September 1, 2016 • mccsokinawa.com
Jim Kassebaum
O
kinawa is the largest of the Ryukyu Islands, but it’s surrounded by many other smaller islands. You may know some of the ones circling Okinawa that you can get to by ferry or car—Ie Island, Yoron Island, the Kerama Islands and Hamahiga Island. We want to introduce a few islands that are only a short flight away. Miyako Island Okinawa is known for its world-class diving, but some of the best diving in the Ryukyus is at Miyako. The waters are abuzz, glowing blue with pristine reefs. And the beaches? Clean, white sugar sand. At night, the island comes alive. Miyako is famous for its amount of nightclubs. They’re typically intimate and jovial with their own drinking custom known as otōri.
inside
Ishigaki Island Like Miyako, the waters of Ishigaki are immaculate. It’s known as the home of the Japanese black pearl industry. It also has a vibrant nightlife and plenty of shopping. Also, if you’re looking for good steak, it’s in Ishigaki. Iriomote Island Iriomote is famous for its unbridled wilderness and stunning waterfalls. It’s a good place to kayak and “get away from it all” in nature. If you’re lucky, you may spot the rare Iriomote wildcat. Water buffalo cart rides are the mode of transportation used between Iriomote and Yubu Island and on neighboring Taketomi. MCCS Tours+ offers tours to Ishigaki and Miyako Islands. For more information on those, visit mccsokinawa.com/tours. For is-
Kerama Islands Snorkeling Tour | 3 Yanbaru Kayaking Trip | 3 Culture Corner: A Japanese Best Friend | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5
"Water buffalo cart rides are the mode of transportation used between Iriomote and Yubu Island..." land exploration closer to home, check out page 3.
Pick of the Week: Discovering Fukushūen | 7 Shuri Castle Mid-Autumn Festival | 9 Off-Base Events | 11 Semper Fit Events | 11
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livingatlarge
Kerama Islands Snorkeling Tour
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rab your fins and get ready for some fun! Tours+ is heading out to the Kerama Islands for snorkeling adventures through September. Just 20 miles southeast of Okinawa and visible from Naha Port, these islands feature some of the best dive sites in the world. This gift of nature is lush with vibrant sea life including over 250
species of coral and a stunning variety of fish. Its calm, clear waters are inviting to snorkelers of all levels. So, if you’ve yet to experience Okinawa’s world-renowned seascape, now is the time to take advantage of the island life by enjoying a fish-eye view of the ocean. The next Kerama Islands snorkeling tour will be on Saturday,
September 3 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The tour includes a boat ride to two snorkeling spots. Bring lunch, hydration, your snorkeling set and wetsuits (if desired). Snorkeling gear will also be available for rent. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/tours.
events&happenings
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, Tomoko Taylor, Lisa Hicks, Carina Fils-Julien Distribution | Gideon Juko, Kelli Kreider Marketing Accounts Manager | Andrew Menges Accounts & Research | Marissa DeSmet, Ashley Herring, Kristen Wong, Katherine Melrose, Jenessa Reutov, Allison Dixon Broadcast | Kathlene Millette, Gabriel Archer, Emi Komiya
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.
Yanbaru Kayaking Trip
Top and bottom: Mike Dlaey
O
ne of the best ways to experience Okinawa is in the water. Kayaking brings you close to nature and lets you explore areas of the island that are otherwise inaccessible. It’s also an excellent way to get your muscles moving and disguise exercise as something fun. Okinawa offers opportunities for both ocean kayaking and river kayaking. The calm waters
of Okinawa’s inlets and coves are good spots for ocean kayaking. Further north, you’ll find ideal conditions for river kayaking. The lush jungle area of Yanbaru offers mangrove-lined rivers. One of the largest mangrove forests is at the mouth of the Gesashi River in Higashi Village. The area is considered to be one of the most diverse natural environments on
the island and a great spot to take in the sights from your kayak. If you’re new to kayaking, MCCS Tours+ can get you started with a guided trip through the mangroves in Yanbaru. Day-long trips are scheduled now through October. For details on this and other tours, visit Tours+ online at mccsokinawa.com/tours.
This publication printed with
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japanese phrase
culturecorner
of the week
D
O-suwari. Sit.
(Command for dogs)
Clockwise from the top left: Subbotina Anna/bigstock.com, Volofin/bigstock.com
For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs-Resources at 645-2104/2106.
A Japanese Best Friend
uring the 20th century and return to nationalism, Japan sought to preserve their pure canine breeds. The government declared six dogs as national treasures. A few characteristics of these breeds included small curled ears, slanted eyes and a bushy tail. The second-largest dog and most commonly recognized breed was named for the prefecture where it originated: Akita. Shogun and Imperial leaders favored the akita as companions and guardians for centuries. Today the akita is popular in the United States too, known for their dignified and reserved bearing. Those with families should consider the shiba inu, similar in appearance to an akita but a more convenient size—less than 25 pounds. These medium-sized dogs are energetic and will get along with most
children. The shiba remains one of the most common pets in Japan. If you prefer a lap dog, cuddle with a chin. The chin, or Japanese Spaniel, is Japan’s smallest native breed. It is lively, affectionate and extremely devoted to its master. Weighing up to nine pounds, the chin is a perfect companion to tote around. These dogs were a favorite gift between China and Japan about
2,500 years ago and became popular with the ladies of the court and upper class. The largest Japanese breed is the tosa inu. The tosa was bred with western mastiff-type dogs such as the great dane or St. Bernard to increase size and prowess. Averaging between 100 and 200 pounds, they are known as the “sumo wrestlers” of the dog world.
If you have any burning questions about Japanese culture, please send them to OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
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getting there
pickoftheweek
B Fukushūen Garden Directions: Take Hwy. 58 south towards Naha. Take a right on Route 42. Continue straight and the gardens will be on your left. Admission is ¥300 for adults and ¥100 for children. Open daily from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. GPS coordinates: 26.218068, 127.675476
Discovering Fukushūen
uilt in 1992 to celebrate 10 years of friendship between Naha and Fuzhou, China; Fukushūen Garden is a tribute to China’s role in Okinawan culture and history. Built by artisans from Fuzhou, the garden’s location of Kume was once the center of education and culture during the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Fukushūen maintains some traditional themes of Chinese gardens such as walled sections, scholars' rocks and asymmetry. Built entirely of materials from Fuzhou, the garden has many pavilions, sculptures, bells and a model of the trading ship that traveled between Fuzhou and the Ryukyu Kingdom. One of the most important parts of a Chinese garden is the architecture. A garden’s design is meant to be in harmony with its natural attributes. Chinese gardens are not intended to be seen all at once—each section represents crafted glimpses
of nature and humankind’s harmony with it. Though the garden is traditionally Chinese, there are elements that are uniquely Okinawan. The foliage
Thomas Alan Smilie
photooftheweek
If you need a "staycation" closer to home this Labor Day weekend, cross the bridge to Kouri Island located in Nakijin.
selected in the garden, such as the orange jessamine and acacia petit Feuille, are unique to Southeast Asia, allowing the leaves to change along with the seasons.
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more details
spotlight
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Contact Tours+
Thomas Alan Smilie
Camp Foster 646-3502 Camp Hansen 623-6344 Camp Kinser 637-2744
Shuri Castle Mid-Autumn Festival
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, but it was also the pride of the island’s people. Although the exact date is unknown, it’s believed the original Shuri Castle was built during the year 1453 A.D. Shuri Castle was built surrounded by curved walls and contained various structures, open areas and sacred grounds or utaki—a standard feature of all old Okinawan gusuku (or 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 present-
ed a document that signified the end of an era—the official proclamation that dissolved the Ryukyu Kingdom and made Okinawa a prefecture of Japan. The best time to see Shuri Castle is under the full moon during the annual Autumn Harvest Festival. The castle glows orange under
the silky light and dancers perform traditional Ryukyu Kingdom dances—a brief restoration of the glory of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Join MCCS Tours+ on this once-a-year tour on September 17. For registration and pricing, visit mccsokinawa.com/tours or visit your local Tours+ office.
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tours+
adventure begins here Urashima Dinner Theater September 9, 5:30–9:30 p.m. Adults $73 with half lobster, $58 without lobster, Children (6–12) $39, (3–5) $34 (under 3) FREE* *No meal 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 the show.
Hotel Alivila & Central Sites Tour September 10, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $47, Children (6–12) $30, (4–5) $19 (under 4) FREE Explore the central areas of Okinawa. Start the day at the Zakimi Castle ruins, check out the Yomitan Museum and then the famous Cape Zampa Lighthouse. Break for lunch at the four-star, Spanish-style Hotel Alivila and then finish the day relaxing on the beach.
Battle Sites Tour September 10, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $28, Children (3–11) $18 (under 3) FREE Explore the Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters, visit the Battle of Okinawa Historical Society Museum and end the day at Peace Memorial Park.
Expo Park & Aquarium September 11, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $39, Children (16–17) $33 (12–15) $27, (6–11) $22, (under 6) FREE Head to Expo Park and visit Okinawa’s fourstory Churaumi Aquarium, watch a FREE dolphin show and visit an Okinawan Village or relax on Emerald Beach.
*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
Uruma City Eisa Festival September 3–4, 4–9 p.m. Yonashiro Athletic Park Uruma City FREE
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
Okinawan Haunted House September 1–25, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Outlet Mall Ashibina Tomishiro City Tickets: ¥1,000
Ginowan Eisa Festival September 3 & 4, 5–9 p.m. Ginowan City Civic Square Ginowan City FREE
upcoming semperfitevents Camp Hansen POW/MIA Remembrance Run September 16 Camp Hansen House of Pain Fitness Center Register at the Camp Hansen basketball courts between 6 and 7:30 a.m. the day of the event. This event is FREE and open to participants island-wide. This is a remembrance run; there are no winners or prizes. Details: 623-5569.
Open Power Lifting Competition September 24 Camp Courtney Ironworks Fitness Center Register at any MCCS Fitness Center by 1 p.m. on September 19 for $10. Late registration is available from September 19 to 23 for $15 at Camp Courtney Ironworks. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to top three finishers in each weight class. Details: 622-7297.
classof theweek BodyBlast This strength-training class is designed to build strength, increase endurance and burn body fat. Each class will focus on strength training major muscle groups using light weights with heavy repetitions. Appropriate for all fitness levels. Camp Foster Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 8:30–9:30 a.m. Visit mccsokinawa.com/groupfitness for a full schedule.