Okinawa Living Magazine - August 2023

THE ARTISTRY OF RYUKYU BUYO

THE ARTISTRY OF RYUKYU BUYO

DISCOVERING NEW WORLDS: NEO PARK

DISCOVERING NEW WORLDS: NEO PARK

Sweet

56

The Artistry of Ryukyu Buyo

To see a performance of Ryukyu Buyo is to be given a gift by the dancer and musician. Join us as we visit with Yuya Heshikiyajyo, Master of Ryukyu Buyo and performer for Sasagirian.

44

Savoring Splendor: A Culinary Journey at Manza Grill

Join us as we dine at one of the island’s newest luxury resort restaurants—and learn how you can win a dinner certificate for two to enjoy it as well!

August 2023

services

51

Typhoon Motors Summer Sales

To ensure that you’re feeling more like a polar bear than a steamed vegetable while driving this summer, head over to your nearest MCCS Typhoon Motors for their AC Special—which offers 10% off all AC service and repair for the month of August.

53

Share Your Love of Okinawa…

With Omoide: Memories of Okinawa and The Best of Okinawa Living coffee table books, both produced by the staff of Okinawa Living Magazine, you can share the beauty of your home-away-from-home with friends and family in the states.

39

fitness + fun

27

2023 Semper Fit Bike Race Series

Saddle up for the next event in the 2023 Semper Fit Bike Race Series taking place in August and leave your competition in the dust!

29 Football & Fútbol

Whether you prefer football (as in American), or fútbol (which is known as “soccer” in the U.S.), the summer is just about to heat up even more for Marines and Sailors stationed on Okinawa!

marines + families

35

Shape a Child’s Future

Make a positive impact in both the community as well as in a child’s life by volunteering as a coach for the Semper Fit Youth Sports 2023–2024 Basketball and Cheerleading season.

37

Retrain Your Brain

Want to reinvent yourself into a better, more centered you but don’t know where to start?

Begin by enrolling in Retrain Your Brain—a fourweek class that explores communication skills and stress management.

dining + entertainment

39

Spirits of Japan

Learn more about the unique spirits of Japan— sake , shochu and awamori —at this cultural culinary event at Butler Officers’ Club.

41

Surfside Curbside Breakfast

Stop by Kinser Surfside on the way to work and pick up a grab-and-go breakfast burrito, overnight oats, chia pudding, pastries, coffee and/or orange juice so that your colleagues won’t have to put up with you being “hangry.”

kids + parents

45

Dive-In Movies

Let MCCS Aquatics set the scene for your weekends as you splash around in the pool or lounge poolside while viewing family favorite flicks at Dive-In Movies!

47

MCCS New Parent Support Program

It’s a pretty well-known fact that raising a child is one of the most difficult and rewarding endeavors known to humankind—and the MCCS New Parent Support Program is here to help you on your journey!

53

We Want You!

MCCS offers a variety of challenging, careerbuilding opportunities with the priority on hiring qualified family members of active-duty military and civilian employees stationed on Okinawa.

extras

5 Mensôre

7 Feedback & Show Us!

69 Living on Okinawa

70 Marketplace Guide

COMMANDING GENERAL, MCIPAC

Major General Stephen E. Liszewski

ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, MCCS, MCIPAC

Edward S. Hutsell

DEPUTY ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, MCCS DIRECTOR, MCCS, MCB CAMP BUTLER

Michael S. Gieseck

DEPUTY MCCS DIRECTOR MARINE & FAMILY PROGRAMS

Carlos J. Saldaña

DEPUTY MCCS DIRECTOR BUSINESS & SUPPORT

Hyun Woo Chang

CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

Jim Kassebaum

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Mike Daley

MCCS ART DIRECTOR

Henry C. Ortega

OKINAWA LIVING ART DIRECTORS

Margie Shimabukuro, Emily Wright

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Tiffany Kim, Alora Wilson, Meghan Johnson

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER

Thomas Alan Smilie

PHOTOGRAPHERS/VIDEOGRAPHERS

Kathlene Millette, Mia Cox, Kirstin Spanu

EDITORIAL

Dani Livesey

DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA

Roxine Ami, Tiara Supakit

CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST

Ayako Kawamitsu

ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP MANAGER

John Dailey

ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP

Yoshihiro Shinzato, Hiromitsu Horikawa

Terumi Nagai, Ada Tovar, Tsutomu McCoy

MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER

Andrew Menges

MARKETING ACCOUNTS

Bethany Ramirez, Latoya Cardona, Eduardo Sanchez Perry

DISTRIBUTION

Wataru Yamanoha, Shohei Ikene

MARKETING INTERNS

Leilani Lewis, Sierra Armstrong, Jasmine Bocanegra

We welcome your comments. Please send letters to editor@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org

For advertising | 広告掲載のお問い合わせ (日本語可) 098-970-2245 (phone) | 098-970-0975 (fax) sales@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org (email)

See our advertising rates at okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/advertise

MCCS MARKETING BRANCH

MCB Camp S.D. Butler. Unit 35023, FPO AP 96378-5023

Summertime on Okinawa—balmy evenings with gentle breezes perfumed with the scent of abundant verdant greenery. Conditions are perfect for twilight walks. And, also perfect for a local scaled inhabitant called the habu

Okinawa is home to a vast variety of reptiles, from the tiny gecko, to venomous vipers such as the Okinawan habu, the hime habu, the Sakishima habu, and the non-venomous (but sometimes aggressive) akamata. Most habu that inhabit the Ryukyu Archipelago have triangularly shaped heads, narrow necks that broaden into a thick muscular body and long hypodermic needle-like fangs. The Okinawan habu, or Trimeresurus flavoviridis, can be distinguished by its yellowish-green color, which alternates with dark brown splotches on its back. The hime habu’s back is dark brown with gray or darker brown splotches, and the Sakishima habu has a dark gray back with yellow and orange markings. Akamata aren’t venomous so they don’t have fangs (but they definitely have teeth). Their heads don’t have the distinct triangular viper shape, and they have yellow, orange and reddish bands alternating with dark brown patches on their backs. While the differences between species are distinctive, you probably won’t want to hang around for a closer look. The best strategy is to leave a snake alone. Period.

Everyone should know the best way to deal with snakebite is simple—don’t get bitten in the first place. Rule number one in lessening your chances of this is to pay attention to your surroundings when outdoors. Watch not only where you step, especially in areas where there is heavy vegetation, rocks, stones and piles of debris, but also be cautious when reaching into that rock crevice to pick up the can of bug repellent you just dropped. You may also want to clear away overgrown bushes in your yard, mow the lawn regularly, get rid of that small mountain of rocks (use a long, sturdy stick) and adequately light the area around your home in the evenings.

Habu are among many creatures that receive undue bad publicity, and although considering them “cute and cuddly” may be a stretch, they are definitely deserving of respect. The next time you’re taking your daily summer evening walk along the narrow, overgrown trail that passes under the ancient banyan tree in your neighbor’s yard, and you hear a rustling sound and look up and find yourself face to face with a six-foot long Trimeresurus flavoviridis, remember to shout hello (after you’ve moved far away), then call local authorities.

Mike Daley Editor-In-Chief

“Welcome” to Okinawa Living Habu

We
offer
massages
at
our
salon
and

home
visits
for
women,including

those
pregnant
and
postpartum

Our nationally certified female therapists offer custom-made therapies that suit each individual based on careful counseling.

Private
room
with
baby
chair

For postpartum & women

For Postpartum, we offer shiatsu from 1 month after birth, and oil massage from 1 week after birth.

For pregnancy

We offer maternity massages starting from the 16th week of pregnancy. Please get permission from your doctor before visiting us.

※ Home visit fee:2000yen (Chatan,Kadena,Yomitan,Kitanakagusuku,Ginowan, Okinawa city) No on base housing. Please inquire about other areas.

Salon address: 373-1 Ihei Chatan, Room#103

nico Total Body Care

Contact: FaceBookMessenger or 07044029216(text messages)

feedback from the ICE Program and Facebook

I am writing about the MCCS Driver Education Program. Mr. Kenneth Hunter has gone far and beyond with helping my son to receive a learner’s permit. Mr. Hunter was professional, courteous and followed up throughout the process. His overall friendly and helpful attitude made this otherwise stressful experience more than tolerable. I am extremely pleased with his customer service and want to make sure he is recognized for his professionalism.

—via ICE

I’d like to thank the staff for their hard work putting on the Kitchen Warriors event [which took place May 27 at the Butler Officers’ Club]. The entire event was first class—from the staff and the competition to the food and especially the guest judge Megan Gill. I cannot wait until next year to attend this fantastic event once again. A huge “thank you” to everyone!

—via ICE

I have been attending the group fitness classes at Gunners Fitness Center for the past three years, and I just wanted to say the instructors are amazing! Miki’s Insanity and Zumba toning classes are challenging and fun; her energy, positivity and encouragement in class are so wonderful and motivating. Thank you, Miki, for sharing your energy and positivity with your class. Muay’s Yoga and Body Blast classes are two of the best classes I’ve ever taken. Muay is knowledgeable in health and fitness and provides helpful tips and advice to get her students results. Gunners got lucky with this instructor because someone with her experience should be charging hundreds of dollars to train, teach and guide people through their fitness journeys. I know I have taken advantage, and I have seen results. Thank you Muay, for helping me get stronger, healthier, and happier :)

—via ICE

I want to report a positive interaction I have had in the last 48 hours with the Deployment Readiness Coordinator from 9th ESB, Irene Sarabia-Recinos. This kind human is one of the most passionate and informed DRCs I have ever encountered; she really gets it, and she really cares for everyone that she serves! I just wanted to leave a line here because her passion and enthusiasm is needed, and I hope she can be recognized for her efforts. Thank you!

—via ICE

We had a blast at Camp Foster Festival and can’t wait for the Foster Food Truck Fair [& Car Show on August 19]!

—via Facebook

Give MCCS Feedback—ICE Program & Facebook

Let us know how we can better serve you or thank us for a job well-done. Go to okinawa.usmc-mccs.org and find the ICE link in the “MORE” section of the homepage or find us on Facebook to share feedback. Comments on this page may be edited for clarity or length.

Animals have a way of drawing the interest of everyone, from the youngest tots learning the pig says “oink” (or “buu-buu” in Japan) to seniors birdwatching on their cross-country RV retirement celebration trip, there’s something about the natural world that fascinates and inspires—this is what Neo Park Okinawa celebrates. Neo Park Okinawa, located in Nago City, is designed to allow visitors to experience the biomes and peculiarities of animals of all shapes, sizes and localities. Rather than just being a basic menagerie of specimens, Neo Park offers specially curated exhibits that each highlight a different region of the world through a 54-acre immersive natural space that takes you to faraway places without ever getting on a plane.

Your safari around the world begins with a visit to the smallest wild feline— the adorable sandcat. After that, you’ll enter a giant enclosure called the African Lake which features flamingos, storks, spoonbills, guinea fowl, white pelicans and the sacred ibis. From there, you travel through an underwater tunnel to visit the fish of the Amazon before emerging into the South American Rainforest that holds the roseate spoonbill and scarlet ibis among other exotic birds. In both exhibits, you get the real treat of feeding these beautiful avians by hand. The interactive experience continues with Fureai Square petting zoo area. Here you can pet goats, walk a rare Ryukyu Dog or a Shiba Inu, pet Guinea pigs, be climbed on by small dogs and see the majestic giant tortoises, the world’s largest rodent the capybara and some very friendly llamas. Next, adventurers move on to the dry African Savannah to witness the magnificent height of the ostrich and moody marabou storks.

By this leg of journey, travelers might want to stop by the snack bar Parlor Baobabu and watch the entertaining Shirobitai Lemurs of Lemur Island, where rumor has it, making eye contact with one of these primates gives good luck. Then it’s on to Peccary Ranch to see the wild boar lookalike, but don’t be fooled by looks because peccaries are most definitely not swine—unlike pigs they have interlocking vertical tusks, cute teddy bear-like ears and a petite tail.

Oceania Flora and Fauna claim attention next, and boast creatures of Australia, New Guinea and New Zealand such as dinosaur-like cassowaries, little boxing wallabies and ferocious-yet-beautiful peacocks. The Special Conservation Research Center also holds unique animals that are endangered, including some local to Okinawa. Great hornbills, squirrel monkeys and the slow-moving sloth are among the many animals to witness here.

Other fun things at Neo Park include taking the Okinawa Light Railway on a ride around the exhibits, feeding the red pandas Sakura and Chal their favorite apples treats, and watching the fascinating bird show that features a cockatoo, a wild owl and a talkative lovebird.

As an extra special bonus, from now through September 24, lucky visitors can enter a watery world with the Ryukyu Goldfish Legend Exhibition. A tranquil curated mix of audio-visual displays, lighting and props sculpt an experience that highlights the beautiful goldfish on display in a relaxing and serene environment.

Here each aquarium is designed to tell its own story whether it’s the white orchids and snowflakes that adorn the Milky White Oranda’s tank, the New Year’s Celebration in the Orange and Black Moor’s tank, or the elaborate Shuri Castle Tank that highlights several different species. One cannot help but feel the tension drain away as the sound of trickling water serenades your stroll amongst beautiful seascapes, colorful lanterns and wells dappled with plants and greenery.

If you’re ready to connect with our environment and dive into the natural spaces while learning all about the beautiful world we live in, visit Neo Park Okinawa. The park is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. yearround and promises wholesome family fun. For more information, please visit www.neopark.co.jp. MCCS Tours+ offers regular tours and discount tickets to Neo Park Okinawa. Call them at 646-3502 or visit them at okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/tours for upcoming dates and more information.

Most Americans associate shaved ice with trucks outside summer festivals or camps, and indeed shaved ice may seem like a simple sweet treat for hot days (and it is at that). But throughout Asia, it’s also something more—it’s a total foodie/cultural experience. Its diaspora of flavor and style makes it a unique treat across the Pacific region that highlights each country’s style of culinary delights.

Shaved ice in Japan traces its origins to the Heian period approximately a millennium ago. Called kakigōri, the dish was created from ice shavings mixed with a sweetened syrup. Limited to the most elite fringes of society because ice could only be collected

in the coldest winter months and had to be stored in caves or ice houses, the treat didn’t make its way to the masses until the late 1900s when cooling technology turned ice from a highborn societal delicacy to cheap treat popularized at festivals.

In modern times, kakigōri can be found in many sweet shops throughout Japan (patrons looking for one need only look for a banner with the red kanji letter of kōri (ice) on a white and blue background). Today, many examples are made from extremely cold ice (less than 14°F) that’s been shaved to a fine, smooth and fluffy consistency reminiscent of fresh fallen snow, then adorned with natural ingredients like fruits and sauces.

Frozen desserts across the region that have branched off the kakigōri tree include the Chinese baobing sometimes served with a scoop of ice cream, South Korean bingsu with ice made from ingredients like fruit or milk, Thailand’s wan yen characterized by over 20 toppings including chestnuts and taro, halo halo of the Philippines, which has the addition of condensed milk and, of course, Hawaiian shaved ice with its extra-sweet artificial syrups and flavorings.

On Okinawa, zenzai, another branch of the shaved ice family, is the most popular dessert on island. While on mainland,

zenzai is a warm dish made from sugar and red beans, here it’s a cold concoction of shaved ice topped with red beans and rice flour dumplings. Okinawan zenzai is not the only way to try shaved ice on island though; there are lots of different styles available to try during your stay here. Turn the page to discover a few outstanding places, that the Okinawa Living team has tried, tested and recommends frequenting to satisfy that sweet treat craving.

Those wanting to frequent a shaved ice icon on Okinawa should consider Fujiya Zenzai. With its vintage surfer vibe, (complete with jukebox and beachy souvenir shop), a trip here should be on everyone’s bucket list. Considered to be the place to try zenzai, they even provide their version of the shaved ice treat to local grocery stores AEON, MaxValu, CO·OP, Union and Kanehide along with Family Mart convenience stores.

Each of Fujiya’s shaved ice offerings is unique, but all are made by freezing the syrup or flavoring into the ice. Their’s are also thoughtfully served in a Hydro Flask bowl with toppings in a bowl on the side to stop the ice from melting before you can fully enjoy.

Their zenzai dish is a celebration of the traditional treat as it’s meant to be enjoyed. With flavor from the azuki (red beans) providing just a bit of sweetness to fluffy shaved ice and the mochi (round rice dumplings) complimenting both with the perfect chewy bite,

it’s not just a cultural experience, but also a delicious one. The Matcha Shaved Ice dish comes with the same complement of azuki and mochi but carries a powerful punch of matcha flavor that’s an experience in and of itself.

On the creamy side of the texture scale, the Mango Shaved Ice is a meditation on mango offered three ways fluffy ice, cubed mangos and mango ice-cream—and a fresh, bright dish that somehow blends the same ingredient into three unique encounters for the tongue. Also creamy is the Café Latte Shaved Ice which feels like eating a frozen and decadent coffee beverage that somehow melts in the mouth. In combination with the vanilla bean ice-cream and the ground espresso beans it’s served with, the Café Latte is a luxurious, bold and creamy dessert that’s to die for.

To check them out or to order these amazing dishes to go, check out their website at zenzainofujiya.com

For Korean-style shaved ice, check out the Maejima Café located under the Maejima Hotel in Naha. A celebration of joy and flavor, their shaved ice is distinctive because the ice is made from the coveted Kumamoto Island milk, which is highly flavorful due do its milkfat. They feature five special varieties, Milk Tea, Strawberry, Milk-Milk, Blueberry and Caramel Nut, each of which differs from the next in texture and taste and is all assembled from house-made ingredients. A favorite of the Okinawa Living team, the Milk Tea sports an Earl Grey sauce and is topped with whipped cream infused with ground tea leaves and Earl Grey jellies. A flavor bomb of bergamot, the texture from the ground leaves comingles with the whipped cream in a heavenly manner. Akin to drinking the perfect London Fog latte, this flavor is sweet, creamy and delicious.

The Blueberry (rare cheese) Shaved Ice is best described as funky, fun and yummy. With a whipped topping made from milk with a 40% fat content, it presents as a vibrant lavender with a deep plum-colored blueberry drizzle adorned with a cheese-

cake cracker and a leaf shaped white chocolate candy. When eating it, the pops of fresh blueberry, ubercreamy topping and cheese cracker sink into the ice, making a bite that melts in your mouth, isn’t too sweet and is quite delicious.

The most popular flavor Maejima serves is Strawberry, and it’s easy to see why. With a fresh strawberry syrup, crushed freeze-dried strawberry powder, and extra-creamy whipped topping (with that 40% milkfat) it’s an absolute strawberry sensation! One’s spoon drops through topping, ice, cream, ice again and then syrup to bring up a spoonful that’s an insanely good, sweet but not too sweet, sublime happenstance of flavor.

The Milk Tea and Caramel Nut Shaved Ices are also amazing treats, with the full round flavor of the Caramel Nut likely to take you back in time to eating candied nuts at the fair as a kid with its raw and unsalted mixed nut topping completed with caramel sauce and powdered salt infused into the dish, but don’t take our word for it, check them out at instagram.com/maejimacafe.

Those in search of a guilt-free sweet shop (or one that just tastes really good) should consider Cokofu.

Named for the combination of coconut, kokuto (brown sugar) and fu (a wheat bran), it offers a tantalizing menu to tickle the tastebuds. This shop provides the dual experience of showcasing Okinawa’s famous brown sugar and an all-vegan menu that happens to be completely delicious and is located in the adorable Minatogawa Stateside Town tourist attraction.

Cokofu offers four flavors of kakigōri—Banana Cream (their most popular), Passionfruit, Okinawa Kokuto, and Strawberry Cream. All ingredients and toppings for their shaved ice are made inhouse and are a testament to the owner, Mr. Shinya Arakaki, and his desire to make sure that vegan deserts taste great after suffering through too many disappointments as a person with a dairy allergy in search of a satisfyingly sweet snack.

Their Strawberry Cream is made with a soy whipped cream, Ginoza strawberries, and a sauce made of shīkwāsā lime and strawberry. Its fabulous strawberry flavor

is bright and sweet with a creamier texture than their other offerings. It’s a dessert that takes you right to the brink of sweetness without dropping you over the edge. Another fruity flavor, Banana Cream, also has a sweet creamy texture and features Okinawan banana and kokuto sauces completed with a bright bite of delight in the form of a cold banana.

The Okinawa Kokuto dish is a celebration of brown sugar flavors. A rich and round kokuto and coconut sauce, kinako powder, fu, and tocachi beans are all part of the experience where everything is complementary even if different and contrasting—the beans add a texture and fu adds balance leaving taste that’s got a fullness that lingers on the tongue pleasantly. The Passion Fruit flavor is also a celebration of balance and contrast.

Tangy passion fruit pops add a sour crunch to the soft snowy ice soaked in a tankan (mandarin) orange and shīkwāsā lime syrup. As the ice dissolves in your mouth the best parts of bitter and sweet comingle. For more information on Cokofu offerings, hours and flavors check out cokofu.com

2023 Semper Fit Bike Race Series

Stage 2

There’s nothing like taking the lead on the final turn after a grueling up-and-down course; out-pedaling the pack on the home stretch and tasting the sweet nectar of victory! For all those who get their kicks from every klick, there are still plenty of chances to leave your competition in the dust during the 2023 Semper Fit Bike Race Series. Saddle up for the second leg of the series taking place this month. Stage 2 of the race series will be happening on Sunday, August 13 starting at 8:05 a.m. at the House of Pain Fitness Center on Camp Hansen. Check-ins are from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. with a mandatory brief following. Partici-

pants should sign up before August 9 (11:30 p.m.) to participate.

All participants island wide ages 15 and older may register. Awards will be given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in all gender and age categories, and all competitors will receive race-specific t-shirts and a special interlocking completion medal.

For more information on this race, as well as more upcoming races in the series, visit okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/adultsports or facebook. com/mccsokinawa.semperfit. Questions can be directed to 645-3521 or adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org via email. 

…at the Kinser Open Flag Football Tournament Head for the End Zone…

Brush up on your evasive maneuvers, diving catches and lightning-fast flag grabs because the Camp Kinser Open Flag Football tournament is about to go down. Get your team to huddle up and start strategizing now because kickoff is happening on Saturday and Sunday, September 2 and 3 at the Camp Kinser athletic field.

Each team will be allowed 20 people on their roster plus a coach, as long as they aren’t playing (if the coach plans on playing, they count toward roster numbers). Players are required to wear shorts without pockets and keep shirts tucked in at all times (the only footwear not authorized is metal cleats). Teams must show up 30 minutes prior to their game start time. Eight players from the team will be allowed on the field at any given time, games will consist of two 20-minute halves and awards will be given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams.

This tournament is open to participants island wide ages 16 and older. Those interested must register their team by August 28 at 1 p.m. via Eventbrite for $150. For more information, head to okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/adultsports, or follow MCCS Semper Fit on Facebook for event updates and future happenings. If you have any questions, email adultsports@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or call 637-1869. 

Football & Fútbol

Upcoming Commanders Cup Events

Whether you prefer football (as in American), or fútbol (which is known as “soccer” in the U.S.), the summer is just about to heat up even more for Marines and Sailors stationed on Okinawa!

Those that prefer the former, at least the version that involves flags, should pencil in August 19–20 on their calendars as the Southern Camp Commanders Cup Flag Football Tournament will be taking place on the athletic fields on Camp Foster. This tournament is FREE and open to eligible units on Camp Kinser, MCAS Futenma and Camp Foster. Registration will be accepted via Eventbrite until August 14 at 1 p.m. For more information on this event, call 645-4866 or send an email to adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org

Soccer fanatics from eligible units from Camps Courtney, Hansen and Schwab should sign up for the Northern Camp Commanders Cup 11v11 Soccer Tournament taking place September 2–3 on the athletic fields on Camp Courtney. This tournament is also FREE, and registration will be accepted via Eventbrite until August 28 at 1 p.m. For more information on this event, call 622-7297 or send an email to adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

For more information on other upcoming athletic events offered by MCCS Semper Fit, visit okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/adultsports 

Get some R&R on the Water

Ocean Gear Rentals at Oura Wan Beach

Okinawa is known as a subtropical paradise with pristine beaches, and tourists flock here from throughout the world for rest and relaxation. It’s also known for being hot during the summer and feeling like it has a thousand percent humidity on some days. So how can you find a way to actually enjoy the great outdoors when the air is so thick and damp you feel like you’re swimming in it? Why not just embrace the wet and play in the water! Let the brisk waters of the Pacific Ocean keep you cool and add the fun back into your R&R.

If you are looking for a way to extend your watery playtime, consider an ocean gear rental from Outdoor Recreation inside Camp Schwab‘s Power Dome Fitness Center. Every day including weekends and holidays, they are open to rent kayaks (both singles and doubles) and paddleboards from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a return time of 5:30 p.m.

When you’re done with your time in the sun, head inside the air-conditioned confines of the Power Dome and visit the Rock Wall room, which offers a 20-foot climbing wall with three lanes on an auto-belay system (so you don’t have to rely on a buddy to work the ropes while you climb). Other amenities at the Power Dome Fitness Center include a HITT Room, three indoor basketball courts (with six NBA regulation backboards and rims), weight and ISO lateral rooms, boxing, wrestling and martial arts space, cardio room and locker rooms with sauna and steam rooms. Check out okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/semperfit for more information.

Camp Hansen Reverse Triathlon

Goggles, Bikes and Shoes

On Sunday, August 27, de-fog those swim goggles, safety check your bike, make sure those running shoes are in tiptop shape and join Semper Fit for the Camp Hansen Reverse Triathlon that takes place at the Hansen House of Pain Fitness Center starting at 8:05 a.m.

Open to everyone island wide ages 12 and older, participants can run (5 km), bike (15 km) and swim (400m) or enter as a team and relay the legs. It is bound to be a beautiful summer day, but the competition will be hotter than the sun, with awards going to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each division and age category. Prizes will also be awarded to the top three relay teams. If you are interested, head to Eventbrite and register by August 23 (10:30 p.m.) for $50 for individuals and $120 for teams.

For more information, visit okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/ adultsports or facebook.com/ mccsokinawa.semperfit. If you have questions, please email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs. org or call 645-3521.

Foster Open Bowling Tournament

A Tale of Strikes and Spares

Once a year, the most battle-hardened bowlers gather at the Camp Foster Bowling Center to decide who really is the Baron of Bowling, the Sultan of Strikes, the true Emperor of the Lanes. The ensuing battle makes pins tremble on their marks and gutters weep from the thought of being so underused; on this day there will be no love lost at the lanes and no quarter given. Okay, maybe it won’t be that intense, but the competition will still be heavier than a bagful of 16-pound bowling balls! The Foster Open Bowling Tournament will take place at the Camp Foster Bowling Center on August 20, and is open to participants island wide ages 16 and older.

Teams are limited to four players and all scores will be scratch; there will be no handicaps. There will be a four-game roll-off with the top four teams advancing to a singleelimination tournament. Awards will be given to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams. Registration is open via Eventbrite until August 14 at 1 p.m. and the entry fee is $100 per team.

For more information, head to okinawa. usmc-mccs.org/adultsports or facebook.com/ mccsokinawa.semperfit, and if you have any questions, send them to adultsports@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org

Own the Diamond

MCAS Futenma Softball Tournament

To say softball is enormously popular is an understatement. It’s played by over 30 million people worldwide, after all. Whether you’re in it for the total body conditioning, the camaraderie amongst players, fierce competition or plain old fun, it’s time to hit the diamond.

So strike up that conversation with your teammates and fill in your rosters for the MCAS Futenma Open Softball Tournament on August 26 and 27. Each team may have between 9 and 15 players and a coach, but if your coach plans on playing, they will count toward your 15-player limit. Open to to everyone (ages 16 and older) island-wide, this double-elimination tournament will send 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams home with awards and serious bragging rights.

Register via Eventbrite for $150 per team before August 21 (1 p.m.). For more information, visit okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/adultsports. For any questions, call 636-2672 or send an email to adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org 

Support my family

Build my skills

Earn my degree

Create my own path

Succeed Again.

Attend a no-cost webinar and find your next success at UMGC Asia. Register to attend at asia.umgc.edu/webinars or scan the QR code below. If you apply for admission within 30 days of attending an Intro to UMGC Asia or Graduate Programs webinar, your $50 app fee will be waived!

Copyright © 2023 University of Maryland Global Campus

Shape a Child’s Future

Volunteer as a Coach with Semper Fit Youth Sports

Many of us have had at least one person who made a lasting impact in our lives during our younger years. Whether it was a teacher showing us the joy of reading that blossomed into a love of writing, the music instructor teaching us the beauty of music or that basketball coach that taught us that a defeat wasn’t the end of the world…it was something that made us stronger and better in the long run.

With the right coach, kids feel more confident, well-prepared and inspired, both participating in their chosen sport as well as in everyday life. Participating in sports at a young age can have a healthy developmental influence on children. Not only do sports promote cooperative play, teamwork and sportsmanship, the physical activity also has a positive impact on improving motor skills and boosting self-esteem.

If you are ready to make a positive impact in both the community as well as in a child’s life, MCCS Semper Fit Youth Sports has the

opportunity for you. Semper Fit is looking for fun, dedicated individuals who want to make a difference in a child’s life and teach life lessons that they’ll carry into adulthood.

To coach is to play an active role in a child’s future. You are not just a coach; you are a mentor, a hero and a friend. Coaching a team is also a great way to meet new people and share your skills with children who share a passion for sports and an active lifestyle. Volunteer opportunities for head coaches (18+) and assistant coaches (16+) are available for the 2023–2024 cheerleading and basketball season that begins October 16. Spots are open until October 1 (or until all are filled), so don’t wait!

For more information about becoming a volunteer coach, please stop by the MCCS Youth Sports office on Camp Foster or call 6453533/3534 or email youthsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

Retrain Your Brain

Sharpen Your Soft Skills

Linked In released their top skills of 2023 that help folks not only land but keep a job, and the softskills of communication, time management, critical thinking, problem-solving and interpersonal skills topped the list. Turns out that whether leading a regiment of Marines, teaching a classroom of kids or working in an office, having a mastery of your emotions and being able to function in times of high stress is beneficial to not only your personal life, but your professional one as well.

Lucky for you there’s the Re-Train Your Brain program—a comprehensive class led by Prevention and Education Specialists of the Family Advocacy Program that offers an exploration of skills such as interpersonal effectiveness, assertive communication, stress management and empathic listening—laying a strong foundation for personal and professional growth. This course is delivered in collaboration with Century Anger Management (CAM), ensuring a comprehensive and credible learning experience.

Retrain Your Brain is FREE and available to all SOFA ID card holders island wide who are passionate about improving their lives and relationships. Class locations alternate between Camps Hansen and Foster each month, providing convenient options for attendees. On Camp Hansen, sessions are held at Bldg. 2631 on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Camp Foster classes take place at Bldg. 439 on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Register to attend a class by emailing, fapprevention@usmc.mil with your full name, telephone number and the camp where you would like to attend or call 645-2915. For more information, head to okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/fap.

Weight Management Month

Achieve and Maintain the Right Kind of Gains!

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 41% of Americans are considered obese with one in five children also falling under that category (obesity being defined as weight that is higher than what is considered healthy for a given height). Obesity related conditions include heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. These are among the leading causes of preventable, premature death. Causes of obesity are complex, and many factors can cause weight gain including behavior, genetics and taking certain medications along with societal and community factors such as lack of access to healthy foods and traumatic living conditions.

Managing your weight and those factors contributes to good health and decreases the risk of many of the

aforementioned diseases and health conditions. You can do so through a combination of healthy eating, physical activity, optimal sleep and stress reduction. Keeping your weight in mind contributes to your good health now and will contribute to better health as you age.

It’s important to remember, however, that a healthy weight for some people is not the same as a healthy weight for others. Body shape, age, sex, ethnicity and muscle mass all influence the relationship between BMI and body fat, so you should talk with your healthcare provider about what is a healthy weight goal to strive for. For more information, contact MCCS Health Promotion at 645-3910, visit facebook.com/mccsokinawa.semperfit or check out their website at okinawa. usmc-mccs.org/healthpromotion.

TROY’s Military and Family Scholarship caps the cost of tuition at $250 per credit hour for active-duty military. Also, your spouse and family members receive up to 50% in tuition savings.

Contact the program coordinator nearest you for more information.

KADENA AB

kadena@troy.edu

DSN 634-7464

MISAWA AB

misawa@troy.edu

DSN 226-3748

OSAN AB

osan@troy.edu

DSN 784-8151

CAMP HUMPHREYS

humphreys@troy.edu

DSN 755-3534

Term I 2023

Aug. 14 - Oct. 15, 2023

Registration begins: May 8, 2023

Term II 2023

Oct 16 - Dec 17, 2023

Registration begins: Sept. 25, 2023

Term III 2024

Jan. 8 - March 10, 2024

Registration begins: Nov. 27, 2023

Term IV 2024 Mar 18 - May 19, 2024

Registration begins: Feb. 26, 2024

troy.edu/pacific

2nd Lt. Brandon Williams U.S. Army (’21)

Spirits of Japan

Get into the “Spirit” at Butler Officers’ Club

Just like St. Louis is a beer town, Kentucky’s known for bourbon and nothing says rum like the Florida Keys, so too are the different alcohols of Japan popularized in different regions and ways. Sake, shochu and awamori may all be Japanese libations, but their creation and histories are quite distinctive.

Sake, the nation’s most common and well-known spirit, is from mainland Japan. Sake is unique in that it is fermented, making one think of beer and yet it’s not carbonated and has a flavor profile closer to wine. It is created by washing and steamcooking rice, which is then mixed with yeast and kōji (a rice cultivated with mold) to ferment in a large tank with more rice and water added over four days.

Shochu hails from the island of Kyushu, which is warmer than the rest of mainland Japan, making it difficult to brew temperamental sake. Shochu is distilled from either sweet potato, rice, buckwheat or barley (and on rare occasions chestnuts). Each material gives a different profile to the shochu from smooth to peaty or earthy, much the way that what scotch is distilled with affects its profile.  Awamori is a spirit indigenous to Okinawa and is made from rice like sake, though it is distilled like shochu rather than being brewed, and the rice is of the long-grain Thai variety. A unique aspect in the production of awamori is a fermentation process before distilling that involves the rising of lots of foam in which lies the origin of its name—

awa means “foam” and mori means “rising/ bubbling.”  Awamori is also best imbibed after being aged for a long time, with 10 years being enjoyable, but 25 or more being ideal.

Want to try all three and learn more about them while you’re at it? Then come out for Spirits of Japan, Saturday, August 26 from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Butler Officers’ Club. For just $55, experience selections of the best local sake, awamori and shochu while learning more about fermentation processes, proper sipping techniques and what foods best pair with each selection.  Registration is available through Eventbrite, and more information can be found at okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/boc.

Get your Golf Fix…

…at Taiyo Golf Club

Looking to pick up a pastime that millions throughout the world enjoy— some, every weekend? Golf, which is enjoyed by participants of all ages, is fun, healthy and a great relationship builder. And, on Okinawa, there’s no better place to enjoy this game than on the links of Taiyo Golf Club!

Taiyo is located in Uruma City near the Kurashiki Dam, just minutes from Camp Courtney and only 20 minutes from Camp Foster via the Okinawa Expressway. Boasting a stunning, championship-level, 18-hole layout that unfolds across 247 acres of rolling fairways, lush wetlands, scenic vistas, dramatic elevation changes and large, well-manicured greens with subtle breaks—it’s one of the premier courses in the USMC world-wide.

Taiyo Golf Club also features a top-of-the-line pro shop offering

all the leading brands in clubs and apparel at competitive prices, PGA professional golf instruction, world-class certified club fitting, and an excellent restaurant. Best of all, Taiyo’s friendly and professional staff are ready to cater to every golfers need whether it is booking a unit event or fundraiser, becoming part of the golf club, or helping beginners looking to get into the game.

Taiyo Golf Club is open seven days a week, including holidays. The Pro Shop is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays. During the summertime, tee times are available starting at 7 a.m. on weekdays and 6 a.m. on weekends.  For more information, call the Pro Shop at 622-2004/2006 (098-954-2004/2006 from off base) or visit facebook.com/taiyogc.

Surfside Curbside Breakfast

Take the Hangry Out of Your Mornings

Hey Kinser Peeps! Do mornings hit you like that old country song “I’m in a hurry to get things done?” Are you “rush and rushing until life’s no fun” out the door trying to juggle your work bag, coffee and stale Pop Tart? Then it’s time to make that morning routine a little bit easier and let your MCCS Food and Hospitality crew on Camp Kinser take the “rushing around” out of breakfast.

Introducing Surfside Curbside Breakfast! Start your morning with a delicious and nutritious “most important meal of the day.” Open Monday through Friday from 6:30 to 10 a.m. with a menu that features grab-and-go breakfast burritos, overnight oats, pastries, coffee and orange juice, you can be in and out in mere minutes, and on your

way to work, safe in the knowledge that your colleagues won’t have to put up with you being “ hangry.”

If you have some time to slow it down, come on in to Surfside and let our short-order cooks whip you up your breakfast favorites like pancakes and breakfast bowls while you sip on your coffee and relax in our dining area. In the mood for that classic diner food but don’t have the time to sit down and enjoy it with us? Just call ahead and let us know what you want to order at 637-3137.

If you need a little wiggle room in other parts of you day, don’t forget about Surfside Curbside dinners on Wednesday nights! Check out okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/surfside for a full menu and more information.

Location

ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort

2260 Serakaki, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa

Manza Grill (2F)

Breakfast 7–11 a.m.

Dinner 5:30–10 p.m.

Schedule is subject to change, check website for the most up to date hours of operation.

Contact Information 098-966-1211 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.)

www.anaintercontinentalmanza.jp/en/restaurants/ manza-grill Instagram: @ana.ic.manza.beach.resort

Scan to enter for your chance to win a dinner certificate for 2 at Manza Grill.

Enter by August 31.

Savoring Splendor: A Culinary Journey at Manza Grill

Dear reader, allow me to paint a vivid portrait of an enchanting evening: Imagine yourself in a serene tropical setting, bathed in the golden hues of a sun bidding farewell beneath the darkening embrace of deep blue waters. A flickering candle at the center of your table adds to the romantic ambiance of this island paradise. Across from you sits your cherished companion, their face radiant with joy, perusing a menu of tantalizing culinary treasures. If you listen closely, you can hear it—the gentle symphony of waves caressing the sandy shore. Perhaps you’re on a blissful staycation, celebrating a special occasion or savoring a well-deserved date night. Regardless of the reason, your appetite eagerly anticipates the forthcoming explosion of flavors that await you at Manza Grill.

Nestled between ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort and Cape Manzamo, Manza Grill proudly stands as the resort’s newest restaurant. Under the masterful guidance of Head Chef Andy Ertle from Bavaria, a sensational feast awaits, showcasing the seasonal essence of local ingredients in every course. Now that the stage is set, let’s delve into the epicurean delights!

To commence this culinary voyage, we embarked with the Catch of the Day Ceviche appetizer and the Caesar Salad & Grilled Shrimp. The ceviche harmoniously combined zesty citrus notes with freshly caught tuna complemented by the satisfying crunch of tortilla chips. As for the Caesar Salad, one can never go wrong with this classic, especially when graced with Manza Grill’s distinctive homemade dressing. The light char on the grilled shrimp lent a subtle smokiness that elevated the salad’s flavors.

From there we delved into the heart of the meal— the main course. Our first dish was the Grilled Lobster (available seasonally)—a majestic presentation of two succulent lobster tails resting atop a vibrant bed of seasonal vegetables, including asparagus, red bell pepper, snow peas and delicate microgreens. Drizzled with shiso oil, yuzu-koshō butter and a sprinkle of Okinawan sea salt, this culinary masterpiece was a sight to behold. If my stomach hadn’t persistently growled in impatience, I could have admired the dish’s stunning summer colors indefinitely. The red bell pepper’s delightful kick magnified the buttery richness of the lobster, leaving me unable to resist indulging in each delectable bite.

Lastly, we were graced with the presence of the Grilled Tomahawk—a colossal 1.2-kilogram steak cooked to a flawless medium. Accompanied by a symphony of vegetables, crème spinach and truffle-infused mashed potatoes, this dish exuded culinary grandeur. Crystals of Okinawan sea salt adorned its mouthwatering charred exterior, paving the way to a tender and succulent core. Each bite revealed a harmonious balance between the robust caramelization of the surface and the melt-inyour-mouth perfection within, creating a culinary experience that was both indulgent and unforgettable.

Manza Grill has a ton of other offerings on the menu that we did not have the fortune to try including Grilled Seafood Paella, Lobster Rolls and, of course. desserts! If you are ready to enjoy the experience, visit their website to make a reservation for your own evening of splendor. 

Text by: Roxine Ami | Photography by: Kirstin Spanu

LEFT AND TOP RIGHT PHOTO ON THIS PAGE COURTESY OF ANA INTERCONTINENTAL MANZA BEACH RESORT

Youth

Basketball & Cheerleading Season

Jump Into Youth Sports

Was your little one completely obsessed with Space Jam? Do they, perchance, have an enthusiastic squeal that can elicit a smile from a mile away? Have you wondered on occasion if they’re part bunny when they won’t stop bouncing around? If you answered yes to any of the above, then maybe you should consider signing your kiddo up for Youth Basketball or Cheerleading with MCCS Semper Fit Youth Sports.

Semper Fit Youth Sports programs are recreational leagues built around the idea that all kids should have the opportunity to play sports and have fun doing so. Whether your kiddo has moves like Jordan, is a master TikTok choreographer or tends to trip over their two left feet, they can find fun and joy in developing skills in the sport of their choice. What’s more, kids who participate in team sports develop lifelong bonds with teammates, a sense of fair play and are better able to collaborate during school projects—so what are you waiting for? Sign up your kid today!

Youth Basketball and Cheerleading teams are open to children ages 5 to 18 (children who are 4 years old may register if they turn 5 before January 27, 2024), and practices start October 16 with the first games beginning the week of October 27 and continuing until January 27. Registration runs from August 1 to 31 and can be done online at okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/youthsports or at any staffed MCCS Fitness Center. For more information, call 645-3533/34 or email youthsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org

Dive In Movies

Catch a Flick While You Float

Ah, movie night—let the battle begin for the one spot on the couch that offers an optimal view of the screen (and back support)! Not in the mood to deal with your kids couch wrestling or “full-contact remote control jujitsu?” Rethink your movie time venue and consider a place where not only does everyone get the best spot, but there’s no remote involved…oh, and did we mention the pool? This summer, let MCCS Aquatics set the scene for your weekends as you splash around in the pool or lounge poolside while viewing family favorite flicks at Dive-In Movies!

Seriously, it’s past time to trade in that old and tired family night tradition of pizza, Parcheesi and problem-solving which kid gets to pick the movie, for a night under the stars and in the pool where the popcorn and beverages are FREE (while supplies last), and you don’t have to do a thing. Let the pressure of planning drift away in the water and choose a night that will be a splash with the whole family.

To catch a flick while you float, visit the Aquatic Center on Plaza Housing on Friday, August 4, Camp McTureous on Friday, August 11 or Camp Schwab on Friday, August 18. All movies run from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and are selected via vote by patrons in attendance. For more information or to find out what other amazing things are happening at an MCCS Aquatic Center near you, visit okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/aquatics

MCCS New Parent Support Program

Supporting and Educating Families

It’s been said that being a parent is like folding a fitted sheet—no one really knows how, and indeed there are enough quotes about the ups and downs of parenthood to match the piles of unfolded onesies and burp cloths in a newborn’s household. For instance, as Chrissy Teigen once said, “My biggest parenting conundrum: Why is it so hard to put someone who is already sleepy to sleep?”

If this is resonating with you, know that the New Parent Support Program (NPSP) is here to support you with a team of nurses and licensed counselors designed to be a reliable resource of information for parents. They offer free home visitations and groups to promote positive parent-child bonding and attachment as well as balancing family and military life.

NPSP offerings include Baby Boot Camp, which teaches everything a new parent needs to know about caring for a baby from birth

through the first months after delivery (offered monthly); Parents in Uniform, which covers Marine Corps policies related to becoming a parent, housing information, legal requirements, community resources, leave policy, on-island child care options, DEERS and other family readiness issues (offered monthly); Infant Massage, which teaches parents massage techniques that have different benefits for parents and baby (offered Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m. on Camp Foster over the course of four sessions) and Play Morning—an educational and interactive playgroup that assists parents in learning developmentally appropriate play techniques (Wednesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Camp Courtney).

For more information on the New Parent Support Program, including location of classes and phone numbers, visit okinawa.usmcmccs.org/npsp or email NPSPokinawa@usmc.mil. 

Learn To Swim

And Embark on an Aquatic Adventure

Whether you’re an eager beginner trying to conquer blowing bubbles underwater or a seasoned swimmer seeking to refine your technique, swimming is an adventure that enriches both the body and the mind. If you fall into the beginner category, the best approach to gaining confidence in the water starts with the development of water safety skills and the cultivation of strength, endurance and flexibility. Take the first step of your swimming journey by enrolling in Semper Fit Aquatics Fall Learn To Swim (LTS) lessons at the Camp Foster Aquatic Center and prepare yourself and your loved ones for a delightful aquatic adventure that’ll continue to give you joy (and keep you healthy) for years to come!

The comprehensive LTS Program caters to adults and children, starting at six months of age. Individual lessons are priced at $75 from preschoolers to adults, while Parent and Child lessons are available at $50. Advanced swimmers can also opt for stroke improvement/refinement classes. Each session consists of eight consecutive weekday classes, subject to favorable weather conditions. The first Early Fall Session starts on Monday, August 21 and concludes on Thursday, August 31 with registration via Eventbrite through 5:30 p.m. on August 17. The next session begins on Tuesday, September 5 and ends on Friday, September 15 with registration due by 5:30 p.m. on August 31.

For more information about the LTS program, please visit okinawa.usmc-mccs. org/learntoswim. For inquiries about LTS and other Semper Fit Aquatics Program offerings, feel free to email mccsaquatics@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org

—Jasmine Bocanegra

2023 Summer Youth Water Polo Camp

Make a Splash at Water Polo Camp

As the dog days of summer drag on, many parents are probably finding it harder and harder to find something to do with an adolescent sitting at home. The kids have visited family and friends, they’ve played every board game in the house and the pantry is now bare from all the snacking. No doubt about it, that tween or teen needs something to do to keep them occupied and out of their parents’ hair! But what do you do if that pool of ideas is empty and dry? Well, how about filling that pool with water and fun?

It’s time to introduce that tyke to the amazing sport of water polo! Water polo combines all the fun elements of competitive swimming, handball and football into one action-packed game of seven players swimming for supremacy. To be held Monday, August 14 through Friday, August 18, from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Foster Aquatic Center, Water Polo Camp will offer a unique summertime experience for fun and competition and is open to SOFA ID holders from the ages of 9 to 17.

The first day of camp, participants must be able to complete a swim of 100 meters non-stop in 3 min. or less in order to guarantee that they will have a safe and successful time at camp. For supplies, participants will need a competitive swimsuit, goggles, towel, sunscreen, water bottle and swim cap (for anyone with hair past their forehead). Registration for camp is online only and runs from 5 p.m. July 24 to 11 p.m. August 10. Check out okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/aquatics for registration and more information. 

Typhoon Motors Summer Sales

Driving on Okinawa in the summertime can either be heaven or the polar opposite—with the performance of your air conditioner providing the defining difference between cruising along a seaside road in either cool comfort or drenched discomposure.

To ensure that you’re feeling more like a polar bear than a steamed vegetable, head over to your nearest MCCS Typhoon Motors this month for their AC Special—which offers 10% off all AC service and repair throughout the month of August.

Once you’ve got your car running smoothly inside and out, as well as washed, waxed and buffed to a mirror sheen, you’re almost ready for the summer cruising season. How are your tunes? Still stock, you say?! Listening to your favorite track and feeling it as much as hearing

it is not only stress relieving, but it’ll also give you a bounce in your step throughout the summer season. And it doesn’t take a fortune to make a difference—a few simple upgrades to your current audio system can lead to significant improvements in sound clarity, quality and power. Give your car a gift that will make both of you thump happily down the road. Waiting for a sale to happen before you upgrade? Well, wait no longer! Foster Typhoon Motors will be offering 10% off all Kenwood products at their Hot Summer Nights Audio Sale August 24–31.

For more information on upcoming sales and offerings from Typhoon Motors, call the nearest center or visit them online at okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/typhoonmotors.

Tsunami Scuba’s Diving into a New Location...

...on Torii Beach!

Okinawa is famous for its spectacular diving locales—and it’s a reputation that is more than well deserved. To serve the ever-growing population of those wanting to immerse themselves in the beautiful waters of this majestic island, Tsunami Scuba offers an array of diver training from beginner to professional levels, equipment rentals, air and Nitrox fills as well as equipment repairs. Their scuba retail service keeps an inventory of some of the best gear available so whether you are a firsttime diver or an experienced ocean goer, they’ve got something for you!

In addition to their Learn to Dive and PADI instructor courses, Tsunami Scuba also offers courses that focus on safety like the Rescue Diver class, where divers learn to identify potential problems, render first aid and assist in diver rescues. There is also an Emergency First Response (EFR) course that covers basic CPR, first aid and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). In addition to these courses, an Oxygen Provider course is available.

To make a good thing better, now in addition to shops on Camps Foster, Courtney, Hansen and Schwab, they are open on Torii Beach too! Located in building T-315, and open for business Friday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., this new location is convenient for those living in Yomitan or on and around Torii Station. Check out okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/scuba for more information. 

We Want You!

Join the MCCS Team

MCCS offers a variety of challenging, career-building opportunities with the priority on hiring qualified family members of active-duty military and civilian employees stationed on Okinawa. Jobs are available in entertainment, food & hospitality, sports, accounting, marketing, wellness, child development, maintenance, IT, counseling and much, much more.

In addition to career building, MCCS also provides many benefits for employees. On top of medical and dental insurance, options such as a NAF Pension Plan, 401(k) with employer match, Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and a Tuition Assistance Program (which provides up to $10,000 per year for certifications and college degrees up to a graduate level) are also available to advance your career while employed with MCCS on Okinawa. And, that’s not all—a Leave Donation Program, the Family Friendly Leave Act, Family Medical Leave Act, Employee Assistance Program and many more policies are in place for qualified MCCS employees, as well.

Becoming a member of the MCCS Child and Youth Programs (CYP) team brings additional benefits such as earning the highest salary on island for CYP program assistants, work-related training with a set increase in salary upon completion, a 100% discount on childcare (and 50% for subsequent children) and more.

To start your job search, head to okinawa. usmc-mccs.org/jobs or keep up with the weekly “hot jobs” announcements sent directly to your inbox when you subscribe to our newsletter (okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/newsletter).

For those without internet access, visit one of your local MCCS Libraries or the MCCS Human Resources Office (HRO), located on the second floor of Building 5966 on Camp Foster. For more information on becoming a member of the MCCS team, call 645-3052 

Share your Love of Okinawa…

…with your Loved Ones back Home

Everyone who has visited Okinawa has a favorite spot, whether it’s a perfect place to watch the sunset, a beach that the family visited every summer, the steps to Nago Castle lined with sakura (cherry blossom) trees blooming brilliantly pink or even a stretch of beautiful coastline that is so breathtaking you have to stop the car every time you pass by to take a photo.

With Omoide: Memories of Okinawa and The Best of Okinawa Living, coffee table books, both produced by the staff of Okinawa Living Magazine, you can share the beauty of your home-away-from- home with friends and family in the states.

Omoide: Memories of Okinawa captures Okinawa’s beauty in a pictorial format. Broken down into geographic sections, this full-color coffee table book contains images from Hedo Point on the northern tip of the island to Chinen Cape—the southern-most point of Okinawa.

The Best of Okinawa Living, a more comprehensive compilation of everything Okinawa, uses words and images to cover the island’s history, picturesque locales, interesting cuisine, cultural curiosities, art and artists, national and local festivals and holidays and much more.

The Best of Okinawa Living and Omoide: Memories of Okinawa are available island-wide at Exchange retail facilities that sell books and select MCCS facilities. For more information about Omoide: Memories of Okinawa and The Best of Okinawa Living, call 645-3970. 

Ryukyu Dance combines artistry, storytelling and physicality in a mix of subtle movement, bold costuming and beautiful props creating an experience that is unforgettable. Traditional Okinawan Dance, or Ryukyu buyo , is not only an expression of Okinawan culture at its most refined, but an artform that takes years to master and continuous practice to maintain. To see a performance of Ryukyu buyo is to be given a gift by the dancer and musician while being transported back in time to the court of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The team of Okinawa Living was provided a rare behind-the-scenes look at what goes into curating a Ryukyu dance performance by Sasagirian, an education studio dedicated to enlightening folks about Japanese and Ryukyu culture through experiences.

Text by: Dani Livesey

Layout by: Alora Wilson

Photography by: Kirstin Spanu

O Of

Bringing traditional dance to life is no easy task. Given the exacting expectations of performing ukansen, much must be considered when selecting a performance piece. The team must consider what kind of story they would like to tell, what props and type of kimono will be used and, most of all, the work the dancer and musician must put into bringing the dance to life.

Just as the specific dance movements must be performed in the exact way they would have in the Ryukyu Kingdom, so too must the props, attire and even hairstyles of the performers be considered. For the Kashikaki, (the dance the Okinawa Living team was fortunate enough to see), the story being told is that of a woman’s earnest desire to weave a beautiful cloth for her love, so the props included a frame and skein along with tassel rings. The hair accessories are the nushi, basara and botan, which call to mind the wrapping of a gift and are a wonderful tie into the gift the dancer creates in the story.

The kimono worn is also highly specified. Made with authentic Ryukyu bingata (a traditionally stenciled, resist-dyeing technique that originated on Okinawa) and red silk, the garb’s flow adds beauty and a regality to the dance. Handling such a historically important garment requires extra time and effort—it must be ironed and placed to hang a full week before being worn for a performance.

Selecting the perfect accompaniments are only part of the process; the dancer and the musician who works with them must then put in the time to learn the highly scripted movements. In the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom, there were, of course, no video recordings, so dances were passed down by sensei (teachers). Some sensei underwent the painstaking task of drawing out each single movement for a dance to make a manual of sorts, but even with that assistance, it takes Yuya Heshikiyajyo, master of Ryukyu Buyo and performer for Sasagirian, up to a month to learn each one. A practitioner of Ryukyu Buyo since the age of four, he still practices in his studio every day leading up to a performance, sometimes under the watchful eye of his sensei so he can achieve mastery of the dance.

So too does Masamitsu Chinen, Sasagirian’s sanshin player, have to prepare, putting in four hours of practice three to four days a week just to maintain his skillset, then daily leading up to a big performance. In addition to maintaining his skills he must also maintain the sanshin, as the snakeskin body can absorb too much moisture in humid conditions and make the sound of the instrument indistinct and soft.

If you’d like to connect to a piece of Okinawan history through the performance of Ryukyu buyo with the Sasagirian Japanese Traditional Cultural Facility you can find them online at sasagirian.com. In addition to traditional Okinawan dance performances, they also offer tea ceremonies, flower arrangement and calligraphy classes (both in English and Japanese). It is their hope that throughout your time with them you experience Wabi-Sabi, the Japanese sense of beauty, as you learn and grow a larger appreciation for Japanese culture.

The day of a performance, Heshikiyajyosan must leave who he is behind and become the character who dances the steps. This is a process that begins with a shift in mindset as he loses himself in order to assume the persona the audience will see. From the time he begins his preparations he will not speak until the performance has been completed and his kimono is once again stored away.

First he must adorn himself with padding to give himself a more feminine figure so the kimono will lay correctly on his body. Next comes over 30 minutes of make-up as his face and hands are painted white and then his eyes, eyebrows and lips are accentuated. The wig (which has been prepped to be worn three days prior), kimono and accessories are all placed on his body, but each item must be applied with absolute precision. An undesirably tight wig will cause a headache and affect the performance, a kimono that drapes incorrectly will draw attention away from the graceful movements, a misplaced hair accessory can fall and ruin the majestic spell cast by the dance. Only perfection is acceptable, and it’s a perfection that can take over two-and-ahalf hours to achieve. Once transformed however, Heshikiyajyo-san is ready to enter the stage from the left and hold the audience enraptured with the subtle grace and strength of storytelling through dance.

The Dragons of Summer

Often appearing in Japanese poetry, dragonflies are also the subject of colorful myths and folktales. On Okinawa, one may hear that the dragonflies are restless when a typhoon is on the way, appearing in droves in the evening. Dragonflies, known as tonbo in Japanese, only seem fragile. In truth, these hardy insects have been around for 300 million years. Perhaps this is why the Japanese view tonbo as a symbol of strength, power, success, victory and happiness.

Japan boasts more than 190 species of dragonflies. Most of these insects’ lives are spent as larvae in the water, making Japan a pleasant breeding ground with its plentiful rice paddies, rivers and mountain streams. The dragonfly is metamorphic; like a butterfly it sheds its land-born outer layer, unfurls its wings and flies into joyous acrobatic dances. Dragonflies here are often brilliantly colored—electric blues, shocking teals, white or even Ferrari red. They feast on other flying insects (including mosquitoes, thankfully) and pests that feast on rice plants. At one time, the tonbo were believed to be the spirits of the rice plants, and farmers who saw them thought they were harbingers of a good harvest. The earliest images of dragonflies appear on bronze dotaku, or ceremonial bells, from between the 2nd century BC to the

Gōyā Champurū

Serves four

Ingredients

• 1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

• 1 large gōyā cut to 1/16” slices

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/2 onion, minced

• 3/4 cup Okinawan Shima Tofu

• 1/2 block of Spam, cut to 1/16” slices

• 3 medium eggs, beaten

• Dash of soy sauce

• Dash of black pepper

• Dash of Tabasco sauce

• Tbsp. salt

Method of Preparation

1. Slice gōyā lengthwise and remove seeds, gently scraping the inside with a spoon to remove all of the core.

2. Cut gōyā into 1/16” slices and place into a bowl. Add salt to the chopped gōyā and gently massage until thoroughly coated (this will temper the bitterness). Add cold water and let sit for 15–30 minutes. After soaking, rinse completely and set aside.

3. Using high heat, sauté oil, garlic, onions and Spam, cooking until garlic and onions become semi-translucent, then add gōyā.

4. When the gōyā is tender, crumble tofu into the mix and season with soy sauce, pepper and Tabasco until it reaches the desired flavor.

5. Add eggs and toss mixture until thoroughly coated—remembering not to overcook.

6. Serve with steamed white rice.

3rd century AD. The bells are thought to have been rung as prayers for a good harvest.

A story in Nihon Shoki, which was compiled in 720 AD, mentions the story of the 21st emperor who was bitten by a horsefly and was furious beyond belief. But after a dragonfly swooped in to take the horsefly, the emperor was so satisfied that he named the area Akitsu, or “Dragonfly Plain.”