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December 10, 2015 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly Christmas in Japan
Clockwise from the top: Thomas Alan Smilie, monkeybusinessimages/bigstock.com,
MCFTB Open House
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n the 20th century Japan began to adopt some of the more commercial holiday activities. The annual holiday sales, started by major Japanese department stores in the 1930s, coincided with the end-of-year bonuses. It was also at this time that the West began ordering holiday decorations and toys made in Japanese factories. Now, in the 21st century, more and more Japanese people are spending money on their own holiday décor, putting up lights and decorating trees. One newspaper poll revealed more than half of Japan’s population exchange gifts. Holiday illuminations, or large light displays, are frequent events. In Japan, the festivities are usually on Christmas Eve. It is considered a romantic holiday for couples, similar to Valentine’s Day. It is a time when the unmarried may express their intentions, give flowers and other small gifts—or bemoan the fact they
inside
don’t have a date. Fancy restaurants and romantic getaway hotels are often booked at this time of year. Christmas cakes, instead of fruitcake and pumpkin pie, are a favorite in the East. Bakeries feature all kinds of confections including round cakes topped with a Santa figurine, sweets in the shape of yule logs and other decorated sponge cakes. This tradition began during the post-WWII period when Japanese purchased buttercream sponge cakes from Western-style restaurants and bakeries. Since few Japanese homes have a full-size oven, cooking a whole turkey is not common. Fried chicken is more popular, and Christmas Eve brings booming business to Kentucky Fried Chicken chains. So to celebrate Christmas Japanese-style, forgo caroling for a romantic night out with your loved one— and don’t forget a cake and bucket of chicken.
Living at Large: Kenwood Christmas Sale | 3 Culture Corner: Undôkai | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5 Off-Base Events: Itoman Peaceful Illumination | 7
arine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB) serves to enhance and support units and their families through its several branches including Deployment Support, the Family Readiness Program, the Japanese Spouse Orientation Program, Lifeskills and L.I.N.K.S. Education in these areas reinforces the pillars of total Marine fitness, while sustaining a state of personal, family and mission readiness. Learn more about what MCFTB is all about and meet the people behind the program at the MCFTB Open House on December 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Camp Foster (Bldg. 5677). Join other families for an afternoon of crafts, origami and information from MCFTB trainers. Snacks and light refreshments will be served. Visit mccsokinawa.com/ mcftb for details.
Photo of the Week | 7 Spotlight: Blended Families | 9 Semper Fit Events | 11 Class of the Week: Cycle | 11
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livingatlarge
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Kenwood Christmas Sale
any drivers have original factory speakers in their cars because few realize the potential sound quality improvements possible with some easy, affordable upgrades. New car speakers and head units aren’t just for people wanting to send their bass rumbling down the street. A few simple upgrades to your current audio system can lead to significant improvements in sound clarity, quality and power. A new audio system can also offer improved connectivity features. For example, by replacing your old head unit, you’ll not only receive enhanced power capabilities, you’ll also be able to
choose from features like Bluetooth, GPS, MP3 player connectivity and more. Typhoon Motors can help you boost your audio experience while saving some cash with their Kenwood Christmas Sale through De-
cember 16. Save on all Kenwood stereo systems at all Typhoon Motors locations. Visit your local Typhoon Motors today to save money and improve your sound. For details, visit mccsokinawa.com/typhoonmotors.
Events and Happenings Jingle Bell Fun Run December 11, 8 a.m. Semper Fit Fitness Center MCAS Futenma 636-2672
SMP Southern Hill Ice Skating Trip December 12, 8 a.m. Fieldhouse, Camp Foster 645-3681
FREE Bowling for Single Marines & Sailors December 15, all day Bowling Center, MCAS Futenma 645-5262
SMP Holiday Fun December 11, 6 p.m. Roberts Field, Camp Kinser 637-3258
Youth Holiday Bash December 12, 2–6 p.m. Youth Center Camp Courtney 622-9702
Free Social Hour Snacks December 15, 6–9 p.m. The Palms Enlisted Lounge Camp Hansen 623-4375
Holiday Celebration–Enter to Win a Gift Certificate December 14–24, all day Education Centers, All Camps 645-3486
Jingle Bell Fun Run December 17, 8 a.m. Power Dome Fitness Center Camp Schwab 625-2442
Winter Break Teen Lock In December 11, 7 p.m.–7 a.m. Teen Center, Camp Foster 645-1004
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
Camp Foster
December 15 & 16, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Join other Marine Corps spouses to learn about things to do on island, USMC traditions, moving tips, managing deployments and more. mccsokinawa.com/mcftb
December 16, 5:30–6:30 p.m. Learn how to change your brakes from the pros at Typhoon Motors. Reservation required. Typhoon Motors 645-7169
L.I.N.K.S. for Spouses
Top photo: kiankhoon/bigstock.com
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 EDITOR | Caylee Reid PHOTOGRAPHER | Thomas Alan Smilie AD/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER | Roy Forster AD SALES | Yoshihiro Shinzato, Aya Chilcote, Yoriko Yamashiro, Carina Fils-Julien, Lisa Hicks, 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 CAREER PRACTICUM INTERN | Michael Johnson, Skylor Stevens
Car Care Workshop: Servicing and Replacing Brakes
Camp Foster Camps Kinser, Courtney & Futenma
Bulldogs Burgers
Bigger burgers at a smaller price. mccsokinawa.com/clubs
Baby Boot Camp
January 8, 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Baby Boot Camp will prepare expectant parents for their third trimester and the first six weeks of their baby’s life. Parents will learn how to prepare for delivery, the basics of infant development and more. New Parent Support Program 645-0396
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japanese phrase
culturecorner
of the week
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What’s your name? Andtano namae wa nandesu ka?
Clockwise from the top left: lithian, Nosnibor137/bigstock.com
For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs– Resources at 645-2104/2106.
reated as seriously as the Olympics by some, Japanese sports days—called undôkai—are much more than just a light-hearted field day. Usually occurring in the autumn, some schools prepare intensely for these games as soon as the year starts. Whether a student enjoys sports or not, everyone will participate in the events and give it their all. Undôkai was first held at the Japanese Naval Academy in 1874, which explains the event’s military-like manner. The day is structured and organized. Schools usually start the day with a morning parade, where the principal gives a motivational speech. Following the speech, the students sing the national anthem and begin stretching. The students are traditionally split up into two teams: red and white, representing the Japanese flag. Throughout the day, parents come to the schoolyard to watch and
Undôkai
cheer for their kids. They compete and participate in a series of events such as acrobatics, dancing, tug-ofwar, marching, relays and tama-ire (a game where students toss small beanbags into a bamboo basket attached to a high pole).
The undôkai games are made for students to have fun, show their physical progress and compete against their peers. Students become so competitive that tears are often shed by the losing team. —Skylor Stevens
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off-base events get out and explore.
Itoman Peaceful Illumination December 12–January 3, 5:30–10 p.m. Itoman Kanko Park Itoman City Adults: ¥500 Under 15 years old: Free Ryukyu Lantern Festival December 12–February 21, 6–10 p.m. Murasaki Mura Yomitan Village Adults: ¥600, Children (13–18) ¥500, (7–12) ¥400 Tonan Night Decoration December 12–February 14, 5–10 p.m. Southern Botanical Gardens Okinawa City ¥1,200
tours+
adventure begins here. Shuri at War December 12, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $23, Children (3-11) $16, (under 3) FREE Visit Shuri Castle and the surrounding area to discover the effects of the Battle of Okinawa.
Neo Park & Pineapple Park* December 13, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $26, Children (3-11) $16, (under 3) FREE Feed birds, monkeys, llamas and other animals at Neo Park. After lunch enjoy the rest of the tour at Pineapple Park.
Kariyushi Beach Resort Illumination & Dinner December 19, 5–10 p.m. Adults $50, Children (7-12) $29, (46) $22, (under 4) FREE Enjoy the view of 1,400,000 lights and have a delicious dinner provided by Kariyushi Beach Resort Ocean Spa.
ORCA Sub-ship & Lunch Buffet December 12, 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Adults $53, Children (6-12) $41, (35) $11 lunch not included; (under 3) FREE View the beautiful waters of Okinawa from the comfort of the ORCA Sub-ship. Afterwards, have lunch at The Nest Hotel and spend the afternoon shopping at Kokusai Street.
Japanese Tea Ceremony December 18, 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.
Peaceful Illumination (Itoman) December 19, 4:30–10 p.m. Adults $18, Children (3-11) $11, (under 3) FREE Have a memorable night with Christmas lights and decorations at Itoman City, along with a laser light show and lots of entertainment, food and games.
*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
Clockwise from top left: Maximusnd/bigstock.com, Thomas Alan Smilie
photooftheweek
You can find oden at nearly any convenience store and it’s great for chilly days. Fill the light, soy broth with your choice of boiled eggs, daikon, fishcakes or tofu to name a few.
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spotlight
Blended Families
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monkeybusinessimages/bigstock.com
ach day 1,300 new blended families are created. With half of the married population in the US and over 30 million children under 13 being a part of them, the traditional family is very much a thing of the past. With new family dynamics come new challenges and unique benefits. One of the things all members of a blended family learn immediately is flexibility. Children and parents will discover new approaches to compromise, negotiation and conflict resolution. These new skills will
be beneficial throughout the children’s lives. Additionally, new siblings mean new playmates and companions and extended family offers a wider network of support to nurture the children as they develop. To learn more about adjusting to blended family life, join the MCFTB Blended Families class at Camp Foster Bldg. 5677. This class will discuss developing healthy relationships with your new family and exploring the role of the stepparent. For details, call MCFTB at 645-3749 or visit mccsokinawa.com/mcftb.
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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 Schwab Power Dome 625-2654/2442 Taiyo Golf Club 622-2004 Tsunami SCUBA 645-9500 Youth Sports 645-3533/3534
semperfitevents Open Flag Football Tournament December 18–20 Camp Schwab Power Dome Gym Register at any MCCS fitness center 1 p.m. on December 14 for $95. 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 e-mailed to each player. Details: 625-2654.
classof theweek
Open 6 on 6 Soccer Tournament December 18–20 MCAS Futenma Semper Fit Gym Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on December 14 for $80. 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 e-mailed to each player. Details: 636-2672.
Open Basketball Tournament December 18–20 Camp Hansen House of Pain Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on December 14 for $95. 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 e-mailed to each player. Details: 623-5569/5558.
Cycle
This one-hour class using Schwinn cycles is sure to challenge everyone. You choose your own resistance, making the class as difficult as you want. Don’t be left in the dust, in checking out this must-try class.