Okinawa Living Weekly by MCCS Okinawa

April 20, 2017 · mccsokinawa.com

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rom May 25 to 29, join MCCS Tours+ on an unforgettable trip to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea. The tour includes accommodations at the New Sanno Hotel, transportation to and from Disneyland and DisneySea and airfare. Tokyo Disneyland has many of the same themes as the park in the west, such as the World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Crittercountry, Tomorrowland and more. You’ll find most of the same attractions too, like the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, Space Mountain, the Haunted Mansion and It’s a Small World. However, unlike other Disneylands of the world, neither Disneyland or DisneySea are actually owned by the Walt Disney Company, which allows the park to give some of the characters and attractions a unique Japanese

inside

quality and perspective. After being in development for over 20 years, DisneySea, the “adult” Disneyland, at $4 billion, is one of the most expensive theme parks ever built. The park is separated into seven themed areas, or “ports of call.” You will enter through Mediterranean Harbor, an Italian city complete with gondolas. This will lead into other ports such as the Mysterious Island, which houses the park’s main attraction—Mount Prometheus. Mysterious Island is where you can find the popular rides Journey to the Center of the Earth and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The ruins of an Aztec civilization and Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull makes up the Lost River Delta port of call. Further into the park you will find the home “ports” of The

Muffins with Mommy | 3 TriKids TriCamp | 3 Culture Corner: Yukata and Jinbei | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5

Join MCCS Tours+ on an unforgettable trip to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea. Little Mermaid, Aladdin and much more. Contact your local Tours+ or go to mccsokinawa.com/tours for more information.

Pick of the Week: Camping | 7 Leaving the Nest | 9 Off-Base Events | 11 Semper Fit Events | 11

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livingatlarge

Muffins with Mommy

lear your playdate schedule for Muffins with Mommy on May 6 from 10 to 11 a.m. MCCS Libraries on Camps Courtney, Foster and Kinser will be celebrating Mother’s Day with a special gathering for children to hear stories, sing songs and make a small tote bag for Mom! Everyone will also get some yummy muffins to take home. While at the library, make sure you check out the plethora of programs available for all ages. They have everything from lap-time and story time for the “littles,” to adult book club kits, craft activities and online learning programs for adults. There are even specific teen reading programs and an entire collection of graphic novels to keep your tweenager occupied this summer. And while you’re at the Camp Foster Library, check out the Inno-

vation Lab and schedule some time to use the 3D printer. For more information about this and other events at your local MCCS library,

go to mccsokinawa.com/libraries, or follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/mccsokinawa.educationandlibraries.

events&happenings TriKids TriCamp

Chief Marketing Officer | Jim Kassebaum Managing Editor | Ryan Anastoplus Art Director | Catherine Newquist Cultural Research Specialist | Ayako Kawamitsu Graphic Arts Manager | Henry Ortega Graphic Designers | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Hector Nieves, Jongeun Spencer Editor-in-Chief | Mike Daley WRITER/EDITORS | Ashley Snipes, Shelbie Thilmony Digital marketing manager | Thomas Alan Smilie Photographer | Sarah Head Ad/Sponsorship Manager | Roy Forster Ad Sales | Yoshihiro Shinzato, Aya Chilcote, Yoriko Yamashiro, Carina Fils-Julien Distribution | Kelli Kreider, Desiree Adams Marketing Accounts Manager | Andrew Menges Accounts & Research | Marissa DeSmet, Ashley Herring, Kristen Wong, Katherine Melrose, Allison Dixon Broadcast | Kathlene Millette, Gabriel Archer, Emi Komiya INTERNS | Chloé Stevens, Valeria Solorzano

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.

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he MCCS Aquatics TriKids Youth Triathlon Training Camp, or “TriCamp,” offers triathletes 9 to 13 years old the opportunity to learn about swimming, cycling, running, transition practice and other related activities needed to train for a triathlon. On the first day, kids will try out by swimming 200 meters and running 1 kilometer. They will go on to condition their bodies for the final triathlon held at the end of camp. The camp will be held from May 22 to 25 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Camp Foster 50M Pool. Each day, athletes will need a bike, properly-fitting helmet, running shoes and socks, swimwear, bike wear, running wear, swimming goggles, a towel (or two), water bottle, snacks (power bar, peanut butter sandwich, fruit, etc.), sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, smiles

and ambition! Registration for TriCamp is $75 per person (limited to 30 participants). For more

information, visit mccsokinawa. com/aquatics. This publication printed with

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japanese phrase

culturecorner

of the week

Netto ga osoi desu ne. The internet is slow.

Image(s) licensed by Ingram Image

For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs-Resources at 645-2104/2106.

Yukata and Jinbei

s we all know, the best part about summertime is not the change in weather but the change in—you guessed it—clothing. It’s the season for yukata and jinbei, of course! A yukata is an informal garment often called a summer or casual kimono. Yukata are unlined and usually made with cotton or another lightweight fabric. Initially, only people of the upper class dressed in yukata, which were worn after taking a bath. Over time, yukata evolved to become the specialty summer apparel worn throughout Japan today. Jinbei are a shirt-and-shorts set made from lightweight, patterned cloth or textile. Traditionally worn by men and boys, there is an increasing trend for women to don the jinbei, likely because they are easier to put on than yukata.

To say you “put on” a yukata is an understatement—assemble is a more appropriate word. The left side of the garment is wrapped over the right side and then folded at the waist and secured by an obi (a sash tied at the back into an elaborate bow). On Okinawa, both yukata and jinbei are worn with zôri, traditional Japanese sandals or shimazôri (flip-flops), while in mainland Japan they are paired with geta, elevated wooden sandals.

If you’d like to learn more about the obi, Camps Courtney, Foster and Kinser are each offering the opportunity to learn about the intricate knots used to tie a traditional kimono or yukata. Please bring a full size or large sheet of washi paper to this class, as participants will be making their own miniature decorative obi! For more information, go to mccsokinawa.com/culturalawareness for class details.

If you have any burning questions about Japanese culture, please send them to OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

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more info Outdoor Recreation Centers Camp Schwab 625-2442/2618 Oura Wan Beach Located on Camp Schwab 625-3682 Camp Hansen 623-4831 Camp Courtney 622-9221 Camp Foster 645-3909 MCAS Futenma McCutcheon Gym 636-3241 Camp Kinser Kinser Fitness Center 637-1114

pickoftheweek

n Okinawa you can camp just about anywhere; it all depends on what you want out of your trip. Some locations are more inclined towards hiking, lounging, sightseeing, star gazing, lone-wolfing it, philosophizing, parties or fishing. Some places are established campsites and some are there for you to discover. But as long as you have a tent, you can be the keeper of hot dogs and the ruler of sand fleas at any beautiful spot on island. Whatever your reason to forgo the comforts of advanced society for a night or two, Okinawa’s beaches and parks are ideal for a great outdoors sleepover this spring. With temperatures in the mid-seventies, a fruitful excursion can be had with nothing more than a backpack stuffed with a tent, some franks and s’more supplies. What’s more, you can check a few sightseeing items off your Okinawa bucket list as you plan

Camping

your weekend outdoor excursion. While beach camping might seem like the most obvious choice, there are a variety of camping options on island. If you want a less sandy experience, Comprehensive Park has camp sites, as does the Okinawa Prefectural Forest Park. Forest Azaela Park and Hiji are two other woodsy camp spots available. Please

Clockwise: monkeybusinessimages/bigstock.com, Thomas Alan Smilie

photooftheweek

You can rent almost everything for your next excursion outdoors except for perhaps the most important thing—companions.

remember to "Leave No Trace," and pack out what you pack in. Before you go, make sure you have everything you need. All camping necessities can be rented at Semper Fit Outdoor Recreation for a very reasonable fee. Go to mccsokinawa. com/outdoor_recreation for a list of gear and prices.

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spotlight

information

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Your local MCCS Education Center is equipped with the personnel and information needed to navigate FAFSA, scholarships, grants, transferred GI Bill benefits, college selection and more. Go to mccsokinawa. com/educationandcareerservices to find a center near you.

Leaving the Nest

he process of scouting, applying, attending and eventually succeeding in college is stressful and daunting for students and parents alike—add an overseas military assignment into the mix and it can be downright overwhelming. Fortunately, the MCCS Education Center on Camp Foster is hosting “Leaving the Nest,” a series of engaging presentations designed to help families navigate the journey to higher education. Join this informative series for college-bound kids and their parents to learn the ins and outs of preparing for college. The first year of college can be an overload of academics, social engagement and emotional adjustment for freshmen. Discuss academic support services, on-campus involvement, time management and more at “Surviving and Thriving— The First Year of College” on April

25. This presentation is an excellent way for parents and high school seniors to prepare for the upcoming transition to college life. Even before the first year is addressed, there are many items that need to be checked off the college to-do list. Most universities, trade schools and the military require placement and entry examinations. And one of the most stressful as-

pects of achieving higher education is funding it. Then there’s how to research which universities are the right fit and what to look for when touring campuses. Leaving the nest doesn’t have to be scary—preparation can empower students to succeed no matter where they go upon graduation. For more information about this session, call 645-7160.

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tours+

adventure begins here Okinawan Cuisine Buffet & Drum Show April 28, 5–9 p.m. Adults $66, Child (6–12) $46, (3–5) $32, (under 3) FREE Enjoy the varied flavors of Okinawa cuisine while being entertained by traditional music and dancers. The tour includes show and dinner with soft drinks, just bring extra yen for optional drinks and for other expenses.

Lily Festival on Ie Island April 30, 7a.m.–5p.m. Adults $46, Child (6–11) $35, (3–5) $11, (under 3) FREE Get away to Ie Island and enjoy the spectacular view of over one million lilies. Lily Field Park will host an assortment of fun with a variety of local shows and food booths. Also visit Mt. Gusuku and the Wajee Overlook.

Battles Sites Tour April 29, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $28, Child (3–11) $18, (under 3) FREE Visit Kakazu and Hacksaw Ridges, explore the Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters and end the day at Peace Memorial Park.

Forest Adventure April 30, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $50, Child (7–17) $34 Zip through the Okinawan woodlands. Test your courage in the zip slide ride, the amazon rope bridge, the Tibetan bridge or any of the other exciting courses. A child must be at least 7 years old and 56 inches tall. No person over 285 lbs. are allowed on the courses.

*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 637-2744

off-baseevents get out and explore

Antique Festival April 21–23, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Industrial Exchange Center (next to Payao Fish Market). Okinawa City FREE

Athletics/Adult Sports

From top to bottom: Thomas Alan Smilie, Image licensed by Ingram Image

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

Okinawa Cosplay Festival April 22, 11 a.m. Mihama American Village, Chatan Town FREE

Ie Island Lily Festival April 22–May 7, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Lily Field Park, Ie Island Call Tours+ for tickets.

upcoming semperfitevents Flag Football Tournament April 28–30 Gunners Fitness Center Register at any MCCS Fitness Center by 1 p.m. on April 24 for $120. This event is open to teams island-wide. By-laws and tournament bracket schedule for this event will be emailed. Top three teams will receive awards. Details: 645-4866/3003.

Camp Schwab Warrior Challenge May 13 Power Dome Fitness Center Register at any MCCS Fitness Center by 1 p.m. on May 8 for $30 or $75 for a team of three. This event is open to participants island-wide. Participants must be over 15. Details: 625-2442.

classof theweek FF Spin Party This is a 1.5-hour class that combines a cycle/spin class with functional fitness exercises led by an experienced cycle and fitness instructor. Camp Courtney For a full schedule and class descriptions, visit mccsokinawa.com/ groupfitness.