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May 7, 2015 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly Short History of Okinawan Dance
Color Me Fun
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Clockwise from the top right: mirceab/bigstock.com,Thomas Alan Smilie
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ecause of Okinawa’s geographical location and accessibility, the island’s arts tend to be attributed to other cultures instead of its own people. But despite the overall uncertainty of the true origins of Ryukyu Buyō, it is agreed that the earliest dances had ceremonial or ritualistic ties and were performed by priestesses or villagers. The earliest record of Ryukyu Buyō is contained in the Omorososhi— a 22 volume collection of Okinawan folk and religious songs that was compiled in the 16th century but represent a much older body of work. The songs praise the gods, the sun, the king and military heroes. They sing about seamanship, trade, construction of temples and castles. Some songs are ceremonial and some are work songs. There are a few love songs as well. An omoro serves to recite an oracle or a divine spirit. The idea was that by using omoro, the gods could speak through a medium that humans could understand (our bodies). But Ryukyu Buyō as we know it today is different from the dances performed during the Ryukyu Kingdom. When the Ryukyu Islands became part of the Japa-
inside
nese nation in 1879, the entire structure of the Ryukyu Kingdom was squashed and its once noble members of accomplished authors, producers and actors of the performing arts were stripped of their status, purpose and audience. Though they continued to perform in public theaters, the general public was never exposed to Ryukyu court culture and their performances were lost to the general public. Thus, the performers refined their performances to reflect the lives of their audience. The dances depicted the simple lives of agriculture, fishing and the relationships between the Okinawan people. They called the new dance Zo Odori (popular dance). Zo Odori continues to be redefined to meet modern audiences. In post-war Okinawa, Modern Ryukyu Buyō was created as a genre within Zo Odori. The new era of post war dance was centered on women dancers. Classical dance, popular dance and modern dance survive by being passed down through generations that date back to when Okinawa was still an independent kingdom. To see Ryukyu Buyō sign up for the MCCS Tours+ Urashima Dinner Theater tour. See page 11 for details.
Living at Large: Color Run Tips | 3 Culture Corner: Bamboo | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5 Libraries: Jan Brett Book Signing | 7
unning can be bland. Endless stretches of grayscale pavement or even worse, the droning whir of the treadmill under florescent tube lights. The EFMP 5K Color Me Fun Run will add some excitement to an otherwise tedious and drab excercise. Runners will be blasted with colorful powder every mile, including one big color explosion at the start of the race. Unlike a regular run where you look soggy and defeated afterwards, a color run is the only occasion you will finish a run looking more glamorous than when you started. The 5K Color Me Fun Run is on May 23 at the Camp Foster Gunners Fitness Center. Pre-register online by May 21 and check-in from 7 to 8:50 a.m. on the day of the event. There will be a mandatory safety brief at 8:50 a.m. For details, visit mccsokinawa.com/ efmp. Read more on page three.
Off Base Events: Get Out and Explore | 11 Spotlight: Warrior Challenge | 13 Movie Schedule | 15 Health Tip of the Week: Caffiene | 15
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livingatlarge Color Run Tips
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irst time doing a color run? First time running? No problem, this is a 5K fun run, open to anyone regardless of skill level. Here are some tips on how to get ready and what to expect: 1. Zip It: it is possible that habitual runners consume three times more bugs than the average person. While mid-run bug-bites are always
a hazard/treat during a run, you don’t want a mouth full of colored powder. Though the colorful powder used is not harmful, it’s uncomfortable to inhale and it’ll stain your teeth (plus it has no nutritional value). 2. Eye protection: a pair of shades will go a long way in keeping the rainbow fog out of your eyes. 3. Tissue: Color will get every-
where. Even up your nose. Do not panic at the sight of blue discharge. 4. Wipes: Some baby wipes or towels will be useful for quick clean up after the race. 5. Relax: this is not a race or a competitive event. If anything, perhaps the person with the most colors on their person might be considered the “winner.”
mccsevents&happenings L.I.N.K.S. for Kids May 8, 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. MCFTB, Camp Foster 645-3689 FREE Premarital Seminar May 8, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Ocean Breeze, Camp Foster 645-3689 FREE Transition Readiness Seminar May 11–May 15, 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Kinser 645-3154 FREE
Federal Government Employment Process May 11, 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Hansen 645-2104 FREE Survival Japanese Language May 12, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Education Center MCAS Futenma 645-2104 FREE L.I.N.K.S. for Spouses May 12 & May 13, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. MCFTB, Camp Foster 645-3698 FREE
Jan Brett Book Signing May 14, 5 p.m. Library, Camp Foster 645-6453 FREE Job Fair Success May 14, 10 a.m.–11 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Hansen 645-2104 FREE
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
This publication printed with
Various Camps
Camp Foster
Through May Save up to $30 off of regular price with free radiator flush fluid & antifreeze. mccsokinawa.com/typhoonmotors
October 17, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Vendors for collectibles, cards, comics, artists and more are needed for this year’s Comic Con. Special Events 645-4366/5828
Radiator Flush Special
Various Camps
Summer Session College Courses mirceab/bigstock.com
Ace the Interview May 14, 1 p.m.–4 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Foster 645-2104 FREE
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 | Amanda Bakun, Megan Milovich, Katherine Melrose, Kayla Christen, Jenessa Reutov CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALISTS | Ayako Kawamitsu
June 1–July 26 (register by May 29) Whether you are starting or finishing your degree, the MCCS Education Centers can assist in finding the right courses for you. mccsokinawa.com/educationandcareerservices
Comic Con Vendors Wanted
Camp Foster
L.I.N.K.S for Spouses
May 12–13, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Join other Marine Corps spouses to learn about things to do on island, USMC traditions, moving tips, managing deployments and more. MCFTB 645-3689
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japanese phrase
culturecorner
of the week
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Arewa nihongo de nanto iimasu ka? What’s that called in Japanese?
Clockwise from the top right: KrivosheevVitaly/thinkstock.com, monkeybusinessimages/bigstock.com
For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs–Resources at 645-2104/2106.
The Versatility of Bamboo
ot only is bamboo viewed as quintessentially Asian for many in the Western world, it holds its own special symbolism for those in the East—nobility and virtue. Along with the ume (plum), chrysanthemums (the symbol of the Imperial family) and orchids, bamboo are one of the four elements of great nobility, representing the four seasons. Admired for being pliant and resilient under harsh conditions, bamboo signifies perseverance and humility through the harsh winter. In Japan, bamboo is favored for take-zaiku, or bamboo ware. Whether purely utilitarian, like a cooking spatula, or ornately carved and decorated for ikebana vases, bamboo ware encompasses a wide variety of objects. Bamboo is commonly found in hanakago, or tightly woven flower baskets. It is also a prized material for musical instruments like the flutes called shakuhachi and shō. Tea cer-
emony utensils like the chasen (whisk) and the chashaku (scoop) are made of bamboo because of the ceremony’s focus on natural elements. Tops, kites, whistles, and other children’s toys have been traditionally made of bamboo. There are also bamboo fishing poles, chopsticks and martial arts weaponry. As bamboo serving utensils are found on the table, edible bamboo shoots of several varieties can also be found in popular in stir-fry dishes. The leaves of the chimakizasa variety are also edible and used to wrap confections and rice dumplings. In Tanzania, even the sap of young bamboo
plants can be tapped to make ulanzi, a sweet wine. From wares to food, bamboo also holds religious and artistic meaning. Bamboo forests may be planted around Shinto shrines, although the sturdy stalks have long been connected to Confucianism. Some Asian cultures feature a bamboo reed in the creation of man and woman. The essence of this graceful grass, a favorite subject of calligraphy artists, can be captured in a few simple brush strokes. And because bamboo lives for many years, it is revered as a symbol of longevity.
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libraries
Jan Brett Book Signing
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ith over 39 million books in print including The Mitten, The Hat and Gingerbread Baby, Jan Brett is one of the leading illustrator and writer of children’s books today. She is inspired by her travels in creating her detailed and colorful depictions of animals and human cultures. A storyteller and illustrator throughout her life, she traces back her beginnings to “[…] the spe-
cial quiet of rainy days when I felt that I could enter the pages of my beautiful picture books. Now I try to recreate that feeling of believing that the imaginary place I’m drawing really exists. The detail in my work helps to convince me, and I hope others as well, that such places might be real.” The Camp Foster Library invites you to meet the creator of these
places and stories at the Jan Brett Book Signing event and get your favorite Jan Brett title signed. Come to the Camp Foster Library on May 14 at 5 p.m. for this special opportunity to meet one of the foremost childen’s book illustrators and authors today. For more information, call 645-6453 or visit mccsokinawa.com/libraries.
Selected Bibliography
Fritz and the Beautiful Horses (1981) Annie and the Wild Animals (1985) Goldilocks and the Three Bears (1987) The Mitten: a Ukrainian folktale (1989) The Owl and the Pussycat (1991) Trouble with Trolls (1994) The Hat (1997) Hedgie’s Surprise (2002) On Noah’s Ark (2003) Hedgie Blasts Off! (2006) Home for Christmas (2011) Mossy (2012) Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella (2013) The Animals’ Santa (2014) See more at janbrett.com
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off-base events get out and explore.
All Okinawa Bullfighting Spring Tournament May 12, noon Ishikawa Multi-purpose Dome, Uruma City ¥3,000 Disney: 90 Years of Dreams and Magic from Mickey Mouse to Pixar May 7–June 28, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Okinawa Prefectural Museum, Naha City Adults ¥3,000, Children (16–20) ¥800, (6–15) ¥500 Manza Ocean Park May 7–October 31 ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort, Onna Village Adults ¥2,500 Children (3–12) ¥1,500
tours+
adventure begins here. Dinner Buffet at Kariyushi Hotel May 8, 5 p.m.–9 p.m. Adults $50, Children (6–11) $29, (4–6) $22, (under 4) FREE Join us as we venture into the local community to try out different restaurants each month. Taste traditional Okinawan dishes along with a wide selection of Japanese and Western food, Chinese Cuisine and Patisseries.
Okinawa West Coast Tour May 10, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $44, Children (6–12) $26, Children (3–5) $11, (under 3) FREE Visit Cape Manzamo, one of the most beautiful and scenic spots on Okinawa. Then have a lunch buffet at Okinawa Marriott Resort. Last stop will be at the Okinawa Sweets Factory for dessert.
Shuri Castle & Naha May 14, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adult $23, Children (3–11) $16, (under 3) FREE Tour Shuri Castle, once home of the 19 Ryukyuan kings and the only fullyrestored castle on Okinawa. Then it’s on to Kokusai Street for lunch and shopping. Afterwards, spend the afternoon at Fukushuen Chinese Garden and Naminoue Shinto Shrine.
Sub‐ship (ORCA) & Lunch May 9, 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Adults $53, Children (6–12) $41, (3–5) $11, (under 3) FREE View the beautiful waters of Okinawa from the comfort of the Orca Sub-Ship. Afterwards, have lunch at The Nest Hotel and spend the afternoon shopping on Kokusai Street.
Mother’s Day Dinner Cruise May 10, 4–8:30 p.m. Couples $133, Adults $68, Children (6–12) $45, Children (3–5) $27, (under 3) FREE Give mom a Mother’s Day to remember! Treat her to a mouth-watering entrée (steak and seafood pie), live music and a gorgeous sunset.
Urashima Dinner Theater May 15, 5:30–9:30 p.m. Adults $68 with half lobster, $52 without lobster, Children (6–12) $38, Children (3–5) $34, (under 2) FREE *No meal Savor the varied flavors of Okinawan cuisine while being entertained by traditional music and dancers.
*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: Thomas Alan Smilie; bottom: Mike Daley
photooftheweek
This castle was the center of Okinawan culture, economy and politics for nearly 500 years. It is now the only fully reconstructed castle on Okinawa. Take a trip back in time with MCCS Tours+ Shuri Castle & Naha tour on May 14 (see above).
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spotlight
Warrior Challenge
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warrengoldswain/bigstock.com
nother 5K fun run. You can do these in your sleep. It hardly breaks a sweat. You don’t even need your good playlist to zip through one of these. But the Warrior Challenge 5K is a little different. Even though it’s a 5K, it’ll require the endurance of at least 15K. You will find yourself going through more than six obstacles throughout this ruthless stroll including pits of knee-deep water and sand, hurdles, walking planks, tires and more.
The Warrior Challenge will start at the Camp Schwab Aquatics Center at 10 a.m. with a mandatory safety brief at 9:45 a.m. Register now at any MCCS fitness center by May 18 for $25 per person or $50 per team (up to three people). Late registration will be taken at the Camp Schwab Power Dome on May 22 until 10 p.m. or on-site from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Must be 15 or older (participants aged 15 to 17 must produce a signed waver). Call 645-2442 for details.
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upcoming semperfitevents movieschedule Phone Numbers 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 Racquetball Tournament May 8–10 MCAS Futenma Semper Fit Gym Register onsite from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. for $15. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place winners. Tournament brackets and bylaws will be emailed to each player. Details: 636-2672. Open Triathlon May 17 Camp Kinser Gym Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on May 11 for $20. This event is open to participants island-wide (max. 200 registrants). Awards will be given to first, second and third place winners in each category. A mandatory participant’s brief will be held onsite at 7:45 a.m. Details: 637-1869. Open Softball Tournament May 22–24 Camp Courtney Ironworks Gym Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on May 18 for $95 per team. This event is open to participants island-wide. Team and individual awards will be given to first, second and third place winners. Details: 622-7297. Open Warrior Challenge 5K Fun Run May 23 Camp Schwab Power Dome Gym Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on May 18 for $25 per person or $50 per team. Late registration will be taken at the Camp Schwab Power Dome on May 22 until 10 p.m. or on-site from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. This event is open to participants island-wide. A mandatory participant’s brief will be held onsite at 9:45 a.m. Details: 625-2442/2654.
classoftheweek Hot Hula Fitness® Hot Hula Fitness provides a total body workout as it isolates your larger muscle groups, and increases strength in your core. Inspired by the dances of the Pacific Islands, Hot Hula Fitness incorporates dance movements set to the sounds of traditional Polynesian drum beats fused with reggae music.
weeklyhealthtip Caffeine is the world’s most popular stimulant. But more coffee does not actually increase the stimulatory effects of caffeine. Though caffeine provides both cognitive and performance benefits, even drinking two cups of coffee per week will create a caffeine tolerance in your body. So how do you get more from your coffee? Drink less. examine.com/faq/do-i-need-to-cycle-caffeine.html
CAMP COURTNEY
CAMP FOSTER
Thursday, May 7 CLOSED
Thursday, May 7 Avengers: Age of Ultron (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Friday, May 8 Hot Pursuit (PG13) 6 p.m. Hot Pursuit (PG13) 9 p.m.
Friday, May 8 The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (PG) 6 p.m. Hot Pursuit (PG 13) 9 p.m. Hot Pursuit (PG 13) midnight
Saturday May 09 Cinderella (PG) 3 p.m. Hot Pursuit (PG 13) 6 p.m. Sunday, May 10 Cinderella (PG) 3 p.m. Hot Pursuit (PG13) 6 p.m. Monday, May 11 Insurgent (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Saturday May 9 Home (PG) 3D noon Avengers: Age of Ultron 3D (PG 13) 3 p.m. Hot Pursuit (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Hot Pursuit (PG 13) 9:30 p.m. The Gunman (R) 12:30 a.m.
Tuesday, May 12 CLOSED
Sunday, May 10 Cinderella (PG) 1 p.m. Hot Pursuit (PG 13) 4 p.m. Avengers: Age of Ultron (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Wednesday, May 13 Avengers: Age of Ultron (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Monday, May 11 Hot Pursuit (PG 13) 4* 7 p.m.
MCAS FUTENMA
Tuesday, May 12 Avengers: Age of Ultron 3D (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Thursday, May 7 CLOSED Friday, May 8 Avengers: Age of Ultron (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9 Hot Pursuit (PG 13) 4 p.m. Avengers: Age of Ultron 3D (PG 13) 7 p.m. Sunday, May 10 Hot Pursuit (PG 13) 4 p.m. Avengers: Age of Ultron 3D (PG 13) 7 p.m. Monday, May 11 Hot Pursuit (PG 13) 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 13 Avengers: Age of Ultron (PG 13) 7 p.m.
CAMP HANSEN Thursday, May 7 Avengers: Age of Ultron (PG 13) 7 p.m Friday, May 8 Hot Pursuit (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Avengers: Age of Ultron 3D(PG 13) 10 p.m. Saturday, May 9 Hot Pursuit (PG 13) 6 p.m. Avengers: Age of Ultron (PG 13) 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 12 CLOSED
Sunday, May 10 Avengers: Age of Ultron 3D(PG 13) 1:30 p.m. Hot Pursuit (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Wednesday, May 13 CLOSED
Monday, May 11 Furious 7 (PG 13) 7 p.m.
CAMP KINSER
Tuesday, May 12 Hot Pursuit (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Thursday, May 7 The Age of Adaline (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 8 Hot Pursuit (PG) 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 13 Avengers: Age Of Ultron (PG 13) 7 p.m.
CAMP SCHWAB
Saturday, May 9 Hot Pursuit (PG) 3 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 7 CLOSED
Sunday, May 10 Home 3D (PG) 1 p.m. Hot Pursuit (PG) 1:30 p.m. Avengers: Age of Ultron (PG 13) 6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 8 Hot Pursuit (PG 13) 6 p.m. Avengers: Age of Ultron (PG 13) 9 p.m. Saturday, May 9 Hot Pursuit (PG 13) 6 p.m. Furious 7 (PG 13) 9 p.m.
Monday, May 11 CLOSED Tuesday, May 12 CLOSED
Sunday, May 10 Hot Pursuit (PG 13) 4 p.m. Avengers: Age of Ultron (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Wednesday, May 13 Avengers: Age of Ultron (PG 13) 6:30 p.m.
Monday, May 11 Hot Pursuit (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Tuesday, May 12 Avengers: Age of Ultron (PG 13) 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 13 CLOSED
Movie schedule is subject to change. For the latest updates visit shopmyexchange.com.