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April 23, 2015 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly Okinawa’s Guardians
Vendors Wanted
Clockwise from the top right: StockPhotosArt/bigstock.com, Thomas Alan Smilie
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s you first step onto this island, the wild stare of the shîsâ greets you. If this molded clay form creeps you out, get used to it—the legendary lion dog from Okinawan mythology is seen everywhere—from the fronts of houses, businesses and even rooftops. The statues were brought from China and have impacted Okinawa ever since. No matter the size or age, the shîsâ is always seen as a guardian. Shîsâ always come in pairs: one sits on the right with its mouth open and the other on the left with its mouth closed. An open-mouthed shîsâ scares the ghouls away, while the closed-mouth shîsâ welcome the good spirits in. Local folk stories for these canine creatures are told all around Okinawa. According to one legend, a king
inside
summons a shîsâ to destroy a dragon. Using its powerful roar, the shîsâ causes a boulder to collapse on the dragon, killing its foe and creating the island known today as Ganna-Mui. It is believed that the only way to attain the protection of a shîsâ by receiving them as gifts. Shîsâ can be found in almost every store for purchase. The price range for the sculptures depends on the size and craftsmanship. Hand-crafted shîsâ make the best souvenirs. Yomitan village carries a selection and even offers the opportunity to mold your own. To learn about what MCCS offers for shîsâ crafting and education, check out mccsokinawa.com/artsandcrafts and mccsokinawa.com/culturalawareness.
Living at Large: Cinco de Mayo at the Clubs | 3 Culture Corner: Gyodan: Food Replicas | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5 Youth & Teen Center: Cinco de Mayo Birthday Bash | 7
CCS is looking for unique retail, collectible and comic vendors for this year’s Comic Con Okinawa. This event will take place on October 17 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Fieldhouse and Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster. Commercial and private businesses are all welcome to participate as an event vendor. Comic Con Okinawa is the ideal place for vendors of comic and collectible merchants to sell their wares. No matter what your specialty, MCCS has booth space waiting for you. If you or your business is interested in being a vendor for this event, email specialevents@okinawa.usmcmccs.org or call 645-4366/5828 or 098-970-4366. Booth space is limited, please call for more information. Vendor applications are available for pick up at Special Events Bldg 5677 or downloadable online at mccsokinawa.com/festivals.
Off Base Events: Get Out and Explore | 11 Spotlight: Climb Mt. Fuji | 13 Movie Schedule | 15 Health Tip of the Week: Blueberries | 15
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livingatlarge
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Cinco de Mayo at the Clubs
ust because you’re in Okinawa doesn’t mean you have to miss out on Cinco de Mayo celebrations. MCCS clubs will be celebrating Mexican-American culture on May 1, 2 and 5 at clubs island-wide. The clubs will be offering live music, DJs and giveaways. May 1 has a Cinco de Mayo Party at the Camp Courtney Legends Officer’s Club with a live DJ from 5 p.m. to midnight. On May 2, The Habu Pit on MCAS Futenma has their celebration from 7 p.m. to midnight with free hors d’oeuvres from 7 to 9 p.m. On May 5, The Thirsty’s E Club on MCAS Futenma will have prize giveaways and free food from 6 to
Questions? Comments? Please e-mail OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org
11 p.m., the Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster will celebrate in the same fashion from 4 to 8 p.m. Finally, if you’d rather celebrate with lunch, head to
the Palms on Camp Hansen on May 5 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for a buffet. For full details and pricing, visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs.
mccsevents&happenings Obi Making Friday, April 24, 9–11 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Kinser 645-2104 FREE TA Brief & College 101 Monday, April 27, 2:30–3:30 p.m. Education Center, Camp Schwab 625-2046 FREE Survival Japanese Writing Monday and Tuesday, April 27 & 28, 11:30–1 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Foster 645-2104 FREE
Leaving the Nest Educational Series Tuesday, April 28, 5:30–6:30 p.m. Education Center, Camp Foster 645-7160 FREE
Federal Resume Writing Wednesday, April 29, 8:30–11:30 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Foster 645-2104 FREE
Money Management Workshop Tuesday, April 28, 8:30–11:30 a.m. Education Center, MCAS Futenma 645-2104 FREE
Blended Families Wednesday, April 29, 5–7 p.m. MCFTB, Camp Foster 645-3689 FREE
Thrift Savings Plan Tuesday, April 28, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Hansen 645-2104 FREE
L.I.N.K.S. for Kids Friday, May 8, 5:30–8:30 p.m. MCFTB, Camp Foster 645-3749 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. 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
Various Camps
Camps Courtney, Foster & Kinser
Classes now open Sign up now for the best job under the sun. For class times, registration information or details, please call 645-7554. mccsokinawa.com/lifeguard
May 2, 10–11 a.m. Spend time with your mother at the library with stories, songs, poems, rhymes and crafts. Muffins will be offered to all who attend. mccsokinawa.com/educationandlibraries
Be a Lifeguard
Camp Foster Milleflore Images/bigstock.com
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | Jim Kassebaum MANAGING EDITOR | Ryan Anastoplus ART DIRECTOR | Hector Nieves GRAPHIC ARTS MANAGER | Henry Ortega GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Kelli Davis, Corrinne McKenna EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Mike Daley 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, Kayla Christen CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALISTS | Ayako Kawamitsu
Safe Social Networking
May 12, 5–7 p.m. Learn strategies to protect yourself and family members from the dangers of social media sites. MCFTB 645-3729
Muffins with Mommy
MCAS Futenma
NCO Appreciation Night
May 1, 5 p.m.–1 a.m. All SNCOs and officers are invited to bring their NCOs for complimentary hors d'oeuvres, entertainment, pool and darts. mccsokinawa.com/habupit
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japanese phrase
culturecorner
of the week
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Takushii wo yonde kudasai. Please call a taxi.
Clockwise from the top right: mabe123/thinkstock.com, Lucian Milasan/bigstock.com
For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs–Resources at 645-2104/2106.
Gyodan: Food Replicas
rying new cuisines in a different culture is exciting. It can be confusing too especially when it comes to ordering. A sample menu item on display can grab a customer’s attention and their appetite. For foreigners, faux food provides a visual illustration to help advertise what’s on the menu. Language or unusual ingredients need not be a deterrent for those unwilling to play epicurean roulette. In Japan, there is an industry centered around fake food that will show you exactly what’s on the menu. The realistic entrées are called gyodan and can be found in the windows of Japanese restaurants everywhere. Gyodan was invented in 1926 by Takiwo Iwasaki, an entrepreneur who was inspired by his lunch and the fake food servings used in nutritional classes. At the time, restaurants serving unfamiliar western foods
were struggling to pique the interest of local customers. Iwasaki managed to sell fake omelets to shops around Osaka, which helped restaurants illustrate their new menu offerings. The idea took off after World War II, when Westerners occupied Japan. Not understanding the language or written menus, people used the replicas to place their orders. Similar to chefs, artists who make
the faux food attend school to learn the craft. Instead of noodles and cheese sauce, artisans work with silicon or wax. Kitchen paring knives and other utensils are used to give chopped ingredients authentic lines. Gyodan are costly since items must be custom designed for each restaurant. Simple items range from $30 to $40 per piece. A piece of sushi can cost as much as $70.
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Where’s theparty?
Clockwise from the top right: Milleflore Images/thinkstock.com, kobby_dagan/thinkstock.com
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated more heartily in the U.S. than it is in Mexico. In fact, the largest celebration of the Battle of Puebla victory takes place at Festival de Fiesta in Los Angeles, which attracts over 600,000 people each year.
youth&teen
Cinco de Mayo Birthday Bash
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our birthstone, the emerald, is the rarest of the bunch, symbolizing rebirth and love. You share a birth month with The Rock and Audrey Hepburn. People born in May are said to be understanding, determined and passionate. If you’re born in May, you might be a hard worker, a
charmer and have a keen imagination. Whether or not this sounds like you, your birthday is a reason enough for a party. Come celebrate your birthday with your fellow Mayborn at the Courtney Teen Center Cinco de Mayo Birthday Bash. This celebration is open to every-
one ages 13 to 18 and will be at the Camp Courtney Teen Center from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on May 5. There will be free treats so bring your friends. For details, call the Camp Courtney Teen Center at 622-9702 or visit mccsokinawa.com/youth_ and_teen.
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off-base events get out and explore.
International Skate Contest April 25, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Ikoi-no-Shimin Park Ginowan City. BJ League Basketball Tournament April 25, 7 p.m. & April 26, 6 p.m. Ryukyu Golden Kings vs. Shiga Lakestars Ginowan City Gym Call Tours+ at 646-3502 for tickets. AEON Mall Okinawa Rycom Grand Opening April 25, 9 a.m. AEON Mall Okinawa Rycom Kitanakagusuku Village
tours+
adventure begins here. Japanese Tea Ceremony April 24, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Adults $35, Children (3‐11) $28, (under 3) FREE Learn the traditional methods to make Japanese tea at a traditional tea ceremony. After tea, have lunch and shopping at Kokusai Street.
Farm & Fish Market April 25, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Adults $20, Children (3–11) $13, (under 3) FREE Explore and shop the freshest foods available on Okinawa at the JA Farmers Market,Vege Vege store, Mini Mini Zoo and Payao Fish Market.
Hiji Falls & Okuma May 2, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $23, Children (3–11) $16, (under 3) FREE Enjoy a hike to Hiji Falls and work up an appetite. After the hike, we’ll have a late lunch at Okuma.
Lily Festival in Ie Island April 25 & 26, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $46, Children (6–11) $30, (3–5) $11, (under 3) FREE Get away to Ie Island and enjoy the spectacular view of over one million lilies. You will also see the popular Mt. Gusuku and the Wajee water springs.
Battle Sites Tour April 26, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $28, Children (3–11) $18, (under 3) FREE Visit the Battle of Okinawa Historical Society’s museum on Camp Kinser and explore the Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters. End the day at Peace Prayer Park.
Okinawa World & Habu Museum May 2, 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.
*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
Top left: lzf/Bigstock.com, bottom: Thomas Alan Smilie
photooftheweek
Catch the champion Ryukyu Golden Kings in action this weekend as they face off against the Shiga Lakestars (see Off Base Events, top left). Call your local Tours+ office for tickets for this, and all future Kings match ups.
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spotlight
Climb Mt. Fuji
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shihina/bigstock.com
ave you climbed Mt. Fuji yet? You know, the tallest peak in Japan? That thing that you’ve been putting off since you arrived on island? If not, it’s climbing season again, and this year is better than any other to finally take on the challenge. MCCS Tours+ will have tours to Mt. Fuji through July and August. The climb may not pose any major difficulties in actual climbing skills, but the terrain can be steep and rocky. The main challenge is, of course, climbing for roughly 5 hours through thinning air. However, the rewards are great and unforgettable.
So if you haven’t conquered the massive peak that symbolizes the Land of the Rising Sun, then you’re missing out on an opportunity to really show what you’re made of. The legendary mountain is something everyone should attempt conquering at least once. Are you ready to reserve a spot in the annals of glory and moxie alongside the greatest of the great? Go climb that mountain. Plan your journey right now. Contact your local Tours+ office for more details or visit mccsokinawa.com/tours.
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upcoming semperfitevents movieschedule CAMP KINSER
CAMP COURTNEY
Thursday, April 23 Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (PG) 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 23 CLOSED
Friday, April 24 The Age of Adaline (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25 The Age of Adaline (PG 13) 3 p.m. Unfriended (R) 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 26 Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (PG) 1 p.m. The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (PG 13) 3:30 p.m. The Age of Adaline (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 27 CLOSED
Wednesday, April 29 The Age of Adaline (PG 13) 7 p.m.
MCAS FUTENMA
CAMP HANSEN
Thursday, April 23 CLOSED
Thursday, April 23 Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (PG) 7 p.m.
Friday, April 24 Unfriended (R) 6:30 p.m.
Friday, April 24 The Age of Adaline (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Unfriended (R) 10 p.m.
Tuesday, April 28 CLOSED
For a full class schedule, visit schedule mccsokinawa.com/wellness.
weeklyhealthtip
Monday, April 27 Run All Night (R) 7 p.m.
Wednesday, April 29 Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (PG) 6:30 p.m.
Monday, April 27 The Age of Adaline (PG 13) 6:30 p.m.
This class teaches yoga poses for pre and post natal women, focusing on strength and flexibility throughout your pregnancy. (You don’t have to be pregnant to go to this class either!)
Sunday, April 26 Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (PG) 3 p.m. The Age of Adaline (PG 13) 6 p.m.
Tuesday, April 28 CLOSED
Sunday. April 26 The Gunman (R) 4 p.m. Unfriended (R) 7 p.m.
Prenatal Yoga
Saturday, April 25 Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (PG) 3 p.m. The Age of Adaline (PG 13) 6 p.m.
Tuesday, April 28 CLOSED
Saturday, April 25 Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (PG) 4 p.m. Furious 7 (PG 13) 7 p.m.
classoftheweek
Friday, April 24 The Age of Adaline (PG 13) 6 p.m., 9 p.m.
Saturday, April 25 The Age of Adaline (PG 13) 6 p.m. Furious 7 (PG 13) 9:30 p.m. Sunday, April 26 The Gunman (R) 3:30 p.m. The Age of Adaline (PG 13) 7 p.m. Monday, April 27 The Gunman (R) 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 28 Unfriended (R) 7 p.m.
Wednesday, April 29 CLOSED
Wednesday, April 29 Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (PG) 7 p.m.
CAMP FOSTER
CAMP SCHWAB
Thursday, April 23 Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (PG) 7 p.m.
Thursday, April 23 CLOSED
Friday, April 24 The Age of Adaline (PG 13) 6 p.m. Unfriended (R) 9 p.m.
Friday, April 24 The Gunman (R) 6 p.m. The Age Of Adaline (PG 13) 9 p.m.
Saturday, April 25 Home (PG) noon Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (PG) 3 p.m. The Age of Adline (PG 13) 6 p.m. Unfriended (R) 9 p.m.
Saturday, April 25 The Age Of Adaline (PG 13) 6 p.m. The Gunman (R) 9 p.m.
Sunday, April 26 The Age of Adline (PG 13) 1 p.m., 4 p.m. Fifty Shades of Grey (R) 7 p.m.
Enjoying one cup of blueberries everyday was found to lower blood pressure and decrease stiffness in the arteries. Eating blueberries increase nitric oxide levels in the blood which acts to dilate the blood vessels and lower blood pressure. This, in addition to the numerous antioxidants that the blueberry holds, makes this fruit a great snack.
Tuesday, April 28 The Age of Adaline (PG 13) 7 p.m.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25578927
Wednesday, April 29 Unfriended (R) 7 p.m.
Monday, April 27 Fifty Shades of Grey (R) 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 26 The Age Of Adaline (PG 13) 4 p.m. Unfriended (R) 7 p.m. Monday, April 27 The Age of Adaline (PG 13) 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 28 Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (PG) 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 29 CLOSED
Movie schedule is subject to change. For the latest updates visit shopmyexchange.com.