Photo by Roderica Mathis, special thanks to the 501st Legion Japanese Garrisson
September 21, 2017 | Subscribe to win at mccsokinawa.com/spotlight
IT’S ALMOST HERE! One of MCCS’ most fun and exciting events, Comic Con Okinawa 2017, will be happening October 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Camp Foster’s Fieldhouse, Community Center Auditorium and the Ocean Breeze. First held in 2010, Comic Con Okinawa is MCCS’s celebration of all things related to comics, anime, collectable card and video gaming, sci-fi, co-
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splay and more, bringing to Okinawa the fun and excitement of the larger conventions held throughout the United States and beyond. Comic Con Okinawa will offer something for all ages, from military families dressed in their finest superhero costumes to young service members transformed into zombies, all mugging for photos and sharing their enthusiasm. Discussion panels will offer opportunities to meet famous anime voice actors while in the artist alley, professional comic book and manga artists will show off their magic. In addition, favorite characters from comics, manga, anime, movies, games and more will be brought to life at the Comic Con Okinawa cosplay contest. Once again at this year’s Comic Con, generous sponsors will be offering prizes and giveaways in excess of $100,000 from companies such as
Meet the Talent | 3 So…you want to be a Cosplayer? | 3 Artist Alley Contest | 5 Official Comic Con Merchandise | 7
AFSPA, United Airlines, University of Maryland, California Sunshine, Diamond Comics, Boingo, ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort, DC Comics, Funimation, Mattel, Hotel Moon Beach, Kafuu Resort Fuchaku Condo/Hotel, Krave Jerky, Moon Ocean Ginowan Hotel and Residence, Okinawa Grand Mer Resort, Razer, Red Lobster, Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort and others. Prizes for this year’s Comic Con include a pair of round trip tickets to the US, overnight stays at luxurious resorts, tons of FREE comic books, FREE ride on a Mari-cart and much more. Stay up-to-date on everything Comic Con by checking out facebook.com/comicconokinawa and comicconokinawa.com.
Card & Game Tournaments | 9 MCCS Tours+ | 11 Semper Fit Events | 11
The 501st Legion is a worldwide Star Wars costuming organization comprised of and operated by Star Wars fans. While it is not sponsored by Lucasfilm Ltd., it is Lucasfilm's preferred Imperial costuming group. Star Wars, its characters, costumes, and all associated items are the intellectual property of Lucasfilm. © & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. Used under authorization.
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Meet the Talent
omic Con Okinawa will feature guest appearances by Phil LaMarr, voice actor Kari Wahlgren, Japanese writer, illustrator, comic translator and game app developer Mayo “SEN” Naito and many more (including a SUPER SECRET guest appearance). Phil LaMarr While many might recognize his face as one of the original cast members of MAD TV or as “Marvin” in “Pulp Fiction,” he is also the voice behind the legendary title character in “Samurai Jack.” Phil’s long and prolific career in voiceover has brought life to characters in some of your favorite animated series (with regular roles in “Futurama” and “Justice League” and recurring roles in “Ultimate Spiderman,” “Young Justice,” and “Star Wars: Rebels”) as well as video games including the Metal Gear Solid, Infamous, and Mortal Kombat franchises.
Kari Wahlgren From animation and anime to video games, Kari Wahlgren is one of the top voice actresses in Los Angeles. Her first role as “Haruko” in FLCL remains a fan favorite, and her voice can be heard in The “Fairly Oddparents” (as Chloe Carmichael), “Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness” (as Tigress), “Phineas and Ferb” (as Li’l Suzy), “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (as Letta Turmond) and countless others.
Mayo “SEN” Naito Mayo “SEN” Naito is primarily a designer for smartphone game apps. However, she is also a writer, illustrator and comic interpreter/translator. She has translated work including Shazam, Grayson and Aquaman. Meet these talented artists and many, many more at Comic Con Okinawa October 15!
Questions? Comments? Please e-mail OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
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Images courtesy of talent, Thomas Alan Smilie
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So…you want to be a Cosplayer?
nterested in participating in the 2017 Comic Con Okinawa Cosplay Contest? Following are a few rules and guidelines: Costumes should be of original construction, or clearly show modification to off-the-rack items. Creativity and craftsmanship score big points and generate the most “oohs and aahs!” Store-bought costumes are allowed, but it’s suggested that contestants modify at least half of it. All cosplay costumes should be appropriate for general audiences—overly gory, overtly suggestive and menacing costumes are not appropriate for a kid-friendly audience and should be avoided. All costumed guests, including contestants whose costumes include any form of prop or weapon, must have the item inspected at the door for safety prior to entering the event venue. Prop weapons will be allowed into the event provided
they meet the Armory (Weapons) Rules & Guidelines (listed on comicconokinawa.com). The main categories for the 2017 Comic Con Okinawa Cosplay Contest include Adult Fan Individual (ages 18 and up), Adult Fan Group (ages 18 and up with a minimum of two and maximum of four in a group), Young Fan Individual (ages 7 to 17) and Young Fan Group (ages 7 to 17 with a minimum of two
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | Jim Kassebaum MANAGING EDITOR | Mike Daley ART DIRECTOR | Catherine Newquist CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST | Ayako Kawamitsu GRAPHIC ARTS MANAGER | Henry Ortega GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Hector Nieves, Jongeun Spencer EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Mike Daley DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER | Thomas Alan Smilie SOCIAL MEDIA | Shelbie Thilmony PHOTOGRAPHER | Roderica Mathis AD/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER | Roy Forster AD SALES | Yoshihiro Shinzato, Yoriko Yamashiro, Angela Neal DISTRIBUTION | Kelli Kreider, Desiree Adams MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Andrew Menges ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH | Ashley Herring, Kristen Wong, Secoya Holmes, Ashley Snipes, Allison Dixon BROADCAST | Kathlene Millette, Gabriel Archer, Emi Komiya
and maximum of four in a group). Young Fans must have a parent or guardian present to participate. One more important fact: There WILL be fabulous prizes for the winners! Remember, event staff may reject a costume entry on the basis of being inappropriate or unsafe, so ensure that guidelines are followed! Learn more about the Comic Con at facebook.com/comicconokinawa and comicconokinawa.com.
To advertise in Okinawa Spotlight, 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
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japanese phrase of the week
E ga jouzu desu ne. You’re good at drawing.
Thomas Alan Smilie
For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs-Resources at 645-2104/2106.
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Artist Alley Contest
n a world of heroes, the real ones are behind the scenes. Artists are responsible for bringing the tales of good and evil to life. Seldom do these heroes have a chance to shine—gleaming in a burst of rays like Captain America, but this time they do. Show off your illustrative skills at Comic Con’s Artist Alley Contest. Draw your favorite superhero, anime, manga, sci-fi, fantasy or cartoon character—it’s that simple. Bring your completed art to MCCS’ Comic Con Okinawa in the Foster Fieldhouse by noon, and have the chance to finally be awarded for your work. A few rules: artwork should not exceed 11 by 17 inches. It must be on paper or cardstock; any medium is appropriate—traditional (pencil, chalk, watercolor etc.), digital, color or black and white—and only one entry per artist. NO heavy canvas, brick, steel, wood, lead, etc. medi-
ums are accepted as we cannot hang those materials for viewing. Also, no graphic adult depictions or excessive gore, please, as this is a family event. Please print your name and contact information on the back. There are two age groups: 8 to 14 and 15
and up. The artwork will be judged on originality and creativity. Great prizes will be up for grabs so give it your best shot! For more information and a complete list of rules, please visit comicconokinawa.com.
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freestuff Official Comic Con Merchandise
F FREE comics from DC and Diamond available to all!
or every great event or occasion, you want something to remember it by, right? Comic Con Okinawa 2017 is no different, and there will be many mementos available for purchase that will not only bring a fond smile to your face every time you see it, it will let everyone that sees you know that YOU were THERE! The most popular item will most likely be the t-shirts commemorating this year’s Comic Con. Adult t-shirts are
only $15 or ¥1,500, $18/¥1,800 for Dri-Fit and youth t-shirts are $13 or ¥1,300—a veritable steal! Want to be reminded on the wonderful time you had at the cosplay contest or winning that video game match against your rival every time you take out your keys to unlock your door? Well, commemorative Comic Con keychains are available for only $3 or ¥300! October will still be warm on is-
Clockwise from top to bottom: Hector Nieves, Thomas Alan Smilie
photooftheweek
Favorite characters from comics, manga, anime, movies, games and more will be brought to life at Comic Con Okinawa 2017.
land and those looking to cool themselves at Fun Land (or watching the Mari-cars race around the track outside) will definitely be interested in a fan—USB fans operated by either your Android or iPhone are only $3 or ¥300. Special LED Comic Con fans will also be available for $5 or ¥500. Now, all you need is something to carry all this valuable memorabilia… well you’re in luck! Comic Con tote bags are available for $3 or ¥300.
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Card & Game Tournaments
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Left to right: Timothy Tsui, Creative Commons,Thaomas Alan Smilie
Originally launched in 1998, the wildly popular card-trading game called Yu-Gi-Oh! made it into the Guinness Book of World Records in 2009 by selling over 22 billion (with a ‘b’) cards worldwide.
omic Con wouldn’t be complete without some friendly and competitive card and video game tournaments. You have your choice between a few games, whether you choose the Video Game Showdown, or one of two trading card games. Whether advanced or beginner, join many other Magic: The Gathering players in this exciting, highenergy tournament. The world’s leading trading card game was the first of its kind and continues to thrive. The tournament will consist of four
rounds followed by semifinals and finals—both single elimination. If that doesn’t suit you, join others in the Pokémon tournament. This is a collectible card game based on the Pokémon video game series where you will take on the role of being a Pokémon trainer, using creatures and Pokémon to battle. Reduce your opponent’s health points to zero to take their prize cards, potentially winning by collecting them all. Yu-Gi-Oh!, the card-trading game based on the famous Japanese manga
will also be featured at Comic Con. Players can gather their monster cards and play in the Swiss Round Format Tournament. Video game tournaments will include PS4, iPad, Wii, SWITCH and MOBA competitions. Games will include Street Fighter, VAIN GLORY, Super Smash Brothers and much more. For more information and a schedule go to comiconokinawa.com.
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mccshotjobs SEMPER FIT SPORTS COORDINATOR NF-03/RFT
AUTOMOTIVE HELPER NA-05/FLX (CAMP FOSTER)
The sports coordinator organizes tournaments and events at the installation level for intra-theater and island-wide open competition involving both the military and DOD civilians community. These include both major and minor sports, team and individual sports and conducting camp, intra theater and regional competitive events.
The position is located in MCCS Typhoon Motors Auto Skills Centers aboard Camp S.D. Butler, Okinawa. The primary purpose of the position is to ensure all motor vehicles requiring maintenance on Okinawa, Japan are in compliance with the U.S. military and Japanese government law.
Apply by: 9/28/2017
Apply by: 9/29/2017
CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM TECHNICIAN GSE-05/CY2 The primary function of this position is to provide appropriate specialized developmental care and instruction for children and youth in a DoD Children and Youth Program. Apply by: 9/26/2017
For more information about Marine Corps civilian careers with MCCS, visit mccsokinawa.com/jobs
tours+ Shrine and Gardens September 23, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $20, Children (3-11) $13, (under 3) FREE Explore Okinawa’s most famous gardens: Shikinaen and Fukushu-en. Afterwards, travel to Futenma Shrine. Also included is shopping and lunch on Kokusai Street.
Shuri Castle Park Mid-Autumn Celebration September 30, 5–9:30 p.m. Adults $23, Children (3-11) $16, (under 3) FREE Enjoy traditional dances from the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Also, witness a reenactment of the mid-autumn banquet to entertain envoys from China and enjoy the festivities under the harvest moon.
Valley of Gangala & Okinawa World Tour September 24, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Adults $47, Children (5-12) $20, (3–4) $11 Hike through the Valley of Gangala and enjoy the beautiful scenery and spectacular caves. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at Okinawa World while watching eisa dancing. Bring yen for lunch and additional purchases. Children under the age of 2 are not allowed on tour.
Kerama Islands Snorkeling Tour September 30, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Adult $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 Kerama Islands.
*Bring yen for additional food, drinks and/or purchases. Camp Foster 646-3502 | Camp Hansen 623-6344 | Camp Kinser 637-2744
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
upcoming semperfitevents Open Basketball Tournament September 29–October 1 MCAS Futenma Semper Fit Fitness Center Register by September 25 (1 p.m.) at any MCCS athletic facility for $120 per team. This event is open to participants island wide. A group trophy, as well as individual awards, will be given to first, second and third place teams. Bylaws and a tournament bracket schedule will be e-mailed to team representatives September 25. For more information, call 636-2672.
Open Softball Tournament September 29–October 1 Camp Schwab Softball fields Register by September 25 (1 p.m.) at any MCCS athletic facility for $120 per team. This event is open to participants island wide. A group trophy, as well as individual awards, will be given to first, second and third place teams. Bylaws and a tournament bracket schedule will be e-mailed to team representatives September 25. For more information, call 625-2654.
classof theweek Barre This class uses a combination of postures inspired by ballet and other disciplines like yoga and Pilates.
For a full schedule and class descriptions, visit mccsokinawa.com/groupfitness.