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September 24, 2015 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly Kouri Island
Clockwise from the top: Thomas Alan Smilie, ivanmateev/bigstock.com
Mega Karaoke
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t’s easy to get caught up in the daily routine of missing the snooze button, commuting to work, sitting in traffic, cleaning the house, making dinner and doing it all over again the next day. Although Okinawa can feel large to some, it can make others feel confined with nowhere new to go and nothing new to do. Thankfully, there’s a solution for that: Kouri Island. Kouri Island is off the northwestern coast of Okinawa, 20 kilometers north of Nago. Getting to Kouri Island consists of taking two bridges: one to Yagaji Island, which will connect you to another bridge leading to Kouri Island. The bridge connecting Yagaji and Kouri is 2,020 meters long—the longest toll-free bridge in Japan. The island is small, with a circumference of only 8 kilometers. There are no fancy resorts, just a few quaint restaurants, sugarcane fields, purple sweet potato fields, some friendly locals and a couple of small inns. The slow pace, laid-back atmosphere and bright blue waters make you feel like you are in a tropical paradise.
inside
You can spend the day lounging on the white sand beaches, swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters, visiting the shell museum with over 10,000 shells, touring the Kouri Observational Tower with panoramic views of the island, or exploring the little shops and cafés scattered throughout the isle. The shallow waters and gentle ocean currents make it great for family events, with activities for both children and adults. There are several vendors that rent out snorkel gear, and multiple areas to kayak and dive. Kouri Island is also famous for their sea urchins, a Japanese delicacy, which are harvested in the summer months and available at most of the local restaurants. MCCS Tours+ offers an all-day Kouri Island tour, giving anyone an opportunity to visit beautiful beaches and spend time exploring the island. For more information, please see page 7 or visit mccsokinawa.com/tours/.
Living at Large: FAFSA: Fact or Fiction? | 3 Culture Corner: Living Jewels | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5 Off Base Events: Mid-Autumn Celebration | 7
ingers—your moment has come to compete for over $1,000 in cash and prizes including an overnight stay for two at Moon Ocean Ginowan Hotel and Residence. The journey starts here to prove that your pipes are the best on island. You will sing for the approval of a panel of judges and the audience, so it’s best to select your winning song now. Preliminary rounds will be on September 29 at The Palms on Camp Hansen, September 30 at Bayview on Camp Courtney, October 1 at Thirsty’s on MCAS Futenma, October 6 at BeachHead on Camp Schwab, October 7 at Surfside on Camp Kinser and October 8 at Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster. Registration begins at 7 p.m. at each venue with an 8 p.m. showtime (limited to 25 participants). Mega Karaoke is open to all DoD ID card holders over 18. For more information, call 645-5821 or visit mccsokinawa.com/entertainment.
Photo of the Week | 7 Spotlight: Breast Cancer 5K Walk | 9 Movie Schedule | 11 Class of the Week: Yoga for Beginners | 11
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livingatlarge
Y
FAFSA: Fact or Fiction?
ou may have heard that you cannot start college until you have been in the Marine Corps for two years. That is not true. Although you have to wait two years before you can use tuition assistance, there are other funding options, like the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). There are a number of schools and degree plans to choose from, no matter what your interest. Stop by any MCCS Education Center and sit down with one of our guidance counselors to set up your career and education plan. With FAFSA, students can be awarded up to $5,700 per year in grants. To learn more about your options for college funding and to clear up
any questions and concerns you may have, join us at FAFSA: Fact or Fiction? on September 29 at 5:30 p.m. at the Camp Hansen Education Center. Experts in the field will sift through and separate the facts from
the myths. After the brief, participants can fill out their FAFSA with the assistance of MCCS Education Center staff members. Bring your most recent tax forms in order to be best served.
mccsevents&happenings Building Apps for iPhone & iPad September 28, 5 p.m. Library, Camp Foster 645-7178 Kinser Shopping Field Trip September 25, noon–2 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Kinser 645-2104 Gift Box Making September 25, 9–11 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Kinser 645-2104
Smooth Move Workshop September 28, 8 a.m.–noon Community Center, Camp Foster 645-2104
Credit Report & Credit Score Analysis September 30, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Schwab 645-2104
Money Management Workshop September 29, 8:30–11:30 a.m. Education Center, MCAS Futenma 645-2104
Money Management Workshop September 30, 8:30–11:30 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Courtney 645-2104
Federal Resume Writing Workshop September 29, 8:30–11:30 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Courtney 645-2104
Various Camps
Top photo: Serg64/bigstock.com
Kyoto & Kobe Tour
Ace the Interview Workshop September 30, 1–4 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Schwab 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 PHOTOGRAPHER | Thomas Alan Smilie AD/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER | Roy Forster AD SALES | Yoshihiro Shinzato, Aya Chilcote, 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
PADI Instructor Development Course
November 26–29 Sign up by October 26 at your local Tours+ office. mccsokinawa.com/tours
October 8–18 Open to certified PADI dive masters and higher. Participants must complete the PADI IDC online course prior to beginning this program. Tsunami Scuba 645-9500
Various Camps
Camp Foster
Enjoy fresh fruit smoothies and sandwiches to-go after your daily workout. Now open in Camps Foster, Hansen and Schwab fitness centers. mccsokinawa.com/clubs
October 17, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Be part of the biggest comic and pop culture event of the year. Volunteers will receive a FREE T-shirt. facebook.com/comicconokinawa
LifeJuice
Comic Con Volunteers Wanted
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japanese phrase
culturecorner
of the week
T
Anata no shumi wa nan desu ka? What are your hobbies?
Clockwise from the top left: stockasso/bigstock.com, duallogic/bigstock.com
For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs– Resources at 645-2104/2106.
hey have been called the national fish of Japan, but are now found throughout the world. Koi are a variety of the common carp, cyprinus carpio, and they are the most popular ornamental pond fish. Japan boasts more than 100 varieties of carp. With their metallic sheen of red, orange, gold, black and white, they are referred to as “living jewels” or “swimming flowers.” Carp fossils found in southern China date back 20 million years. Like many other things, these fish were traded throughout Asia and were adopted by the Japanese culture. Records of breeding koi, or nishikigoi—meaning brocaded carp— date back to the 17th century in the rice-growing region of Niigata Prefecture. Farmers cultivated them as food. One day they noticed a red fish among the group of normally black carp and thus began the long history of selective breeding to create multicolored fish.
Living Jewels
Koi can grow quite large, up to a meter long, and thrive in ponds of 500 gallons or more. Larger carp have been found in lakes. In the mid 80’s a 6-½-foot carp was caught in Japan’s Lake Biwa. Like other goldfish varieties, Koi growth will depend on their environments: pond size, oxygen concentration, water temperature, types of food and other variables. They require more strict water quality than the average goldfish and are better suited to the more experienced pond keeper. The hobby of breeding Japanese koi has reached competitive levels. Japan hosts a combined nishikigoi show, selecting champions which
then sell for top dollar on the international market. A serious breeder may find his future champion at a koi auction and it could increase in value up to the tens of thousands of dollars. On Okinawa, visitors will see carp streamers, or koinobori, decorating the towns and rivers during KodomoNo-Hi, or Children’s Day, in May. The carp represents courage, stren gth and perseverance and the koinobori’s origin may be tied to the flags samurai warriors carried to battle. Parents now fly the streamers as a symbol of their wishes that their children grow up strong and brave.
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off-base events get out and explore.
Mid-Autumn Celebration September 26–27 6:30–9 p.m. Shuri Castle, Naha City Call Tours+ for tickets Tobu Seashore Festival September 26–27 3–9 p.m. Okinawa Comprehensive Park, Okinawa City FREE Bullfighting Tournament September 27 1 p.m. Ishikawa Multi-purpose Dome, Uruma City Tickets: ¥2,500
tours+
adventure begins here. Battle Sites* October 3, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $28, Children (3–11) $18; (under 3) FREE Visit the Battle of Okinawa Historical Society Museum on Camp Kinser. Explore the Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters and end the day at Peace Prayer Park.
Forest Adventure Park* October 4, 9 a.m.–3 pm Adults $49, Children (7–17) $34 Test your courage on the Zip Slide ride, the Amazon Rope Bridge, the Tibetan Bridge or any other of the exciting courses.
Bios on the Hill* October 9, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Adults $33, Children (4–12) $20, (under 4) FREE Enjoy a boat ride while viewing the flowers, plants, and wildlife native to Okinawa in this tropical forest park.
Expo Park & Churaumi Aquarium* October 3, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $37, Children (16–17) $32, (12–15) $26; (6–11) $22, (under 6) FREE Head to Ocean Expo Park where you can visit Okinawa’s four-story Churaumi Aquarium and watch a free dolphin show, visit an Okinawan Village or relax on Emerald Beach.
Pizza in the Sky & Nakijin Castle Ruins* October 4, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $23, Children (3–11) $16, (under 3) FREE Visit café restaurant “Pizza in the Sky,” located in the hilly areas of Motobu Village. Afterwards, stop by the Nakijin Castle Ruins and learn the history of the Ryukyu Islands.
Kouri Island* October 10, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $23, Children (3–11) $16, (under 3) FREE Join us on an adventure to Kouri Island. We’ll explore the Kouri Shell Museum, home to over 10,000 shellfish from around the world and some of the best views on the island. After the museum, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and spend the day exploring the 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 | U.S. Naval Hospital 646-7013
Clockwise from the top right: Henry Ortega, Thomas Alan Smilie
photooftheweek
You never have to go too far on Okinawa to find the perfect spot for a sunset stroll.
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spotlight
Breast Cancer 5K Walk
O
dolgachov/bigstock.com
ne in eight women will get diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. The majority of women that are diagnosed with breast cancer usually do not have a family history of this devastating disease. Understanding the risks and symptoms of breast cancer is vital to every single woman since all women are vulnerable to breast cancer. For that reason, in honor of all women who lost the battle to breast
cancer, and for those who have survived, join us in promoting awareness of this life-threatening disease. This FREE event will be on October 3 at 8 a.m. Register from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. on the day of the event. Prizes will be given to the first 100 to sign up. It is open to all SOFA personnel. Participants will meet at the parking lot of the old Naval Hospital on Camp Lester. For more information, call 645-3910.
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semperfitevents
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
Hansen Hero Games October 10–11 Hansen House of Pain Fitness Center Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on October 5. This FREE event is open to participants island wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place finishers. Limited to 100 participants. Details: 623-5569.
Commander’s Cup Golf Tournament October 8 Taiyo Golf Club Register at any MCCS fitness center on Camps Courtney, Hansen and Schwab by 1 p.m. on September 28. This FREE event is open to participants on Camps Courtney, Hansen and Schwab. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. Details: 625-2654.
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
classof theweek
Open Raquetball Tournament October 9–11 Camp Kinser Fitness Center Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on October 5 for $10 or onsite for $15. This event is open to participants island wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place finishers. Details: 637-1869/1114.
Yoga for Beginners
If you’ve always been intrigued by yoga but have never taken the first step to attend a class, this is the class for you. Basic yoga movements and stretches will enable you to feel confident and strong.
movieschedule CAMP KINSER
CAMP FOSTER
Thursday, September 24 CLOSED
Thursday, September 24 Maze Runner: the Scorch Trials (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Friday, September 25 Everest (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. (3D) Saturday, September 26 Everest (PG 13) 3 p.m. The Intern (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Sunday, September 27 Hotel Transylvania 2 3D (PG) 1 p.m. The Intern (PG 13) 3:30 p.m. Everest3D (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Monday, September 28 Everest (PG 13) 6:30 p.m.
Friday, September 25 Hotel Transylvania 2 (PG) 6 p.m. The Intern (PG 13) 9 p.m. Everest (PG 13) midnight (3D) Saturday, September 26 Hotel Transylvania 2 (PG) noon, 3 p.m. The Intern (PG 13) 6 p.m. Everest (PG 13) 9 p.m. Maze Runner: the Scorch Trials (PG 13) midnight
Tuesday, September 29 The Intern (PG 13) 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 27 Hotel Transylvania 2 (PG) 1 p.m. Everest (PG 13) 4 p.m. (3D) The Intern (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Wednesday, September 30 CLOSED
Monday, September 28 Hotel Transylvania 2 (PG) 7 p.m. (3D)
MCAS FUTENMA
Tuesday, September 29 The Intern (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Thursday, September 24 CLOSED
Wednesday, September 30 Everest (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Friday, September 25 Everest (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. (3D)
KADENA AB
Saturday, September 26 Everest (PG 13) 4 p.m., 7 p.m. (3D)
Thursday, September 24 Black Mass (R) 6 p.m.
Sunday, September 27 Black Mass (R) 4 p.m. Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Friday, September 25 The Intern (PG 13) 6 p.m. Everest (PG 13) 8:30 p.m.
Monday, September 28 The Intern (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 29 CLOSED Wednesday, September 30 CLOSED
Saturday, September 26 Hotel Transylvania 2 (PG) 4 p.m. The Intern (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Sunday, September 27 Hotel Transylvania 2 (PG) 4 p.m. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Monday, September 28 CLOSED Tuesday, September 29 CLOSED
Wednesday, September 30 CLOSED
Tuesday, September 29 The Intern (PG 13) 7 p.m.
CAMP COURTNEY
Wednesday, September 30 Straight Outta Compton (R) 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 24 CLOSED
CAMP SCHWAB
Friday, September 25 Hotel Transylvania 2 (PG) 6 p.m. The Intern (PG 13) 9 p.m. Saturday, September 26 Hotel Transylvania 2 (PG) 3 p.m. Mission: Impossible–Rogue Nation (PG 13) 6 p.m. Sunday, September 27 Hotel Transylvania 2 (PG) 3 p.m. The Intern (PG 13) 6 p.m. Monday, September 28 Hotel Transylvania 2 (PG) 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 29 CLOSED Wednesday, September 30 Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (PG 13) 7 p.m.
CAMP HANSEN Thursday, September 24 Maze Runner: The Scorch Trails (PG 13) 7 p.m. Friday, September 25 The Intern (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Everest (PG 13) 10 p.m. (3D) Saturday, September 26 The Intern (PG 13) 6 p.m. The Gift (R) 9:30 p.m. Sunday, September 27 Everest (PG 13) 3:30 p.m. The Gift (R) 7 p.m. Monday, September 28 Maze Runner: The Scorch Trails (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Movie schedule is subject to change. For the latest updates visit shopmyexchange.com.
Thursday, September 24 CLOSED Friday, September 25 Everest (PG 13) 6 p.m. The Gift (R) 9 p.m. Saturday, September 26 Everest (PG 13) 6 p.m. The Gift (R) 9 p.m. Sunday, September 27 The Intern (PG 13) 4 p.m. The Gift (R) 7 p.m. Monday, September 28 No Escape (R) 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 29 Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (PG 13) 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 30 CLOSED