Okinawa Living

July 2019 | Issue 257

SOUTHEAST BOTANICAL GARDENS MATSURIZOKU

contents July 2019

8

38 24 features 8 Out + About: Southeast Botanical Gardens Spend a relaxing day amongst beautiful water-borne flowers, friendly ducks, squirrel monkeys and more (don’t forget your camera)!

24 Tropical Topical: All-Okinawan Skincare Self-love is always in season. Okinawa offers an abundance of unique, natural ingredients that are fantastic for your skin.

38 Restaurant Review: Punga Ponga Enjoy authentic Brazilian cuisine at this Naha eatery owned and operated by musical restauranteur, Midori Onaga.

56

45

Matsurizoku The people of Okinawa are known throughout Japan as matsurizoku; which translates into “festival people”—and they enjoy demonstrating this moniker during the many summer festivals on island.

Celebrate the Fourth at an MCCS Library!

Celebrate this Fourth of July with FREE activities and food at MCCS Libraries island-wide.

fitness + fun 17 Far East Bodybuilding Competition Tickets for the most anticipated bodybuilding event of the year are now on sale. That’s right, it’s time for the Far East Bodybuilding Competition!

dining + entertainment 35 Healthy Dining with MCCS Eating out doesn’t have to mean breaking your diet. Have you tried the Fit-to-Fight Buffet at Camp Foster’s Ocean Breeze?

CLOCKWISE; COURTESEY OF SOUTHEAST BOTANICAL GARDENS, KAILEY LAVALLIERE, THOMAS ALAN SMILIE

56

kids + parents 47 Happy Birthday; Let MCCS be the Life of Your Party!

For your next special celebration, why not let MCCS make it all the merrier?

services 51 Put Some Boom in Your Zoom Sure, the two front-door speakers and factorystock head unit are perfectly fine for your needs.

But what about what your wants?

extras

37

5

The Party Must Go On! Keep the party going at the Foster Fest After-Parties at the Globe & Anchor and Chesty’s.

Mensore

7 Feedback & Show Us!

marines + families 43

On the cover From masks made from Okinawan clay to lotions containing the essence of gôyâ (bitter melon), the island has your skincare needs…covered.

There for You: The Deployed Spouse Benefits Card Program Did you know that as a part of support provided

by MCCS MCFTB, spouses of deployed Marines and Sailors attached to Marine units or assigned to the US Naval Hospital are eligible for the Deployed Spouse Benefits Card Program to make their lives easier?

67 Living on Okinawa

69 MCCS News

70–71 Marketplace Guide

sat 7/6 | 2-10 P.M.

sun 7/7 | 1-9 P.M.

SAT | 8 P.M.

SUN | 7:30 P.M. FIREWORKS 8:30 P.M.

FOR DETAILS, VISIT MCCSOKINAWA.COM/FESTIVALS. Open to SOFA personnel, and U.S. and Japanese citizens. Do not bring pets, glass bottles, outside alcohol or coolers.

facebook.com/mccsokinawa

JULY 2019 | ISSUE 257 COMMANDING GENERAL, MCIPAC Major General Paul J. Rock, Jr. 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 Casey Roberts CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER Jim Kassebaum EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mike Daley MCCS ART DIRECTOR Henry C. Ortega OKINAWA LIVING ART DIRECTORS Margie Shimabukuro Catherine Newquist GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Emeline Toole, Ai Jirka EDITORIAL Amanda Carrasquillo, Ashley Sablan DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Thomas Alan Smilie PHOTOGRAPHER Kailey LaValliere DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA Kathlene Millette, Lillion Hunt Hamilton, Hillary Taylor CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST Ayako Kawamitsu ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP MANAGER Roy Forster ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP Yoshihiro Shinzato, Hiromitsu Horikawa Kim Viotti, Terumi Nagai MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER Andrew Menges MARKETING ACCOUNTS Alicia Sallese, Courtney Davis DISTRIBUTION Joan Webb, Jason Jones

We welcome your comments.

Please send letters to editor@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org

mensôre “Welcome” to Okinawa Living

Typhoon Time!

Summer is definitely in full swing and soon enough we may be given a taste of Mother Nature’s demonstration of immense power in the form of a typhoon.

Even though the island is very well fortified (typhoons are not uncommon on Okinawa) take each and every one of these storms seriously. During typhoon season, which runs through November 30, it’s imperative to maintain a typhoon preparedness kit including at least a four-day supply of nonperishable food and ample potable water, sandbags to reinforce doors from the outside, duct tape, a hammer and nails for quick emergency repairs (including tarps/heavy plastic sheets or heavy cardboard for broken windows), towels and a large supply of newspapers to soak up leaks.

Also, don’t forget flashlights and candles, waterproof matches or a lighter, a portable radio, ample extra batteries, plenty of food for pets, a charcoal or propane grill (in case the contents of your freezer need to be cooked in the event of an extended poststorm power loss), medications and a first aid kit, supplies for kids including diapers and formula for babies and a fully-charged battery charger for your older kid’s mobile device(s) for everyone’s mental health purposes. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. For more information about typhoons, as well as a plethora of material on Okinawan culture, pick up a copy of the 2019–2020 Okinawa Guide—available on stands island-wide (it's likely there’s one right next to the magazine you just picked up).

As always, in the pages of Okinawa Living Magazine you can also learn more about your beautiful home-away-from-home and its fascinating culture, and find out about the many interesting and exciting things to do on the island when the sun is shining and there are no typhoons to be found.

Thank you for picking up this issue of our magazine, now time to turn the page and let your journey begin! 

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 mccsokinawa.com MCCS MARKETING BRANCH MCB Camp S.D. Butler. Unit 35023, FPO AP 96378-5023

D.TRAVNIKOV/DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Mike Daley Editor-In-Chief

Okinawa Living is published by MCCS Marketing. Its purpose is to inform the military and civilian community about events and programs offered by MCCS or available in the local market. Dates and times may change. Copyright ©2019

by MCCS. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transferred in any form, by any means, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without written permission of the copyright owner. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement of advertisers and sponsors. MCCS is not responsible for editing content of non-MCCS ads.

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Visit mccsokinawa.com/ol for the latest issue. Also, visit issuu.com/mccsokinawa to see back issues of the magazine.

feedback

from the ICE Program and Facebook

@okilivingmag Show us your island adventures and favorite food finds!

I have stayed at a lot of TLFs and the Westpac Lodge (on Camp Foster) is the best I’ve ever stayed at. This isn’t a military lodging facility, this is a top-notch hotel.—via 2019 MCCS Lodging CSI I’m highly satisfied by the equipment, hours, facilities, staff and overall presentation of the Camp Kinser Fitness Center. Every interaction with every employee meets or exceeds the standard for what is considered professional customer service. The equipment and facilities are more than well-kept; they are exemplary in nature. Despite the incessant, heavy use of the facilities and equipment by many service members including myself, the staff is able to maintain the highest level of cleanliness and functionality that I have ever observed. If anything does break, it is fixed or replaced in a manner so timely it can only be described as expeditious. Lastly, and most importantly, the staff and management, in my opinion, need to be told and be rewarded for what a spectacular job they do day in and day out at the Camp Kinser Fitness Center. I will always highly recommend this service to anyone who is interested in it.—via ICE

@crystalena333

Always a blast with these ladies.

The 4th Annual #redwhiteandcraftbrew was a blast. We’ve gone every year and we never not have a good time. #okilivingmag

@moonwalkerx

Mango for days here in Okinawa. #okinomnoms

I would like to take the time to show appreciation to Mr. Bob Stenard and Ms. Kaydie Poznanski at the Foster Education Center for their amazing work! I had a few troubles taking a Cisco test on Pearson Vue, and Mr. Stenard and Ms. Poznanski were immediately on the phone with them to get my test sorted out and just generally “made things work” throughout the whole process. These two individuals are the gold standard of World Class Customer Service and were instrumental in helping me achieve my goal.—via ICE I recently went to Tengan Castle restaurant [on Camp Courtney] to try their new breakfast service and it did not disappoint! The meal was fantastic and the service was prompt and so courteous. The price point can’t be beat either. I will definitely be returning as well as spreading the word. Thank you for providing such a great service to families and service members!—via ICE

@bw_faulkner

It is incredible how many World Heritage Sites are on a relatively small island.

JJs favorite part of the Nakijin Castle Ruins were the 3 cats living there. #okilivingmag

Doing the Summer Reading Program hasn’t been the same at other libraries. We miss MCCS Okinawa libraries and can’t wait to be back there next summer!—via Facebook

Domo arigatou gozaimashita and thank you for your posts! We can’t wait to see what else you love about Okinawa!

—The Okinawa Living Staff 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 mccsokinawa.com and click on the ICE link at the bottom of the homepage or find us on Facebook to share feedback. Comments on this page may be edited for clarity or length.

JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 7

OUT + ABOUT

JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 9

COVER: YSBRAND/DEPOSITPHOTO.COM, SOUTHEAST BOTANICAL GARDENS

OUT + ABOUT

hick palisades of flowering foliage and towering king palms block out the scurry of the outside world.

Inside, the color and character of verdant greens, fruitful trees, ferns, herbs, mosses and reeds light up the hundred acre landscape.

No other outdoor collection of exotic flora like this exists anywhere else in Japan. It’s a testament to the Okinawan paradise where just about anything can thrive. The island’s rich soil and temperate weather make it so this immense nature collection—some

endemic, some indigenous, most flown in from far, far away—can fully flourish right beneath the sun, just how Mother Nature intended.

Right now, lotus are in season while water lilies bloom sporadically year-round. From now until August 25, guests may even enter the park two hours earlier to watch as the lotus wake for the day. The same blossoms unfurl each morning—their wonder only to be witnessed until sundown. As the evening falls, the buds close up and go back their beauty rest.

JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 11

at OKUMA Saturday • 31 August Bask in the gentle tropical breeze while you enjoy live entertainment and festive music. Enjoy Polynesian dancers, fire dancers, hula, Tahitian dances, and other island-style entertainment from 5 pm to 9 pm!

An island-style buffet is available for purchase. Savor the wide array of delectable island food at your fingertips such as Kalua pork, garlic shrimp, Huli Huli chicken, and other savory dishes. Don’t miss the after party in the lounge from 9 pm to midnight!

KADENA AIR BASE

KadenaFSS.com/okuma facebook.com/theokumabeach @okumabeach

SOUTHEAST BOTANICAL GARDENS, KAILEY LAVALLIERE

OUT + ABOUT

A day at Southeast Botanical Gardens also means a day wandering through the woods of Asia, Asia-Pacific, Central and South America, Africa and Australia.

Many of these plants have been standing tall since 1968, when the Gardens’ founder, Masamune Obayashi, first brought them to island. Five decades later, they now have a small zoo where guests can feed squirrel

monkeys, goats, capybaras, turtles, guinea pigs, rabbits and silkie (fluffy) chickens. Spend hours by the fish pond, feeding carp and waving off friendly ducks. Or take the kids for some nature games and crafts. There’s loads to do and so much to see, which is why a trip to Southeast Botanical Gardens is on almost every visitor’s bucket list.

JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 13

SOUTHEAST BOTANICAL GARDENS

OUT + ABOUT

Finally, situated on a hillside overlooking the Water Garden, Restaurant PEACE hosts a daily ChineseWestern lunch buffet made up of over 50 different selections. Enjoy garden herb shabu-shabu, handmade dim sum, salads, desserts, garden-fresh herbal tea and so much more. Call 098-939-2555 for reservations or see the ad on page 60 for pricing details.

The Southeast Botanical Gardens Lotus and Water Lily Festival is happening now until August 25. During this time, the Gardens will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.

Admission is ¥1,500 for adults, ¥1,000 for high school students, ¥500 for junior high/elementary students and FREE for children under 6. For more information, visit southeast-botanical.jp.en. 

JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 15

FITNESS + FUN

Far East Bodybuilding Competition Get Ready!

Tickets for the much-anticipated bodybuilding event of the year are now on sale. That’s right, it’s time for the Far East Bodybuilding Competition!

Set to take place on Sunday, August 4 at the Camp Foster Theater, athletes from all over the Pacific will have a chance to take the stage and earn the title of “Beast of the East.”

The competition will be based on the National Physique Committee’s (NPC) rules and regulations, and the divisions are as follows: Women’s Figure (up to and including 5’4’’, over 5’4’’ to 5’6’’ and over 5’6’’), Women’s Physique (up to and including 5’4’’, over 5’4’’ to 5’6’’ and over 5’6’’), Women’s Bikini (up to and including 5’4”, over 5’4’’ to 5’6’’ and over 5’6’’), Men’s Physique (up to and including 5’8’’ and over 5’8’’) and Men’s Bodybuilding (Masters over 40, Bantamweight 143lbs, Lightweight 154lbs, Light Middleweight 165lbs, Middleweight 176lbs, Light Heavyweight 198lbs and Heavyweight over 198lbs). The top five finishers in each division

will receive an award, and first place finishers in each division will be eligible to win an overall award.

This event is open to SOFA personnel, and U.S. and Japanese citizens. Those with SOFA status must register by July 19 (1 p.m.) at any staffed MCCS Fitness Center or online at mccsokinawa.com/ bodybuilding. Non-SOFA should contact Semper Fit Athletics at 645-3521 for registration location details. Registration is $75, and those wishing to compete must be 18 years of age or older.

Spectator tickets are available at any staffed MCCS Fitness Center until July 31 for $20. If you don’t get a chance to buy it then, however, you’ll still be able to purchase a ticket at Gunners Fitness Center from August 1 to 3.

For more information, contact Semper Fit Athletics or email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. You can also visit mccsokinawa. com/bodybuilding. 

JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 17

FITNESS + FUN

Take the Plunge Learn to Swim this Summer with MCCS Aquatics Want to be able to do more than just the doggie paddle this summer? Well, there’s hope for you yet with the help of MCCS Aquatics’ Summer Learn to Swim Program!

MCCS Aquatics is now accepting registration for Summer Sessions 3 and 4.

Each session consists of eight swim lessons taught over the course of two weeks.

Session 3 runs from July 15 to July 24 (Monday/Friday and Monday/Wednesday). Register online between July 3 (9 a.m.) and July 8 (11 p.m.). Following that, Session 4 will run from July 29 to August 7 (Monday/Friday and Monday/ Wednesday). Register online between July 17 (9 a.m.) and July 22 (11 p.m.).

Classes are available at Camps Kinser, Foster and McTureous Aquatic Centers. To register or for more details on the program, visit mccsokinawa.com/ learntoswim. 

Independence Day Pool Bashes

SEPAVONE/DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Celebrate with Food, Drinks & Entertainment The Fourth of July is a patriotic day that commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence and birth of our nation. It’s also a day to enjoy off work, preferably poolside.

This year, join MCCS Aquatics as they celebrate this special day by the pool! Aquatic centers on Camps Schwab, McTureous and Kinser, as well as in the Plaza Housing Area will be hosting Independence Day Pool Bashes on, you guessed it, July 4.

Each bash will run from noon to 3 p.m., and will feature delicious food and drinks (while supplies last), as well as entertainment. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics. 

Tailor-Made Excursions Tours+ Unit & Private Tours

Missed this month’s Tours+ Okinawa World tour because you put the wrong date into your calendar? Or couldn’t get all of your buddies together for that Churaumi Aquarium tour this weekend due to schedule conflicts? Wouldn’t it be great if Tours+ could map out an excursion tailored to your schedule? Well, they can! Tours+ offers special trips for up to 55 people including transportation and a knowledgeable tour guide to locales such as the Churaumi Aquarium, Okinawa World, Hiji Falls, Shuri Castle, Battle Sites and more! Private tours are available as well as unit tours payable via unit funds. Interested? Call 646-3502 for more details.

Visit Tours+ online at mccsokinawa.com/tours.  JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 19

FITNESS + FUN

We’ll Have You Climbing the Walls …In a Good Way! Stress can have you climbing the walls in frustration…and sometimes the Bowflex elliptical just doesn’t cut it. How about taking a different track to alleviate stress, get healthy and build muscle? How about actually climbing the walls? The Power Dome Fitness Center on Camp Schwab, Gunners Fitness Center on Camp Foster and the Camp Hansen House of Pain Fitness Center are all equipped with a rock wall room with three 20 ft. high climbing lanes (the House of Pain has four!), auto belay systems and climbing gear (harnesses and helmets) provided! Kids ages 11–15 must be with a parent at all times while climbing; everyone 16 and older can use the wall unsupervised.

As the House of Pain is open from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. and both Gunners and the Power Dome are open 24 hours a day, you can climb out of your insomnia as well. And, the best thing?

It’s FREE! For more information, contact a participating MCCS Fitness Center or visit mccsokinawa.com/fitness. 

Gear Up

THOMAS ALAN SMILIE

…at Tsunami Scuba Whether you’re a scuba diving expert or newbie, you should check out Tsunami Scuba for all your diving needs. And since the peak season for ocean activities starts around midJuly and runs until early to mid-September, now is the perfect time to gear up!

At Tsunami Scuba, divers can rent things like snorkel vests, snorkel sets, fins, wetsuits, aluminum tanks, dive computers and much more. You can also purchase the latest scuba equipment, receive help from a PADI Equipment Specialist in preserving your gear, get tank refills and more.

If you’re looking for classes, Tsunami Scuba also offers PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certifications via a wide variety of courses and dive services for beginners all the way through instructor level.

For more information, call your local Tsunami Scuba or visit mccsokinawa.com/scuba. 

Camping Time!

Hosting an outdoor party or planning a camping trip over the weekend?

MCCS Outdoor Recreation has all the gear you need.

Large canopies are available for rent for $20 per day (plus a $15 delivery/ pickup fee), as are tables ($3 per day) and chairs. Three sizes of ice chests are also on hand.

For the outdoor enthusiasts looking to spend some quality time in nature, Outdoor Recreation provides lanterns, two-burner stoves, collapsible picnic tables, cooking kits, small grills and several sizes of tents (from $3 to $8 per day). Head on over to equip yourselves for an adventure in Okinawa’s great outdoors!

MCCS Outdoor Recreation Centers are located on Camp Courtney and Camp Hansen in the camps’ respective gyms and on Camp Foster in Building 5913 behind Gunners Fitness Center.

Visit mccsokinawa.com/outdoor_recreation for more information.  JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 21

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FITNESS + FUN

Calling all Swimmers Meet Us at the Pool!

The Okinawa Dolphins Swim Team (ODST) is hosting a swim meet at 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 13 at the Foster Aquatic Center. This meet is open to both youth and adult swimmers island-wide.

Age groups are 8 and under, 9–10, 11–12, 13–14, 15–18, 19–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59 and 60 and over. Swimmers’ ages for all meets will be determined by their age as of the 2020 Tokyo Winter Champs (March 7, 2020). Swimmers will be seeded by entry times regardless of age and gender, but will receive awards based on age group and gender. Ribbons will go to the Top 8 finishers in each age group by gender for every event.

The order of events are as follows: 400 Free or IM, 100 IM, 50 Back, 100 Back, 25 Back, 200 Choice #1, 100 Free, 25 Kick with a board, 50 Breast, 100 Breast, 25 Breast, 200 Choice #2, 50 Fly, 100 Fly, 25 Fly, 50 Free and 25 Free.

Limit is three individual events per swimmer. ODST youth swimmers will have their events selected for them by their coaches.

ODST adult and non-ODST swimmers will choose their own events.

Entry is FREE. To enter, email your name, gender, age and events (if applicable) to odst@ hotmail.com by July 10. For more details, visit mccsokinawa.com/swimteam. 

Aquathlon Series URBAN_LIGHT/DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Run, Swim, Run…and WIN

If you’re a novice athlete looking to enter the world of multi-sport or an experienced triathlete interested in adding something different to your usual race routine, try an aquathlon! Never heard of such a thing? An aquathlon is a run-swim-run combination race (it’s basically a minified version of the triathlon).

If you want to give it a try, the MCCS Aquatic Center on Camp Foster will be hosting an Aquathlon Series this month. This series consists of non-competitive events open to everyone from veteran athletes to beginners. Races will be held on July 2, 16 and 30.

Each day will include two run-swim-run races. The first race on

all three days will be a 390m run, 100m swim and another 390m run. On July 2, the second race will be a 2.16km run, 200m swim and 1.44km run. On July 16, the second race will be a 2.88km run, 400m swim and 1.44km run. On July 30, the second race will be a 3.6km run, 400m swim and 1.44km run.

Register for FREE between 4:30 and 5 p.m. on the day and site of the event. Athletes are allowed to do either or both races.

The Aquathlon Series is open to SOFA personnel, and U.S. and Japanese citizens. For more information, visit mcsokinawa. com/aquatics.  JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 23

All-Okinawan Skincare Text by Amanda Carrasquillo & Ashley Sablan Photography by Kailey LaValliere

KOTKOA/DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Layout by Ai Jirka

JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 25

KOTKOA/DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Clogged pores, acne flare-ups, hyper-pigmentation—this time of year can wreak havoc on our skin. And while you may think you already have it covered, what you may not know is that so many beauty products contain chemicals unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Enter Mother Nature.

Okinawa offers an abundance of unique, natural ingredients that are fantastic for skin. And even if you’re not really looking to change up your routine, it’s still important to relax and pamper yourself every once and awhile. After all, self-love is always in season.

Mineral Soft Skin Cleansing Gel

Makeup Remover >>>> ryumine

Possibly the most important step in a Japanese skincare routine is the double cleanse. Instead of reaching for another scratchy makeup wipe or trying to wash the day’s dirt away with a single soap, consider starting with a deep cleansing oil or gel. Though double cleansing does add another step to your wash routine, it will ensure that almost all makeup and dirt comes off the first go around. Simply slather it on, rub and rinse, and follow with your preferred face wash.

Beautifully scented with a hint of lychee, the Ryumine Mineral Soft Skin Cleansing Gel by Nuchi Masu is a great choice for anyone looking to localize their routine. Produced by the same company that harvests sea salt from the depths off the coast of Miyagi Island, this cleanser contains deep sea water, olive oil and jojoba, and is therefore packed with skinfriendly minerals (more on this later). A deeper clean will also aid in reducing acne, regulating sebum production and leave your skin feeling soft to touch.

Available at AEON malls island-wide

Natural Soaps Pineapple Charcoal Soap

KOTKOA/DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM, WIKKI33/DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM, ORIORI/DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM, TELESH/DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM, BEDOLAGA/DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM, MR_PTICA/DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

>>>> Pineapple Tree Park

For those with acne problems, a soap made from charcoal is a good replacement for harsh cleansers. It also absorbs toxins and removes skin impurities and oil from beneath the skin, which helps prevent breakouts. Pineapple is another good ingredient for acne, and it’s full of vitamin C, bromelain and antioxidants that work together to fight swelling, fine lines, sun damage and uneven skin tones.

Available at AEON malls island-wide

Mozuku Seaweed

>>>> yacchi&moon Considered a treasure from under the sea, mozuku has been proven to be one of the purest, most potent forms of seaweed.

It contains the highest level of fucoidan, a carbohydrate that increases skin elasticity and has numerous other antiaging effects.

Available at yacchi&moon 1 Chome-21-9 Tsuboya, Naha, Okinawa 902-0065 JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 27

Gôyâ Lotion

Toner

>>>> Point Pyuru Here on Okinawa, goya is regularly touted as a superfood.

And seeing as your skin is, too, an organ, bitter melon can also be extremely beneficial when applied topically. Its folic acid does wonders to reduce levels of oxidative stress in the skin and neutralize harmful free-radicals wafting through the air; its potassium supports the growth of new skin cells; and vitamins A and C both moisturize and stimulate collagen production resulting in more even-textured skin.

Combined with deep sea water and packaged as a fine mist, the Goya Lotion by Point Pyuru is an easy way to get your daily dose of all four aforementioned vitamins and minerals. For clarification: Lotion in Japan is what others elsewhere might typically classify as a toner. But instead of drying you out (like many often do), this one is so intensely moisturizing packing ten times more Vitamin C than a lemon that it can also treat sunburns. Spritz it on right after a shower and let the bitter melon work its sweet, sweet magic.

Available at Ryukyu Cosme House 2 Chome-5-23 Asato, Naha, Okinawa 902-0067

Alpinia Gel

Moisturizer

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>>>> Point Pyuru

Whether you have dry, normal or oily skin, a good moisturizer is a must, especially in humid climates. A gel may be your best option when it comes to hydration—plus it won’t make you look too oily if you break a sweat.

Alpinia Gel works with all skin types, particularly those with dry, sensitive skin. It’s also great for sunburn or as an after-shave. The base of this product is made from Kume Island deep ocean water pumped from approximately 2,008ft below sea level. The magnesium in sea water benefits those with red, irritated skin conditions such as eczema as its antiinflammatory and antimicrobial minerals ease itching and draw moisture from eczema-causing bacteria and fungi. This moisturizer also contains getto (shell ginger), alpinia leaf extract (helps make your skin smooth), mozuku seaweed extract (moisturizes your skin and protects it from dryness) and soluble collagen (firms your skin).

Available at Ryukyu Cosme House

JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 29

Reef-Safe Sunscreen >>>> Coralily

Regardless of what's said in the news, coral reefs throughout the world are, in fact, dying. So we’d like to take a moment to talk about one product that can help slow the alarming rate at which this is true. Sunscreen washes off your body and enters the marine environment—not just when you swim, but shower, too. As you’re reading this, common chemical sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate are smothering the reefs, killing live coral and taking dependent sea life with them. But, in a total win-win, you can protect the coral and your skin at the exact same time with Coralily’s Earth & Coral Friendly UV Cream (SPF 30).

If you love this island as much as we do, please check out a list of retail locations at facebook.com/sango.yasashii.

Force of Nature Oh! Mango

Finishing Balm

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>>>> Ryuspa

This balm smells good enough to eat, but put it on your skin and expose yourself to an array of beneficial elements such as mangoes, sugarlane and argan oil. Mangoes alone, when topically applied, are full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that work together to give us brighter, healthier and softer skin. They can also soothe blemishes and even out your complexion.

Squal -ane comes from squal -ene, which can be found in a variety of plant sources such as rice bran, wheat germ and olives. Our skin actually produces its own version of squalene to help with moisture, but the amount made and retained in the skin decreases over time. As it decreases, it leaves our skin feeling both rough and dry.

Argan oil is basically a superfood for your skin. It’s packed with vitamin E, linoleic acids (which strengthen the skin’s barrier to help keep water in and irritants out) and omega fatty acids. It not only moisturizes your skin and helps soften dry patches, but reduces acne.

But this balm isn’t just limited to skin. You can put it in your hair to tame flyaways, use it like a chapstick and more.

Available at Lawson and Ryukyu Cosme House

JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 31

Refining Series >>>> Ryuspa

Earlier in this feature we made a surface remark that deep sea water is great for your skin. But let’s dive deeper into "the why": Found at depths below 200 meters, deep ocean water has unique physical and chemical characteristics. Its low-temperature stability means its chemical composition stays stable throughout the year regardless of temperature, lending to its quality and effectiveness. It also contains inorganic nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and silicon that are essential for all living things. Moreover, deep sea water is almost entirely free of E. coli and other viable bacteria typically found in water at the surface. Plus, it contains a mineral balance very close to that which is found in the human body.

The Ryuspa Refining Series is a regimen that combines ocean water collected from the depths off nearby Kumejima with local ingredients, such as sea silt or Kucha, Hirami lemon, passionfruit, acerola, aloe, shell ginger, brown sugar, goya and bittern, to help users reveal a deeper, more sophisticated kind of beauty.  Available at Ryukyu Cosme House

Step 3 - Essence Though essence is fairly new to overseas markets, the first mention of essence dates back to 1813 Japan, (The Foundation described in the of Japanese Beauty) as a watery botanical extract from an alchemical still or tea-kettling system.

Today, there isn’t a Japanese skincare brand that doesn’t produce this wondrous elixir. Essence is said to bring out your skin’s dormant capabilities and prep the skin to absorb subsequent products.

Ryuspa’s essence is a composition of 26 ingredients, including firming apple cell culture extract, Vitamin C derivatives and placental protein to smooth and brighten your skin.

Step 4 - Cream

Softens and hydrates Contains: Plant-derived Squalane, Sugar Cane Extract, Three Kinds of Hyaluronans

Bonus - Kucha Seaweed Pack Step 1 - Foaming Cleanser

Removes excess sebum, absorbs impurities, refreshes and moisturizes Contains: Kucha, Shell Ginger, Passionfruit

Whereas many Western brands have just begun exploring the capabilities of seaweed and algae extracts, Okinawan beauticians have always been in the know. This kucha mud mask is packed with mozuku seaweed and algae extract, which, with regular use, works to improve texture by drawing out impurities, leaving behind a fresh, hydrated face.

Out West, jars of similar ingredients sell upwards of $300.

Step 2 - Lotion (Toner)

KOTKOA/DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Draws moisture from the air into your skin, smooths and improves texture Contains: Glycerin, Argan Oil ,Yomogi (Mugwort) Extract, Placental Protein, Acerola, Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic Acid

Win up to $275* in skincare products courtesy of Point Pyuru and Ryukyu Cosme House!

TO ENTER: 1. Follow us on Instagram @okilivingmag 2. Send us a Direct Message with the key phrase“SELF LOVE”

JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 33

DINING + ENTERTAINMENT

Healthy Dining with MCCS

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Eating out doesn’t have to mean breaking your diet. Enjoy a wide range of delicious, healthy meal options at the Wednesday Fit-to-Fight Buffet located at The Veranda inside Ocean Breeze. Their smorgasbord of low carbohydrate and sugar options, fresh produce, lean protein meat options and creative side substitutes offers plenty of choices for anyone living a vegetarian, paleo, keto or otherwise health-conscious lifestyle.

The spacious dining area houses an expanded salad bar with nutrient-dense ingredients such as kale, beet root, quinoa and other locally-procured produce. And, the made-to-order stir-fry station is perfect for even the strictest of eaters who prefer to customize or personally account for what all is exactly in their dish. On top of that, fresh authentic Okinawan tofu & gôyâ champurû (bitter melon stir-fry), keto-friendly Chinese-style ribs, chicken cacciatore, cauliflower mac & cheese and other creatively executed dishes are offered to help keep you happy and on track. And, it’s only $11.95 for adults, $5.95 for children (5–11) and FREE for children under 5.

For those who count their macros, TERRA located near the WestPac Lodge on Camp Foster, offers nutritional facts for each meal/drink option conveniently listed on the menu. To see TERRA’s menu and hours of operation, visit them at mccsokinawa.com/terra.

Gone are the days of having to pass up lunch invitations. Let TERRA or Wednesday Fit-to-Fight be your meal ticket to an afternoon of “indulgence” without total sacrifice. 

Make Your Morning Extra-Special Breakfasts and Brunches at an MCCS Club It’s the most important meal of the day… all the more the reason to make it extraspecial! Enjoy weekend breakfast buffets at Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster (Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.), The Habu Pit on MCAS Futenma (Sundays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.) and Surfside on Camp Kinser (Sundays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.). Weekend breakfast buffets are $9.95 for adults, $4.95 for children 5–11 and FREE for kids under 5. The buffets will feature staples such as pancakes, bacon, sausage, potatoes, made-to-order omelets, pastries, biscuits and gravy and more (menu items may vary from club to club and are subject to change).

For something a bit more sumptuous, enjoy Sunday brunch at the Butler Officers’ Club in the Plaza Housing Area on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A more expansive selection is available, including breakfast favorites, hors d’oeuvres and a salad bar to carved meat entrées, pastas, fresh vegetables, delectable desserts and more (menu items may vary between clubs and are subject to change). Sunday Brunch at the Butler Officers’ Club is $19 for adults, $9.50 for children 5–11 and FREE for kids under 5. Sunday Brunch at Tengan Castle is $17 for adults, $8.50 for children 5–11 and FREE for kids under 5.

Weekend à la carte breakfast items, such as eggs benedict, steak and eggs and more are available at Taiyo Steakhouse located at the Taiyo Golf Club. Brunch is served Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 622-2020. A full menu is available for viewing at mccsokinawa.com/taiyosteakhouse.

TERRA, located in the Kishaba Housing Area, offers breakfast on weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. and breakfast on weekends from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Holiday hours reflect the day it falls on (weekday or weekend). A complete menu is available for viewing at mccsokinawa.com/terra.

Tengan Castle also offers à la carte breakfast items Monday–Friday, 6–9 a.m. and 7–11 a.m. on Saturdays and holidays. A menu is available for viewing at mccsokinawa.com/tengancastle.

For more information on breakfasts and brunches at MCCS Clubs and Restaurants, visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs.  JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 35

DINING + ENTERTAINMENT

Summer Carnival Family Fun Night Featuring Great Food, Prizes and Games Summertime is great and all, but it can be a little tough keeping the kids entertained when they’re out of school and at home all day. So if you’re looking for something fun for everyone to do, consider taking the family out to enjoy some carnival-themed entertainment at Summer Carnival Family Fun Night!

You can get full off of delicious finger foods from the buffet and enjoy prize giveaways thanks to sponsor Mattel while the kids burn off their energy with fun activities like limbo, sack racing, hula hooping and mini carnival games.

There will be a Summer Carnival Family Night on July 10 at Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster, July 18 at Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney and July 25 at Surfside on Camp Kinser.

All events will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Prices are $7.95 for adults, $3.95 for children ages 5 through 11 and FREE for children under 5.

For more information, call your local participating club or visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs. 

Myx & Match Band Performing at an MCCS Club near you!

After having spent 3 years in the live band circuit traveling from Malaysia to China and all across the Philippines, Myx & Match Band is now making its way to Okinawa. With an allimpressive repertoire of over 400 songs spanning a mix of old-school pop, rock, R&B, EDM and all the latest music hitting the airwaves, an evening at the club with this eight-piece ensemble is sure to be one you’ll never forget.

Taking the stage are lead vocalists Dan Miniti, Bem Aquino, Mitch vesperas and Wine Ija; Jv

Calicdan on guitar, Jerriel Mogol on the keyboard, Jopen Orque on bass and, last but not least, Dinky Ramon on drums.

Sing and dance along to hits by Journey, Guns n’ Roses, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Bruno Mars, Adele, Maroon 5, Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Bonnie Taylor, Ed Sheeran, Miley Cyrus and dozens more, and catch Myx & Match on stage until September at an MCCS Club near you. For a full performance schedule, visit mccsokinawa.com/entertainment. 

The Party Must Go On!

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Foster Fest After-Party Many already know that this year’s Foster Festival is slated to be one to remember—especially Saturday July 6! Saturday’s headliner is singer, songwriter and dancer Jason Derulo.

After watching an artist with over 102 million singles sold worldwide, 4.4 billion views on YouTube and 6.3 billion streams on Spotify and Apple Music, festival-goers will not want the magic evening to end. Well, it won’t at the Foster Fest After-Parties at the Globe & Anchor and Chesty’s Enlisted Club located in Ocean Breeze! These after-parties, which begin at 10 p.m. will keep the party going with music, complimentary appetizers and a midnight door prize raffle. The Globe & Anchor is open to E-5 below, civilian equivalents and authorized guests. Chesty’s SNCO Lounge is open to SNCO’s (E-6) and above, civilian equivalents and authorized guests. For more information on the Foster Fest After-Parties, call 645-3666. 

JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 37

RESTAURANT REVIEW

PUNGA PONGA

Authentic Brazilian Cuisine

Text by Amanda Carrasquillo, Photography by Kailey LaValliere Hours of Operation Mon Reservations Only Tue, Wed & Weekends 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.

Thu Closed Facebook punga-ponga Phone 080-3153-4587 Location 1-Chōme-11-11 Makishi, Naha, Okinawa 900-0014 Directions From Camp Kinser Gate 2; Head south on Rt. 58.

Turn left onto 222 (signs for Matsuo) and take the fourth left (it’s the first left after passing under the Yui Rail). Take the second right; Punga Ponga will be on your right after the parking lot.

Payment ¥ Only

Punga Ponga. The name certainly does its job of standing out, but there’s actually more to it than being quirky and fun to say. In fact, it comes from an African dance that’s often enjoyed during special occasions and nightlong parties in Brazil—jongo. During this dance, couples strike their bellies together two times while the crowd shouts “punga!” on the first strike and “ponga!” on the second. Midori Onaga, a musician who lived in Brazil for over a decade, loved it so much that this is what she named her restaurant.

Midori-san has been serving authentic Brazilian cuisine on Okinawa for about seven years now, but only a year ago did she first open the bright green doors of Punga Ponga. And thank goodness, because not only is she as lively as the many knick-knacks, textiles and souvenirs that line the walls, but her cooking is out of this world.

As of right now, a set menu is in the works, but Midori-san can whip up an array of tasty Brazilian fare.

Just ask her what she recommends. Currently, feijoada and pastel are the most requested dishes.

Feijoada, also known as Brazil’s favorite meal, is a stew usually made of black beans with beef and pork served over white rice and seasoned with garlic, salt and onions. This item comes with a delicious salad and homemade apple cider vinegar dressing. Midori-san’s feijoada is so good that she has customers stopping by for big Ziploc bags full of it.

Pastel, a popular street food, is a small thin-crust

pie stuffed with assorted fillings then deep-fried. The pies are usually either half-circle or rectangle-shaped.

Midori-san’s version is rectangle, and is perfectly crispy and packed with shiso leaves and blue cheese. She also makes another kind filled with beef and chopped olives.

Midori-san is also happy to serve bolinho de bacalhau (codfish balls made from potatoes, eggs, parsley and onion) with a side of homemade sauce made from basil, salt, garlic and olive oil, pão de queijo (small, baked cheese rolls), chicken empanada (a baked pastry that’s much like a chicken pot pie), coxinha (chopped chicken that’s covered in dough made from potatoes and tapioca, shaped to resemble a chicken thigh and fried) and more. For beverages, you should try a can of Guaraná Antarctica, which is a guaraná-flavored soft drink served with lime (it has a fruity taste, similar to ginger ale, but without the overloading feeling of sugar).

All food is available for takeout, and it’s recommended that groups of five or more make a reservation. This can be done through Punga Ponga’s Facebook. If you do this, you can also request what you would like to eat ahead of time. Also, before visiting, it’s best you check Punga’ Ponga Facebook to make sure the restaurant is open, as it’s sometimes closed for music shows. Oh, did we not mention? On top of being a fantastic restauranteur, Midori-san occasionally travels to Taiwan to teach music to children. We can only assume she teaches them to punga ponga too.  JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 39

MARINES + FAMILIES

Summer Activities for the Whole Family

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Keep Cool and Have Fun! Looking for ways to pass the long summer days? MCCS has tons of fun activities set to happen this month and all throughout the summer.

While the Aquatic Center on Camp Courtney will be closed for repairs, centers on Camps Kinser, Foster, McTureous, Schwab and Hansen will be open for the remainder of the season. Cool off on a hot day or check out a Dive-In Movie Night, where you and the family can hang poolside, swim and watch a movie all at the same time. Flip to pg. 19 for event details. For pool hours or more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics.

For fun indoors, head on over to your nearest MCCS Bowling Center where kids bowl FREE all summer long! Up until September 3, children ages 15 and under are welcome to one FREE game a day. Shoe rentals are not included. Visit kidsbowlfree.com to register your child today.

As of this month, the Bowling Center on MCAS Futenma will also be home to the Bolt Action Virtual Shooting Range by Laser Shot. Designed to provide a realistic look and feel, Bolt Action will allow you to truly test your skills through a number of interactive

games. For more details, turn to pg. 53. For more information, contact a center on Camp Foster (645-7205), Kinser (637-1943), Courtney (622-7365) or MCAS Futenma (636-3084).

Kids are of course welcome to participate in this year’s Summer Reading Program hosted by MCCS Libraries. Read as a family, read as much as you can and log your hours for a chance to win some amazing prizes. Last year, Camp Butler ranked first nationwide with the most hours read! Help us top that by registering at okinawabutler.beanstack.org.

Last, but certainly not least, the Innovation Lab inside the Camp Foster Library offers tons of opportunities for stimulation this summer break. Sculpt your masterpiece in thin air using one of their Oculus Rift VR headsets and bring it to life with a 3D-printer, or help their autonomous robot learn new tricks by way of programming. Step into the worlds of coding and modeling, or tinker with a circuit board. Also available are etching, cutting and digital design technologies. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/libraries. 

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MARINES + FAMILIES

Learn to $ave… …with Personal & Professional Development Explore how to use saving and investing to achieve financial security at the Personal & Professional Development-Resources (P&PD-R) Saving and Investing class.

Learn basic investing techniques, how to take advantage of compounded interest and time and explore various saving and investing tools that can help you reach your life’s goals.

The P&PD-R Saving and Investing class will be held July 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Bldg.

2339 on Camp Hansen, July 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Bldg. 407 on MCAS Futenma and July 30 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Bldg. 3429 on Camp Schwab.

For more information, call your local P&PD-R center or visit mccsokinawa.com/ personal_finance_management. 

There for you The Deployed Spouse Benefits Card Program Exercises and deployments are a part of life in the military. And for some, that means shouldering the load solo at home with no partner to pick up the slack. Residing overseas in unfamiliar surroundings and being away from family and friends can make the separation even more complicated. It can be dangerously easy to slip into a rut, get overwhelmed and feel alone in the world.

But you are not alone!

As an integral part of support provided

by MCCS Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB), spouses of deployed Marines and Sailors attached to Marine units or assigned to the US Naval Hospital are eligible for the Deployed Spouse Benefits Card Program to make lives easier.

This card offers benefits from numerous MCCS Programs including 20% off the total check at all MCCS Clubs and Restaurants (including Sumo Burrito, Bulldogs Burgers, Shisa Pizza, Bonsai Café, Red Barn Country Kitchen and LifeJuice), 20% off oil changes at Typhoon Motors and local tours from Tours+, FREE scuba course tuition from Tsunami Scuba (up to $225), FREE roadside assistance and towing from Typhoon Motors and MUCH more.

For more information about all the benefits available, eligibility for the program and how to get your card, contact your unit Deployment Readiness Coordinator/ Uniformed Readiness Coordinator or MCFTB at 645-3689. 

Change Your Life LANCE CPL. ZACHARY FORD, MELPOMENE/DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

…Through Better Money Management Gain control over your finances by attending a Money Management workshop hosted by the Personal Financial Management Program. This hands-on workshop will teach you how to prepare a financial statement, develop a budget, establish a savings plan and build/rebuilt a good credit record.

This workshop will be held July 1 in P&PD-R Bldg. 445 on Camp Foster, July 10 in P&PD-R Bldg. 2339 on Camp Hansen, July 12 in P&PD-R Bldg. 4425 on Camp Courtney, July 17 in Nest Annex Bldg. 6330

Succeed in Online Courses Better Your Future It’s hard to squeeze in time for college when you have a hectic schedule (parents, especially, can agree). But attending college online makes it possible. This is because eLearning allows you to structure schoolwork around your life rather than the other way around. However, before you dive into an online program, make sure you understand both the advantages and challenges that comes with it.

To get prepared, attend Succeeding in Online Courses, a seminar that covers different types of online programs, the pros and cons of eLearning, how to determine if pursuing education is right for you and how to develop good habits to succeed as well as positive academic online relationships.

There will be a workshop held on Wednesday, July 10 at the Education Center on Camp Foster and Wednesday, July 17 at the Education Center on Camp Hansen.

Both will run from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

To register and for more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/ educationandcareerservices. 

on Camp Shields, July 18 in Education Center Bldg. 1220 on MCAS Futenma, July 25 in P&PD-R Bldg. 1220 on Camp Kinser and July 30 in Education Center Bldg. 3429 on Camp Schwab. All classes will run from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Please bring a current Leave & Earning Statement (LES), bank statements, investment statements and statements of debt/ obligation to class. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/finance. 

JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 43

MARINES + FAMILIES

Origami Learn the Ancient Art Who hasn’t sailed paper airplanes across a classroom during a boring lecture? But the Japanese take paper folding to a different level—art of origami is no child’s play. In fact it was originally an art meant for adults.

Origami originated in China, where paper was first created in the first or second century, with the art of folding following shortly behind. The word “origami” comes from oru meaning “to fold,” and kami meaning “paper.”

The tiny paper sculptures were used in both religious rites and in gift giving. Serrated strips of paper marked sacred objects in shrines. One of the oldest forms of origami is the katashiro, a symbolic representation of a deity made with jingū yōshi, a special shrine paper.

Today, most Japanese schools include basic origami designs as part of their curriculum, the most complex being the tsuru, or paper crane. According to Japanese legend, if you make 1,000 paper cranes, you’ll be granted a wish.

If your wish is to learn origami, you don’t need to craft 1,000 cranes first. Learn the basics by taking an origami class with Personal & Professional DevelopmentResources. For more information on upcoming classes, visit mccsokinawa.com/ culturalawareness. 

Celebrate the Fourth at an MCCS Library

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Yes, We Have AC! Celebrate this Fourth of July with FREE activities and food (while supplies last) at MCCS Libraries islandwide! Kite-building, patriotic puzzles and freedom-themed giveaways for the kiddos, such as red, white and blue beaded necklaces and keychains, are just some of what’s in store.

While you’re there, be sure to check out their wide range of resources. There’s plenty to do for the whole family. All locations offer free Wi-Fi, computers, iPads for checkout, popular periodicals, DVDs, CDs, video games, audiobooks and hundreds of titles for professional, educational and recreational reading.

The library on Camp Foster is also specifically home to the Innovation Lab, a collaborative space where creativity meets technology. The Innovation Lab gives patrons FREE access to the full Adobe CC Suite, 3D printing, robotics assembly, virtual reality goggles and HoloLenses, die cutting, GoPro cameras, 3D drawing, computer-aided design and more. There’s never a shortage of activities at your local library throughout the year! For more, visit mccsokinawa.com/libraries. 

Yukata-Dressing Class Learn How to Wear a Summer Kimono On Friday, July 12, try a Yukata-Dressing class to learn how to dress in traditional Japanese summer kimono called yukata. This class will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the P&PD-R facility (Bldg. 445) on Camp Foster, and is open to all SOFA status personnel.

In the past, yukata was used as a bathrobe for nobles and aristocrats. However, over time, it became a more airy and casual summertime kimono for anyone to wear. The styles for men, women and children are usually different, with women and children wearing more lively patterns (and women sporting bright colors) and men wearing darker colors with more minimalist designs. Regardless, yukata is very beautiful, but if you ever plan on wearing one, knowing how to put one on is very important.

You must register for this class to attend. For more information, to sign up or see what other classes are offered, visit mccsokinawa.com/culturalawareness.  JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 45

KIDS + PARENTS

Happy Birthday!

Let MCCS be the Life of Your Party!

Ah...birthdays. They’re so much more than a day signifying that you’re another year older; they’re a special day…a day for fun, celebration, smiles and balloons! For your next celebration, why not let MCCS make it all the merrier?

First, the venue. The Courtney Arts & Crafts Center, located in Bldg. 4453 next the Courtney Library and Ironworks Fitness Center, offers a wide selection of party supplies to decorate the venue to fit the joyous occasion. Also, Joy Company Balloons, which specializes in decorating for parties, has recently opened an outlet inside the Foster Custom Shop located in Bldg.

5908 (the Camp Foster Community Center) for all of your party balloon wants and needs.

COURTESY OF JOY COMPANY BALLOONS MONKEYBUSINESS,DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Next, food. All MCCS Clubs and Restaurants offer catering services with the option to tailor menu items to events. A wide selection of fine foods are available—just contact the manager or catering coordinator at your nearest club. For those that feel a birthday party cannot happen without pizza, Shisa Pizza, located inside the Foster Bowling Center, stands ready to please. Visit mccsokinawa.com/shisapizza to see their menu selections.

Finally, fun! Bowling can electrify any birthday celebration—especially in the dark. Picture this: laser lights, black lightlit glowing lanes and florescent balls accompanied by loud, pounding music— it’s called Glow Bowling! Sound like the ultimate party, right? Glow Bowling Parties are available at MCCS Bowling Centers island-wide. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/bowling. Looking for something outdoors and a little…bouncier?

Bounce houses, available for rent through MCCS Special Events, are customizable to fit the occasion. Choose from 12 different themes including Marvel Avenger characters, Disney Princesses, Hello Kitty, Jurassic Park and more. For more information, call MCCS Special Events at 645-5828 or visit mccsokinawa.com/bouncers. 

JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 47

KIDS + PARENTS

July Dive-In Movies at the Aquatic Centers Itching for a movie night, but don’t want to spend the remainder of your summer wasting away on the couch? Well, ditch it and dive in! This summer, MCCS Aquatics is hosting a series of fun-filled Dive-In Movie Nights at their Aquatic Centers.

Patrons are invited to chill on the deck or relax in the water all while enjoying a poolside evening flick. To sweeten the deal, snacks and drinks will also be provided FREE of charge. Just remember to wait at least 30 minutes before jumping into the pool!

The fun kicks off on July 10 at the McTureous Aquatic Center, followed by July 11 at the Plaza Housing Aquatic Center, July 18 at the Kinser Aquatic Center and lastly, July 25 at the Foster Aquatic Center.

All Dive-In movie nights will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The best part? The movies are family friendly! These events are FREE and open to all ranks and ages. For more information and movie selections, visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics. 

Summer Carnival Family Fun Night

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Featuring Great Food, Prizes and Games Summertime is great and all, but it can be a little tough keeping the kids entertained when they’re out of school and at home all day. So if you’re looking for something fun for everyone to do, consider taking the family out to enjoy some carnival-themed entertainment at Summer Carnival Family Fun Night! You can get full off of delicious finger foods from the buffet and enjoy prize giveaways thanks to sponsor Mattel while the kids burn off their energy with fun activities like limbo, sack racing, hula hooping and mini carnival games.

There will be a Summer Carnival Family Night on July 10 at Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster, July 18 at Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney and July 25 at Surfside on Camp Kinser. All events will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Prices are $7.95 for adults, $3.95 for children ages 5 through 11 and FREE for children under 5.

For more information, call your local participating club or visit mccsokinawa. com/clubs. 

JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 49

SERVICES

MCFTB Featured Classes

Put Some Boom in Your Zoom

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Typhoon Motors Independence Day Special Sure, many drivers will tell you that the two front-door speakers and factory-stock head unit is perfectly fine for their needs. But what about what they want? One thing’s for sure, listening to your favorite track and feeling it as much as hearing it is not only stress relieving, it’ll will give you a bounce in your step for the rest of the day.

Although some factory-installed automotive audio systems are quite impressive with their 14-speaker surround, what about your car? Never fear, you too can breathe new life (like Frankenstein) into your ride’s audio system by taking it over to your nearest Typhoon Motors to save up to 40% on all Sundown amps during the entire month of July! Not for the faint-of-heart, Sundown Audio products builds car audio amplifiers that generate serious energy—from 200 to 800 watt 4- and 5-channel amps to power an audiophile’s entire automotive system by themselves to monster

mono-block amps ranging from 600 all the way up to 10,000 watts (no, that’s not a typo) to power a trunk-full of 12” subs.

Hearing is believing; stop by your nearest Typhoon Motors for a demo that’ll knock your socks into next week.

Additionally during the month of July, car owners can work on their rides—be it muffler repair, oil changes or suspension modifications or all of the above—while enjoying $1 lift and stall fees from July 1 to 7 as part of Typhoon Motors Independence Day Special.

To better serve you, Typhoon Motors on Camp Foster is open seven days a week; and locations on Camps Kinser, Courtney and Hansen are open Tuesday through Saturday (closed Sunday, Monday and holidays).

For more information, visit Typhoon Motors at mccsokinawa. com/typhoonmotors.  JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 51

SERVICES

Bolt Action Virtual Shooting Range

By Laser Shot Test your shooting skills, train or simply have fun at Bolt Action, a mobile virtual shooting range provided by a global leader in the development and manufacturing of firearm training simulators and live-fire facilities— Laser Shot.

Featuring simulated firearms with a realistic look and feel, Bolt Action provides a theaterstyle interactive experience for both training and entertainment through a wide range of games for all ages. You can take out zombies, step into the Wild West and go after outlaws and bandits or battle pirates while young shooters can enjoy games like Flying Rubber Ducky. And if you’re a hunter, you can work on your aim and speed by having a go at rabbits, ducks, deer, squirrels, boars and more.

Bolt Action will be moving base to base to various MCCS Bowling Centers. Currently, the mobile virtual shooting range will be open during regular hours of operation at the MCCS Bowling Center on MCAS Futenma starting Tuesday, June 18 beginning at 4 p.m. For $20 per hour for the first person; $10 per each additional shooter (max participation of 4), Bolt Action can be your private firing range! For more information, or to see where Bolt Action will be located next, visit mccsokinawa.com/bowling.

For more information on Laser Shot, visit lasershot.com. 

FREE Stuff OUTSIDERZONE, MELIS82/DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Who Said Nothing’s Free?

Actually, a lot of people do. It’s a popular adage. But those people have not heard of MCCS. MCCS makes Okinawa a better home-away-from-home, and, in many cases, MCCS offers it free-of-charge.

What does MCCS offer for FREE? We’re glad you asked.

Enjoy FREE golf clinics, swing instruction and more at Taiyo Golf Club. MCCS Clubs and Restaurants offer tons of FREE stuff—from concerts to karaoke. Get fit for FREE at MCCS Fitness Centers’ gyms, classes, fitness assessments and more. Learn about Japanese culture and even some of the language with FREE classes at Marine and Family Programs-Resources. And, that’s just the tip of the FREE iceberg!

Want more FREE stuff? For a full listing of everything that’s FREE at MCCS, check out mccsokinawa.com/FREE.  JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 53

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とまりん

Open : Mon.-Sat. 10:30a.m-6:00p.m.

Wed. half day Closed : Sundays & announced days

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祭 り

Matsurizoku TEXT BY MIKE DALEY

L AY O U T B Y M A R G I E S H I M A B U K U R O

The Ryukyu Islands are known for the longevity of their people, the beauty of their arts, stunning land and seascapes and the peoples’ collective love of matsuri.

THOMAS ALAN SMILIE

JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 57

ummertime on Okinawa—heat touching the 90s, humid nights and clouds of irritating bugs. But, while many people living on the island are thinking about kicking back in air conditioned rooms eating ice cream, many more will joyfully brave the heat and humidity to enjoy one of the many summer matsuri, or festivals, held throughout the hot months.

On Okinawa, matsuri are summer traditions among both local residents and island veterans alike. Every year (barring typhoons, of course), hundreds of thousands of people flock to festival venues throughout the prefecture to party, play festival games, eat festival foods, dance to festival music and watch hanabi taikai, or fireworks displays.

There is absolutely no question, Uchinânchu love their festivals.

So much so that the people of Okinawa are known throughout Japan as matsurizoku; which translates to “festival people.” In the US, July 4 is the traditional date for the biggest summer festival or fair. But on Okinawa, there are several opportunities to enjoy festivals during the summer, post-summer and early autumn months.

Matsuri can be found in virtually all of the larger cities, many of the smaller municipalities, in small villages and communities, and even some companies (such as Okinawa Denryoku or Okinawa Electric Power Company) hold their own matsuri for employees and their families. From the southern islands of Yaeyama to Motobu in the northern forests of Yanbaru, each hold their own special festival. And while each Okinawan matsuri has several bread-and-butter features that one can expect to see at any, each has a flavor—and a life—of its own.

There is absolutely no question, Uchinânchu love their festivals.

祭 り

Okinawan Festival Mainstays

Food

(TAKOYAKI) CHARLOTTELAKE /DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM, (CORNDOG) ASIMOJET/DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM, THOMAS ALAN SMILIE

Although cuisine from throughout the world can be found in multitudes of stalls, traditional Okinawan matsuri fare is usually pretty simple. Some of the more common fodder includes takoyaki (golf ball-sized/shaped treats with a delicious boiled octopus filling), taiyaki (a sort of doughnut shaped like a fish and filled with ankô or sweet bean paste), yakitori (charbroiled teriyaki chicken on a stick), ika-batâ yaki (calamari sautéed in butter), fried rice and yakisoba (stir-fried noodles with pork and vegetables). More familiar carnival foods such as corndogs, cotton candy, corn-on-the-cob and ribs are also usually available.

JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 59

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祭 り

Music

THOMAS ALAN SMILIE, MIKE DALEY, RODERICA MATHIS

Music plays an immense part in the everyday lives of many on the island, and most islander’s unbounded love for music becomes immediately apparent during matsuri season. A typical festival can feature a broad spectrum of music ranging from rock, hip hop, classical, soul, ska, punk, country and rap to classical Ryukyu court music and Okinawan folk melodies. Oftentimes, live performances by local musicians are held non-stop from early afternoon to late in the evening.

While electric guitars, drums and keyboards abound at Okinawan matsuri, the most prevalent instrument is probably the sanshin. The Okinawan sanshin is a plucked instrument consisting of a long, polished, black-lacquered neck made of ebony. The neck pierces the top and bottom of a round body made of Chinese black pine, which is covered on both sides with snakeskin (usually python). The three strings of the sanshin were formerly made of silk, although tetron is now more commonplace. They're traditionally plucked with a plectrum made of water buffalo horn (nowadays acrylic is more popular) worn on the index finger of the right hand. The sanshin is normally played acapella or can be accompanied by singing or other instruments in the form of music known as shimauta, or “island music.” Shimauta has been used to augment Okinawan festivals for countless generations.

JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 61

祭 り

Dance

THOMAS ALAN SMILIE

A variety of traditional Okinawan dance forms can be enjoyed at any typical matsuri. However, eisa—by far—is the type of dance that most automatically equate with Okinawan festivals.

Eisa is a dynamic, spirited dance that plays a vital part of a holiday for honoring ancestors called Obon. Today, the dance is also considered a symbol of the Ryukyu Islands.

The principal musical instruments used in eisa include the sanshin, large barrel drums called ôdaiko, medium-sized laced drums called shimedaiko and small hand drums called paranku.

Other accessories may include small cymbals, fans, castanets, hand towels and handkerchiefs. During the old days, men played the sanshin and beat vigorously on drums while jumping and spinning, as the young women danced to the rhythms, incorporating fans, towels, kerchiefs, and other accessories into routines. Now, however, both male and females of all ages wield taiko and share dancing duties. Eisa “formations” vary from place to place, ranging from circular, square and star-shaped to columns of young men and women broken into different categories determined by their part of the dance. Modern eisa is considered an Okinawan art form, and different municipalities often compete against each other at an island-wide tournaments.

JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 63

祭 り Upcoming Festivals on Okinawa Since matsuri season on Okinawa also happens to be typhoon season, festival dates are subject to change (and sometimes cancellation).

Chatan Seaport Festival July 13–14 Sunset Beach, Chatan Town Although this festival is still fairly new and is small compared to festivals held by municipalities such as Naha or Uruma, it attracts tens of thousands of revelers. The festival’s venue, Chatan Town’s Sunset Beach and Araha Park, also allows for several ocean and beach-related activities.

10,000 Eisa Dancers Summer Festival August 4 Kokusai Street, Naha City Held on probably the most wellknown 1.6-kilometer stretch of road on the island, this parade is the culmination of months of practice for eisa dancers of all ages. This festival is known to attract well over 100,000 revelers from across Japan each year to watch the twirling dancers and drummers.

MIKE DALEY

Ginowan Hagoromo Matsuri September 28–29 Ginowan City Convention Center Here, the main attraction is the all-island kachāshī dance tournament. Kachāshī is an ancient form of simple Okinawan dance that expresses joy and jubilation.

Kachāshī, which is traditionally danced at the end of weddings and other happy events, is often spontaneous and without set choreography. The tournament features dancers of all ages and nationalities, from groups of toddlers to troupes featuring spry, 90+year-old seniors.

Urasoe Tedako Matsuri Mid-October Urasoe Sports Park The Urasoe Tedako Matsuri, a fair held annually at the Urasoe City Sports Park attracts approximately 140,000 people each year. The name of the festival, Tedako (which means “sun child”) was the honorific title of King Eiso— ruler of the ancient Kingdom of Urasoe. The Tedako festival features a parade, a traditional performing arts contest, a teenage eisa dance, a dragon boat race tournament at Makiminato Port, and of course, fireworks.

Fireworks Unlike the traditional Fourth of July skyrocket (like the ACME-made version Wile E. Coyote often straps onto his back), festivals on Okinawa use uniquely-Japanese spherical fireworks to punctuate their evenings. Most Japanese fireworks, or hanabi, are usually made of paper and are filled with progressive layers of flash powder, called wariyaku, and hoshi, or “stars.”

The stars are made of chemical powders that burn with different colors and sometimes sparkle when ignited. As hanabi are spherical, they burst into a brilliance of showering sparkles in the shape of a globe.

Traditionally, hanabi come in three categories: the wari-mono, kowari-mono and the poka-mono. Wari-mono are tightly packed with smaller stars and usually burst into the shape of a perfect sphere. Kowari-mono contain stars that explode into multiple spheres after the initial burst and poka-mono usually bloom on a smaller scale. Poka-mono often contain rocket-type stars that shoot in every direction. Seeing wari-mono burst into the shape of pink hearts, lotus flowers or even smiley faces are becoming more common with modern pyrotechnic technology. Many of the larger fireworks displays on Okinawa make use of several thousand (some use 10,000) individual hanabi orchestrated over periods of up to 45 minutes to provide the greatest entertainment.

Whether a matsuri is held by a school or daycare center for the enjoyment of parents and children, or involves 10,000 musicians and dancers performing eisa dances for 100,000+ spectators, one thing cannot be said enough: The matsurizoku of Okinawa truly love their matsuri. 

JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 65

LIVING ON OKINAWA

Okonomiyaki (meat and vegetable pancake)

Ingredients 1/2 cup flour 1 egg 1 tsp. salt 2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 cup water 8 leaves of cabbage 100g sliced, lean, pork 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise 6 Tbsp. ketchup 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce Thinly shaved dried bonito flakes (katsuobushi) Green laver Preparation 1. Mix flour, salt, baking powder, egg and water.

2. Shred cabbage; cut pork into slightly larger than bite-size pieces.

3. Mix cabbage and pork with flour mixture.

4. Heat vegetable oil in a pan.

5. Pour the cabbage mixture into the pan in the shape of a pancake.

6. Cook until underside is golden brown, then flip.

7. Spread mayonnaise lightly over top surface.

8. Mix ketchup and Worcestershire sauce; spread over mayonnaise.

9. Sprinkle with green laver and bonito flakes.

LENYVAVSHA/DEPOSITPHOTO.COM, DONYANEDOMAM/DEPOSITPHOTO.COM

Summer Icons With summer in full-swing on Okinawa, you’ve probably already run into one or both of the perennial summer evening island icons—the yârû and the tôbira. And we’re not even talking about giant bats or slithering reptiles.

While the name may sound endearing, the tôbira is everything but; mostly because we’re talking about the large, disgusting and almost indestructible Okinawan cockroach. Hardened veterans of the tôbira wars often swap stories of their epic battles with roaches the size of Rodan (the flying monster from the Godzilla movies) and lament that defeating them is an impossible task.

Although this point maybe argued by some, yârû (geckoes) are the far more agreeable member of the iconic pair. The gecko’s name in the Japanese language translates to “protector of the home” and it's possible this moniker stems from the tiny reptiles habit of controlling household pests, such as the aforementioned roaches. 

Uchinâguchi Corner English

Japanese

Uchinâguchi

Summer

Natsu

Nachi JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 67

MCCS NEWS

Mr. Jeffery A. Brown (right) with MajGen Paul J. Rock Jr, Commanding General, MCIPAC.

Proudly Serving Proudly serving those who serve… these words are the lifeblood of Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) in our mission to support Marines, Sailors and their families stationed on Okinawa with a wide variety of services, programs and facilities. Some members of MCCS Okinawa have made fulfilling this mission their lifework—and one such individual was recognized recently with a prestigious award.

On May 16, 2019, Director, Non-appropriated Fund Regional Procurement Office for MCCS MCIPAC Mr. Jeffery A. Brown, received the NF-5 and above equivalent; Marine Corps Installations Command Civilian of the Year for 2018 Award from Major General Paul J. Rock Jr. Commanding General, Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

The citation reads as following: “For meritorious service from January 1 to December 31, 2018 while serving as Director of the Non-appropriated Fund Regional Procurement Office, Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) on the staff of Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Butler, Mr. Brown performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly-professional manner, resulting in his selection as the NF-5 and above equivalent; Marine Corps Installations Command Civilian of the Year for 2018. Mr. Brown’s professional talents and proactive actions in the area of procurement have allowed our MCCS program to be a force multiplier within MCIPAC and the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). His efforts have resulted

in the MCIPAC MCCS Regional Procurement Office becoming recognized as the benchmark for the USMC. His regional procurement initiatives throughout the MCIPAC area of responsibility have resulted in a highly successful 2018 business year with process improvements for all MCIPAC installations. His direct leadership interventions and organizational oversight resulted in significant improvements in procurement processes as well as cost savings.

His programming expertise and approachable demeanor have led to new and improved relations with other MCIPAC installations and divisions, as well as, building strong relationships with private sector businesses throughout the Indo-Asia Pacific. Mr. Brown utilized his relationship-building expertise to establish various internet and satellite television contracts in support multiple units deployed on exercises throughout the Indo-Asia Pacific region to include Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines and Australia. His involvement, leadership and hands-on direction have made a highly positive, lasting and widespread impact on a multitude of activities and programs, improving the quality of life for thousands of Marines and their families throughout MCIPAC. Mr. Brown’s distinctive accomplishments and impressive devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself, and the United States Marine Corps.” 

JULY 2019 | OKINAWA LIVING 69

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