June 2, 2016 • mccsokinawa.com
Mike Daley
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isible from within the focal point of Sêfâ Utaki, in Chinen, is a tiny island with a circumference of only 8 km. This tiny isle is Kudaka—the most sacred island in the prefecture. According to folklore, Kudaka was believed to not only be the first Ryukyu Island the goddess Amamikiyo created, but one she created to mirror the beauty of heaven. To this day, certain parts of the island are forbidden to men, and others can only be entered by the highest ranking noro priestesses. In the center of the island lies a circular clearing where it is believed the gods subsequently descended. Once every 12 years a ceremony called Izaiho is performed by priestesses to honor these gods. Not all areas of Kudaka are forbidden however, and many areas are a different kind of “heaven on earth.” After a 15-minute ride on an express ferry (¥1,410 roundtrip), visitors can either choose to
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rent a bicycle (a wise choice) or hike to one of several beautiful beaches. A long, straight dirt road, which leads to the other side of the isle called Kabêru, offers a good warm-up with a breathtaking view greeting finishers. From there, travelers can leisurely pedal (or walk) back towards the port, stopping at Uppama Beach (which still has star sand), Shimâshi Beach, Ishikihama, Tachihama, Ichajikihama and many more—just remember to pack a lunch and plenty of water. Not restricted to just beautiful beaches and breathtaking scenery, Kudaka Island also features a bit of “strange but true.” The island is renowned for harvesting one of the strangest ingredients you’ll probably ever see—the prime component of irabu jiru or sea snake soup. True Okinawan irabu jiru uses specially prepared sea snake—delicately dried and smoked over a period of weeks. Today, Kudaka Island still special-
Installation Relocation Services | 3 Taiyo's Summer Junior Golf Clinics | 3 Culture Corner: Cooling Foods 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5
"...the most sacred island in the prefecture." izes in the process, just as it has since the 16th century. The sea snakes are a prized commodity, as they can only be gathered when they return to land to lay their eggs. One word of warning, however—the whole island of Kudaka is considered holy ground, so loud voices and music, disrespectful behavior and, of course, littering is severely frowned upon. For our more in-depth coverage about Kudaka Island and sea snake soup, pick up a copy of our June issue of Okinawa Living Magazine.
Pick of the Week: Surf the Rock | 7 Father's Day Buffets| 9 Off-Base Events | 11 Semper Fit Events | 11
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livingatlarge
Installation Relocation Services
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re you relocating to a new duty station or separating from military service soon? If so, then head over to your installation’s Information and Referral (I&R) office, and discover how they can assist with your move. The I&R Program, which is part of Marine & Family Programs (MFP-R), will help you connect with the Department of Defense, USMC and the community resources and services needed to make your move a resounding success. Relocation services offered within the Marine Corps include the following: •Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) workshops assist Marines and their families with a PCS move to both CONUS or OCONUS locations, with topics such as budgeting, moving checklists, moving and traveling with pets, entitlements, weight allowances, spouse employment at your new duty station and much, much more. •Settling-in workshops provide in-
formation and services, often known as Welcome Aboard briefings, and familiarize you and your family with the points of contact, services and support available at your new installation. •Sponsorship workshops train new sponsors to effectively assist incoming service members and their families with acclimating to a new duty station.
•Points of contact are available worldwide for any military installation at militaryinstallations.dod.mil. If you have any questions, please call or stop by any one of our Marine & Family Program facilities on Okinawa. For information on our hours of operation and services, please visit mccsokinawa.com/relocation.
events&happenings
Taiyo’s Summer Junior Golf Clinics
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.
Top: Gustavo Frazao/bigstock.com, bottom: Dasha Petrenko/bigstock.com
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ummer has arrived on Okinawa—the days are long, the weather has warmed and school is out. This is the best time to introduce your child to the game of golf, and the easiest way to ensure they won’t be throwing any clubs your way in the initial learning process is to enroll them in one of Taiyo Golf Club’s Summer Junior Golf Clinics. Taiyo is offering a four-day clinic four different times over the summer. Junior golfers will learn the fundamentals of golf. The clinics will provide young, aspiring golfers with tips and advice about the game of golf. Topics to be covered this year include chipping, putting, fine-tuning one’s golf swing, actual game instruction and course etiquette. Children involved in sports are typically more confident than kids with no extracurricular activities; sports teach kids discipline, and the greens are full of life lessons. As a bonus, golf is a leisurely
sport and one that you can both enjoy together for years to come. This summer, don’t let your kids get too comfortable on the couch. Sign them up for one of Taiyo’s clinics. There are four sessions throughout the summer: June 21 through 24, July 5 through 8, July 26 through 29 and August 2 through 5.
Sessions for kids (ages 5–9) will be in the mornings from 8 to 10 a.m., and sessions for juniors (ages 10– 18) will be from 1 to 3 p.m. All clinics are $30 per child and open to all skill levels. For more information or to sign up, call Taiyo Golf Club at 622-2006 or visit mccsokinawa. com/golf.
This publication printed with
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japanese phrase
culturecorner
of the week
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Mushiatsui desune. It's humid.
Clockwise from the top left: Blend Images/bigstock.com, oysy/bigstock.com
For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs-Resources at 645-2104/2106.
Cooling Foods
erhaps the only redeeming qualities of the inescapable summer heat on Okinawa are the seasonal food trends it brings. Before the modern cooling techniques like sitting in air conditioning, jumping into chlorinated swimming pools or standing in front of an open refrigerator, people ate certain foods to beat the heat. Most of these foods are still served today and are summer classics throughout Japan. Hiyashi chûka is chilled ramen noodles typically served with egg, cucumber, ginger, ham and chicken. Topped with vinegar and soy sauce, or sesame dressing, this is a quick and refreshing dish. Another chilled noodle dish is sômen. These very thin wheat noodles are served with a light dipping sauce called tsuyu. Some of the food choices are probably obvious—if it’s hot out, eat
cold food. Like kakigôri, or shaved ice. Doused in bright syrups, these cloud-like desserts are often served topped with condensed milk, mocha, ice cream or sweet red beans. Other summer menu items are based in Chinese medicine. Hiyayakko, or chilled tofu, has been eaten in Japan since the Edo period. Tofu is believed to be one of the most effective foods for
cooling off in Chinese medicine. The dish is usually topped with green onion, dried tuna flakes and soy sauce. Gôyâ, or bitter melon, is said by the Chinese to be a cooling food that nourishes the yin. Its high dose of vitamins C and A is helpful in protecting your skin against UV rays. No matter how hot it gets, relief is always a tofu block away.
If you have any burning questions about Japanese culture, please send them to OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
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surf spots
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The key to "surfing the rock" is having the right board and knowing where to go. A few local favorites: Sunabe, Hedo and Ikei Island.
Surf the Rock
kinawa has some of the most beautiful oceans in Asia, so it would be foolish to not take advantage of it. Activities such as snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving, and swimming are all fun water activities that make Okinawa memorable…but have you tried surfing here? There are plenty of surf spots on island where you can try it out. All you need is a surfboard fitted for you and for the island’s conditions. Tsunami Scuba provides just what you need. Come check out the brand new surfboards that are shaped and handmade here on Okinawa. “Surf the Rock” surfboards are the perfect boards for you. Created by a local surfer with over 30 years of experience, they are tested against the rocks and hard corals of the island and ready to go. There’s no better way to surf (or learn how to surf) than with beautiful locally made surfboards and the alluring waters of Okinawa. With summer
approaching, now is the time to go out and catch some waves. Buy a board that fits your body type perfectly. They come in three sizes, ranging from 5 to a little over 6 feet. With knowledge of local surf spots and the right surfboard, you are guaranteed a fun time.
Clockwise from left: EpicStockMedia/bigstock.com, Thomas Alan Smilie, Mike Daley
photooftheweek
This pristine beach, located on the western coast of Kudaka Island, is accessible via “Romance Road” (yes, that really is the name).
Surf the Rock surfboards are sold at Tsunami Scuba Centers on Camps Foster, Kinser and Hansen. For more information, call the Foster store at 645-4206 or visit mccsokinawa.com/tsunamiscuba. —Skylor Stevens, Career Practicum Intern
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more details
spotlight
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Clockwise from left: wollertz/bigstock.com, monticello/bigstock.com
A bill recognizing Father’s Day as a holiday was introduced to the United States Congress in 1913, but the holiday was not officially signed into law until 1972.
Father’s Day Buffets
s we all know, the way to any man’s heart is through his stomach. Here on Okinawa, you can celebrate your father, or father figures, with a special Father’s Day breakfast or brunch buffet at an MCCS club on June 19. No matter where you live on island, MCCS is hosting a buffet near you. Breakfast Buffets: Start Father’s Day off with a delectable breakfast buffet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Surfside on Camp Kinser or from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Habu Pit on MCAS Futenma. The prices for this event are $9.95 for adults, $4.95 for children ages 5 to 11 and FREE for children under age 5. Whether you are an early bird or a late riser, enjoy a hot, fresh breakfast with the whole family. Brunch Buffets: If you are looking for a mix of breakfast and lunch favorites, visit one of the brunch buffets from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Butler Officers’ Club (reservations recom-
mended) on Plaza Housing or Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney. The prices for brunch are $17 for adults, $8.95 for children ages 5 to 11 and FREE for children under age 5. Don’t miss out on a wonderful meal for a great low price. Taiyo Steakhouse will be serving brunch a la carte. Father’s Day means more than giving gifts or cards to that special
man in your life. It is about showing him that you appreciate everything he has done for you. Don’t just say happy Father’s Day, spend some time together and enjoy a delectable breakfast or brunch buffet. For more information, call your nearest participating MCCS club, or check out mccsokinawa.com/clubs.
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tours+
adventure begins here Urashima Theater June 3, 5:30–9:30 p.m. Adults $68 with half lobster, $52 without lobster Children (6–12) $38, (3–5) $34, (under 3) FREE* 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. The tour price includes dinner and show. *Dinner not included
Sub-ship (ORCA) & Lunch June 5, 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. After the sea adventure, have a lunch buffet at The Nest Hotel and then spend the afternoon shopping at Kokusai Street. *¥450 lunch for ages 3-5 not included **lunch not included
Shuri Castle & Naha June 4, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $23, Children (3–11) $16, (under 3) FREE Tour the ancient 15th century castle, once home of the Ryukyu kings. Shuri is the only fully restored castle on Okinawa. Spend the rest of the afternoon at the beautiful Fukushu Garden and Naminoue Shinto Shrine.
Kerama Snorkeling June 11, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $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.
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
Yohena Hydrangea Garden Concert June 4, 1:30 p.m. Yohena Hydrangea Garden, Motobu Town Admission Fee: Adults ¥400 Children (7–15) ¥100 (under 7) FREE
Proud sponsor of MCCS Youth Sports
Athletics/Adult Sports
Thomas Alan Smilie, luanateutzi/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
Itoman Dragon Boat Races June 8, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Itoman Fishing Port, Itoman City FREE
Night Insect Observation Tour June 4 & 5, 6:30–9 p.m. Bios on the Hill, Uruma City By reservation only, call 098-965-3400 Tickets: Adults ¥1,500, Children (4–11) ¥1,000
upcoming semperfitevents Southern Commanders’ Cup 6 vs. 6 Soccer Tournament June 10–12 Gunners Fitness Center Fields 1 & 6 Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on June 6 for FREE. The tournament rules and schedule will be emailed to each participant. This event is open to units located on Camps Kinser, Foster and MCAS Futenma. Awards will be given to top two individuals and teams. Details: 645-3003.
Open Tri-Ekiden Relay Triathlon June 12 Camp Hansen House of Pain Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on June 6 for $60. This event is open to participants island-wide. Participants must attend a mandatory brief at 7:30 a.m. the morning of the event. Late registration is available at Camp Hansen House of Pain until 4:30 p.m. on June 10. Awards will be given to top three individuals in male, female, co-ed and youth categories. Details: 623-5569/5558.
classof theweek BodyBlast This strength-training class is designed to build strength, increase endurance and burn body fat. Each class will focus on training major muscle groups in a fun and motivating atmosphere. Appropriate for ALL fitness levels. Camp Foster Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 8:30–9:30 a.m. For a full class schedule and times, visit mccsokinawa.com/groupfitness.