May 19, 2016 • mccsokinawa.com
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tep out of the scramble of the city and onto a series of small stones through a mini bamboo garden tucked away in a quiet neighborhood. This path leads to a stone basin filled with pure, clear water. Lightly rinse your hands and swish some water in your mouth; this ritual washes away any mundane concerns. Then crouch through the small doorway, stripping all rank or status held in the outside world, and enter the tea room. For the Japanese, a society built on honor and status, this impartiality is a luxury. All are equal here. It’s a small room with wooden paneling, and the first thing that greets you is the smell. It rained, and with the opening of the small sliding door, you’ve brought in the scent of wet soil; this combines with the light grassy smell of the straw tatami mats and the warm
inside
hint of wood and tea leaves. The hosts of the tea ceremony, two Japanese women dressed in kimono, a mother and daughter, explain the kanji written on a single scroll, the room’s only décor. There are four guiding principles to the “way of tea”: harmony (和 wa), respect (敬 kei), purity (清 sei) and tranquility (寂 jaku). Taking water from an iron pot, the mother prepares the matcha, the thick powdered tea, whipping it with a bamboo whisk into a fine froth. You are experiencing something that stretches back to the Muromachi Period of Japan. The tea is offered to the first guest. Each guest wipes the rim with a cloth before passing it to the next person. The matcha is a thick paste and a vibrant green and considered the finest type of tea in Japan. The host then prepares the thin tea. Her movements are smooth and calming, every-
Spring into Diving Sale | 3 Hyperbeat | 3 What Are the Different Types of Japanese Tea? | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5
thing prepared just so. The tea is served in individual cups with complimenting sweets. If you’ve ever noticed the way time seems malleable—one moment stretching into eternity and then vanishing a second later—it’s during this tea ceremony. The host explains ichi-go ichi-e—the philosophy behind the tea ceremony—each meeting should be treasured, for it can never be reproduced. Even if you meet again, time will have passed and you both will have changed. Join the MCCS Tours+ Japanese Tea Ceremony on May 27. Keep in mind, like the ichi-go ichi-e philosophy, experiences vary. To reserve your spot, call 646-3502 or visit mccsokinawa.com/tours. For even more tea enlightenment, check out pages 5 and 7 where we cover types of must-try Japanese teas.
Pick of the Week: Konacha | 7 Okinawan/American Folk Art| 9 Off-Base Events | 11 Semper Fit Events | 11
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livingatlarge
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Spring into Diving Sale
ust off the shores of Okinawa lies an extraordinary playground that few seize the opportunity to enjoy. It can be both serene and exhilarating as you glide along weightlessly taking in the sights that await beneath the waves. No cell phones, laptops or talking permitted—just you and the deep blue sea. Exploring this underwater wonderland is a definite perk to enjoying the island life. With its rich underwater landscapes, diversity of sea life and pleasant temperatures yearround, Okinawa attracts scuba divers from around the world. The island waters also attract thousands of reef fish and a variety of corals, sea turtles, sharks, manta rays and much more. Coast along the reef walls searching for eels, cuttlefish and octopi or marvel at the number of fish species that surround you. It is difficult to grow bored diving in the waters around Okinawa.
There are a number of dive sites to discover ranging from beginner to expert level. Whether you prefer colorful reefs teeming with life or adventurous shipwreck dives, the island waters have it all. To help you explore all the ocean has to offer without breaking the bank, Tsunami SCUBA will be hav-
ing its annual Spring into Diving Sale from May 27 to June 6. Save at least 15 percent off everything in the store and up to 30 percent off select items, excluding booties, educational materials and classes. For more information visit mccsokinawa.com/ tsunamiscuba.
events&happenings
Top: devon/bigstock.com, bottom: Image courtesy of Hyperbeat
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yperbeat (formerly In Heat) is back again at MCCS clubs across the island. This high-energy, variety music band from Manila is a fixture at the top clubs in their home-capital of the Philippines and the country’s metropolitan hub. The eight talented individuals of Hyperbeat came together when band leader Cecile Tiangco reawakened her passion for dance and music. Launching her professional career at the age of 18, Cecile was an avid dancer on television before she became a singer. Now, traces of her dance background are evident in the band’s on-stage choreography. “We feel at home on stage. We get to be who we really are and do whatever comes naturally,” Tiangco says. The band takes audience requests, playing popular cover songs from a variety of genres from country to pop to R&B. “The audience likes to hear what they’re familiar with, and we enjoy catering to them,” says Tiangco.
Hyperbeat
Outside of the band, vocalist Alex Dasalla teaches voice lessons and has worked with the Philippine Madrigal Singers, one of the best choirs in the world. Keyboardist Hector DelaPeña also plays a “mean rock guitar.” With Dong Mechavez on the drums driving the high-energy beat and vocalists Lovely Grace Dionisio, Abigail Camasosa, Carl Kenneth DeVilla, and Eric Jodlomen, you’ll feel the energy that is Hyperbeat.
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | Jim Kassebaum MANAGING EDITOR | Caylee Reid ART DIRECTOR | Catherine Newquist CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST | Ayako Kawamitsu GRAPHIC ARTS MANAGER | Henry Ortega GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Kelli Davis, Hector Nieves EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Mike Daley EDITOR | Ryan Anastoplus PHOTOGRAPHER | Thomas Alan Smilie AD/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER | Roy Forster AD SALES | Yoshihiro Shinzato, Aya Chilcote, Yoriko Yamashiro, Carina Fils-Julien, Lisa Hicks DISTRIBUTION | Gideon Juko, Kelli Kreider MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Andrew Menges ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH | Jennifer Dowd, Marissa DeSmet, Ashley Herring, Katherine Melrose, Jenessa Reutov BROADCAST | Victor Mercado, Kathlene Millette, Gabriel Archer CAREER PRACTICUM INTERN | Skylor Stevens
Questions? Comments? Please e-mail OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. To advertise in Okinawa LivingWeekly, 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.
Hyperbeat will be performing from 8 to 11 p.m. at The Palms on Camp Hansen on May 24, Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster on May 25 and Bayview on Camp Courtney on May 26 and from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Surfside on Camp Kinser on May 28. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/entertainment or call 645-5821. This publication printed with
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japanese phrase
culturecorner
of the week
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_ wa nihongo de nanto iimasu ka? How do you say _ in Japanese?
Clockwise from the top left: Anastasia_vish/bigstock.com, Liang Zhang/bigstock.com
For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs-Resources at 645-2104/2106.
What Are the Different Types of Japanese Tea?
he most popular beverage in Japan is tea. It’s found in almost all restaurants, vending machines, convenience stores, tourist sites and homes. Tea was introduced to Japan from China in the Kamakura Period, but it didn’t become popular until the Muromachi Period—after the cultivation of tea leaves spread and it became available to everyone, not just the nobility. Once tea was popular (and it has stayed popular ever since), it was common to have big tea parties—where guests would drink different types of tea and guess the names of the tea and its origins. Today, Japan still produces a large variety of tea, and the following are just a few of them. Ryokucha: Sometimes just called ocha, this is the most popular type of
tea in Japan—green tea. If someone asks if you would like some tea but doesn’t mention what kind, it’s safe to assume the person is asking if you would like some green tea. Matcha: As mentioned on page 1, this is the highest quality tea in Japan. It’s a powdered green tea made from the highest quality shaded tea leaves that are then dried and ground into a fine powder. Sanpincha or Jasmine-cha: Made
by combining jasmine flowers and green or oolong tea, Jasmine tea is quite popular in Okinawa. It’s light and floral. Oolongcha: A type of Chinese tea that is oxidized in the sun. It’s served throughout Japan at restaurants. Brown in color and strong, bitter flavor. Try them all, become a connoisseur and then host your own Japanese tea party to show off your new skills.
If you have any burning questions about Japanese culture, please send them to OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
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teatips
pickoftheweek K
Offer any friends you're sitting with the tea first. In Japan, people refill others' drinks and offer everyone else the drink before filling their own glass. You may even find that if you're sitting alone at a sushi bar, another customer will offer to fill your glass when it's empty.
onacha, or residual green tea, is often served free at sushi restaurants—especially at sushigo-rounds. It's considered a lower grade of tea because it is made of the tea dust, tea buds and small tea leaves that remain after the processing of finer teas like gyokuro and sencha, essentially it's the leftovers. However, since it's processed from these teas that use high-quality tea leaves, konacha is an economical way to get a tea with the same chemical components as the more expensive ones. It's also served at sushi-go-rounds because it pairs well with sushi. At sushi restaurants, you can often find the powdered tea in a cup or tin with a little scoop next to a hot water dispenser. Scoop a spoonful of the tea into your glass and fill with hot water. Because it's a powder the tea will quickly dissolve turning into a bright green color. It has a strong, grassy taste that com-
Konacha
pliments the sushi well and helps to clear the palate of any leftover fish taste. It's also believed to help aid in digestion. If you're a big fan, sometimes restaurants will sell the tea
Clockwise from left: ardni/bigstock.com, chiociolla/bigstock.com, Thomas Alan Smilie
photooftheweek
Visit mccsokinawa.com/tours for upcoming Japanese Tea Ceremony tours.
in larger quantities at the register. Next time you're at a sushi restaurant, give the often underappreciated konacha a go. —Caylee Reid
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more details
spotlight
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Okinawa International Patchwork Guild
Workshops The Okinawa International Patchwork Guild holds workshops at the Koza Baptist Church on the third Saturday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Workshops are free for OIPG members and 짜1,000 for non-members. oipgokinawa.blogspot.com
Okinawan/American Folk Art
ne of the oldest American folk art forms lives on through the members of the Okinawa International Patchwork Guild (OIPG). Quilts are a notable art form in American history, as they were used to raise funds and morale for the abolitionist movement and for soldiers serving in the Civil War. The Okinawa International Patchwork Guild was founded in March of 2005 and continues the tradition of bringing people together through art. The OIPG promotes quilting as an American folk art, and its members use quilting to build international friendships. The group provides inspiration, information and encouragement to all members while serving the community with special projects. The guild participates in community outreach by making baby quilts for various special needs. Last year, the OIPG made over 60 quilts
that were donated to orphanages in Cambodia, Thailand and the Philippines. The OIPG regularly donates the quilts to Japanese hospitals for babies that are in the intensive care unit. In 2011, the group made over
50 baby quilts that were donated to the tsunami and earthquake victims in Sendai, Northern Japan. Come see their works at the Camp Foster Library any time through the month of May.
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tours+
adventure begins here Battle Sites Tour May 22, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $28, Children (3–11) $18 (under 3) FREE Visit the Battle of Okinawa Historical Society Museum on Camp Kinser, explore the Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters and end the day at Peace Prayer Park. Hiji Falls & Okuma* May 22, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Adult $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.
Kerama Snorkeling May 29, Adult $73, Children (4–11) $41 Grab your fins and get ready for some fun! Tour includes a boat ride to two snorkeling spots in the breathtaking Kerama Islands. Manza Beach Ocean Park & Lunch Buffet Tour May 29, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Adults $58, Children (3-12) $39, Children (under 3) FREE Spend the day relaxing at the upscale ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort. Go for a swim or grab a drink at the bar and soak up the sun on the beach. A buffet-style lunch at the resort’s Aqua Belle Restaurant is included in the price. Bring yen for rentals and spending.
*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
Night Insect Observation Tour May 21–May 22, 6:30–9 p.m. By reservation only, call 098-965-3400 Bios on the Hill, Uruma City Tickets: Adults ¥1,500 Children (4–11) ¥1,000
Proud sponsor of MCCS Youth Sports
Athletics/Adult Sports
Thomas Alan Smilie
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
Uruma Bullfighting Tournament May 22, 1 p.m. Ishikawa Multipurpose Dome Uruma City Tickets: ¥2,500
Colors Gourmet Fest May 22, Noon–2 p.m. Kadena Civic Center FREE
upcoming semperfitevents Open 6 on 6 Soccer May 27–29 Camp Courtney Ironworks Fitness Center Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on May 23 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 individuals and teams. Details: 622-7297.
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 individuals and teams. Details: 623-5569/5558.
classof theweek Zumba® Zumba features aerobic interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms to tone and sculpt the body. Dancing skills are not necessary. Camps Kinser, Courtney, Foster, Schwab and Hansen Fitness Centers For a full class schedule and times, visit mccsokinawa.com/groupfitness.