EE FR
December 11, 2014 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly A View into Shintoshin
Holiday Open House
E I
t wasn’t long ago that the area that we know as Shintoshin was flat and barren. The area was once used as U.S. military housing and, upon return to Japan, it became the upscale entertainment district that we know today, full of eateries and shops for everything you could need, Shintoshin has made full use of every square inch of its space. Shintoshin is a large area with a strip of outdoor shops and restaurants but features two main shopping complexes: Naha Main Place and DFS Mall. Naha Main Place is a two-story mall outfitted with clothing shops and restaurants. There is an arcade, movie theater, food court and electronics shop. A whole day can be spent shopping here, complete with a pause for lunch and a round of air hockey. But, perhaps you just need to stop in for some eggs.
inside
There is a large, grocery full of fresh produce as well. DFS Galleria Mall is an upscale shopping paradise featuring shops for brands like Cartier, Tiffany, Prada, Chanel and more. The best part is, prices here are usually 20% less than retail. You can shop here “duty free” if you are travelling internationally. Of course, there is food here as well. The Galleria food court on the second floor features international cuisine from Thai to Chinese, Italian to burgers. While it’s the time of year for shopping, Shintoshin is great anytime for any reason. To get there, head south on Hwy. 58. past Camp Kinser. Make a left turn at the third light after the long bridge. Also keep an eye on MCCS Tours+ (mccsokinawa.com/tours) for tours that pass through this exciting area.
Living at Large: It’s Registration Time | 3 Culture Corner: Cats. Cats! CATS! | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5 Off Base Events: Itoman Peaceful Illumination | 7
very family has their own holiday traditions. As the season draws near, we all like to get into the spirit of the holidays. It seems nice, that for one time a year we can unify in some way, under themes of good will, cheer, food and warm hats. Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB) is a program that’s always here to support you and your family. Whether it’s managing stress and anger, the process of getting married, or more practical things like learning the basics of a Family Care Plan or OPSEC and PII, MCFTB is always eager with the resources to help. For the holidays, however, MCFTB would just like to get together and enjoy your company. On December 18, come to the Holiday Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. Enjoy free snacks and holiday goodies and spend some time building Japanese crafts. For more information, call 645-3689 or visit mccsokinawa. com/mcftb.
Photo of the Week | 7 Spotlight: Brunch with Santa | 9 Movie Schedule | 11 Health Tip of the Week | 11
2 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | December 11, 2014
3 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | December 11, 2014
livingatlarge
M
It’s Registration Time
oving overseas can be confusing. Besides settling into a new home, learning a foreign language and adjusting to a different culture, there’s that college degree that you would like to earn. Just because you are on Okinawa doesn’t mean that you can’t continue your education. There are many different degrees and programs offered in the classroom and online that are tailored to fit the needs of military members and their family members. Whether you are starting or finishing your degree, the MCCS Education Centers can help find the right courses for you. Registration for the spring session is happening now through January 16. You
can sign up and start working on your degree. Spring session 1 college courses run from January 19 to March 8. Military members can even use tuition assistance to help pay for their courses. All Marines new to Okinawa must attend a College
101/Tuition Assistance brief prior to receiving tuition assistance for the first time. So don’t wait to register for this upcoming term. For more information, contact your local MCCS Education Center. Visit mccsokinawa.com/educationandcareerservices for details.
mccsevents&happenings Gift Wrapping Class December 12, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Foster 645-2104 FREE
Career Assesment Workshop December 16, 1–4 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Hansen 645-3151 FREE
Money Management Workshop December 17, 8–11:30 a.m. Education Center, Camp Kinser 645-2104 FREE
Origami Flower Ball Workshop December 15, 9–11 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Foster 645-2104 FREE
Saving & Investing December 17, 8:30–10:30 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Foster 645-2104 FREE
Ace the Interview Workshop December 18, 1–4 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Courtney 645-3151 FREE
Basic Japanese Language 2 December 15–18, 11:30 a.m. –1 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Foster 645-2104 FREE
Family Care Plan Workshop December 17, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. MCFTB, Camp Foster 645-3689 FREE
Anger Management Workshop December 18, 10 a.m.–noon MCFTB, Camp Foster 645-3689 FREE
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | Jim Kassebaum MANAGING EDITOR | Ryan Anastoplus ART DIRECTORS | Hector Nieves, Karie Morton GRAPHIC ARTS MANAGER | Henry Ortega GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Kelli Davis, Corrinne McKenna EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Mike Daley EDITOR | Courtney Rick PHOTOGRAPHER | Thomas Alan Smilie AD/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER | Roy Forster AD SALES | Aya Chilcote, Yoshihiro Shinzato, Yoriko Yamashiro, Jessica Wagner, Lola Cardenas, Carina Fils-Julien DISTRIBUTION | Gideon Juko MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Andrew Menges ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH | Amy Schultz, Nicole Taylor, Allison McCarley, Kelly Longo, Phylicia Callahan, Lindsay Roegge, Katherine Melrose CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALISTS | Ayako Kawamitsu, Rie Shinjo 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.
We Make Okinawa Home
Other FREE Media:
Channel 15 & 118
This publication printed with
Various Camps
Camp Courtney
First Tuesdays of the Month 10–11 a.m. Join us for family interaction and collaboration as we welcome new EFMP families and foster community awareness. EFMP 645-9237
December 23 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Stop by the Marine & Family Programs–Resources office for free snacks and let our personal financial manager and transition specialist answer your questions. mccsokinawa.com/mfp-r
Exceptional Coffee Breaks
Customer Appreciation Day
Various Camps
Various Camps
Get the best of Okinawa with Okinawa Living Postcards, Map of Okinawa, The Habu Hunter graphic novel, The Spirit of Okinawa book and The Best of Okinawa Living book. All on sale now at Exchange Bookmarks and select locations island-wide. mccsokinawa.com
Tsunami SCUBA Sign up for any PADI diving course by December 24 and have a chance to win diving goodies from Santa. The more classes you sign up for, the more chances you’ll have to win. mccsokinawa.com/tsunamiscuba
Share Okinawa
SCUBA Santa Educational Giveaway
4 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | December 11, 2014
5 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | December 11, 2014
japanese phrase of the week
What do you do for work? Osigoto wa nandesu ka? For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs–Resources at 645-2104/2106.
culturecorner
I
Cats. Cats! CATS!
n Japan, cats usually are signs of good luck. Restaurants and businesses usually display the figure of a maneki-neko (lucky cat) for good fortune, and if displayed in bedrooms and places of study it is said to produce success. While washing its face, the beckoning cat also is inviting good luck. Another sign that most might be surprised about is the black cat. Walking past a black cat in Japan is not an omen of bad luck. Here, black cats actually symbolize good luck. The cat population is on the rise in Japan. During the 17th century it was illegal to buy or sell cats. Roaming throughout Japan without apprehension was routine for cats. Felines of all different sizes, colors and shapes inhabit TashiroJima, or Cat Island. Also the new trend in Japan is cat cafes. Enjoying a cup of coffee with your favorite fuzzy felines could never be
easier. Feline lovers will not find a better place for being surrounded by their favorite animal. Cats carry an immense influence in many aspects of Japanese culture. Whether you are a cat fanatic, or just take a fancy to cute kittens, Japan is a perfect place to be surrounded by felines. Like it or not,
living in Okinawa will guarantee being stalked by a cat at least once. So think twice before calling a wandering cat another stray animal; think of it instead as a cultural icon of Japanese society. Â By Chanel Grice
7 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | December 11, 2014
8 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | December 11, 2014
Shows may contain explicit, adult-oriented language that may be offensive.
9 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | April 17, 2014
10 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | December 11, 2014
11 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | December 11, 2014
off-base events get out and explore.
Itoman Peaceful Illumination December 13–18, 6–10 p.m. Itoman Tourism Farm, Itoman City Adults ¥250, Children (under 15) FREE Uruma City Industry Festival December 13–14, 10–6 p.m. Uruma City Office, Uruma City FREE Kariyushi Million Fantasy December 12–18, 6–midnight Okinawa Kariyushi Beach Resort hotel, Onna Village FREE
tours+
adventure begins here. Japanese Tea Ceremony December 19, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Adult $35, Children (3–11) $28, (under 3) FREE Learn the traditional steps to making tea and eating Japanese sweets.
Yomitan Pottery & Market December 20, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Adults $18, Children (3–11) $9, (under 3) FREE Visit the annual Yomitan Pottery Market and buy housewares, Shishidogs and more.
Itoman Peaceful Illumination December 21, 4:30–10 p.m. Adults $18, Children (3–11) $11, (under 3) FREE Have a memorable night with the most beautiful Christmas lights and decorations you have seen.
Christmas Fireworks Cruise December 20, 4:30–9 p.m. Adults $53, Children (4–11) $36, Children (under 3) FREE Enjoy a boat cruise with this dynamic fireworks event at Ginowan Tropical Beach.
Kariyushi Beach Resort Ocean Spa Hotel Illumination & Dinner December 21, 5–10 p.m. Adults $50, Children (6–12)$29, (4– 5)$22, (under 3) FREE Enjoy the breathtaking view of 1,400,000 lights at this illumination event, as well as a dinner provided by Kariyushi Beach Resort Ocean Spa.
Southeast Botanical Gardens Illumination & Dinner Buffet December 23, 5–9:30 pm Adults $64, Children (7–15) $39, Children (4–6)$24, Children (under 3) FREE Have dinner at the Southeast Botanical Gardens with the backdrop of lights that are sure to take your breath away.
*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 Temporarily Closed | U.S. Naval Hospital 646-7013
photooftheweek Mike Daley
Many places on the island, such as American Village in the Mihama District of Chatan Town, are getting into the holiday spirit.
12 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | December 11, 2014
13 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | December 11, 2014
spotlight
Brunch With Santa
S
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 Christmas draws near, its common to see Santa and his crew retreat to warmer climates for a bit of extra publicity and photo-ops with the children. Never one to miss a good meal, Santa will be at the Butler Officers’ Club on December 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Brunch with Santa.
Come enjoy a wonderful late morning meal with the entire family and meet with Santa while you’re there. Don’t forget to bring a camera to remember the occasion. Santa will not arrive empty handed either. Gifts from the North Pole will be handed out to SOFA status children while supplies last. Reservations are highly recommended. For more information, please call 645-7530 or visit us at mccsokinawa.com/boc.
14 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | December 11, 2014
15 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | December 11, 2014
upcoming semperfitevents movieschedule Proud sponsor of MCCS Youth Sports 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
Power Lifting Competition December 20 Camp Schwab Power Dome Register by 1 p.m. at any MCCS fitness center by December 15 for $10 or same day on-site for $15. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place finishers in each weight class. Details: 625-2654. Winter Southern 6 vs. 6 Soccer Tournament December 19–21 Camp Foster Gunners Fitness Center Register by 1 p.m. at any MCCS fitness center by December 15 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 bylaws will be e-mailed to each coach. Details: 645-4866/3985. Flag Football Tournament December 26–28 Camp Schwab Power Dome Register by 1 p.m. by December 22 at any MCCS fitness center for $95 per team. This event is open to participants island-wide. Team and individual awards will be given to first, second and third place finishers. Tournament brackets and bylaws will be e-mailed to each coach. Details: 625-2654. Softball Tournament December 26–28 MCAS Futenma Semper Fit Gym Register by 1 p.m. by December 22 at any MCCS fitness center for $95 per team. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. Tournament brackets and bylaws will be e-mailed to each coach. Details: 636-2672. *Attendance is required for participation.
classoftheweek Body Bar This class is fast-paced, high-energy and packed with upper and lower body movements which include weights and cardio.
For a full class schedule, visit schedule mccsokinawa.com/wellness.
weeklyhealthtip Antioxidants like vitamin C and E are often seen as cure-all supplements, but a recent study by the Journal of Physiology has found that supplementing with vitamin C and E can negatively affect strength performance. There was a noticeable decrease in upper body strength (especially in bicep curls) for those supplementing with antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, as they were found to interfere with one’s adaptive response to exercise. Read the full study here: http://goo.gl/FKHEVz
CAMP KINSER | 637-2177
CAMP COURTNEY | 622-6101
Thursday, December 11 John Wick (R) 6:30 p.m.
Thursday December 11 CLOSED
Friday, December 12 Exodus: Gods and Kings 3D (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Saturday, December 13 Exodus: Gods and Kings (PG 13) 3 p.m. Exodus: Gods and Kings 3D (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Sunday, December 14 Big Hero 6 (PG) 1 p.m. Exodus: Gods and Kings (PG 13) 3:30 p.m. Exodus: Gods and Kings 3D (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Monday, December 15 CLOSED Tuesday, December 16 CLOSED
Friday, December 12 Exodus: Gods and Kings 3D (PG 13) 6 p.m. Exodus: Gods and Kings 3D (PG 13) 9 p.m. Saturday December 13 Exodus: Gods and Kings (PG 13) 3 p.m. Nightcrawler (R) 6 p.m. Sunday December 14 St. Vincent (PG 13) 3 p.m. Exodus: Gods and Kings (PG 13) 6 p.m. Monday, December 15 The Best of Me (PG 13) 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 16 CLOSED
Wednesday, December 17 Horrible Bosses 2 (R) 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday December 17 The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies 3D(PG 13) 7 p.m.
MCAS FUTENMA | 636-3890
CAMP HANSEN | 623-4564
Thursday, December 11 CLOSED
Thursday December 11 The Pyramid (R) 7 p.m.
Friday, December 12 Exodus: Gods and Kings 3D (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Saturday, December 13 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 (PG 13) 4 p.m. Exodus: Gods and Kings 3D (PG 13) 7 p.m. Sunday, December 14 Horrible Bosses 2 (R) 4 p.m. Exodus: Gods and Kings 3D (PG 13) 7 p.m. Monday, December 15 Exodus: Gods and Kings 3D (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 16 CLOSED Wednesday, December 17 CLOSED
CAMP FOSTER | 645-3465 Thursday, December 11 The Pyramid (R) 7 p.m. Friday, December 12 Exodus: Gods and Kings (PG 13) 6 p.m. Exodus: Gods and Kings 3D (PG 13) 10 p.m. Saturday, December 13 The Penguins of Madagascar (PG) noon Exodus: Gods and Kings (PG 13) 3 p.m. Exodus: Gods and Kings 3D (PG 13) 7 p.m. John Wick (R) 11 p.m. Sunday, December 14 The Penguins Of Madagascar (PG) 1 p.m. The Penguins Of Madagascar 3D (PG) 4 p.m. Exodus: Gods and Kings (PG 13) 7 p.m. Monday, December 15 Exodus: Gods and Kings (PG 13) 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 16 Exodus: Gods and Kings (PG 13) 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 17 Exodus: Gods and Kings 3D (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Friday December 12 Exodus: Gods and Kings 3D (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Exodus: Gods and Kings (PG 13) 10 p.m. Saturday December 13 Exodus: Gods and Kings 3D (PG 13) 6 p.m. John Wick (R) 9:30 p.m. Sunday December 14 The Pyramid (R) 3:30 p.m. Exodus: Gods and Kings (PG 13) 7 p.m. Monday December 15 John Wick (R) 7 p.m. Tuesday December 16 Exodus: Gods and Kings (PG 13) 7 p.m. Wednesday December 17 The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies 3D (PG 13) 7 p.m.
CAMP SCHWAB | 625-2338 Thursday December 11 CLOSED Friday December 12 Exodus: Gods And Kings 3D (PG 13) 6 p.m. Exodus: Gods And Kings (PG 13) 9:30 p.m. Saturday December 13 Exodus: Gods And Kings 3D (PG 13) 6 p.m. Exodus: Gods And Kings (PG 13) 9 p.m. Sunday December 14 The Best Of Me (PG 13) 4 p.m. Exodus: Gods And Kings (PG 13) 7 p.m. Monday December 15 Horrible Bosses 2 (R) 7 p.m. Tuesday December 16 Exodus: Gods And Kings (PG 13) 7p.m. Wednesday December 17 CLOSED
Movie schedule is subject to change. For the latest updates visit shopmyexchange.com/reeltimetheatres/reeltime-landing.htm.