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July 31, 2014 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly Bulls in the Ring
Read Here for a Chance to Win
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or hundreds of years, when the fields were sown but the harvest far from ready, Ryukyu rice farmers found time for sport and entertainment. Each village had a tôgyû-jyo, or bull ring. Ushi Ôrasê is a battle of brute strength and endurance between two hulking bulls, each weighing nearly a ton. The popularity of bullfighting continued after the reversion to Japan in 1972. There were matches nearly every week. The bulls are ranked and champions are cherished like a champion racehorse. Bullfights are similar to sumo matches in structure. The massive competitors lock horns and grap-
inside
ple for position as their handlers stomp and shout to spur the bulls into action. The bulls can charge ahead to push their opponent away or use their horns to flip the other off balance. The loser is the one who backs off or turns their tail. Matches can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. The champion bull is declared yokozuna and is paraded in a victory lap. If you’re interested in seeing a match sometime, catch a ride with MCCS Tours+ to the Uruma City Bullfights. For details, stop by your Tours+ office or visit us online at mccsokinawa.com/tours.
Living at Large: Dare to Test Your Limits | 3 Culture Corner: Ramune | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5 Off Base Events: Get Out and Explore | 7
ot to turn this into a homework assignment or anything, but it would be wise to keep a keen eye on each issue of Okinawa Living Weekly, as it could earn you a free stay for two at the YYY Club iE Resort. Located on iE Island, the YYY Club offers comfy and relaxing rooms and cottages that are only a few steps away from your day’s activities, be it jet skiing, wake boarding, SCUBA diving, sailing, golf, tennis or just working on your tan. All you have to do to get there is answer a simple question. Every Thursday on MCCS Okinawa’s Facebook (facebook.com/mccsokinawa) page we will post a trivia question about the current Okinawa Living Weekly. Private message us with your answer and if it’s correct, you will be entered into a monthly raffle to win a free overnight stay for two at the YYY Club iE Resort. Winners will be announced on Facebook on the first of every month.
Photo of the Week | 7 Spotlight: So You Think you can Rap? | 9 Movie Schedule | 11 SMP Events | 11
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livingatlarge
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Dare to Test your Limits
est your swimming skills and sign up your four-person swim team to compete in a daring two-hour relay race at the Distance Dare Relay. Each team member will clamber through 400 meters until the two hours are up. The goal is to cover the most distance within that two-hour time limit—a true test of speed and endurance. This free event will take place at the Camp Foster 50 Meter Pool on Saturday, August 9 from 7:15 to 10:30 a.m. To participate, teams must sign up at the Camp Foster 50m Pool before the day of the event. Participation will be limited to the first 20 teams. Ribbons will be awarded to the top eight finish-
ing teams within each division and age group. If you’re up for the challenge, get your team together and sign up today.
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | Jim Kassebaum MANAGING EDITOR | Ryan Anastoplus ART DIRECTORS | Karie Morton, Hector Nieves GRAPHIC ARTS MANAGER | Henry Ortega GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Kelli Davis EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Mike Daley EDITORS | Courtney Rick PHOTOGRAPHER | Thomas Alan Smilie AD/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER | Roy Forster AD SALES | Aya Chilcote, Yoshihiro Shinzato, Yoriko Yamashiro, Jessica Wagner, Lola Cardenas, Kalyn Albers DISTRIBUTION | Gideon Juko, Joe Fincher MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Andrew Menges ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH | Amy Schultz, Nicole Taylor, Allison McCarley, Kelly Longo, Phylicia Callahan CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALISTS | Ayako Kawamitsu, Rie Shinjo
For more information, call the Camp Foster 50m Pool at 645-2211 or visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics.
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.
mccsevents&happenings Smooth Move Workshop August 4, 8 a.m.–noon Community Center, Camp Foster 645-8395 FREE
Sponsorship Training August 5, 9–11 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Courtney 645-8395 FREE
Okinawa Dance Tour August 7, 12:00-3:00 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Foster 645-3127 FREE
Survival Japanese Language Class August 4, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Education Center, MCAS Futenma 645-3127 FREE
Money Management August 6, 8:30–11:30 a.m. Education Center MCAS Futenma 645-2104 FREE
Nacho Average Wednesday Wednesdays Thirsty's Lounge MCAS Futenma 636-3046
Career Assessment August 4, 1–4 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Courtney 645-3151 FREE
Resume Writing Workshop August 7, 8–11:30 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Foster 645-3151 FREE
Bullseye Steel Tip Dart Tournament Thursdays, 7 p.m. BeachHead, Camp Schwab 625-2053 FREE
We Make Okinawa Home
Other FREE Media:
Channel 15 & 118
This publication printed with
Camp Kinser
Camp Courtney
August 2 & 3 Noon Turn unwanted items into ca$h. For a full schedule, visit mccsokinawa.com/fleamarket. Special Events 645-5829
August 16, 6–9 p.m. Enjoy buffet-style food, a DJ and a best-dressed competition at this semi-formal affair. Open to all teens. Courtney Teen Center 622-9702
Flea Market
Hollywood Teen Dance
Various Camps
All Camps
August 18–October 12 Register now through August 15. For more information, call your local Education Center. mccsokinawa.com/educationandcareerservices
Pick up your copies today at Exchange Bookmarks and select locations on island of The Best of Okinawa Living book, The Best of Okinawa Living postcards, The Habu Hunter, and The Spirit of Okinawa. MCCS 645-3434
Fall Session 1 College Courses
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4 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | July 31, 2014
5 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | July 31, 2014
japanese phrase
culturecorner
of the week
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Where are you from? Doko no shusshin desu ka? For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs–Resources at 645-2104/2106.
fter a long day of playing under the searing summer sun, it’s an American tradition to sit on the porch and gulp down an icy glass of sweet lemonade. For Japanese children, the way to cool off with friends is to sip on a cold bottle of Ramune. Ramune, a name supposedly deriving from the English word “lemonade,” is a popular summer beverage recognized by its simple yet unusual glass bottle and its popularity as a candy flavor. Surprisingly, the inventor of the popular soda was a Scottish pharmacist named Alexander Cameron Sim who lived much of his life in Japan. Ramune’s claim to fame was not in an extraordinary flavor but rather the bottle in which it came. While some are made of plastic, many of the unusual Codd-neck bottles are traditionally made of heavy blue glass. The bottle is shaped like a snowman; the “head” of the bottle is a small hollow separated from the body by two dimples in the bottle’s neck. At the mouth
Ramune
of the bottle blocking the flow of the bubbly liquid is a glass marble held in place by the carbon dioxide pressure inside. In order to get the first refreshing sip, the marble has to be pushed down into the hollow of the bottle using a small device that comes with the drink. The marble then stays in its little chamber where it rattles and klink around as it quenches his
or her thirst. The soda inside is clear with a subtle citrus taste, similar to Sprite. Though the original “lemon-lime” flavor of Ramune is the most popular, many other flavors are also available. So on a steamy summer afternoon on Okinawa, instead of settling for that cup of lemonade, remember that cloudless sky blue bottle of ramune.
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off-base events get out and explore.
Ginowan Hagoromo Festival August 2–August 3 Ginowan Seaside Multipurpose Park Free Motobu Ocean Festival August 2–August 3 3 pm–9:30pm Tancha Park, Tokuchi Port Free Haunted House August 1–August 3 Ryukyu Village, Yamada Onna Village Adult ¥1,200, Children ¥600 (6 to 15 years old)
tours+
adventure begins here. Neo Park & Pineapple Park August 8, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $26, Children (3–11) $13, (under 3) FREE Visit Neo Park, where you can feed birds, monkeys, llamas and other animals. Then have lunch at Aeon shopping center. After lunch, enjoy the rest of the tour at the Pineapple Park.*
Summer Evening Festival at Ryukyu Mura August 9, 4–9:30 p.m. Adults $48, Children (6–15) $39, (under 6) FREE Experience a traditional summer Okinawan festival-style event at Ryukyu Mura. There will be bingata coaster making, firefly watching and constellation observations, as well as Okinawan dance shows. Price includes buffet.
Okinawa West Coast Tour August 10, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $34, Children (3–11) $24, (under 3) FREE Visit Cape Manzamo, one of the most beautiful spots on Okinawa. Afterwards, visit Okinawa Beer Garden for a delicious lunch buffet. Last stop will be at the Okinawa Sweets Factory where you can samples sweets while overlooking the beautiful East China Sea.*
Battle Sites Tour August 9, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $28, Children (3–11) $18, (under 3) FREE Visit the Battle of Okinawa Historical Collection on Camp Kinser then relive the battle with a history lesson. Explore the Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters and end the day at Peace Prayer Park.*
Forest Adventure August 10, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $54, Children (7–17) $37 Test your courage on the Zip Slide, the Amazon Rope Bridge, the Tibetan Bridge and other exciting courses. Children must be at least 6 years of age and 55 inches in height.*
Sub-Ship (ORCA) & Lunch Buffet at Nest Hotel August 15, 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Adults $53, Children (6–12) $41, (3–5) $11, (under 3) $FREE View the beautiful waters of Okinawa from the comfort of a sub-ship. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at The Nest Hotel followed by an afternoon of shopping on Kokusai Street.*
*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 (Temorarily Closed) | U.S. Naval Hospital 646-7013
photooftheweek Thomas Alan Smilie
There’s nothing quite like a careless sunset stroll on the beach. This photo was taken on Sunset Beach in American Villiage. To get there, head north from Camp Foster’s Kitamae (Commissary) Gate. Turn left at the intersection with Starbucks on your left and Camp Lester. Continue straight until you reach the end of the road. A parking lot for the beach will be on your left.
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spotlight
So You Think You Can Rap?
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good freestyle rap is always a marvel to behold. It can be like a tapestry unfolding to reveal a baroque picture or eating a burrito that gets cheesier with each bite. Freestyle is one of the foundations of a talented rapper, so to prove your stuff, you have to prove it with a freestyle. Most rappers claim they’re the best, and most other rappers disagree—that’s why we’ll have a panel of expert, unbiased judges to deter-
mine who is really the best. The battle will take place on August 16 at 10 p.m. at the Thirsty’s Enlisted Club on MCAS Futenma. Sign up at Thirsty’s by 9 p.m. on the day of the event. This battle is open to all enlisted service members and civilian equivalents. All contestants must be 18 and older. Shows might contain explicit language that may be offensive. For more information, call 634-3046 or visit mccsokinawa/thirstys.
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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
Open Softball Tournament August 8–10 MCAS Futenma Semper Fit Gym Register by 1 p.m. on August 4 at any MCCS fitness center for $95. This event is open to participants islandwide. 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. Round Robin Southern 6 on 6 Soccer Tournament August 8–10 Gunners Fitness Center Register by 1 p.m. on August 4 at any MCCS fitness center for $100 per team. This event is open to participants island-wide. Tournament brackets and bylaws will be emailed to each coach. Awards will be given to first, second and third teams. Details: 645-4866/3985. Open Basketball Tournament August 15–17 Kinser Gym Register by 1 p.m. on August 11 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: 637-1869. Open “Down South” Racquetball Competition August 16–17 Gunner Fitness Center Register by 1 p.m. on August 11 at any MCCS fitness center for $10 or register on-site for $15. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place finishers. Details: 645-4866/3985. *Attendance is required for participation.
classof theweek Zumba
Mix body-sculpting movements with easy to follow dance steps mainly derived from Latin backgrounds. The routines feature aerobic interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms to tone and sculpt the body. It targets the glutes, legs, arms, abdominals and heart. Dancing skills are not necessary. For a full class schedule, visit schedule mccsokinawa.com/wellness.
singlemarineprogram Battle Sites Tour August 29 Community Center, Camp Foster 645-3681
CAMP KINSER | 637–2177
CAMP COURTNEY | 622–6101
Thursday, July 31 Hercules 3D (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Friday, August 1 Guardians of the Galaxy 3D (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Saturday, August 2 Guardians of the Galaxy (PG 13) 3 p.m. Guardians of the Galaxy 3D (PG 13) 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 31 CLOSED Friday, August 1 Guardians of the Galaxy 3D (PG 13) 6 p.m. Guardians of the Galaxy 3D (PG 13) 9 p.m.
Sunday, August 3 Hercules (PG 13) 1 p.m. Get On Up (PG 13) 3:30 p.m. Sex Tape (R) 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 3 Guardians of the Galaxy 3D (PG 13) 3 p.m. Sex Tape 6 p.m.
Monday, August 4 CLOSED
Monday, August 4 Guardians of the Galaxy 3D (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Tuesday, August 5 CLOSED
Tuesday, August 5 CLOSED
Wednesday, August 6 Guardians of the Galaxy 3D (PG 13) 6:30 p.m
MCAS FUTENMA | 636-3890 Thursday, July 31 CLOSED Friday, August 1 Guardians of the Galaxy 3D (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Saturday, August 2 Guardians of the Galaxy 3D (PG 13) 4 p.m. Guardians of the Galaxy 3D (PG 13) 7:30 p.m. Sunday, August 3 Hercules 3D (PG 13) 4 p.m. Guardians of the Galaxy 3D (PG 13) 7 p.m. Monday, August 4 Sex Tape (R) 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 5 CLOSED Wednesday, August 6 CLOSED
CAMP FOSTER | 645-3465 Thursday, July 31 Planes: Fire And Rescue 3D (PG) 3 p.m. Lucy (R) 7 p.m. Friday, August 1 Guardians of the Galaxy (PG 13) 3 p.m. Guardians of the Galaxy 3D (PG 13) 6 p.m. Sex Tape (R) 9 p.m. Saturday, August 2 Guardians of the Galaxy 3D (PG 13) noon Guardians of the Galaxy (PG 13) 3 p.m. Get On Up (PG 13) 6 p.m. Sex Tape (R) 9:30 p.m. Sunday, August 3 Guardians of the Galaxy (PG 13) 1 p.m. Guardians of the Galaxy 3D (PG 13) 4 p.m. Sex Tape (R) 7 p.m. Monday, August 4 Planes: Fire and Rescue (PG) 3 p.m. Get On Up (PG 13) 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 5 Planes: Fire and Rescue (PG) 3 p.m. Guardians of the Galaxy 3D (PG 13) 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 6 Lucy (R) 7 p.m.
Saturday, August 2 Guardians of the Galaxy 3D (PG 13) 3 p.m. Sex Tape 6 p.m.
Wednesday, August 6 The Fault in our Stars (PG 13) 2 p.m. Guardians of the Galaxy (PG 13) 7 p.m.
CAMP HANSEN | 623–4564 Thursday, July 31 Lucy (R) 7 p.m.
Friday, August 1 Guardians of the Galaxy 3D (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Guardians of the Galaxy (PG 13) 10 p.m. Saturday, August 2 Guardians of the Galaxy (PG 13) 6 p.m. Guardians of the Galaxy (PG 13) 9:30 p.m. Sunday, August 3 Guardians of the Galaxy (PG 13) 2:30 p.m. Sex Tape (R) 6 p.m. Monday, August 4 The Purge: Anarchy (R) 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 5 Sex Tape (R) 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 6 Get On Up (PG 13) 7 p.m.
CAMP SCHWAB | 625–2338 Thursday, July 31 CLOSED Friday, August 1 Guardians of the Galaxy 3D (PG 13) 6 p.m. Guardians of the Galaxy (PG 13) 9:30 p.m. Saturday, August 2 Guardians of the Galaxy 3D (PG 13) 6 p.m. Guardians of the Galaxy (PG 13) 9:30 p.m. Sunday, August 3 Get On Up (PG 13) 4 p.m. Sex Tape (R) 7:30 p.m. Monday, August 4 Hercules (PG 13) 7 p.m. Tuesday August 5 Guardians of the Galaxy (PG 13) 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 6 CLOSED
Movie schedule is subject to change. For the latest updates visit shopmyexchange.com/reeltimetheatres/reeltime-landing.htm.