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May 28, 2015 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly Shuri Castle
All images: Thomas Alan Smilie
2015 Futenma Flightline Fair
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huri-jo, or Shuri Castle, is considered by many as one of the most substantial physical examples of the golden age of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Shuri-jo was not only the residence of royalty and the spiritual center of the Sho Dynasties, it was the pride of the island’s people. Although the exact date is unknown, it is thought that the original Shuri Castle was built during the year 1453 A.D. Shuri Castle was built surrounded by curved walls and contained open areas and sacred grounds—a common feature of all old Okinawan castles. Shuri Castle was also the focus of many artistic and cultural activities, and the surrounding area housed many of the kingdom’s greatest musicians, dancers, artisans and craftsmen. However, in 1879, officials of the Japanese government presented a document that signified the end of an era—the official proclamation that dissolved the Ryukyu Kingdom and made Okinawa a prefecture of Japan. What followed was Shuri Castle’s darkest era. Once home to kings, the castle was converted into a barracks, and decorative tapestries and fixtures were ripped away. The floorboards and the ceiling began to rot and many portions of the wall were torn down for firewood.
inside
Troops expanded the natural caves and dug extensive tunnel systems under the castle to make room for their headquarters and command posts. The areas surrounding Shuri were also heavily fortified. And, with such a high concentration of Japanese military assets, it wasn’t surprising that Shuri Castle (as well as the surrounding area) was reduced to rubble during the war. After WWII, Shurei-mon (the main gate of Shuri Castle) was rebuilt but plans to restore the castle to its former glory remained stalled because of budgetary concerns. Finally, after years of lobbying and gathering research, plans to rebuild the castle one more time came to fruition in 1989. In November 1992, Shuri Castle Park, modeled after the 18th century version, was partially opened to the public. During the year 2000, the castle was added to the list of World Cultural Heritage Sites by UNESCO. It quickly became Okinawa’s most popular tourist attraction. Check out Shuri Castle on a local tour with Tours+. Visit mccsokinawa.com/tours for more info.
Living at Large: House of Laughs | 3 Culture Corner: Shimauta | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5 Off Base Events: Insect Observation Tour | 7
he 2015 Futenma Flightline Fair is just around the corner and MCCS has a lineup to keep you entertained all weekend long. Enjoy eisa, dancing, Fun Land, military aircraft displays and live music at this free event. Kristian Bush of Sugarland is headlining Saturday night’s entertainment at 8 p.m. and Michelle Branch will be hitting the stage at 8:20 p.m. on Sunday. Stick around on Sunday night for the dazzling fireworks display set for 9:50 p.m. The 2015 Futenma Flightline Fair runs from 2 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7. This event is open to all DoD ID card holders and Japanese. No pets, outside alcohol, bottles or coolers allowed. Daiko and taxi service will be available. For details, please call 098-970-5821 or visit the MCCS Okinawa Entertainment page on Facebook.
Photo of the Week | 7 Spotlight: Unplugged | 9 Movie Schedule | 11 Health Tip of the Week: Curcumin | 11
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livingatlarge
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | Jim Kassebaum MANAGING EDITOR | Ryan Anastoplus ART DIRECTOR | Corrinne McKenna GRAPHIC ARTS MANAGER | Henry Ortega GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Kelli Davis, Hector Nieves, Catherine Newquist EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Mike Daley EDITOR | Courtney Rick PHOTOGRAPHER | Thomas Alan Smilie AD/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER | Roy Forster AD SALES | Aya Chilcote, Yoshihiro Shinzato, Yoriko Yamashiro, Lola Cardenas, Carina Fils-Julien, Lisa Hicks DISTRIBUTION | Gideon Juko, Sho Vivas MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Andrew Menges ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH | Amanda Bakun, Megan Milovich, Katherine Melrose, Kayla Christen, Jenessa Reutov, Jennifer Dowd CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST | Ayako Kawamitsu
House of Laughs
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ust in time to cheer up those with the rainy season blues, MCCS House of Laughs has come to town. This month, funnymen Cash Levy and Steve Mazan will spread their brand of comedy from June 23 to 27 at Marine Corps Camps across Okinawa. The performances will take place Tuesday, June 23 at the Globe & Anchor inside Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster; Wednesday, June 24 at the BeachHead on Camp Schwab; Thursday, June 25 at Surfside on Camp Kinser; Friday, June 26 at Thirsty’s on MCAS Futenma; and Saturday, June 27 at The Palms on Camp Hansen. House of Laughs is a free event open to all DoD ID card holders
Questions? Comments? Please e-mail OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org
and authorized guests ages 18 and older. All shows start at 9 p.m. and may contain explicit, adult-oriented language. For more information,
call MCCS Entertainment at 6455821 or visit mccsokinawa.com/ entertainment.
mccsevents&happenings Kinser Field Trip May 29, noon–2 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Kinser 645-2104 FREE
Job Fair Success June 2, 10–11 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Kinser 645-2104 FREE
Foster Grocery Store Tour June 4, 9–11 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Foster 645-2104 FREE
Money Management Workshop June 1, 8–11 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Hansen 645-2104 FREE
Credit Report & Credit Score Analysis June 3, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Schwab 645-2104 FREE
Thrift Savings Plan Workshop June 4, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Hansen 645-2104 FREE
Resume Writing Workshop June 1, 8:30–11:30 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Schwab 645-2104 FREE
Resume Writing Workshop June 3, 1–4 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Courtney 645-2104 FREE
Hearts Apart June 5, 9:30–11:30 a.m. MCFTB, Camp Foster 645-3689 FREE
Various Camps
Typhoon Motors AC Quick Charge
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
MCAS Futenma
Grill your own Steak
Through June Recharge your AC and stay cool this summer. mccsokinawa.com/typhoonmotors
June 19, 5–8 p.m. Enjoy hand-cut steaks for $2.50 per ounce (4 ounce minimum). A buffet of sides and desserts accompanies all entrees. Habu Pit 636-3081
Camp Foster
Camp Foster
June 24, 3–5 p.m. Learn techniques to enhance and maintain healthy relationships. MCFTB 645-3749
Register Now Register at the Camp Foster 25M Pool for $150. Particpants must be 15 years old by the end of the class. MCCS Aquatics 645-7554
Building Lasting Relationships
Become a Certified Lifeguard
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japanese phrase
culturecorner
of the week
A little bit of Shimauta
G Goshinpai naku. Don’t worry!
Clockwise from the top right: dolgachov/bigstock.com, roza/bigstock.com
For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs– Resources at 645-2104/2106.
ive a gift that reflects the rhythm of the Ryukyus. Musicians and children of all ages may appreciate a taiko or sampan, percussion instruments that bring joy and celebration to the Okinawan people. Shimauta is island music, and instruments like the taiko create its heartbeat. The drum was first brought to the Ryukyus around 1650 A.D., a gift from the Ming Emperor of China. The taiko commonly seen on Okinawa during eisa performances are the ōdaiko, shimedaiko, and the pan-
raku. As a gift, the one-sided panraku is the optimum choice and can be fairly inexpensive. The handheld drum is struck with a long stick and is about the size of a tambourine. The sampan is another instrument easily played by all ages. The castanet is the same as China’s paiban and is made of three pieces of hard wood connected at one end with a string. It is played by interlacing the wood between the fingers of one hand and taping the ends together with the other or hitting the set against the elbow, shoulder or
hip. The Japan Sampan Association formed in 2001 to spread the popularity of the instrument. To send the sounds of the island to family and friends back home, consider purchasing a CD of classical Ryukyuan music. This is the general term for the folk songs performed at Shuri Castle during the Ryukyu dynasty. The sounds of sanshin are also prevalent in the music. Literally meaning “three strings,” the sanshin is a relative of the Chinese sanxian and later inspired the Japanese shamisen.
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off-base events get out and explore.
Night Insect Observation Tour May 21–June 24, 6:30–9 p.m. (Saturdays and Sundays only) By reservation only; call 098-965-3400 Bios on the Hill, Uruma City Tickets: ¥1,500 Children (4-11) ¥1,000 Disney-90Years of Dreams and Magic: from Mickey Mouse to Pixar May 21–June 28, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Okinawa Prefectural Museum Naha City Tickets: Adults: ¥1,000 16-20 years old: ¥800 6-15 years old: ¥500 Manza Ocean Park May 21–October 31 ANA Intercontinental Manza Beach Resort, Onna Village Adults: ¥2,500 Kids (3-12): ¥1,500
tours+
adventure begins here. Okinawan Cuisine Buffet at ANA Intercontinental Manza Resort May 29, 5–9 p.m. Adults $65, Children (7–12) $44, (4–6) $28, (under 4) FREE* no meal Enjoy the varied flavors of Okinawan cuisine buffet while being entertained by eisa dance group, Zampa Daiko.
Farm & Fish Market May 30, 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.
Okinawa West Coast Tour June 6, 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.
Valley of Gangala & Okinawa World May 30, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $47 Children (5–11) $20, (3–4) $11 Enjoy beautiful scenery and a spectacular walk-through of caves. Afterwards, have lunch at Okinawa World while watching the eisa dancing.
Northern Highlights June 6, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $39, Children (3–12) $24, (under 3) FREE Visit Nago Pineapple Winery, Nago Glass Factory and the Orion Beer factory. Enjoy a buffet lunch at Yanbaru Ikoi no Mura.
Battle Sites Tour June 7, 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. Explore the Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters and end the day at Peace Prayer Park.
For more information, contact MCCS Tours+: Camp Foster 646-3502 | Camp Hansen 623-6344 | Camp Kinser temporarily closed | U.S. Naval Hospital 646-7013
Clockwise from the top right: soupstock/bigstock.com, Thomas Alan Smilie
photooftheweek
The island appears vast and lush from the Ogimi coast, pictured above.
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spotlight
Unplugged: Music Competition
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duallogic/bigstock.com
f you’ve always thought your band had the goods, then it’s time to prove it to the world. Unplugged is a music competition open to all SOFA status performers ages 16 or older, group or solo, and any genre of music. First and second place winners will have the opportunity to perform at an MCCS festival in front of thousands of people and win cash prizes. To enter, send an e-mail to mccsentertainment@okinawa.usmcmccs.org with your group’s name or
your stage name, contact information, group member’s names and roles, photos and other publicity materials. Contestants must prepare two songs, either one cover and one original or two covers (neither song exceeding five minutes). Instruments will not be provided. The showdown will be taking place on July 11 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster. Don’t miss your chance. Visit mccsokinawa.com/ entertainment for details.
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upcoming semperfitevents movieschedule 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 6-on-6 Soccer Tournament June 5–7 Camp Courtney Semper Fit Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on June 2 for $80 per team. This event is open to participants island-wide. Team and individual awards will be given to first, second and third place finishers. Tournament brackets and bylaws will be emailed to each participant. Details: 622-7297.
CAMP KINSER
CAMP COURTNEY
Schedule not available at time of print.
Thursday, May 28 CLOSED Friday, May 29 San Andreas (PG 13) 6 p.m. San Andreas (PG 13) 9 p.m. Saturday, May 30 Tomorrowland (PG) 3 p.m. Aloha (PG 13) 6 p.m.
Open 3-Point Challenge June 6 MCAS Futenma Flightline Festival Site Register onsite for this FREE event open to participants island-wide. Prizes will be given to the first 50 participants who score at least 5 out of 20 shots. Details: 636-2672. Open Basketball Tournament June 6–8 Camp Kinser Fitness Center Gymnasium Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on June 2 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 finishers. Tournament brackets and bylaws will be emailed to each participant. Details: 637-1869.
Sunday, May 31 Tomorrowland (PG) 3 p.m. San Andreas (PG 13) 6 p.m. Monday, June 1 Furious 7 (PG 13) 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 2 CLOSED Wednesday, June 3 Aloha (PG 13) 7 p.m.
MCAS FUTENMA
CAMP HANSEN
Thursday, May 28 CLOSED
Thursday, May 28 Tomorrowland (PG) 7 p.m.
Friday, May 29 San Andreas (PG 13) 3D 6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 29 San Andreas (PG 13) 3D 6:30 p.m. Aloha (PG 13) 10 p.m.
Saturday, May 30 San Andreas (PG 13) 3D 4 p.m. San Andreas (PG 13) 3D 7 p.m. Sunday, May 31 Tomorrowland (PG) 4 p.m. San Andreas (PG 13) 7 p.m. Monday, June 1 Aloha (PG 13) 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 30 San Andreas (PG 13) 6 p.m. Aloha (PG 13) 9:30 p.m. Sunday, May 31 Aloha (PG 13) 3:30 p.m. San Andreas (PG 13) 3D 7 p.m.
Tuesday, June 2 CLOSED
classoftheweek Zumba
Mixes body sculpting movements with easy to follow dance steps derived from Latin backgrounds. The routines feature aerobic interval training to tone and sculpt the body. Dancing skills are not necessary. For a full class schedule, visit schedule mccsokinawa.com/wellness.
weeklyhealthtip Exercise can feel great, but no one enjoys being sore the next day—or even two days after (delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS). Supplementing with curcumin has been known to reduce swelling and pain in a number of cases and recent studies show that it helps post-exercise soreness, too. It’s worth noting however, that in impeding the soreness and inflammation of a rebuilding muscle, it may impair muscular growth. However, this has not been proven. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00421-015-3152-6
Wednesday, June 3 CLOSED
CAMP FOSTER
CAMP SCHWAB
Thursday, May 28 Tomorrowland (PG) 7 p.m.
Thursday, May 28 CLOSED
Friday, May 29 San Andreas (PG 13) 3D 6 p.m. Aloha (PG 13) 9 p.m. San Andreas (PG 13) Midnight
Friday, May 29 San Andreas (PG 13) 3D 6 p.m. San Andreas (PG 13) 9 p.m.
Saturday, May 30 Tomorrowland (PG) Noon Tomorrowland (PG) 3 p.m. Aloha (PG 13) 6 p.m. San Andreas (PG 13) 3D 9 p.m. San Andreas (PG 13) Midnight
Saturday, May 30 San Andreas (PG 13) 3D 6 p.m. San Andreas (PG 13) 9 p.m. Sunday, May 31 Aloha (PG 13) 4 p.m. San Andreas (PG 13) 6 p.m.
Sunday, May 31 Tomorrowland (PG) 1 p.m. San Andreas (PG 13) 3D 4 p.m. Aloha (PG 13) 7 p.m. Monday, June 1 San Andreas (PG 13) 3D 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 2 Aloha (PG 13) 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 3 San Andreas (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Movie schedule is subject to change. For the latest updates visit shopmyexchange.com.