airlines?
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off-base events get out and explore.
Pop Circus March 26–April 4 Tickets on sale at Tours+ Adults $21, Children (3-15) $10, (under 3) FREE Hokkori Market March 28–29, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Shintoshin Park, Naha FREE Ryukyu Golden Kings vs. Kyoto Hannaryz March 28, 7 p.m. & March 29, 2 p.m. Okinawa City Gym, Okinawa City Tickets on sale at Tours+
tours+
adventure begins here. Forest Adventure Park April 4, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $49, Children (7–17) $34 Check out Okinawa’s biggest thrill, Forest Adventure Park. Test your courage on the Zip Slide, the Amazon Rope Bridge, the Tibetan Bridge and other exciting courses.*
Hiji Falls & Okuma April 5, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $23, Children (3–11) $16, (under 3) FREE Enjoy a hike to Hiji Falls. After working up an appetite, head to Okuma for a late lunch.*
Neo Park & Pineapple Park April 6, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $26, Children (3–11) $16, (under 3) FREE Visit Neo Park, where you can feed birds, monkeys, llamas and other animals. After lunch, enjoy the rest of the tour at the Pineapple Park.*
Battle Sites Tour April 4, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $28, Children (3–11) $18, (under 3) FREE Visit the Battle of Okinawa Historical Collection on Camp Kinser then relive the battle with a history lesson. Explore the Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters and end the day at Peace Prayer Park.*
Expo Park & Aquarium April 5, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $37, Children (16–17) $32, (12–15) $26, (6–11) $22, (under 6) FREE Head to Expo Park, where you can watch a free dolphin show, visit an Okinawan Village, or relax on Emerald Beach. You will get to visit Okinawa’s four-story Churaumi Aquarium.*
Okinawa World & Habu Museum April 7, 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, glass-blowing center, pottery village, an awamori shop and the Habu Museum.*
*Bring yen for additional food, drinks and/or purchases. For more information, contact MCCS Tours+: Camp Foster 646-3502 | Camp Hansen 623-6344 | Camp Kinser Temporarily Closed | U.S. Naval Hospital 646-7013
Clockwise from the top right: Thomas Alan Smilie, inarik/bigstock.com
photooftheweek
Ryukyu Mura is a cultural theme park that recreates life from the times of the Ryukyu Kingdom. To reach it, drive north on Hwy. 58 past Kadena AB and follow the signs for Ryukyu Mura on your left. Discount tickets to local attractions, including Ryukyu Mura, are available from MCCS Tours+.
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spotlight
Easter Family Night
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altafulla/bigstock.com
n case you haven’t heard, there is no better way to celebrate Easter than to eat with family, food and the great bunny. On Wednesday, April 1, the Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster will host Easter Family Night. Easter celebrations continue the following night at Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney. Both Family Night events are from 5 to 9 p.m. and will feature games, arts, crafts and a chance for a photo with the Easter Bunny. For more details,
call the Ocean Breeze at 645-3666 or Tengan Castle at 622-9413. If you’re more of a breakfast and brunch fan, you’re in luck. On April 5 join us at participating clubs islandwide. The Ocean Breeze will have a breakfast buffet at the Veranda from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and The Habu Pit will have theirs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tengan Castle and the Butler Officers’ Club will host brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information on Easter celebrations at the clubs, visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs.
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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 Bench Press Competition April 4 Camp Hansen House of Pain Register by 1 p.m. on March 30 at any MCCS fitness center for $10 or onsite from 10:30–11:30 a.m. for $15. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place finishers. Tournament brackets and bylaws will be emailed to each participant. Details: 623-5569. Open Softball Tournament April 3–5 Camp Kinser Softball Field & Softball Field #4 Register by 1 p.m. on March 30 at any MCCS fitness center 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 emailed to each team. Details: 637-1869. Open Flag Football Tournament April 3–5 Camp Courtney Iron Works Register by 1 p.m. on March 30 at any MCCS fitness center 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 emailed to each player. Details: 622-7297. Open All Women’s Basketball Tournament April 3–5 MCAS Futenma Semper Fit Fitness Center Register on by 1 p.m. on March 30 at any MCCS fitness center for $120 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 emailed to each player. Details: 636-2672. *Attendance is required for participation.
classoftheweek Aqua Zumba
Integrating Zumba with aqua fitness, the Aqua Zumba class is a challenging, water-based workout that’s cardio-conditioning, body-toning and most of all, exhilarating beyond belief. For a full class schedule, visit schedule mccsokinawa.com/wellness.
weeklyhealthtip
CAMP KINSER
CAMP COURTNEY
Thursday, March 26 Seventh Son (PG 13) 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 26 CLOSED
Friday, March 27 Get Hard (R) 6:30 p.m.
Friday, March 27 Home (PG) 6 p.m. Get Hard (R) 9 p.m.
Saturday, March 28 Home 3D (PG) 3 p.m. Get Hard (R) 6:30 p.m. Sunday, March 29 Home (PG) 1 p.m. Home 3D (PG) 3:30 p.m. Get Hard (R) 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 1 Get Hard (R) 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 28 Home (PG) 3 p.m. Get Hard (R) 6 p.m. Sunday, March 29 Home (PG) 3 p.m. Get Hard (R) 6 p.m. Monday, March 30 Black or White (PG 13) 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 CLOSED Wednesday, April 1 Spongebob Squarepants Movie: Sponge Out of Water (PG) 7 p.m.
MCAS FUTENMA
CAMP HANSEN
Thursday, March 26 CLOSED
Thursday, March 26 Insurgent (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Friday, March 27 Get Hard (R) 6:30 p.m.
Friday, March 27 Get Hard (R) 6:30 p.m. Get Hard (R) 10 p.m.
Saturday, March 28 Get Hard (R) 4 p.m. Get Hard (R) 7 p.m. Sunday, March 29 Insurgent (PG 13) 4 p.m. Get Hard (R) 7 p.m. Monday, March 30 Run All Night (R) 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 CLOSED Wednesday, April 1 CLOSED
Saturday, March 28 Get Hard (R) 6 p.m. Insurgent 3D (PG 13) 9:30 p.m. Sunday, March 29 Run All Night (R) 3:30 p.m. Get Hard (R) 7 p.m. Monday, March 30 Chappie (R) 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 Get Hard (R) 7 p.m.
CAMP FOSTER
CAMP SCHWAB
Thursday, March 26 Insurgent 3D (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 26 CLOSED
Friday, March 27 Get Hard (R) 6 p.m. Get Hard (R) 9 p.m.
Friday, March 27 Insurgent (PG 13) 6 p.m. Get Hard (R) 9 p.m.
Saturday, March 28 Home 3D (PG) Noon Home (PG) 3 p.m. Home 3D (PG) 6 p.m. Get Hard (R) 9 p.m.
Saturday, March 28 Chappie (R) 6 p.m. Get Hard (R) 9 p.m. Sunday, March 29 Focus (R) 4 p.m. Get Hard (R) 7 p.m.
While blood type diets have gained popularity over recent years, there has yet to be any evidence supporting its efficiency. Blood type diets rely on the idea that each blood type (A, B and O) represent its own lineage and dietary needs. Studies repeatedly show that one’s blood type has no effect on how they should eat.
Sunday, March 29 Home (PG) 1 p.m. Home 3D (PG) 4 p.m. Get Hard (R) 7 p.m.
Monday, March 30 Insurgent (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Monday, March 30 Insurgent (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Tuesday, March 31 Get Hard (R) 7 p.m.
Cusack, L., E. De Buck, Compernolle V, Compernolle, and P. Vandekerckhove. “Blood Type Diets Lack Supporting Evidence: A Systematic Review.” The National Center for Biotechnology Information. July 1, 2013. Accessed March 1, 2015. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23697707.
Tuesday, March 31 Get Hard (R) 7 p.m.
Wednesday, April 1 CLOSED
Wednesday, April 1 Insurgent (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Movie schedule is subject to change. For the latest updates visit shopmyexchange.com.