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August 20, 2015 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly School in Japan
End of Summer Family Night
From top left: monkeybusinessimages/bigstock.com, smithore/bigstock.com
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hough summer break for American students is nearing an end, the Japanese school year— which starts in April and ends in March—is in full swing. School is taken seriously in Japan. Students must pass an entrance exam just to get into high school (going to high school is not mandatory in Japan, but about 90 percent of children do). This usually translates into students having to enroll in cram schools (juku). Juku is school after school. A 12hour day full of schooling isn’t uncommon in Japan. For a student to get into a good college, he or she needs to get into a good high school first. So
inside
the education and decisions one makes when he or she is in junior high (between ages 12 and 15) has a major impact on their future. High school also introduces vocational studies, such as agriculture, art and engineering. As such, high schools in Japan are ranked, much like American universities, for their strengths in certain programs. Students often aim to be accepted into a school that ranks high in the area they want to pursue. Sound stressful? In addition to all of this, Japanese summer vacation is a mere four to five weeks and comes with homework.
Living at Large: Back-to-School Parties | 3 Ryan vs. Courtney: Bugs | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5 Off Base Events: Hello Kitty in Wonderland | 11
et together with the family before school starts and everyone returns to their hectic schedules. Family Fun Nights make going out with the family much easier. These events are made for families and their children, so you can bring the little ones with the comfort of knowing that it will be completely kid-friendly. Come to Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster on August 26 and Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney on August 27 for End of Summer Family Fun Night. Both events will run from 5 to 9 p.m. and will feature a night of fun activities and prizes sponsored by Mattel and Moon Ocean Hotel and Residence. Of course, there will also be an all-you-can-eat buffet filled with items that everyone can enjoy. Prices are $7.95 for adults, $3.95 for children 5 to 11 and children under 5 are free.
Photo of the Week | 11 Spotlight: Back-to-School Pool Bash | 13 Movie Schedule | 15 Weekly Health Tip: Green Tea | 15
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3 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | August 20, 2015
livingatlarge
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Back-to-School Parties
he supply lists are out. The Exchange is stocked with notebooks, pencils and glue. The countdown to the start of school has begun. But before all those school-aged kids out there get any gloomier about the prospect of heading back to the classroom so soon, consider this: the best way to usher in another school year is to end the summer with a bang. MCCS will host several back-toschool events for all ages, starting with the Camp Kinser Youth and Teen Center Lock-Ins on August 21. Both events are FREE for members and non-members. The youth center lock-in is for students ages 10 to 12, and the teen center event is for students ages 13 to 18. There
will be great music and food, as well as the usual fun activities and games that the youth and teen centers always offer. For youths looking for some fun on Camp Foster, the Kishaba Youth Center will host a Back-to-
School Party on August 28 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. As well as food and fun, there will be plenty of games and activities for everyone. With all these events, the last days of summer can easily become the best days.
mccsevents&happenings Building Apps for iPhones & iPads August 24, 5–6 p.m. Library, Camp Foster 645-7178
Federal Resume Writing August 25, 1–4 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Kinser 645-2104
It’s All About You August 28, 5:30–7:30 p.m. MCFTB, Camp Foster 645-3689
Survival Japanese Class August 24, 11:30–12:30 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Hansen 645-2104
Lunch and a Movie August 26, noon–1 p.m. Library, Camp Courtney 622-9280
Basic Origami Class August 31, 9–11 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Foster 645-2104
Home Buying Workshop August 25, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Education Center, Camp Schwab 645-2104
Money Management Workshop August 28, 8:30–11:30 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Courtney 645-2104
Smooth Move August 31, 8 a.m.–noon MFP-R, Camp Foster 645-2104
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | Jim Kassebaum MANAGING EDITOR | Ryan Anastoplus ART DIRECTOR | Corrinne McKenna CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST | Ayako Kawamitsu 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, Carina Fils-Julien, Lisa Hicks, Michael Johnson DISTRIBUTION | Gideon Juko, Sho Vivas MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Andrew Menges ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH | Amanda Bakun, Megan Milovich, Katherine Melrose, Kayla Christen, Jenessa Reutov, Jennifer Dowd BROADCAST | Victor Mercado, Kathlene Millette, Gabriel Archer 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. This publication printed with
Camp Foster
Camp Foster
September 3, 1:30–4 p.m. MCFTB (bldg.5677) This workshop provides practical information and tools to enhance healthy relationships. mccsokinawa.com/mcftb
September 4 Baby Boot Camp will prepare expectant parents on what to expect during the third trimester and the first six weeks of their baby’s life. New Parent Support Program 645-0396
Top photo: zurijeta/bigstock.com
Building Lasting Relationships
Various Camps
Typhoon Motors Extended Hours
We have extended our hours to serve you better. Camp Foster: 7 a.m.–7 p.m., other camps: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. mccsokinawa.com/typhoonmotors
Baby Boot Camp
Camp Courtney
Grill Your Own Steak
September 4, 5–8 p.m. Hand-cut steaks for $2.50 per oz. (4 oz. minimum). All entrées accompanied by loaded mashed potatoes, baked beans, mixed vegetables, salad bar access and desserts. Hashmarks SNCO Club 622-9583
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5 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | August 20, 2015
ryan vs. courtney
japanese phrase of the week
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Watshi wa ____ sai desu. I’m ____ years old. For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs–Resources at 645-2104/2106.
ourtney: Hey, you want to go catch some bugs with me this weekend? I hear some of them sell for hundreds of dollars. We need to cash in on this Japanese bug craze. Ryan: Not really. As a kid I went out and caught beetles to keep as pets since my parents wouldn’t get me a dog like I wanted. A beetle is basically the worst companion ever. C: Is that why I see so many neighborhood kids out on a mission every weekend with net and box in tow? They are doing it for the companionship instead of the money? How did beetles become such big business in Japan? R: Actually, one big draw to beetle breeding and domestication is the underground insect fight club. Stag beetles, rhinoceros beetles, kabutomushi and goliath beetles are most popular because of their size. Owners “train” their beetles by feeding them special beetle supplements.
Bugs
Fights are usually done on a log or any designated “ring” area. There is a series online called Japanese Bug Fights (japanesebugfights.com) where you can watch some. C: I heard that the largest of the stag beetles, called o-kuwagata in Japan, can cost a small fortune, ranging from ¥40,000 to ¥150,000. A large okuwgata, however, can fetch several
million yen. I don’t think I would want to risk that investment in a bug fight. I’ll just stick with a free one I can catch in the woods. Plus, they are probably better fighters since they grew up on the “street.” By Ryan Anastoplus and Courtney Rick
Clockwise from the top right: Scherbinator/bigstock.com, oksun70/bigstock.com
Contact Ryan or Courtney with your questions, comments or cookies at ryan.anastoplus@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or courtney.rick@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
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7 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | August 20, 2015
off island tour
explore
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Kyoto and Kobe Thanksgiving Tour November 26–29 Let Tours+ take you to Kyoto this fall. It is the Japan of postcards and haikus with temples, castles and autumn leaves on the fringe of bamboo forests.
top left: coward_lion/bigstock.com, top right: Thomas Alan Smilie
Sign up by October 26. mccsokinawa.com/tours
Take a Dip at Marriott Resort
ealing. Relaxation. Rebirth. These are the tenets that the Okinawa Marriott Resort & Spa was built upon. The 15-floor resort, located atop a small hill in Nago City, offers breathtaking views of Nago Bay and the East China Sea on one side, and views of the delicately manicured links of the Kise Country Club Golf Course and the untamed northern hills and forests on the other. The Okinawa Marriott Resort & Spa is a well-equipped Mecca of relaxation. The resort’s facilities include an indoor pool with a Jacuzzi, an outdoor pool featuring a large, twisting water slide for the young and the young-at-heart, an exotic garden pool, a “smart” training pool, a fully equipped fitness room; access to a beautiful, private beach, a chapel for exchanging marital vows, the Creér Du Declêor Spa and Esthetics Salon and much more.
There is no place more lavish or well-equipped to unwind and cool down during the summer months. This resort was built especially for such purpose and nothing else. You will be in good hands as all the vast resort’s facilities, services and staff are focused on ensuring that
every guest experiences the virtues for which it is renowned. Wish you were there? You can be on August 26 with MCCS Tours+. Contact your local Tours+ office or visit mccsokinawa.com/tours to book your spot today. Go on, you deserve it.
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10 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | August 20, 2015
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off-base events get out and explore.
Hello Kitty in Wonderland August 20–August 30 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Tomiton, Tomishiro City Tickets: Adults ¥700, Children (5–12) ¥400 The Great Mammal Exhibit August 20–September 6 Okinawa Prefectural Museum Naha City Tickets: Adults ¥1,200, Children (7–18) ¥600, (3–6) ¥400 Henoko Tug-of-War Festival August 22–23, 10 a.m. Henoko Kominkan, Nago City FREE
tours+
adventure begins here. Japanese Tea Ceremony August 21, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Adults $35, Children (3–11) $28, (under 3) FREE Experience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony. After tea, have lunch and go shopping on Kokusai Street.*
Okinawa World & Habu Museum August 22, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $32, Children (12–15) $27, (4–11) $20, (under 4) FREE Tour Gyokusendo Cave, enjoy an eisa show, glass-blowing center, pottery village, awamori shop and Habu Museum on this tour.*
Yanbaru Mangrove Kayaking August 23, 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Adults $55, Children (6–12) $33 Get your muscles moving and enjoy the beauty of nature while kayaking approximately two-and-a-half hours.*
Pizza in the Sky & Nakijin Castle August 22, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $23, Children (3–11) $16, (under 3) FREE Visit the famous café Kajinho in Motobu, affectionately known as Pizza in the Sky, for delicious pizza and a breathtaking view. Afterwards, visit Nakijin Castle to learn the history of the Ryukyu Islands.*
Battle Sites August 23, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $28, Children (3–11) $18, (under 3) FREE Relive the Battle of Okinawa with a history lesson. 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.*
Marriott Pool & Lunch August 26, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $38, Children (6–12) $28, (under 6) FREE Swim at the scenic Marriott Resort Hotel Garden Pool and enjoy a continental lunch buffet.*
*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 | U.S. Naval Hospital 646-7013
Clockwise from the top right: Thomas Alan Smilie
photooftheweek
Katsuren Castle: From the Camp Foster Legion Gate, take 81 past Awase to 16 (81 will become 227, then 85, then 33 before it intersects with 16). Turn right onto 16 and follow the signs for Katsuren Castle on the right.
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spotlight
Back-to-School Pool Bash
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BlueOrange Studio/bigstock.com
o school is about to start again. What a drag, right? But the new school year always brings so many different opportunities, lessons and great memories. On the other hand, there’s homework, tests and cafeteria food. Whether you are excited about the new school year or are dreading the months ahead, everyone is welcome to the Back-to-School Pool Bash. With Okinawa’s blistering summer temperatures, the pools have been a popular destination during summer vacation, so it makes perfect sense for
the biggest back-to-school party of the year to be at one. This free event will take place on September 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Camp Foster 50M pool and is open to the whole family. There will be a water obstacle course, kids aqua zumba, a hula hoop contest and a movie. FREE hamburgers, hot dogs, snow cones and popcorn will be served. For more information visit mccsokinawa.com/wellness or call the Camp Foster 50M pool at 645-2211.
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15 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | August 20, 2015
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
6-on-6 Soccer August 28–30 Camp Kinser Fitness Center Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on August 24 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 schedule and rules will be e-mailed to participants. Details: 637-1869 MCAS Futenma Annual “Tetsujin” Triathlon August 30 MCAS Futenma Semper Fit Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on August 24 for $20. This event is open to participants island wide, SOFA and non-SOFA 12 years of age or older. The race will consist of a 5K run, 15K bike and 200M swim. Details: 636-2672 11-on-11 Soccer Tournament September 4–6 Camp Courtney Ironworks Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on August 31 for $80. This event is open to participants island wide. Team and individual awards will be given to first, second and third place finishers. Tournament schedule and rules will be e-mailed to participants. Details: 622-7297 Open Flag Football Tournament September 4–6 Camp Schwab Power Dome Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on August 31 for $95. This event is open to participants island wide. Team and individual awards will be given to first, second and third place finishers. Tournament schedule and rules will be e-mailed to participants. Details: 625-2654.
CAMP KINSER
CAMP COURTNEY
Thursday, August 20 CLOSED
Thursday, August 20 CLOSED
Friday, August 21 Hitman: Agent 47 (R) 6:30 p.m.
Friday, August 21 Hitman: Agent 47 (R) 6 p.m., 9 p.m.
Saturday, August 22 The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (PG 13) 3 p.m. Hitman: Agent 47 (R) 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 22 Hitman: Agent 47 (R) 3 p.m. Vacation (R) 6 p.m.
Sunday, August 23 Inside Out (PG) 3D 1 p.m. Fantastic Four (PG 13) 3:30 p.m. Hitman: Agent 47 (R) 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 23 Terminator Genisys (PG 13) 3 p.m. Hitman: Agent 47 (R) 6 p.m.
Monday, August 24 Hitman: Agent 47 (R) 6:30 p.m.
Monday, August 24 Mission: Impossible—Rogue Nation (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Tuesday, August 25 Straight Outta Compton (R) 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 25 CLOSED
Wednesday, August 26 CLOSED
Wednesday, August 26 Vacation (R) 7 p.m.
MCAS FUTENMA
CAMP HANSEN
Thursday, August 20 CLOSED
Thursday, August 20 Vacation (R) 7 p.m.
Friday, August 21 Hitman: Agent 47 (R) 6:30 p.m.
Friday, August 21 Hitman: Agent 47 (R) 6:30 p.m., 10 p.m.
Saturday, August 22 Hitman: Agent 47 (R) 4 p.m., 7 p.m.
Saturday, August 22 Fantastic Four (PG 13) 6 p.m. Hitman: Agent 47 (R) 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 23 Fantastic Four (PG 13) 4 p.m. Hitman: Agent 47 (R) 7 p.m. Monday, August 24 Straight Outta Compton (R) 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 25 CLOSED
classoftheweek Bokwa®
Bokwa® is a new and different approach to group exercise that is spreading across the globe. Participants draw letters and numbers with their feet while performing an energizing and addictive workout routine.
weeklyhealthtip Ingesting decaffeinated green tea extract has shown to be effective in fat loss. One study showed almost a 25% increase in fat oxidation over a four-week period. For such results, one must consume at least 400 to 500mg of green tea extract per day. This equates to about 10 cups of green tea. Source: http://www.jissn.com/content/12/1/1
Wednesday, August 26 CLOSED
Sunday, August 23 Mission: Impossible—Rogue Nation (PG 13) 3:30 p.m. Vacation (R) 7 p.m. Monday, August 24 The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (PG 13) 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 25 Hitman: Agent 47 (R) 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 26 Fantastic Four (PG 13) 7 p.m.
CAMP FOSTER
CAMP SCHWAB
Thursday, August 20 Minions (PG) 1 p.m. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (PG 13) 4 p.m. Magic Mike XXL (R) 7 p.m.
Thursday, August 20 CLOSED
Friday, August 21 Hitman: Agent 47 (R) 6 p.m., 9 p.m., midnight Saturday, August 22 Minions (PG) noon Fantastic Four (PG 13) 3 p.m. Hitman: Agent 47 (R) 6 p.m., midnight Magic Mike XXL (R) 9 p.m. Sunday, August 23 Minions (PG) 3D 1 p.m. Hitman: Agent 47 (R) 4 p.m., 7 p.m. Monday, August 24 Hitman: Agent 47 (R) 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 25 Fantastic Four (PG 13) 1 p.m. Terminator Genisys (PG 13) 4 p.m. Hitman: Agent 47 (R) 7 p.m.
Friday, August 21 Hitman: Agent 47 (R) 6 p.m., 9 p.m. Saturday, August 22 Hitman: Agent 47 (R) 6 p.m., 9 p.m. Sunday, August 23 Ted 2 (R) 4 p.m. Hitman: Agent 47 (R) 7 p.m. Monday, August 24 Mission: Impossible—Rogue Nation (PG 13) 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 25 Hitman: Agent 47 (R) 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 26 CLOSED
Wednesday, August 26 Hitman: Agent 47 (R) 7 p.m.
Movie schedule is subject to change. For the latest updates visit shopmyexchange.com.