May 5, 2016 • mccsokinawa.com
Image courtesy of Sum 41
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ince its inception, Schwab Fest has been an integral part of the social calendar for Marines, their families and Okinawans alike. This year’s festival is on May 14 from 2 to 10 p.m. and May 15 from 1 to 9 p.m. Admission is FREE and open to everyone island-wide. However, no pets, backpacks or outside alcohol are allowed. Festivals are principally parties, and you cannot have a good party without good food and good music. Along with fantastic beaches and scenery there will be fun and games for everyone to enjoy. Kids and adults can play to their heart’s content at Fun Land. Try your hand at a variety of game booths, sample some freshbaked pizza from Shisa Pizza Express or meet your friends at Kanpai Lounge before heading to one of the live music performances.
inside
The festival is set to delight both service members and locals with free top-notch entertainment, featuring Okinawa cultural dance/ Eisa performances, and variety band Hyperbeat performing both nights. On Saturday night, catch R&B/soul group Nu Reality and alternative punk band LiM. Sunday night features Polynesian dance group Pua Hinano, classic rock from Saturday Casual Jam and Jet, and Metallica tribute band Mattallica. But the main attraction for Schwab Fest is Sum 41, performing May 14 at 8 p.m. The group burst onto the scene in 2001 with their single “Fat Lip” from their debut album, All Killer, No Filler and has not slowed down since, following up with successful tracks like “The Hell Song,” “We’re All to Blame,” and the Grammy-nomi-
Firecracker Softball Tournament | 3 FREE Golf Clinics at Taiyo GC | 3 Why the Long Face? | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5
"...But the main attraction for Schwab Fest is Sum 41. " nated, “Blood in my Eyes.” Their current lineup and upcoming album features the return of former lead guitarist Dave Baksh. Don’t miss Sum 41 live in concert on May 13 at the Globe & Anchor on Camp Foster at 7 p.m. and on May 14 at Schwab Fest at 8 p.m for FREE.
Pick of the Week: Festival Food | 7 FREE Car Care Workshops | 9 Off-Base Events | 11 Semper Fit Events | 11
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livingatlarge
Firecracker Softball Tournament
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atter up for the softball tournament of all tournaments: the annual Pacific wide Firecracker Softball Tournament. Whether you are a fan or a player, this action-packed Fourth of July weekend event should not be missed. Semper Fit will be hosting the tournament at the Camp Foster softball fields from June 30 to July 4. The toughest teams in the Pacific will gather on Okinawa to test their skills and endurance for this non-stop, five-day event to prove who will reign supreme on the diamond. Softball is not all about raw strength and knocking the ball out of the park; it’s also about strategy, speed and smarts. This tournament will be a single round robin followed by double elimination rounds. Team and individual trophies will be given to the top three finishers in both male and female divisions. All tournament play-
ers, skills competition winners, male and female MVP players and coaches will also receive awards. Teams interested in taking part in the biggest softball competition in the Pacific must register by 1 p.m. on June 20 at any MCCS fit-
ness center for $250 per team. So oil up your glove, grab your Big League chew and get ready for your chance at softball glory. For details and information, visit mccsokinawa.com/semperfit or call 645-4866/3985.
events&happenings
Clockwise from left: 14ktgold/bigstock.com, PHOTOCREO Michal Bednarek/bigstock.com
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FREE Golf Clinics at Taiyo GC
he weather is warming and the days are stretching longer. This is the perfect time of the year to pick up the game of golf or brush up on your skills. Golf no longer means fathers waking up early Saturday morning, loading up the golf bag and disappearing for hours before returning with a sunburn and a grin. It’s open to everyone and Taiyo has the FREE player development programs to match. Family Night Every Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. families can hit free range balls while receiving tips from Taiyo’s head golf pro. It’s fun for the whole family. Couples are also welcome. It’s a fantastic free date night and way to try something new. Ladies Golf Every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and every Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. hit the links with friends. These clinics are open to women of all levels of experience and ability.
Discover Golf The third Saturday of each month from 1 to 2 p.m. is dedicated to discovering golf for everyone. Hit unlimited range balls at no charge and receive free swing instruction from Taiyo’s staff professionals. This clinic is open to all ranks and abilities. Just-4-Juniors The first Saturday of each month from 1 to 2 p.m. junior
golfers (or aspiring golfers) under 17 and under can learn the basics at the Taiyo Golf Club driving range. Take advantage of Taiyo’s pristine greens and professional staff and become a better golfer at one of these complimentary golf development courses. For more information, call Taiyo at 622-2004/2006 or visit mccsokinawa.com/golf.
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This publication printed with
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japanese phrase
whyisthat?
of the week
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Shimpai shinaide Don't worry For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs-Resources at 645-2104/2106.
Why the Long Face?
e all get down sometimes. In Japan, that time is May. Here, April is an exciting time of year when bright-eyed students start the school year and businesses hire college grads. It’s an exciting time of year for everyone, and it’s topped off with a big holiday break for Golden Week. But then reality sinks in. Maybe your new position in life didn’t grant you everything you hoped for. Maybe a new job or the new school year didn’t cure what remains eternally broken inside. If you feel this way, welcome to gogastsu byou, the “May Blues” that affects many Japanese citizens each year. These seasonal blues might be comparable to the slump Americans feel at the beginning of the year after all the holiday parties, gift-giving, feasting and winter vacations are over and everyone returns to work and school, only to realize that the best time of the year has come to an end.
Fresh company workers are the ones who are most commonly affected by the May Blues. Perhaps the position they worked so hard to achieve within the company has become more monotonous than glamorous, and they feel a sense of finality when settling into a new job. It is common practice in Japan to remain in the
same company for your entire career, so new employees may begin to have cold feet or fear they are stuck. People usually get over their case of gogastsu byou in a few days and begrudgingly suck it up, and rarely does it become a serious problem. That’s why we have ice cream and Adele, right?
Clockwise from the top left: ProVectors/bigstock.com, wrangel/bigstock.com
If you have any burning questions about Japanese culture, please send them to OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
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getting there
Naha Port
Okinawa’s summer festival season kicks off with the Naha Dragon Boat races on May 3–5 at the Naha Port. Don’t miss out on the excitement— and food.
pickoftheweek
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Festival Food
hat is a festival without festival food? Food is what brings people together in many cases, and in a festival, many friendships are forged over a cup full of yakitori or grilled squid. If you attend any festivals this summer, don’t be lost among the rows of different food vendors. Here’s a list of some of the most popular foods you’ll find at an Okinawan festival: Crepes: this handheld combination of a pancake and ice cream cone is perfect for on-the-go decadence. Corn on the Cob: typically served with a sweet soy sauce glaze, grilled corn on the cob is a sleeper hit at festivals all over Japan. Corn Dogs: American classic or Japanese festival staple? At this point, the lines are blurred as to who can claim ownership of this ubiquitous food. Grilled Squid (ikayaki): so maybe it resembles a Facehugger from Alien. Does that make it any less tasty? Or
does that make it more tasty? Pair this with grilled corn and eat like a king (or queen). Hot Dogs: served on a stick with no bun. Perfect for low carbers, or people who avoid gluten but will eat whatever a hot dog is. Kakigôri: shaved ice topped with colorful sugar syrup. Eating one of these means summer has officially arrived. Takoyaki: dumplings stuffed with octopus usually topped with bonito flakes, green onion, ginger and may-
Thomas Alan Smilie
photooftheweek
Good food is good mood.
onnaise. One of the most popular festival foods in Japan. Yakisoba: according to a recent poll by Japanese website Gadget Tsushin, Yakisoba is the most popular food for festival goers in Japan. It’s no surprise, this stir-fried noodle dish is great every time—usually consisting of cabbage, pork, carrots and ginger stir-fried in a sauce that tastes somewhere between oyster and worcestershire sauce. —Ryan Anastoplus
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more details
Clockwise from the left: Bigstock.com/stoonn, Bigstock.com/prodks
All workshops are held from 5 to 6 p.m. at Foster Typhoon Motors. Call 645-7169 or visit mccsokinawa.com/typhoonmotors for more details.
spotlight
FREE Car Care Workshops
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ainy season has begun to drizzle in—meaning typhoon season and the blistering heat of summer are on the approach. The last thing you need—in the middle of summer or during a spouse’s deployment or as the winds of a typhoon start to pick up (or a perfect storm of all three!)—is to be stranded by your oh-so-reliable island car. However, the whole ordeal could
be prevented with more knowledge about vehicle maintenance. No one out here likes to spend too much money on their Oki ride; after all, how long are we going to be here? But there is a balance between being smart about money and smart about safety. Typhoon Motors on Foster is so passionate about safe roads and cars that they are offering several FREE Car Care Workshops—kicking off
on May 11 with an “Overall Preventative Maintenance” Workshop. The workshops (and the growth of your car-related skills) continue throughout the year on June 15, “Radiator Flush and Coolant System Maintenance”; July 27, “Servicing and Replacing Brakes”; and October 19, “Oil Change.” Don’t let yourself get stranded—sign up for a class today.
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tours+
adventure begins here Okinawa West Coast Tour* May 8, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $43, Children (6–12) $26, (3-5) $11, (under 3) FREE Visit Cape Manzamo, one of the most beautiful and scenic spots on Okinawa. Afterwards, visit Okinawa Marriott Resort for a lunch buffet. Last stop will be at the Okinawa Sweets Factory for dessert while overlooking the beautiful East China Sea. Mother’s Day Sunset Dinner Cruise May 8, 4–8:30 p.m. Couples $146, Adults $77, Children (6–12) $45, (3–5) $27, (under 3) FREE Treat mom to a sunset cruise. The menu will include a steak and garlic shrimp dinner. A carnation will be given to each mother.
Urashima Dinner Theater* May 13, 5:30–9:30 p.m. Adults $68 with half lobster, $52 without lobster, Children (6–12) $38, (3–5) $34, (under 3) FREE *No meal Savor the varied flavors of Okinawan cuisine while being entertained by traditional music and dancers. Choose from the Okinawan or American menu when you purchase your tickets. Hotel Alivila & Central Sites Tour* May 14, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adult $45; Child (6–12) $28, (4–5) $19, (0–3) FREE Start the day at the Zakimi Castle Ruins, check out the Yomitan Museum and then the Cape Zampa Lighthouse. Break for lunch at the four-star Hotel Alivila and finish the day relaxing on the beach.
*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
MEF Band Spring Concert May 7, Doors open 6:15 p.m. Start 7 p.m. Tedako Hall, Urasoe City FREE (tickets required, call 645-3919)
Proud sponsor of MCCS Youth Sports
Athletics/Adult Sports
Clockwise from left: Thomas Alan Smilie, akiyoko49/bigstock.com
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
Tengan River Carp Streamers Festival May 5, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tengan River, Uruma City FREE
National Gourmet Fair May 5– 9, 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m. Ryubo Department Store, Naha City FREE
upcoming semperfitevents Open 6 vs. 6 Soccer Tournament May 20–22 Camp Foster Gunners Fitness Center Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on May 16 for $90 per team. The tournament rules and schedule will be emailed to each participant. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to top three teams and individuals. Details: 645-3003.
Open Memorial Day Weekend Basketball May 27–29 Camp Hansen House of Pain Fitness Center Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on May 23 for $100 per team. The tournament rules and schedule will be emailed to each participant. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to top three teams and individuals. Details: 623-5569/5558.
classof theweek Prenatal Yoga Yoga poses for prenatal and postnatal women, focusing on strength and flexibility throughout your pregnancy at many different levels. You don’t have to be pregnant to go to this class. Camp Foster Fitness Center For a full class schedule and times, visit mccsokinawa.com/groupfitness.