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October 8, 2015 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly The Great Tug-of-War
Family Care Plan
Thomas Alan Smilie
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e a part of one of Okinawa’s oldest and largest traditions—the annual Naha Tug-of-War. The world-record breaking event will take place this year on October 11. The Okinawan tradition will enters its 42nd year and is open to anyone with a free hand to pull with. The tug-of-war, or tsunahiki, is traditionally a ritual performed in hopes of bringing lively crops. These rituals were once performed year-round all over Okinawa but now they are offered more to entertain than to bring a rich harvest. The Naha Great Tug-of-War in particular is a tradition that dates back to a competition between two rulers in Naha in the 17th century. Today, the
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competition simulates the same battle between east and west, taking place on Highway 58 with a rope that is 200 meters long and weighs 40 metric tons. With a rope that size, it requires over 25,000 people to engage in the world-record breaking battle. Whichever team pulls 15 meters over 30 minutes is declared the winner. The rope will be laid out on Kumoji Intersection, which will be blocked-off from any traffic during the event. Prior to the tug-of-war there will be a parade and other festivities. Afterwards, the rope is cut into small pieces to take home for good luck. For more information and to be part of the action, see the Off-Base Events listing on page 7.
Living at Large: Women’s Self-Defense | 3 Culture Corner: Japanese Toilets| 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5 Off Base Events: Yanbaru Industrial Festival | 7
any families have their calendars marked-up with the next BBQ, vacations, appointments and family reunions, but planning for emergencies often gets lost in the daily shuffle. Every Marine with a dependent is required to have a family care plan. Though most of us would rather not think about needing to put one into action, instead of feeling helpless if a situation arises, you will know what to do. What’s even more intimidating than thinking about these grave circumstances is determining the details of the plan alone. That is where Marine Corps Family Team Building comes in to help. MCFTB is hosting Family Care Plan Workshops to assist you in completing the family care plan. The next Family Care Plan workshop will be on October 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at MCFTB on Camp Foster (Bldg. 5677). Be sure to bring your own lunch. Register online at mccsokinawa. com/mcftb
Photo of the Week | 7 Spotlight: Be a Lifeguard| 9 Movie Schedule | 11 Class of the Week: Pilates | 11
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livingatlarge
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Women’s Self-Defense
ne in four women is affected by domestic violence in their lifetime. Domestic violence can come from an intimate or nonintimate partner and is most commonly in the form of physical violence, sexual assault, emotional and psychological abuse and financial abuse. In any case, domestic abuse escalates over time, and it is up to all of us to help identify, support and help victims of abuse. As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Behavioral Health will be teaching women’s self-defense at Camp Foster Gunners Fitness Center. No prior experience or background in self-defense is necessary. Learn a few basic skills like how to effectively fend off and escape an attacker from a
variety of positions. Emphasis will be placed on realistic scenarios and defense practices specific to women that will help them prepare physically as
well as mentally for an attack. This class will be held on October 20 and 27 at 5:30 p.m. Call 645-2915 for details.
mccsevents&happenings L.I.N.K.S. for Spouses October 13, 5:30–8:10 p.m. MCFTB, Camp Foster 645-3689
Family Care Plan October 14, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. MCFTB, Camp Foster 645-3689
Survival Japanese Writing October 16, 8:30–10:30 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Courtney 645-2104
Credit Report & Score Analysis October 13, noon–2 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Kinser 645-2104
Career Assessment October 15, 8:30–11:30 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Kinser 645-2104
Strong Military Couples October 16, 6–8 p.m. MCFTB, Camp Foster 645-3689
Investing 101 Workshop October 14, 9–11 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Kinser 645-2104
EFMP Family Forum & Ice Cream Social October 15, 5–6 p.m. EFMP, Camp Foster 645-9237
L.I.N.K.S. Mentor Training October 19–20, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. MCFTB, Camp Foster 645-3689
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | Jim Kassebaum MANAGING EDITOR | Ryan Anastoplus ART DIRECTOR | Hector Nieves CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST | Ayako Kawamitsu GRAPHIC ARTS MANAGER | Henry Ortega GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Kelli Davis, Corrinne McKenna, 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, Katherine Melrose, Kayla Christen, Jenessa Reutov, Jennifer Dowd, Marissa DeSmet 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
Various Camps
MCAS Futenma
This hands-on workshop will enable attendees to prepare a fi nancial statement, develop a budget, establish a savings plan and build/rebuild a credit report. Marine and Family Programs mccsokinawa.com/mfp-r
October 23, 24, 29 and 30 Enter if you dare (Bldg. 424). Entry is $5. Child-friendly: 7–8 p.m. (must be accompanied by an adult), Adults with accompanied children: 8–11 p.m. mccsokinawa.com/smp
Money Management Workshop
Camp Kinser
Camp Foster
October 30 Come dressed as your favorite monster and play monster games. The youth party and the teen party will be from 7 to 9 p.m. mccsokinawa.com/youthandteen
October 30 Children have created costumes inspired by books and authors. See the pageant of characters at Ashibina CDC beginning at 3:30 p.m. mccsokinawa.com/youthandteen
Monster’s Bash gopixa/bigstock.com
The Haunted Labyrinth
Storybook Parade
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japanese phrase
culturecorner
of the week
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Nodo ga itai I have a sore throat
Clockwise from the top left: Tharakorn/bigstock.com, coward_lion/bigstock.com
For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs– Resources at 645-2104/2106.
Japanese Toilets
f martial arts are Japan’s number one invention, Washlets are definitely number two. Japanese toilets don’t just flush—they also cool or heat the toilet seat at a certain time, wash off the user and automatically flush. That’s the most basic model. Japan’s advanced toilets can be traced back to Shinto beliefs of finding a place for both spiritual and physical cleanliness. This place has ended up being the toilet. The earliest Japanese toilets were pits in the ground—and plumbing was unheard of until 1923. The Western-style toilet didn’t arrive in Japan until after WWII. Japan borrowed American, Swiss and French toilet technology, and created the Washlet. Japan’s toilet giants such as TOTO Ltd. and Inax Corporation raced to create the most advanced toilet. The first battle began when the Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. created an electrode toilet that sent an electric
wave through the user’s body to measure the person’s body-fat ratio. In response, Inax Corporation released a glow-in-the-dark toilet equipped with a sensor that lifts the lid of the toilet when it detects a visitor. This toilet can play the strumming melodies of a koto (Japanese harp), a babbling brook, chirping birds or wind chimes. TOTO created a device called “Sound Princess” that imitates the sound of flushing to drown out embarrassing noises.
Another toilet created by Matsushita not only automatically lifts its lid, but also provides air conditioning and heat. TOTO developed the WellyouII, a toilet that can measure the user’s blood sugar. TOTO’s EWCS120K includes armrests and a function to help users with difficulties standing. Next time you’re in the bathroom, use the tools provided to you to enhance the cleanliness of your body and spirit.
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off-base events get out and explore.
Yanbaru Industrial Festival October 10–11 10 a.m.–8 p.m. 21 Century Forest Park Nago City FREE Naha Festival October 10–12 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Kokusai Street & Onoyama Park Naha City Call Tours+ for details. Yaese Youth Eisa Festival October 11 3–8:40 p.m. Kochinda Athletic Park Yaese Town FREE
tours+
adventure begins here. Uruma City Bullfighting* October 18, noon–5 p.m. Adult $20, Children (3–11) $13, (under 3) FREE Come join us for the exhilarating Uruma City Bullfighting Festival.
Spooky Sites Tour (South) October 23, 24, 25, 27, 6–10 p.m. Adults $20, Children (3–11) $13, (under 3) FREE Get into the spirit(s) on our haunted excursion. We’ll visit well-known spooky sites on Okinawa. How brave are you?
Shishi-mai Festival* October 25, 5–9 p.m. Adults $20, Children (3–11) $13, (under 3) FREE Shishi-mai is translated as “Lion Dance” with magical properties and the power to repel evil spirits. Enjoy this annual event at the Agena Bull Ring.
Spooky Sites Tour (North) October 18, 20, 22, 24, 6–10 p.m. Adults $20, Children (3–11) $13, (under 3) FREE Get into the spirit(s) on our haunted excursion. We’ll visit well-known spooky sites on Okinawa. How brave are you?
Japanese Tea Ceremony* October 23, 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.
Battle Sites Tour* October 31, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $28, Children (3–11) $18, (under 3) FREE 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.
*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
Photo credit: Thomas Alan Smilie
photooftheweek
Spend a day at Expo Park and visit the four-story Churaumi Aquarium, watch a free dolphin show, visit an Okinawan Village or relax on Emerald Beach. Visit your nearest Tours+ office for trip details.
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spotlight Be a Lifeguard
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voy/bigstock.com
eing a lifeguard is harder work— but more rewarding—than one might think. It’s not all sunglasses and sauntering in the sun. All lifeguards undergo training for CPR and AED, identifying the behaviors of a distressed swimmer and how to care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, among a handful of other skills one needs to save lives. Semper Fit Aquatics are searching for those interested in gaining the knowledge and skills needed to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. There will be lifeguarding
courses through October on Camps Foster and Hansen. The course prepares participants to recognize and respond quickly and effectively to emergencies to prevent drowning and injuries. For a full list of class details, schedules and requirements, visit mccsokinawa.com/lifeguard. Register at the Camp Foster 25M Pool Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3 to 6:30 p.m. Please call 645-7554 before stopping by to check for availability. The course fee ($150) is due at the time of registration.
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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 Kinser Fitness Center 637-1869/1114
Open Tengan 10K October 11 Camp Courtney Ironworks Fitness Center Register at the Camp Courtney Ironworks Fitness Center for $25. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place finishers in each division. A mandatory participant’s brief will be at 7:45 a.m. on the day of the event. Details: 622-7297.
Schwab Power Dome 625-2654/2442 Taiyo Golf Club 622-2004 Tsunami SCUBA 645-9500 Youth Sports 645-3533/3534
classof theweek
Open Power Lifting Competition October 17 Camp Schwab Power Dome Fitness Center Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on October 12 for $10 or onsite for $15. This event is open to participants islandwide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place finishers in each division. Details: 625-2654.
Open 6 vs. 6 Soccer Tournament October 23–25 Camp Foster Gunners Fitness Center Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on October 19 for $80 per team. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. Tournament brackets and rules will be emailed to each player. Details: 645-3003/4866.
Pilates
This class is great for conditioning, toning and strengthening your entire body while targeting your core.
movieschedule CAMP KINSER
CAMP FOSTER
CAMP COURTNEY
CAMP SCHWAB
Thursday, October 8 CLOSED
Thursday, October 8 The Martian (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Thursday, October 8 CLOSED
Thursday, October 8 CLOSED
Friday, October 9 Pan (PG) 6:30 p.m. (3D)
Friday, October 9 Pan (PG) 6 p.m. (3D), 9 p.m. We Are Your Friends (R) midnight
Friday October 9 Pan (PG) 6 p.m. Everest (PG 13) 9 p.m.
Friday, October 9 Pan (PG) 6 p.m. (3D), 9 p.m.
Saturday, October 10 Pan (PG) noon (3D), 6 p.m., midnight (3D) War Room (PG) 3 p.m. We Are Your Friends (R) 9 p.m.
Saturday, October 10 Hotel Transylvania 2 (PG) 3 p.m. Fantastic Four (PG 13) 6 p.m.
Saturday, October 10 Pan (PG) 3 p.m. We Are Your Friends (R) 6:30 p.m. Sunday, October 11 War Room (PG) 1 p.m. Pan (PG) 3:30 p.m. (3D) Sinister 2 (R) 6:30 p.m Monday, October 12 Pan (PG) 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 13 The Martian (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 14 CLOSED
MCAS FUTENMA Thursday, October 8 CLOSED Friday, October 9 Pan (PG) 6:30 p.m. (3D) Saturday, October 10 Sinister 2 (R) 4 p.m. Pan (PG) 7 p.m. (3D) Sunday, October 11 American Ultra (R) 4 p.m. Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (PG 13) 7 p.m. Monday, October 12 We Are Your Friends (R) 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 13 CLOSED Wednesday, October 14 CLOSED
Sunday, October 11 War Room (PG) 1 p.m. Pan (PG) 4 p.m., 7 p.m. (3D) Monday, October 12 Pan (PG) 1 p.m., 4 p.m. (3D) Sinister 2 (R) 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 13 Pan (PG) 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 14 Sinister 2 (R) 7 p.m.
KADENA AB Thursday October 8 Sinister 2 (R) 7 p.m. Friday, October 9 Pan (PG) 6 p.m. (3D), 8:40 p.m. Saturday, October 10 Pan (PG) 1 p.m., 5:55 p.m. (3D), 8:50 p.m. Hotel Transylvania 2 (PG) 3:45 p.m. Sunday, October 11 Pan (PG) 2 p.m., 7:20 p.m. War Room (PG) 4:45 p.m.
Sunday, October 11 Hotel Transylvania 2 (PG) 3 p.m. Pan (PG) 6 p.m. Monday, October 12 The Gift (R) 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 13 CLOSED Wednesday, October 14 Pan (PG) 7 p.m.
CAMP HANSEN Thursday, October 8 Everest (PG 13) 7 p.m. Friday, October 9 Pan (PG) 6:30 p.m. We Are Your Friends (R) 9:45 p.m. Saturday, October 10 Pan (PG) 5:30 p.m. (3D) We Are Your Friends (R) 8:45 p.m. Sunday, October 11 Pan (PG) 3 p.m., 6:30 p.m. Monday, October 12 American Ultra (R) 7 p.m.
Monday, October 12 Pan (PG) 2 p.m., 6:50 p.m. Hotel Transylvania 2 (PG) 4:45 p.m.
Tuesday, October 13 We Are Your Friends (R) 7 p.m.
Tuesday, October 13 Pan (PG) 7 p.m.
Wednesday, October 14 The Gift (R) 7 p.m.
Wednesday, October 14 The Martian (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Movie schedule is subject to change. For the latest updates visit shopmyexchange.com.
Saturday, October 10 Pan (PG) 6 p.m. (3D), 9 p.m. Sunday, October 11 The Martian (PG 13) 4 p.m. Pan (PG) 7 p.m. Monday, October 12 We Are Your Friends (R) 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 13 Pan (PG) 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 14 CLOSED