Okinawa Living Weekly by MCCS Okinawa

July 28, 2016 • mccsokinawa.com

F Photo courtsey of Marriott Resort & Spa

resh air. Snacks. Vitamin D. All day play. The makings of a great day. Okinawa abounds with parks—and not just parks for kids. They come in a variety pack: waterparks, adventure parks and jungle gym parks with rollerslides. Forest Adventure Park This place deserves its own category. Located in Onna Village, it’s got it all—zip-lining high in the Okinawa woodlands, climbing ropes, cargo nets, swinging bridges and a leap-of-faith jump. Adults are ¥3,100, and children are ¥2,100 for entry. You must be at least 140 cm to participate. Waterparks In case you missed our latest Okinawa Living, here is a short recap about some noteworthy waterparks (for the full list, pick up a copy on stands now).

inside

At ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort in Onna, bounce, fly and climb your way through all the massive inflatables set up right on the ocean. Adults are ¥3,600, and children are ¥2,600. Also in Onna, Okinawa Marriott Resort & Spa has a thrilling 47.5 meters-long slide. They also have pools with giant inflatable toys and kiddie paddle boats. Adults are ¥3,000 (¥3,500 on weekends and Japanese holidays), and children (7–12) are ¥2,500 (children under seven are FREE; limited to two per one paying adult). Rollerslide & Jungle Gym Parks If you haven’t raced down one of the rollerslides of Okinawa, do it this weekend—some of these slides are hundreds of feet long. Grab a flattened piece of cardboard (it’ll help you pick up speed and offer protection) and head over to what we

10,000 Eisa Festival | 3 Experience a Taste of Hawaii | 3 Why Aren’t Tattoos Allowed in the Onsen? | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5

"If you haven’t raced down one of the rollerslides of Okinawa, do it this weekend..." consider the best rollerparks on the island: Tobaru Koen, Nishizaki Athletic Park, Kaigungou Koen and Urasoe Park. For the advance rollersliders, some Daiso ¥100 stores also sell what looks like a large plastic shovel but is really a sled for these slides. The best part about these parks is that they are 100% FREE.

Pick of the Week: Godzilla Resurgence | 7 August Art Connections | 9 Off-Base Events | 11 Semper Fit Events | 11

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livingatlarge

10,000 Eisa Festival

isa can be traced to a dance called the esa omoro. The word “Esa” is found in the Omorosôshi, (a compilation of over a thousand Okinawan songs and poems written during the 15th century). Esa, which was in the poem Iro-iro-noEsa Omoro, was used in Buddhist prayers for the dead. Over time, the poem combined song with dance and transformed into eisa as we know it today. Modern-day eisa is a dynamic, spirited dance that is a symbol of the Ryukyu Islands. The musical instruments used in eisa include the sanshin (a three stringed lute-like instrument), large barrel drums called ôdaiko, medium-sized drums called shimedaiko and hand drums called pârankû. In traditional dances, men play the sanshin and beat vigorously on drums while jumping and spinning, as the women dance to the rhythms, incorporating fans, towels, kerchiefs and

other accessories into routines. Eisa is performed by people of all ages at special occasions and tourist attractions. For one of the best examples of eisa today, join MCCS

Tours+ at the 10,000 Eisa Festival on Kokusai Street. The festival is on August 7 from 2 to 8 p.m. To register, visit mccsokinawa.com/tours or your nearest Tours+ office today.

events&happenings

Top: Thomas Alan Smilie, bottom: oysy/bigstock.com

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, 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 | Kathlene Millette, Gabriel Archer, Emi Komiya MARKETING INTERN | A'Lexus Johnson

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.

Experience a Taste of Hawaii

nvision warm sunsets and gentle breezes along the shores of Kona—narrated by a steady rhythmic drum in the backdrop—silhouetted with tiki torches and landscapes of plumeria and hibiscus flowers. Hawaiian vacations exude images of exotic island flora and cuisine that entices delicious Polynesian flare and exciting luau dance performances. There will be more than enough island food and hula performances to transport you to the Hawaiian tropics for the evening. Experience a taste of Hawaii with an authentic island luau and tropical feast on Okinawa at Tengan Castle’s Hawaiian Luau Dinner Show on August 27 from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults, $17 for children ages 5 to 10 and $8.75 for children under 5. Tickets are available for purchase at Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney or Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster. Cocktails and dinner will begin at 6

p.m., and a live evening performance of hula entertainment will begin at 7 p.m. For more information, call 622-

9413 or visit us online at mccsokinawa.com/tengancastle.

This publication printed with

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japanese phrase of the week

Amasugiru! Too sweet!

Clockwise from the top left: lisafx/bigstock.com, Rawpixel.com/bigstock.com

For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs-Resources at 645-2104/2106.

whyisthat?

Why Aren’t Tattoos Allowed in the Onsen?

aving a tattoo in Japan automatically makes you an outcast in certain areas. You’re not allowed to use public pools, onsens (public baths and hotsprings) and even some gyms. But why? You certainly never meant anyone harm when you got that butterfly inked on your calf. Historically in Japan, only social outcasts or gangsters (yakuza) get tattoos (or irezumi). The negative connotations of tattoos in Japan can be traced all the way back to 300 AD, when criminals would receive tattoos as punishment. During the Meiji period (1868–1912), Japan outlawed tattoos, but it continued underground among yakuza members. Though tattooing was legalized again in 1948, it still maintains its reputation of criminality, and it's a reputation that has proven hard to shake. Because of this,

many businesses banned tattoos to keep potential criminals out and to keep customers feeling safe. Recently the Japanese Tourism Agency has urged onsens to relax their tattoo policies. For foreigners visiting Japan, a bit of ink can spoil a uniquely Japanese experience. Currently about 30% of Ja-

pan’s onsens allow tattoos. Some onsens allow tattoos if they can be covered up with a 8 x 10 cm sticker. Onsen owners face a dilemma—allowing tattoos may mean more business from tourists, but it may also drive away local clientele who are averse to tattoos.

If you have any burning questions about Japanese culture, please send them to OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

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more Godzilla

pickoftheweek

Shin Godzilla is the 31st Godzilla film of the franchise. There are currently two American Godzilla films planned for release in 2019 and 2020— Godzilla 2 (sequel to 2014’s Godzilla) and Godzilla vs. Kong.

Godzilla Resurgence

he latest Godzilla film, Shin Godzilla, or Godzilla Resurgence as it will be known internationally, will be released this week. For its 60+ year reign, the beast has been a ubiquitous cultural icon with fans of all ages, representing different things to different groups of people. Godzilla was originally a figure based on the atomic bombing of Hiroshima—something somber, desperate and serious that somehow ended up in children's shows and commercials with Charles Barkley. Godzilla was made to be adaptive. Godzilla's overall lack of personality, humanity and identity beyond metaphors for human events had made the character malleable to any situation or socio-political commentary of the time. And since the creature has been so pervasive and successful, it didn't take long for Godzilla to become an icon for whatever it had to be. It's hard to say if there is a "real" version of Godzilla since

the character has changed so much through the years. In fact, change has become part of Godzilla. Shin Godzilla takes a more somber tone, much like the early Godzilla films. Godzilla has gone full-circle, becoming nearly every form it can cover. It’s a feat that most characters and cultural icons cannot achieve. Where most other icons have a definitive identity that fans hate to stray from, Godzilla was always simply a metaphor.

Godzilla will remain a star and an icon as long as two things stay true: (1) humans like to feel bad about themselves and ponder their own misdeeds, and (2) giant, radioactive dinosaurs are cool. A monster borne out of man’s overzealous hand is timeless, a classic predicament as old as Frankenstein or Spiderman. The only difference is Godzilla is bigger. —Ryan Anastoplus

photooftheweek

Located in Chatan, Tobaru Koen (or park) features one of the thrilling rollerslides on Okinawa. After leaving Camp Foster’s Gate 6 (Legion Gate) turn left onto Route 330. Follow 330 past the Rycom Intersection (the AEON MALL Okinawa Rycom will be on your right) and turn left at the third light onto Route 24. Follow 24 down (it winds a bit) and turn right at the intersection immediately after passing Chatan Junior High School. Follow the signs to the Tobaru Park parking area.

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more details exhibition and awards

• Exhibited at Kainan Art Fest 2009 & 2010 • Oki Ten awards in printing art 2012–2015 • Uruma Mayor’s prize at Oki Ten in printing art 2016 • Exhibited at San-A Main Place Okinawa New Artist Exhibition 2016

Image courtesy of Asayuki Oyama

• Personal and group exhibitions in Okinawa

spotlight

August Art Connections

amp Foster’s Art Connections will feature the artwork of Asayuki Oyama. During August, his work will be exhibited at the Camp Foster Library. Born in 1981, Mr. Oyama is a self-taught woodcut printing artist from Uruma City, Okinawa. He was attracted to the unique characteristics of woodcut printing and the natural beauty of Okinawa, which ultimately inspire him to create his unique style in woodcut printing. His artwork features the kindness and strength in human and animals, as well as the natural beauty of trees and plants in Okinawa. Woodcut, or woodblock, printing is a type of relief art and is labor intensive. Each color in the artwork is first cut from wood, like a handmade stamp. Then color is placed on the woodblock and stamped on the paper. This is

continued with different colors for different parts of the print (for example, the ocean would need blue; plants would need green), and then layered with additional hues to achieve deeper textures and colors until the piece is complete. Due to the art’s complexity, it’s common to have three different artists working

on one piece—the artist, the wood carver and the print maker. Color woodcut printing is a popular form of art in Japan, and the artists have a well-earned pride in their work. For more information about Art Connections, visit mccsokinawa.com/libraries or call 645-7178.

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tours+

adventure begins here Urashima Dinner Theater* August 5, 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.

Hiji Falls & Okuma* August 6, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $23, Children (3–11) $16 (under 3) FREE Enjoy a hike to Hiji Falls and work up an appetite. After the hike, have lunch at Okuma.

Kerama Islands Snorkeling August 6, 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.

10,000 Eisa Festival* August 7, 2–8 p.m. Adults $20, Children (3–11) $13 (under 3) FREE The dynamic and colorful Eisa dance is what Okinawa’s summers are all about. Out of many Eisa festivals, this one is a must see!

*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

Nago Summer Festival July 30–31, 1–9 p.m. (Fireworks start at 8 p.m.) Nago Fishing Port, Nago City FREE

Proud sponsor of MCCS Youth Sports

Athletics/Adult Sports

Clockwise from left: Thomas Alan Smilie, MartinFredy/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

Tomigusuku Festival July 30–31, 1–9 p.m. Southeast Botanical Gardens, Okinawa City FREE

Super Planetarium Mega Stars July 28–August 28, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Urasoe Museum, Urasoe City Tickets: Over 16 ¥1,200 Children (7–15) ¥800 (under 6) FREE

upcoming semperfitevents Open Tennis Tournament August 12–14 Camp Foster Gunners Fitness Center Register at any MCCS Fitness Center by 1 p.m. on August 8 for $10 or onsite for $15. Tournament schedule and rules will be emailed to each participant. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to top three winners. Details: 645-3003/4866.

Open Racquetball Tournament August 13 Courtney Ironworks Register at any MCCS Fitness Center by 1 p.m. on August 8 for $10 or onsite for $15. The mandatory participants’ brief will be at 9 a.m. on the day of the event. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to top three winners in each division. Details: 622-7297.

classof theweek Turbo Kickboxing Kick start your day with this high intensity, invigorating class. This class utilizes punches, kicks and many techniques used when training to box. Shadow box and kick your stress away! Camp Courtney Visit mccsokinawa.com/groupfitness for a full schedule.