December 8, 2016 • mccsokinawa.com
MCCS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2016 T
he best gift isn’t something that must be purchased. It can be something as simple as a phone call letting a loved one know that their favorite child is healthy and happy. But getting something to tear the wrapping paper off of is nice, too. The following are a few MCCS gift ideas. The Gift of Travel One of the best gifts someone can receive is a break from the weekly grind. Gift them with a local tour to some of the island’s top cultural attractions! MCCS is offering tours to Taipei on February 9–13 and Nagano, Japan on February 12-15. Contact your nearest MCCS Tours+ Office or visit mccsokinawa.com/tours for details.
inside
The Gift of Wonder Chances are you have a friend, coworker or family member who is an avid diver or snorkeler. Or perhaps you fit into this category and need to start dropping hints about the underwater toys you hope to see under the tree this year. Either way, walk, run or ride on over to Tsunami Scuba's Holiday Sale December 16 to 18. For more details, call 645-4206 or visit mccsokinawa.com/ tsunamiscuba. The Gift of Par Shopping for a golfer or someone who is thinking of taking up the game? Everything in the Taiyo Golf Club Pro Shop will be on sale from now
EFMP Holiday Extravaganza | 3 Brunch with Santa | 3 Culture Corner: Japanese Coins | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5
until December 25 with savings of up to 40% off! For more information call 622-2004 or visit mccsokinawa.com/golf. A Gift for their Ride From December 1 through 16 Typhoon Motors island-wide are offering up to 20% off on Kenwood audio equipment. Routine maintenance is also a wonderful gift, especially for your pocketbook come JCI time! Typhoon Motors will also be offering FREE stall rentals for active duty Marines and Sailors from December 27 to 31. For more information on the Kenwood sale and FREE stall rentals, call your nearest Typhoon Motors or visit mccokinawa.com/typhoonmotors.
Pick of the Week: Ryukyu Glass | 7 Christmas Buffets at the Clubs | 9 Off-Base Events | 11 Semper Fit Events | 11
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livingatlarge
EFMP Holiday Extravaganza
T
he Family Care Branch and the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) welcome your whole family to a Holiday Extravaganza! This holiday blowout will have something for everyone. Come
get a keepsake of your clan in ugly sweaters in a photo booth, spend some quality time making crafts and enjoy a talent show. For an afternoon of holiday fun, come to the Camp Foster Com-
munity Center Auditorium from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 17. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/efmp or call 645-9237.
events&happenings
From top to bottom: san_ta/bigstock.com, san_ta/bigstock.com
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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, Catherine Newquist EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Mike Daley WRITER/EDITOR | Ashley Snipes DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER | Thomas Alan Smilie AD/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER | Roy Forster AD SALES | Yoshihiro Shinzato, Aya Chilcote, Yoriko Yamashiro, Tomoko Taylor, Carina Fils-Julien DISTRIBUTION | Kelli Kreider MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Andrew Menges ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH | Marissa DeSmet, Ashley Herring, Kristen Wong, Katherine Melrose, Allison Dixon BROADCAST | Kathlene Millette, Gabriel Archer, Emi Komiya VOLUNTEER | Jessie McKean INTERNS | Chloé Stevens, Valeria Solorzano 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.
Brunch with Santa
anta and his helpers spend most of the year out of the public eye, at the North Pole building gifts and making naughty and nice lists. However, as the holiday season draws near, it’s common to see Santa and his crew retreat to warmer climates for some photo-ops with the children. Never one to miss a good meal, Santa will be at the Butler Officers’ Club on Sunday, December 11 & 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Brunch with Santa. Come enjoy a wonderful latemorning meal with the entire family and meet with Santa while you’re there. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the moment. A professional photographer will also be on hand. Prices are $17 for adults, $8.50 for kids (5-11) and FREE for kids under 5. Reservations are highly recommended. For more information, please call 645-7530 or visit mccsokinawa.com/boc.
This publication printed with
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japanese phrase of the week
Okanemochi/Binbo Rich/Poor
Clockwise from the top left: pikselstock/bigstock.com, Nonchanon35/bigstock.com
For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs-Resources at 645-2104/2106.
culturecorner
M
Japanese Coins
any years ago, before the days of alligator-skin wallets and paper money, the affluent of Japan strung their money together on string—much like beads on a necklace—to make it easier to carry. To facilitate this, almost all the coins in Japan had holes in them. While you will not find very many modern day Japanese carrying their paychecks around on a string, the apertures can still be found on the ¥50 and ¥5 coins. Coins were first issued as currency in Japan around 760 A.D. There were three different types made of gold, silver and bronze— each inscribed with kanji written by the famed calligrapher Kibi-noMabi (the inventor of katakana). The gold coins were called Kaiki Shoho, silver coins were named Taihei Genpo and the copper coins were called Mannen Tsuho. Today, Kaiki Shoho are recognized
as the oldest surviving Japanese gold coin—there is only a single remaining specimen known to exist. And although the coin looks somewhat like a ¥5 coin, it is larger, is made out of gold, and has a square hole in the center. This invaluable coin is a part of the collection owned by the imperial household, and displayed at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum. Modern day Japanese coins have
various design aspects including differing sizes, the presence of holes, and differing patterns around the outside edges. These serve many practical purposes, the most important of which is helping visually impaired to distinguish between various denominations. There are six coins currently in circulation in modern day Japan: the ¥500, ¥100, ¥50, ¥10, ¥5 and ¥1.
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
R Tiida Koubo
How to get there: Visit Tiida Koubo, a small glass shop and factory in Onna. You can find it off the right side of Highway 58 just after the InterContinental ANA Manza Beach Resort. GPS Coordinates: 26°30'18.1"N 127°51'48.1"E Payment: Yen only
Ryukyu Glass
yukyu glass is a staple art form of Okinawa. Originally created using recycled cola bottles, artists melt down glass of various colors to form new creations, such as a coffee cup or beaded bracelet. The cup starts as a glowing ball of melted glass attached to a steel pipe. By steadily blowing into the pipe, the glass inflates like a fiery balloon, which you will then shape into a cup on a marver. Or at least try to make it resemble a cup; it’s not as easy as it sounds. Glass beads are made by wrapping different colors of molten glass around a thin metal rod until you achieve the desired thickness. Once all the beads have hardened, assemble your creations on a bracelet and secure it lovingly to your wrist with assistance from your best friend, lover, mentor or animal companion.
Thomas Alan Smilie
photooftheweek
At Tiida Koubo, located in Onna Village (see directions above), molten glass is shaped into works of unique-yet-utilitarian art.
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spotlight
more details
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Clockwise: bigstock.com/Wavebreak Media, bigstock.com/yobro
Reservations are recommended for The Butler Officers’ Club Christmas Dinner buffet, and the Taiyo Steakhouse Christmas Brunch. For more information about Christmas at MCCS Clubs and Restaurants, call a participating facility or visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs or facebook.com/mccsokinawa. clubsandrestaurants
Christmas Buffets at the Clubs
elebrate the holidays with an extra-special meal at participating MCCS Clubs and Restaurants on December 25. No matter where you are around the island, your local MCCS club is sure to have a holiday feast fit for your consumption. Camp Kinser will be offering a traditional Christmas Buffet from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Surfside. On Camp Foster, visit The Veranda inside the Ocean Breeze for their Christmas Dinner Buffet from 5 to 9 p.m. The Butler Officers’ Club, located in the Plaza Housing Area, will be offering a Christmas Day Brunch Buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The prices for Christmas meals at Surfside, The Veranda and the Butler Officers’ Club are $19.95 for adults, $9.95 for children (5–11) and FREE for children under 5. On Camp Hansen, enjoy a Christmas Lunch Buffet at The Palms from noon to 4 p.m., Camp Schwab’s
BeachHead will feature a Christmas Dinner Buffet from 4 to 8 p.m. The prices for Christmas meals at the The Palms and the BeachHead are $17.95 for adults, $8.95 for children (5–11) and FREE for children under 5.
Those interested in a plated brunch should head over to Taiyo Steakhouse for their Christmas Brunch from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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tours+
adventure begins here Tea Ceremony & Kimono Dressing December 10, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Adults $48, Children (3–11) $38 Take part in a traditional tea ceremony and discover the history behind kimono. Afterwards, travel to Naha Main Place Shopping Center for lunch and shopping. Please wear or bring white socks, white t-shirt and leggings. Ryujin No Utage December 10, 4–9 p.m. Adults $40, Children (15–17) $30, (3–14) $20 (under 3) FREE Come watch “The Feast of the Dragon God,” a mystical show with the collaboration of traditional Ryukyu performing arts, taiko drums and ancient rituals to please the god Ryujin. Bring a cushion to sit on if you are not comfortable sitting on hard surfaces.
Kariyushi Beach Resort Illumination & Dinner December 11, 5–10 p.m. Adults $53, children (6–12) $32, (4–5) $23 (under 4) FREE Enjoy the breathtaking view of a 1.4 million light illumination event, as well as a delicious dinner provided by Kariyushi Beach Resort Ocean Spa. Ice Skating December 11, 10 a.m. –3 p.m. Adults $35, Children (13–17) $32, (7–12) $26 (3–6) $22, (under 3) FREE More than just an ice skating rink, Southern Hill offers batting cages, a bowling alley, video games and more. Gloves are required for skating.
*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
Ryukyu Dramatic Night Garden in Naha December 1–January 31, 6–9 p.m. (last admission 8:30 p.m.) Closed on Wednesdays Fukushuen Chinese Garden Naha City Adult ¥600, children ¥300
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
Chura Shima Air Festa 2016 December 10, 7 a.m.–7 p.m December 11, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Naha Air National Defense Base Naha City FREE
Itoman Peaceful Illumination December 10–January 3, 6–10 p.m. Itoman Kankou Farm (Uchina Farm), Itoman City ¥400 December 10–16 ¥500 December 17–January 3
upcoming semperfitevents Northern Camps Commanders’ Cup Flag Football January 6–8 Camp Hansen Parade Deck Register at any MCCS athletic facility by 1 p.m. on January 3. This FREE event is open to Marine and Navy Unit teams at the O-5 Level and below from Camps Courtney, Hansen and Schwab. Tournament bracket and rules will be emailed to each participant. Awards will be given to top two teams. Details: 623-5569
Southern Camps Commanders’ Cup Flag Football January 20–22 MCAS Futenma Semper Fit Fitness Center Register at any MCCS athletic facility by 1 p.m. on January 16. This FREE event is open to Marine and Navy Unit teams at the O-5 Level and below from Camps Foster, Kinser and MCAS Futenma. Tournament bracket and rules will be emailed to each participant. Awards will be given to top two teams. Details: 636-2672
classof theweek Prenatal Yoga
Yoga poses for pre- and post-natal women, focusing on strength and flexibility throughout your pregnancy. You don’t have to be pregnant to go to this class either! All are welcome. Camp Foster For more information and a full schedule, visit mccsokinawa.com/groupfitness