OLM October 2021

October 2021 | Issue 284

FROM THE ASHES REBUILDING SHURI CASTLE CHILLIN’ & GRILLIN’ BBQ ON OKINAWA

contents October 2021

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8 56 out + about

features

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Charm, Color & Culture Kyoto in Autumn Autumn is a spectacular time to explore Kyoto’s tranquil sights; Kiyomizu-Dera, Fushimi-Inari Shrine and Kinkaku-ji Temple appear otherworldly amongst the bright fall foliage.

From the Ashes Rebuilding Shuri Castle This month marks two years since an electrical fire ravaged Shuri Castle and sent shockwaves through the community. Despite the frustration and grief, there is hope; Shuri Castle will stand again.

restaurant review

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44 On the cover Experience “real” Japan at its best and most beautiful—visit Kyoto in autumn.

Kinser Surfside An Extension of Home The question: How to make Kinser Surfside feel like an extension of home? The answer: Surfside Curbside, Build Your Own Pizza Night, Steak and Wine Night, Fajita and Margarita Night and Sunday Breakfast.

Chillin’ & Grillin’ BBQ on Okinawa From local foods to specialty shops and ideal cookout locations, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about BBQ on Okinawa.

contents October 2021

dining + entertainment 43 Okinapa Dust off your cocktail attire and head to Butler Officers’ Club for Okinapa Wine Festival, featuring wine, food and live entertainment.

kids + parents 49 Pumpkin Painting Classes The life expectancy of jack-o’-lanterns on Okinawa is short. Why not paint a pumpkin instead? To help you on your pumpkin-painting path, MCCS Arts and Crafts will be hosting classes featuring renowned Okinawan artist Arisa Miller.

51 Red Ribbon Week Join Kubasaki High School and Lester Middle School in celebrating Red Ribbon Week, a drug-prevention campaign that strives to keep our children, families and military members safe, healthy and drug free.

services 53

49 fitness + fun

marines + families

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Dance for a Cause Health Promotion is hosting an evening combining exercise and education in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness Months.

Third Annual Break the Cycle Cyclethon Show your support of healthy relationships by walking, running and/or cycling in the Third Annual Break the Cycle Cyclethon.

Back and Better Than Ever Inns of the Corps Camp Courtney, the recent recipient of a 2021 MCCS Food and Hospitality Excellence Award, is back and better than ever after the completion of two major renovations.

55 Typhoon Motors Sales Typhoon Motors is ready to help you trick out your ride and treat your wallet to some savings. Stop by three Typhoon Motors locations—Camps Foster, Courtney and Hansen—for sales sweeter than your kids’ Halloween loot.

extras

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Fall Fit Camp Find your motivation to move at Fall Fit Camp, a small-group fitness program with circuit-style workouts led by a certified personal trainer.

Scholarship Spooktacular It’s that time of year again: the season for things that go bump in the night, skeletal hands bursting from the earth, floating apparitions drifting through the halls—and scholarships!

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Okinawa’s Strongest: Main Event Terminate the competition at Okinawa’s Strongest: Main Event, a culmination of the Battle of the South and North.

Warhammer 40k Open League Event It’s the turn of the 42nd millennium and human civilization is on the verge of collapse. Will you be humanity’s savior…or its ruin? The time has come to wage tabletop war.

Mensôre

Feedback & Show Us!

69 Living on Okinawa

70 Marketplace Guide

OCTOBER 2021 | ISSUE 284 COMMANDING GENERAL, MCIPAC Brigadier General William J. Bowers

mensôre “Welcome” to Okinawa Living

ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, MCCS, MCIPAC Edward S. Hutsell DEPUTY ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, MCCS DIRECTOR, MCCS, MCB CAMP BUTLER Michael S. Gieseck DEPUTY MCCS DIRECTOR MARINE & FAMILY PROGRAMS Carlos J. Saldaña DEPUTY MCCS DIRECTOR BUSINESS & SUPPORT Hyun Woo Chang CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER Jim Kassebaum EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mike Daley MCCS ART DIRECTOR Henry C. Ortega OKINAWA LIVING ART DIRECTORS Margie Shimabukuro, Emeline Toole GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Giulia Pulvirenti, Mayar Mahmoud, Rebecca Lambertsen DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Thomas Alan Smilie PHOTOGRAPHER Mia Cox EDITORIAL Alex Jusell, Angie Andrews DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA Kathlene Millette, Roxine Ami, Jaci Mullally CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST Ayako Kawamitsu ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP MANAGER Roy Forster ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP Yoshihiro Shinzato, Hiromitsu Horikawa Terumi Nagai, Crystal Rivas, Ronshanda Perkins MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER Andrew Menges MARKETING ACCOUNTS Leah Scrybalo, Bethany Ramirez DISTRIBUTION Brian Jones CONTRIBUTING WRITER Kiara Klein

We welcome your comments.

Please send letters to editor@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org For advertising | 広告掲載のお問い合わせ (日本語可) 098-970-2245 (phone) | 098-970-0975 (fax) sales@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org (email) See our advertising rates at mccsokinawa.com MCCS MARKETING BRANCH MCB Camp S.D. Butler. Unit 35023, FPO AP 96378-5023

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 ©2021

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.

Okinawa Living Magazine is printed with

Rebirth On the morning of October 31, 2019, the skies above the hills of Shuri glowed an angry red.

Visible for miles by early risers, the distinct smell of smoke laid heavily in the air for miles around. Something was burning. Little did anyone know that it was the heart of the Okinawan people being destroyed in the flames.

As a true Okinawan icon, Shuri Castle has graced the pages (and the cover) of Okinawa Living Magazine many times over the decades. Because of this, we were devastated when we woke to the news of the fire that destroyed eight of the central buildings and burned many irreplaceable historical documents along with invaluable works of calligraphy, lacquerware and textiles.

As one who lives close enough to have seen the glow and smelled the smoke that morning, I wasn’t the only one brushing away unbidden tears as millions throughout Okinawa, Japan and the rest of the world watched the walls of the Seiden crumble in flames, either in person or on live news broadcasts.

The story of Shuri Castle, however, did not end there. Just one month after the fire, donations to the prefecture and the city of Naha surpassed ¥1.2 billon. Today, that number is more than ¥5 billion. In this issue, we’re happy to give our readers an update on the reconstruction of the castle—which is continuing today.

The following line was written as a conclusion to the Shuri Castle entry in the Best of Okinawa Living book, which was published in 2009—on the eve of the castle’s 10th anniversary of being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site: “The treasure that was thought lost forever so many times had once again been returned to its former glory—rising from the ashes and rubble like the golden dragons emblazoned on its vermillion pillars.”

I look forward to being able to say these words once again. 

Mike Daley Editor-In-Chief Take us on the road Enjoy Okinawa Living Magazine on your favorite mobile device!

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 came by the Foster Teen Center to talk to the staff after my daughter heard about the center from school.

My daughter is really excited to start, and the staff were very nice and super informative. After discussing the process of getting my daughter started, the manager even took the time to give me a quick tour. She also explained how to get a bus pass from the school. Now, my daughter and I are both looking forward to the events at the center. Thank you for all that you do.

@_loveokinawa_ nokoto cafe

—via ICE I contacted Marine and Family Programs last week regarding sponsorship training for my unit. The phone rang only once and Ms. Julia [Leoni] answered.

She was happy to assist with scheduling training for my unit and to accommodate the amount of personnel who needed to receive training. She scheduled sessions within a week of the initial phone conversation. When Julia arrived for the training, she was 15 minutes early, which as a GySgt made me smile. She was ready with all of the materials and the presentation. During her brief, she was extremely professional and had the most up-to-date knowledge regarding sponsoring Marines and Sailors arriving to Okinawa. In addition to engaging every attendee in the course content, her personality made it easier

@mermaid_treasure_hunter

for everyone to learn. I absolutely appreciate all the

Sun Tzu the lion dog #okilivingmag

assistance from MCCS, and look forward to working with your staff and scheduling more training.

—via ICE We greatly appreciate you taking the time to provide feedback on our programs and for also recognizing our Camp Foster Information and Referral Specialist, Ms. Julia Leoni. Ms. Leoni is a valued member of our team and brings with her a wealth of knowledge in relocation services. We were very pleased to hear she was able to provide you with the training support you were seeking. We have passed your comments on to Ms. Leoni, as well as to the rest of our team.

Your feedback validates our continual efforts to provide “World Class Customer Service” every day! Again, thank you for your comments, and please don’t hesitate to contact us again if we can be of further assistance.

—Tasha N. Smalls, Family Programs and Resources Manager

@jacquicrippes All I need

The library is the best thing about MCAS Futenma because the staff is so awesome! They are always friendly and go out of their way to help. The selection of books is great, especially considering it serves a pretty small base. The staff even helps Marines get access to equipment to pursue interesting hobbies, as well.

I really appreciate the work they do there and always enjoy coming to the library.

—via ICE

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.

OCTOBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 7

CHARM, COLOR & CULTURE KYOTO IN AUTUMN

OUT + ABOUT

Text by: Kiara Klein | Design by: Emeline Toole

KYOTO,

the capital of Japan until about 150 years ago, is iconic for its numerous Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, meticulously maintained Zen gardens and rustic, wooden homes. One of the best times to explore the culturally rich city is in autumn; vibrant scarlets, ambers and ochres orchestrate the perfect backdrop for the ornate yet clean-lined architecture, and the brisk weather provides sweet relief from the humid Okinawan days.

So take a trip, recharge and find peace amongst Kyoto’s fall foliage and tranquil sights.

OCTOBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 9

Consult with III MEF/MARFORJ Leave & Liberty Guidance before booking/travel

KIYOMIZU-DERA

Founded in 778 AD—and arguably Kyoto’s most popular temple—Kiyomizu-Dera (or “pure water temple”) is perched halfway up the east side of Mt. Otowa. Its name derives from the pure-watered falls located in the heart of Kiyomizu-Dera.

Beneath the main hall, the fall’s stream divides into three separate channels that run into a pond beneath. It is believed that the waters contain wish-granting powers. Each stream is known for its different effects: One brings success, the other, love, and the last, longevity. Visitors can catch water from one of the three streams to use as purification.

The grounds are blessed with an abundance of nature and each season the vegetation showcases a gorgeous display. And if you’re looking for the best place to enjoy the fall scenery, inside the temple just across the main hall is the broad hinoki ( Japanese cypress) wooden stage—a veranda 13 meters high that juts out over the hillside. There, you get an unrivaled view of the stunning maples and cherry trees occupying the property and a picturesque view of Kyoto’s cityscape.

During the second half of November, Kiyomizu-Dera— along with a few other shrines and temples in the Higashiyama district—hosts a nighttime illumination. Lights dotting the garden create a kaleidoscopic effect through the fall-colored trees that leaves onlookers enraptured.

OCTOBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 11

FUSHIMI-INARI SHRINE

Sitting at the base of Mt. Inari is Fushimi-Inari Taisha (another word for shrine). The Inari shrines are well known in Japan, as there are more than 30,000 around the country. Constructed in 711 AD, Fushimi-Inari is the head shrine to which all others are affiliated. After you pass through the magnificent gate, you can admire the shrine’s honden (or main hall), where visitors pay respects and leave small offerings to the presiding deity. In Japanese mythology, the god Inari is primarily known for the cultivation of rice, but the primary deity at Fushimi-Inari takes the form of Uka-no-Mitama-no-kami, the goddess of agriculture, harvest and commerce. Past the honden, there are trails that continue up the side of the mountain with various small shrines along the way.

The shrine’s sprawling grounds are full of foliage that morphs in the fall, and one popular way to view the myriad of seasonal colors is by taking an uphill walk through the famed Sen-bon Torii (or thousand-torii gateway). No matter which path you take to soak in the spectacular sights, the ascent to the mountain’s summit takes roughly two to three hours. But, novice hikers rejoice, as there are many scenic stops along the way that provide the comforts of a place to sit and a bite to eat. Plus, the hike to the peak is well worth the view.

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Afternoon tea

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with tea, tropical fruits and sweets made from seasonal Okinawan ingredients. You deserve it!

TEPPANYAKI

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OUT + ABOUT

KINKAKU-JI TEMPLE

Established in 1397 AD and located in northern Kyoto, the Kinkakuji temple—originally built as shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu’s retirement home—echoes the extravagant culture that blossomed in affluent aristocratic circles during Yoshimitsu’s time.

The impressive temple sits on a large reflection pond and is a breathtaking sight throughout the year, but especially so in autumn—crimson, amber and russet leaves provide a vibrant backdrop to the iconic golden pavilion, and their reflection off the water makes it seem as if the pond were ablaze.

Once you’re finished viewing Kinkaku-ji from across the pond, you’ll pass by the hojo (Zen priests’ living quarters). The interior is closed to the public, but you can still appreciate the beautiful architecture, especially the quarter’s painted fusuma (sliding doors), which are a distinguishing characteristic of the hojo.

Before exiting the temple grounds, garden paths will lead you to the Sekkatei Teahouse, an ideal location amidst the colorful foliage to enjoy a piping hot cup of tea.

With dozens of well-known sights to see and copious colors provided by the native, lush foliage, Kyoto is a traveler’s haven in autumn. And, if you need help to plan your next trip, MCCS Tours+ is happy to assist you with your itinerary! Head to mccsokinawa. com/tours for phone numbers, locations and offerings. 

OCTOBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 15

Rebuilding

Shuri Castle

Text by: Alex Jusell Design by: Rebecca Lambertsen

T

his month marks two years since an electrical fire ravaged Shurijo Castle—Okinawa’s cultural, political and spiritual hub, beloved by both the island’s citizens and visitors the world over. The fire destroyed eight of the castle’s main structures and invaluable works of calligraphy, lacquerware, textiles and historical documents housed within. Fortunately no one was harmed, but the crumbling of such a significant link to the past sent shockwaves through the community.

Amidst the devastation and frustration, however, there was cause for hope: Governor Denny Tamaki announced that Shurijo would be rebuilt. The link to the past would be reforged.

OCTOBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 17

PHOTO COURTESY OF OKINAWA COMMEMORATIVE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT PARK (SHURIJO CASTLE PARK)

This is far from Shurijo’s first reconstruction. Since its creation roughly 600 years ago as the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, the castle has collapsed five times.

By 1660, the castle’s main edifice, or Seiden, had burned down twice, with reconstruction completed in 1671.

In 1709, another fire consumed three major buildings, including, again, the Seiden. Reconstruction this time was completed in 1715. The castle then stood for a couple hundred years, although it fell on troubled times in 1879 when the Japanese Imperial Army exiled the last ruler of the Ryukyu Kingdom, claimed Okinawa as a prefecture of Japan and transformed the castle into a barracks.

During this time, the Japanese Imperial Army abused and neglected the castle. Soldiers removed the beautiful tapestries and decorative fixtures adorning the halls, and tore down large portions of the walls to use as firewood. Floorboards and ceilings were left to rot, and the castle fell into general disarray until 1907, when Japan sold the land back to the Okinawan ward of Shuri. It took decades, but by the late 1930’s, Shurijo had attained its former glory.

This golden age, however, did not last long. With the onset of WWII, the Japanese Imperial Army once again occupied Shurijo, this time digging an extensive tunnel system underneath to use as its headquarters.

Valuable Japanese assets and officials were held within, drawing intense U.S. bombardment and shelling from land, sea and air that erased Shurijo from the face of the earth.

Decades of budgetary shortages followed, stalling reconstruction. But after years of lobbying and painstakingly gathering old drawings, photos and notes regarding the castle’s design—most of which had been lost or destroyed in WWII—plans to reconstruct Shurijo finally came to fruition in 1989. Renowned Okinawan artists, artisans, carpenters and builders banded together and pushed their talents to the limits, and after years of tireless labor, Shurijo Castle Park reopened in November 1992 to the public. The castle then became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, garnering worldwide attention.

This iteration, however, still lacked an internal sprinkler system. So on the night of October 31, 2019, when faulty wiring sparked and caught aflame, the fire grew unhindered. Recently painted lacquerware and high winds stoked the flames, and Shurijo fell a fifth time.

OCTOBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 19

yet the

HEART OF OKINAWA PHOTOS COURTESY OF OKINAWA COMMEMORATIVE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT PARK (SHURIJO CASTLE PARK)

never stopped beating

the wood. Long, thick timber is necessary to withstand Okinawa’s climate, and for the most recent structure, Okinawa imported massive cypress trees from Taiwan.

Unfortunately, logging Taiwanese cypress is now banned, but the prefecture is working with Taiwan to see if there are any stores of cypress not being used that Okinawa can have to rebuild Shurijo.

Yet the heart of Okinawa never stopped beating.

After Governor Tamaki announced that Shurijo would be rebuilt, the Okinawa Prefectural Government launched a fundraiser. The community’s response was swift and overwhelmingly supportive. Donations poured in from all over and continue to do so to this day; as of August 31, 2021, the generosity of locals, the military community and folks abroad has helped to raise an incredible ¥5,287,484,980—that’s roughly 48 million dollars. Donations are still being accepted, too; head to pref.okinawa.jp/site/doboku/koen/syurijyouki fukinn.html to help out.

Another way the community is helping is by cleaning Shurijo’s red roof tiles. Thousands of roof tiles lay scattered among the rubble after the fire—some destroyed, some intact. The intact tiles were set aside, and now, Shurijo hosts events in which volunteers can come and clean the soot and plaster off the tiles so they can once again sit atop the castle. Check out oki-park.jp/shurijo/information/detail/5492 for more information on this effort.

These donations and assistance are vital, too, as there are clearly many challenges to overcome in reconstructing a whole castle. One such challenge is Workers repairing the roof of the Houshinmon, the ticket-check gate.

OCTOBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 21

MCCS PHOTOS

TOP RIGHT AND BOTTOM PHOTOS COURTESY OF OKINAWA COMMEMORATIVE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT PARK (SHURIJO CASTLE PARK)

In planning for the

FUTURE, it's important to consult the

PAST

The craftsmanship also poses a large challenge. To restore the castle as true-toform as possible, traditional woodworking, painting, pottery and construction techniques will be employed—techniques with which many are not familiar.

Since many of the artists and builders involved in the last reconstruction have passed away, it will be up to a new generation to tap into the traditional techniques and apply them. There could be an interesting byproduct to this, however, that was prevalent during the last reconstruction: a reignited interest in the older Ryukyu arts—lacquerware, textiles, pottery and even music and dance—among the Okinawan community.

In planning for the future, it’s important to consult the past; in rebuilding Shurijo, a modern fire-prevention system will without a doubt be installed to ensure a tragedy such as this doesn’t occur again. As of now, Shurijo is in its planning stages and is ramping up to begin reconstruction of the Seiden in 2022. The Seiden is projected to be finished in 2026, and during this time, portions of Shurijo will be open to the public. Visitors will even be able to see the step-by-step revitalization process in what the castle is calling “Reconstruction on Display.” For tickets and updates, visit oki-park.jp/shurijo.

And if you never had a chance to see Shurijo before the fire, or would like to revisit images of the castle in its entirety, Google Arts & Culture (artsand culture. google.com/project/castles-of-japan) and OUR Shurijo (our-shurijo.org) have digitally reconstructed Shurijo using thousands of photos.

OCTOBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 23

A LABOR OF LOVE and a reflection of the enduring spirit of the Okinawan people

When thinking about Shurijo, it’s hard not to be reminded of Sisyphus. In Greek mythology, the gods sentenced Sisyphus to push a boulder up a hill for all eternity. Once he’d make it to the top, the boulder would roll back down and Sisyphus would start all over again. For ages, philosophers have tied this myth to the futility of human actions—in this case, rebuilding Shurijo a fifth time. But Albert Camus, the existentialist philosopher, reframed the myth. He said to imagine Sisyphus smiling.

It’s important to recognize the beauty in rebuilding, in pushing the boulder back up the hill. It is not an exercise in futility, but a labor of love and a reflection of the enduring spirit of the Okinawan people. To be clear, there is nothing beautiful in the destruction, but there is in the response. That the community came together to donate 48 million dollars and counting, that this structure’s cultural significance was reflected upon and validated, that Shurijo will return stronger than ever—these are, for what they’re worth, silver linings in the smoke.  *The photos on pages 18–19, top left of 23, and 25 were all taken before the fire.

OCTOBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 25

FITNESS + FUN

Dance for a Cause Combining Exercise and Education With the COVID pandemic stretching closer and closer to its twoyear mark, people have remained on high alert when it comes to health and wellness. COVID is the scariest word to enter most of our vocabularies over these recent months, but one ‘c’-word has been hanging around haunting many for much longer: cancer.

The World Health Organization reports that breast cancer is now the most common form of cancer diagnosed throughout the world. While random events may lead to the development of cancer, genetic and environmental factors can impact a person’s risk. Factors which increase one’s risk of developing breast cancer include lack of exercise, poor diet, smoking and alcohol consumption. While both men and women can develop breast cancer, women are at a much higher risk of being affected (about 100 times more likely).

Even though the thought of cancer is worrisome, talking to your doctor and learning about resources available within your community can help alleviate some of that concern.

Another great wealth of information is MCCS Health Promotion.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month (read more about domestic violence on p. 35), and to raise awareness for both, Health Promotion is hosting Dance for a Cause—an evening combining exercise and education.

Stop by the Camp Foster Community Center Auditorium on October 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. to take part in FREE Zumba and Mixxed Fit classes and hear from speakers from the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa and MCCS Behavioral Health departments. There will be plenty of informational pamphlets and handouts available in addition to staff members ready to help you discover health resources here on Okinawa. Registration is not required and this event is open to SOFA ID card holders island-wide. Participants ages 12 to 17 may attend with a parent or legal guardian.

To learn more about Breast Cancer Awareness, visit mccsokinawa. com/healthpromotion. If you have any questions about Dance for a Cause, please call 645-3910 (DSN) or 098-970-3910 from off base. 

OCTOBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 27

FITNESS + FUN

Dodgin’ Goblins Camp Hansen Open Flag Football Tournament Flag football is not only great exercise and tons of fun, it’s also perfect practice for dodging any ghouls, goblins or flying foxes you may encounter this month.

That being said, maybe it’s a good idea to stop by and compete in the Camp Hansen Open Flag Football Tournament on Saturday and Sunday, October 23–24, to sharpen those dodgin’ skills.

Some things to keep in mind as you are putting your team together: Teams may have up to 20 players plus a coach. If a coach decides to play, he or she will count against the team’s 20-player limit. Moreover, games will consist of two 20-minute halves and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams will receive awards. Regarding registration, SOFA ID card holders ages 16 and older may sign up through Eventbrite for $150 per team by 1 p.m. on October 18.

For more information, head to mccsokinawa.com/ adultsports or facebook.com/ mccsokinawa.semperfit. If you have questions, please email adultsports@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org. 

Take it to the Streets (and Swimming Lanes) Futenma Triathlon As Okinawa cools off, we are finally able to exercise outside without melting into a pool of sweat on the sidewalk. So to usher in this nicer weather, MCCS will be celebrating in the most Semper Fit way possible—with a triathlon.

On Sunday, October 17, take to the streets and swimming lanes of MCAS Futenma for the Futenma Triathlon, a fun and competitive reverse-triathlon event in which participants will run 5k, bike 15k and then swim 200m to the finish line. Awards will go to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place

finishers in all age categories (both males and females), as well as to the overall male and female winners of the race.

SOFA ID card holders ages 15 and older may participate and must register by October 13 (11:30 p.m.) through Eventbrite for $40. For more information, head to mccsokinawa.com/ adultsports or facebook.com/mccsokinawa.semperfit.

For questions, please email adultsports@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org. 

Fall Fit Camp Motivation to Move Everyone has days when, for one reason or another, their motivation to work out is lacking. When you have too many of those days in a row, the struggle to get back into a healthy lifestyle can become increasingly difficult.

One of the best ways to keep from slacking off is to find some accountability outside of yourself.

Simply put, you’re more likely to show up and put the work in when other people expect you to. If you’re looking for your own motivational group to help you get and stay active, Fit Camp is for you.

Designed to help you build strength and confidence, Fit Camp is a progressive, fee-based fitness program lead by certified personal trainers. Emphasizing circuit-style workouts, each session is full of multiple exercises you can add to your fitness routines. As your trainer guides you through proper technique, you’ll learn how to get your best performance while guarding against workout-related injuries. You’ll also find a core group of workout buddies full of encouragement within Fit Camp’s small-group environment.

The first empowering boost? You can join now! Fall Fit Camps run from October 12 through November 22. Registration is open to SOFA ID card holders ages 18 and older and is available until October 8. To register, head to the front desk of the MCCS Fitness Center where you intend to participate.

For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/healthpromotion. For any questions, call 645-3910 (DSN) or 098-970-3910 from off base.  OCTOBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 29

FITNESS + FUN

Wrestle Mania!

Conquer the Competition In this corner, wearing the red, white and blue singlet and weighing in at 275 pounds, it’s…your staff sergeant? All right, there’ll be no “smelling what the Rock is cooking,” Undertakers undertaking or Stone Cold Stunners in this wrestling tournament, but that doesn’t mean that the action won’t be just as fierce as the main event at Wrestle Mania!

Show everyone who’s the real “Big Show” by mercilessly performing double-leg takedowns (for points, of course) and pinning the competition at the Schwab Open Wrestling Tournament on October 30 at the Power Dome Fitness Center!

Register by October 27 (11:30 p.m.) via Eventbrite for $20.

This event is open to SOFA ID card holders 16 and older island-wide and individual awards will be given to the top three finishers in each respective weight class. For more information, call 6235558 or email adultsports@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. 

HITT Installation Challenge Push Your Limits Marines are called upon to be combat fit in order to always be combat ready—but are you the fittest of the fit? If you’re a service member who wants to find out how you stack up against your peers, look no further than the HITT Installation Challenge.

Through three events—a power challenge, an endurance challenge and a movement-under-load task—this competition will test not only your physical resiliency but mental toughness as well.

If you think you have what it takes to become the island’s ultimate tactical athlete, come on out to the Camp Hansen HITT Center and track on October 23 at 8:15 a.m. and prove it. (Competitors should wear boots and utilities to the event.)

Water, snacks and sports recovery beverages will be provided. In addition, all participants will receive T-shirts. Nice, but not as nice as the

1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies that will go to the top-scoring athletes in both male and female categories. Those bragging rights are hefty; after all, ultimate has some powerful synonyms— supreme, maximum, unmatched, unrivaled, unequalled—all descriptors you’d certainly rather claim than cower to.

The HITT Installation Challenge is FREE and open to active-duty Marines island-wide. Registration through Eventbrite is required and will be available until October 10. For more information, please visit mccsokinawa.com/healthpromotion.

For any questions, email mccshealthpromotions@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. You can also keep tabs on other upcoming fitness events by following facebook.com/mccsokinawa.semperfit. 

Okinawa’s Strongest Time to Terminate the Competition Arnold Schwarzenegger said it best with his famed one-liner: “I’ll be back.” And, like our favorite un-killable cyborg, Okinawa’s Strongest is also back again with a vengeance! Technically, Arnold was never a strength competition contestant, but he continues to inspire athletes of all sorts and also remains an icon of strength (as well as a killer cult-classic action star). You too can celebrate strength at its best at the Okinawa’s Strongest Main Event, a culmination of the Battle of the South and North, where competitors will face off to determine Okinawa’s king and queen of strength.

This grueling battle will take place at the Camp Foster Athletic Field on Sunday, November 7. There will be five different categories: females under 150lbs, females over 150lbs, males under 175lbs, males 175–200lbs and males over 200lbs.

Okinawa’s Strongest is comprised of eight events that will test

your strength and mental fortitude, including a log clean and press, deadlift, yoke carry, farmer’s carry, sled push and pull, wheelbarrow, tire flip and the iconic Atlas stone lift. While the main spoils will go to the 1st place champion of each weight class, prizes will be awarded to 2nd and 3rd place winners as well.

If you’re a SOFA ID card holder at least 16 years old with the willpower, strength and determination to be crowned the king or queen of strength, bid hasta la vista to your gym rat buddies, throw on your sunglasses and come out and terminate the competition. Registration for Okinawa’s Strongest Main Event will be open on Eventbrite for $35 until November 3. If you have any questions, email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or check out mccsokinawa.com/adultsports for more information.  —Kiara Klein OCTOBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 31

OKUMA BEACH Discover your new favorite at the Surfside Grill & Bar!

We are excited to announce a new menu with mouth-watering menu items such as Steak & Eggs and Pulled Pork Nachos, coming soon!

Haunted Village

Sweet Cabana Deal

1 October 2021 - 31 March 2022 Save 20% on a two-night stay in any Okuma Suite, Suite Plus, Studio, or Studio Premier. Package includes two breakfast vouchers. Sunday through Thursdays only, holidays not included. Restrictions may apply.

Contact our Reservation Desk at 098-962-1991/1992 or 631-1991/1992 from 8 am to 5 pm to book your stay today!

Group Reservations

1 October 2021 - 31 March 2022 Okuma Group Reservations offers a lodging discount for five or more rooms Sunday through Thursday. A perfect time to schedule those annual meetings, family reunions, weddings, retreats, functions, and more!

You name it, we’ve hosted it! For more details, contact the Group Reservations Office at 631-1806 or 080-6489-8619 Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm.

Okuma Beach • 631-1990 Lodging Reservations • 631-1991 Surfside Grill & Bar • 098-962-1805 Okuma Outdoor Recreation • 631-1815 Located 51 miles north of Kadena Air Base

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

Friday & Saturday 29 - 30 October Have a frightening and fun-filled weekend at Okuma Beach starting Friday, 29 October, with a thrilling movie night! On Saturday, 30 October, get dressed up for our masquerade mania, make your way through a haunted house (6:30 - 9 pm), and end your night right with a costume contest at the Surfside Grill & Bar where you can partake in some spooky dinner specials!

Current social distancing measures will be adhered to per 18th Wing guidance.

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

MARINES + FAMILIES

Break the Cycle Cyclethon Support Healthy Family Relationships A desire to feel safe in our surroundings is a basic human need. Now, imagine if the environment you feared most was your own home. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and it is important to not only understand what domestic violence is, but to be aware of prevention efforts that are in place.

Domestic violence is an umbrella term that includes several forms of abuse—physical, emotional, sexual and neglect—that occur within intimate or cohabitating relationships.

Regardless of the type of abuse, developing an awareness of these destructive patterns of behavior is a big step towards prevention.

The Behavioral Health Family Advocacy Program invites community members of all ages to show their dedication to breaking the cycle of abuse by joining the Third Annual

Break the Cycle Cyclethon. During the month of October, track how many minutes you cycle (on your own or in a spin class), run and/or walk through this virtual event hosted by the Family Advocacy Program’s Prevention and Education team. You can help Behavioral Health reach their goal of 30,000 collective minutes to recognize the care and concern we all have for each other’s safety.

Get started at any time throughout the month of October by signing up through the link found on mccsokinawa.com/ prevention_and_education. While you are out and about accumulating your minutes, please feel free to wear purple to show that you stand against abuse. Participants who collect the most minutes between October 1 and 31 will receive prizes. If you have any questions

about the event, please email FAPPrevention @okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or call 645-2915.

Working to achieve healthy family relationships for all is an ongoing effort. As such, the military community on Okinawa offers resources through the Family Advocacy Program, Community Counseling Center and Substance Abuse Counseling Center. Kickstart your awareness by learning more about these programs and resources at the Virtual Domestic Violence Awareness Community Resource Fair on October 1. For a link to the fair, head to mccsokinawa.com/behavioral health. There, you will also find an extensive list of resources and reporting actions you can take if you or someone you know is a victim. Remember, we are all united to end domestic abuse. 

OCTOBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 35

MARINES + FAMILIES

Scholarship Spooktacular Because Financial Aid is Somethin’ Special!

No Laughing Matter Anger Management Class Hollywood has a way of getting a laugh out of almost every emotion, including anger. Think about Adam Sandler getting counseling from Jack Nicholson in Anger Management or Ben Stiller flipping out and yelling at a tiny, baby chicken on Friends. We all feel anger at times, but unlike these fictional, made-for-comedy situations, when you and those around you let anger get the best of you, it is not humorous at all. It can be damaging to your relationships, your day-to-day life and even your health.

The good news is there are ways to cope with and control your anger before it controls you.

Behavioral Health offers an Anger Management class through the Family Advocacy Program to help you properly manage stress, cope with feelings of anger and communicate effectively. This prevention class is four weeks long and offered from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Wednesday on Camp Foster (Bldg. 439) or from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each Thursday on Camp Hansen (Bldg. 2631).

As you learn about dealing with stress, responding instead of reacting, adjusting your expectations and how to pause and think things over, you’ll be able to change your inner conversations, feel empathy, communicate more assertively and learn to forgive. You can use these tools to cope with frustrations in your life and take back control.

This class is an ongoing program and is applicable for anyone interested in self-improvement.

SOFA ID card holders may register by calling 645-2915 (098-970-2915 from off base) or emailing FAPprevention@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. 

It’s that time of year again—the season for things that go bump in the night, skeletal hands bursting from the earth franticly grabbing for ankles, apparitions seen from the corner of your eye, spine-chilling scratching sounds from the basement— and scholarships! What does October have to do with scholarships, you say? Well, head to your nearest MCCS Education Center to find out.

Scholarship Spooktacular, hosted by the MCCS Libraries and Education Program, will be held this year on Friday, October 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at all MCCS Education Centers. Students of all ages are invited to come learn about Halloween-themed scholarships and other financial aid offerings.

Spooky movies will be played for participants to enjoy and refreshments will be provided while supplies last. For more information, call your nearest MCCS Education Center or visit them online at mccsokinawa. com/education. 

OCTOBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 37

MARINES + FAMILIES

Lead Humanity to Victory… or Ruin Warhammer 40,000 Open League Event It’s the turn of the 42nd millennium and human civilization is on the verge of collapse—we’ve got aliens, skeleton androids, Orks and more to thank for that. The question is, will you be humanity’s savior…or its ruin?

The time has come to wage tabletop war.

The most popular war game in the business has landed atop the tables of the Camp Hansen Library (Bldg. 2339). On Sunday, October 3, stop in between noon and 5 p.m. to play or spectate in the Warhammer 40,000 Open League Event. If you’ve never played before, this is the perfect time to get started, as all game supplies—battlefields, terrain, model warriors and vehicles—will be provided. Not to mention, this event is FREE. And if Warhammer 40k isn’t your bread and butter, there will be other board games available to play as well, so drop by, roll some dice and get to know the wonderful tabletop community on island.

Lastly, if you perform well at this event, you’ll have the chance to head to Camp Foster on October 17 to compete in the Warhammer 40k final tournament against the winners of last month’s events.

SOFA ID card holders ages 18 and older may participate.

Registration is not required but space is first-come, firstserved, so show up early. For more information, head to mccsokinawa.com/libraries or facebook.com/mccsokinawa. educationand libraries. If you have any questions, please email library program@okinawa.usmcmccs.org or call 645-6055. 

Unleashed and Splash-Ready MCCS Aquatics’ Pet Plunge After another hot and humid Okinawan summer, we can all agree that a trip to the pool is always a refreshing way to enjoy the day. Every time you got to splash around, one family member was always left behind to hold down the fort at home, though: your dog.

But just as enthusiastically as your pup greeted you each time you returned home sunkissed and smelling of sunblock, they’ll soon be jumping for joy. Pet owners, get ready for your favorite day at the pool yet. MCCS Aquatics is hosting another bash and this time, canines are invited for some pool-bound play. Pet Plunge is here and it’s sure to be a doggone good time!

On October 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., load up your pup and a whole bunch of towels and head

to the Plaza Aquatic Center. It’s time for your champ to live his best doggie-paddling life. On top of a day full of barks, yips and tail-wagging fun, prizes are up for grabs for both large and small breed competitors. Events like longest jump and quickest fetch will have the crowd whistling and howling with delight from the deck (no humans are permitted in the pool during the event).

Pet Plunge is FREE and open to pets of SOFA ID card holders. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics. If you have any questions, please email mccsaquatics@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org. 

Onward to Opportunity FREE Career-Training Program Need help preparing for and matching with your next career? That’s where Onward to Opportunity comes in. Onward to Opportunity is a FREE career-training program that provides professional certification and support services to transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses.

Moreover, this program combines industry-validated curricula, comprehensive career-coaching services and strong partnerships with leading veteran-service organizations and companies in the private sector to help you land a career in fields such as information technology, business management, project management, customer service and more.

To get started, attend the Onward to Opportunity virtual brief on Monday, October 13 at 10 a.m., hosted by the Voluntary Education Program.

To register, email education@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org with your full name. On the day of the virtual brief, you’ll receive an email with an access link and a password. For more information, head to mccsokinawa.com/education.  OCTOBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 39

D L O S

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DINING + ENTERTAINMENT

Spooky Sites Tour Experience Scary Okinawa with Tours+

Although tickets to Okinapa have sold out for both days, refunded tickets will be returned for resale and announced at mccsokinawa.com/okinapa.

Cheers to Okinapa!

Delicious Cuisine and the Finest Vintages Dust off your cocktail attire and get ready for a delightful evening of wine tasting. On Friday and Saturday, October 15 and 16, join us for fabulous cuisine and fine wine at Okinapa Wine Festival. Both evenings will run from 5 to 10 p.m.

Taking place at the Butler Officers’ Club on Plaza Housing, you can expect delicious food to pair with your wine samples as you enjoy the live entertainment—a local jazz band. Past Okinapa menus have included carving stations, cheese wheels, risottos, pasta, crab cakes, an oyster bar and more.

Taste wine selections from around the globe, including sparkling champagne and excellent vintages. Be sure to note your favorites, too, so you can have a list ready to go as you shop the vendor booths. And if you’re

looking for some keepsake items, Okinapa-themed apparel, totes, wine kits and cheeseboard sets are available as well.

To allow for all attendees to enjoy themselves while staying safe, FREE shuttle transportation will be offered. Keep an eye out for shuttle locations and schedules online and posted at your favorite MCCS Clubs and Restaurants. In keeping with III MEF / MCIPAC-MCBB guidelines, the evening will follow current COVID-mitigation regulations.

Okinapa is a ticketed event, with sales limited to four tickets per purchase. To purchase your tickets ($45 per person), visit mccsokinawa.com/okinapa. If you have any questions, please call 645-7530 from a DSN or 098-970-7530 from off base. 

Fall Fun for the Whole Family Courtney Festival

A new school year well underway, cooler weather and grocery aisles full of candy are all signaling autumn’s arrival. With a celebratory nod to the season, Courtney Festival is bringing amusement aplenty. On October 23 from 1 to 9 p.m., head to the Courtney Bowling Center parking lot for a Saturday full of fall fun for the whole family!

And, of course, come hungry. Hickory House BBQ, 305 Latin Grill and Bulldogs Burgers—along with iPour and Kanpai Lounge—will all be serving up your favorite festival food and beverages while you enjoy the DJ music.

On top of all that, get in the Halloween spirit a little early, too. The Fun Land rides area will be all gussied up as a “creepy” carnival with plenty of spooky décor and

Halloween-themed goodies and candy available. There's even a trunk-or-treat portion of the festival in the works.

Courtney Festival will run with the safety of all attendees in mind. In keeping with III MEF / MCIPAC-MCBB guidelines, your cooperation and consideration for the health of our community is appreciated.

Social distancing, face coverings and limited group sizes (no more than six individuals per group) will be enforced. Please also note that glass bottles, pets and outside food and alcohol will not be permitted.

For more information and the latest updates, please visit mccsokinawa.com/festivals.

If you have any questions, call MCCS Special Events at 645-5828 (DSN) or 098-970-5828 from off base. 

If ghosts exist, Okinawa would be the Shibuya Crossing of Ghostville. And with so many claims of unexplained sights, sounds and situations on island, the folks over at Tours+ had a hard time narrowing down which locations to visit on the Spooky Sites Tour. But after much debate, they’ve landed on three places with more terrifying tales than seemingly possible: Zanpa Point, Kadena Air Base and Yara Park.

“What?!” you might be thinking.

“Kadena Air Base? Chili’s isn’t scary!”

No, it isn’t, but try Hospital Cave at night with nothing but a flashlight and the spine-chilling stories of your tour guide to lead you. Try Zanpa Point in the pitchblack, the sounds of the waves crashing then disappearing, gone like the missing persons last seen where you’ll be standing. Try the old river in Yara Park, where tragedy occurred and love was lost. After this tour, you’ll never look at the island the same way again.

So if you’re looking to have the socks scared off of you, join a Spooky Sites Tour between October 17–31 from 6 to 10 p.m. Prices are $20 per adult, $13 per child 3–11 years old and FREE for children 2 and under. To sign up, you can call 646-3502, register through Eventbrite or visit any Tours+ location on Camps Foster, Hansen, Kinser or Schwab. For more information, head to mccsokinawa. com/tours. For questions, please call or send an email to tours@okinawa.usmcmccs.org. 

OCTOBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 43

KIDS + PARENTS

Spooky Storytime A Hauntingly Good Time Calling all parents of little ghouls (girls) and boys, MCCS Libraries would like to invite you and your little ones to Spooky Storytime! The theme this year is campfires and ghost stories, so throw on your most snuggly sleepwear or cool costume and grab your flashlight—highly encouraged for kiddos afraid of the dark—because the fright-filled fun begins at 5 p.m.

Be ready for an evening filled with stories that will help develop your child’s love for literacy and get them into “the spirit” of the spooky season.

After the read-aloud, wrap up the evening by partaking in a Halloween-themed craft and a small snack (COVID guidelines permitting). As the fun comes to a close, kids can leave a stuffed animal to stay the night in the library if they like (for a spooky sleepover). The library will post pictures of their late night shenanigans and kids can pick up their beloved toy—safe and sound, we promise— the following morning.

Spooky Storytime will be held on Friday, October 15 at libraries on MCAS Futenma and Camps Courtney and Kinser. Be sure to call or stop by your preferred branch to reserve your spot, as space will be limited. For additional information, visit mccsokinawa. com/libraries and check out facebook. com/mccsokinawa.educationandlibraries to stay up-to-date on Storytime events and future happenings.  —Kiara Klein

Pumpkin Painting Classes MCCS Arts and Crafts The life expectancy of jack-o’-lanterns on Okinawa is short. They just don’t stand a chance against the island’s heat and humidity, and before you know it, your toothy carving is drooping, rotting, gone. That’s why pumpkin painting is so popular—you can get your gourd art on without having to worry about it collapsing into a moldy, gnat-infested pile two days later.

So, to help you on your pumpkin-painting path, MCCS Arts and Crafts is hosting weekend Pumpkin Painting classes throughout October.

Classes more geared towards adults will take place October 16 and 30 at Foster Arts and Crafts from 4 to 6 p.m., while classes more geared towards children and parents will take place October 17, 24 and 31 at Courtney Arts and Crafts from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Moreover,

Arisa Miller, a renowned Okinawan artist, will lead the classes and provide inspiration for your masterpieces. MCCS will also provide the pumpkins, paints and brushes, so all you have to do is show up ready to paint.

SOFA ID card holders ages 8 and up are welcome. To register, sign up at the facility you’d like to attend for $43.75 per adult and $25 per child. And don’t wait; spaces are limited and will fill up fast, so snag your spot today.

For more information, head to mccsokinawa. com/fosterartsandcrafts or mccsokinawa.com/ courtneyartsandcrafts. For questions, call Foster Arts and Crafts at 645-3674 (098-970-3674 from off base) or Courtney Arts and Crafts at 6227492 (098-954-7492 from off base). 

OCTOBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 49

ATTEND A WEBINAR TO LEARN HOW UMGC PROGRAMS ARE MADE FOR YOU Register to attend at asia.umgc.edu/webinars or scan the QR code below and get answers about earning a degree from UMGC. If you apply for admission within 30 days of attending an Intro to UMGC Asia or Graduate Programs Webinar, your $50 application fee will be waived!

© 2021 University of Maryland Global Campus

KIDS + PARENTS

Red Ribbon Week Promoting Drug-Free Youth

Baby Boot Camp Baby on the way?

A new addition to a family is one of the most beautiful things that can happen… but it can also be one of the scariest—especially for new parents. Babies, of course, don’t come with an instruction manual, but luckily there’s help on the horizon: Baby Boot Camp! Baby Boot Camp is a parenting education class for expectant parents in their third trimester. In this class, mothers and fathers-to-be are taught everything they need to know about caring for their baby from birth to six weeks, including safety in the home, crib and car-seat use, diaper strategies, bathing, soothing and feeding (both via bottle and breastfeeding). The goal of Baby

Boot Camp is to enhance the confidence and competence of new (and new again) parents.

The class consists of interactive parenting education for other topics, too, such as managing early parenting stressors, shaken baby syndrome, sudden infant death syndrome and the overall prevention of child abuse and neglect. Parents will receive community resource and referral information on all programs offering family services. This is a one-day event held monthly on every third Monday from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the multipurpose room of Bldg. 439 on Camp Foster.

Visit mccsokinawa.com/npsp for information and call 645-0396 to register. 

Red Ribbon Week is here! The Red Ribbon Campaign is the largest drugabuse prevention campaign in the States, and for one week each year, Red Ribbon Week is held to ramp up drugabuse awareness among youth and the community. This year’s theme is “Drug Free Looks Like Me,” a reminder that all individuals are empowered to make a positive impact on the community through bravery, strength and healthy forms of expression.

To help educate the community on drug prevention and promote drug-free youth on Okinawa, Kubasaki High School and Lester Middle school will hold several Red Ribbon Week events the week of October 23–31. Join the cause, and see what you can do to keep our children, families and military members safe, healthy and drug free.

For more information, head to redrib bon.org and mccsokinawa.com/sac. For questions, call 645-3009 from a DSN or 098-970-3009 from off base. 

Ditch Those Water Wings Learn to Swim Program In addition to the salient advantages learning to swim offers (like safety!), it also opens the doors to some incredible activities on island such as snorkeling and diving. If you or your child have yet to learn, take advantage of MCCS Aquatics’ Learn to Swim Program, open to SOFA ID card-holding children and adults alike.

Each two-week session of Learn to Swim consists of eight weekday lessons, 30 minutes each.

There are parent and child sessions ($50) for children 6 months to 3 years old, then there are regular sessions ($75) which are divided by age and skill level. Preschool 1, 2 and 3 are sessions for ages 4–6 that start with helping students become comfortable in the water and end with students developing coordinated arm and leg movements. For 5 to 15-year-olds, there are six session levels: Introduction to Water Skills, Fundamental Aquatic Skills, Stroke Development, Stroke Improvement, Stroke Refinement and Swimming Proficiency. Lastly, there is an adult class for ages 16 and older focused on helping participants learn basic aquatic skills and swimming strokes as well as improve proficiency on the different swimming strokes. Please note that all levels of instruction are based upon instructor availability and may be offered at different times throughout the year.

The next three sessions are Early Fall Session 3, which runs October 12–21 with online registration available October 2–7; Late Fall Session 1, which takes place October 25–November 3 with online registration available October 16–21; and Late Fall Session 2, which runs November 8–18 with online registration available October 30–November 4.

For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/learntoswim. For questions, email mccsaquatics@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.  OCTOBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 51

SERVICES

Back and Better Than Ever Inns of the Corps Camp Courtney Inns of the Corps (IOTC) Camp Courtney is the recent recipient of a 2021 MCCS Food and Hospitality Excellence Award, and it’s no wonder—this facility continuously strives to out-do itself. Case in point: the two major renovations in the past year alone that made a great lodging facility even greater.

The first renovation was a head-to-toe makeover of the lodging’s interior. Guest rooms and common rooms have been improved with new carpeting, new flooring in all kitchens, fresh paint on the walls, remodeled kitchen cabinetry and upgraded furniture to include beds, sofas, dressers, desks and TV’s. The second renovation swapped out the old plumbing and water lines for new ones, and installed enhanced sinks, showers, bathtubs and toilets in the bathrooms.

And while IOTC Camp Courtney has been closed for a couple months to complete these massive improvements, management is thrilled to announce that as of August 15, your favorite military lodging facility is open and better than ever.

If you haven’t stayed there before, IOTC Camp Courtney strikes a nice balance: it’s in a quiet area, but there’s plenty to do close by.

On base, you’ve got offerings like Courtney Beach, Tengan Castle, an outdoor playground, a movie theater, a skate park, Ironworks Fitness Center, Courtney Aquatic Center, Courtney Bowling Center and much more. Off base, you’ve got a couple must-sees within walking distance, including Uken Beach, a white-sand beach with stunningly blue waters, and Agena Park, where you can find the ruins of a Ryukyu-era gusuku called Agena Castle that was originally built in the 14th century.

As for the facility itself, IOTC Camp Courtney sports a total of 16 suites—all outfitted with a queen-sized bed in a private bedroom, a fully equipped kitchen and a living room with a queen sofa sleeper and sleeper chair.

For more information on the facility, head to mccsokinawa. com/courtney_lodge. If you have any questions, please email courtneylodge@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or call 622-9578 from a DSN or 098-954-9578 from off base. 

OCTOBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 53

SERVICES

Typhoon Motors Trick-or-Treat for Your Ride Typhoon Motors is ready to help you trick out your ride and treat your wallet to some savings. Stop by three Typhoon Motors locations—Camps Foster, Courtney and Hansen—for sales sweeter than your kids’ Halloween loot.

First up, knock out some routine maintenance. Remove and reduce unwanted buildup from your engine to keep it running smoothly when you get 10 percent OFF a complete oil change during this month-long sale. Then, spiff up your welloiled machine (pun intended!) with even more deals and discounts.

From October 10 to 12, DIY enthusiasts can save five bucks an hour with the $1 Lifts and Stalls Columbus Day Sale. And, from October 9 to 18, select automotive goods will be up to 50 percent OFF at these locations, too.

But to get your ride tricked out the most, you’ll want to check out one more sale. Happening only on Camp Foster from October 28 to November 3, the Car Audio Sale will offer 15 percent OFF all subwoofers and amplifiers to dress up your car’s existing audio system. You’ll love the improved bass range and newfound sound quality as you cruise around.

In addition to these sales, Typhoon Motors offers regular services for all of your car-care needs. For more information about locations, service prices, phone numbers and hours, please visit mccsokinawa.com/typhoonmotors. 

MCCS Arts and Crafts Party Rentals Celebrate the Good Times!

There’s a great deal of logistics to consider when planning for a party: location, guest list, food, and, of course, decorations, decorations and decorations! (What’s a soiree without fun and eye-catching décor?)

MCCS is here to help you get the party started; Arts and Crafts Centers on both Camp Foster and Courtney will help ease several party-planning pains so you can move straight to the fun. First, you can host your festivities in one of the available party rooms at Courtney Arts and Crafts. Once you secure the location, next on the list is decorating. But don’t worry, Arts and Crafts has got you covered there as well, offering themed party packages ranging from Mario and Pokémon to The Little Mermaid and more. They can decorate for baby showers, graduations and other celebrations as well!

What's more, as balloons and parties go together like peanut butter and jelly, you’re in luck because Foster Arts and Crafts is home to Joy Company Balloons ( JCB). JCB offers a variety of balloon arches, arrangements and even balloons with customized messages; any of these options will add to the jovial atmosphere at your next event.

There’s always a reason to celebrate, and MCCS Arts and Crafts Centers have all the supplies you need to amp up the energy at your next party or event. Visit Camp Courtney to book your party room or stock up on supplies and stop by Camp Foster for balloons galore. For questions, call 645-3674 (098-970-3674 from off base) for Foster or 622-7492 (098-954-7492 from off base) for Courtney. Or, you can send your questions (or a party-package request) to artsandcrafts@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. Visit mccsokinawa.com/courtneyartsandcrafts for more information.  —Kiara Klein OCTOBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 55

As our weather descriptors change from “hot and humid” to “cool and crisp,” cookouts are one summertime favorite to let linger. Grilled food is delicious year-round, and the cooler air is the perfect invitation to get outside and just chill out. From local foods to specialty shops and ideal cookout locations, there are plenty of reasons to get fired up about BBQ on Okinawa.

Text by Angie Andrews Design by Mayar Mahmoud

OCTOBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 57

Wagyu translates directly to “Japanese cow,” but the actual meaning is a bit more involved. To be considered true wagyu, a cut of meat needs to come from cattle that was born and raised in Japan. Domestic cow breeds are Japanese Black (the most common), Brown, Polled or Shorthorn.

Overall, Okinawa Prefecture is the seventh largest wagyu producer in the country. Special varieties to look for include those from Ishigaki and Motobu. Wagyu’s tenderness can be attributed to up to 25 percent fat marbling, much higher than the standard six or seven percent found in USDA Prime Beef. And, not to worry, research has shown that this is monounsaturated fat, the kind that can help lower bad cholesterol.

Considered a luxury, some can be as pricey as $200 per pound, so you’ll likely want to pad your BBQ budget with other delights, too.

Okinawa is home to Japan’s only domestic pig breed— agu. And these little piggies have quite the history.

Weighing in at an average of 100kg, they are considered small compared to Western breeds. Coupled with being endemic and their small size, agu are rare for yet another reason, too. WWII left the animal almost extinct, with only about 30 of them remaining by the 1980’s, at which time restoration of the breed began.

With these restoration efforts, the agu population on island is once again thriving.

Go ahead and give hunting through the shops for this so called “phantom pork” a try. It has less cholesterol than other varieties of pork and boasts high levels of vitamin B1. In addition, the fat content of agu actually has a lower melting point than your body temperature, making it literally melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Chicken has been a popular food source for many cultures for thousands of years. No wonder “bird is the word.” So, don’t leave it off your BBQ menu. You can even snag some pre-skewered and ready-to-grill yakitori.

Jidori means local chicken, but there are also specific breeding standards, set by the Japan Chicken Association, for how these birds are raised. Some equate jidori to being the “kobe beef” of chicken, which is to say it’s the top-ofthe-line choice for poultry. Getting a taste of Okinawa’s Yanbaru jidori means you’ll enjoy tender, juicy, free-range chicken raised in Onna Village and Motobu.

While proteins generally dominate the grill, don’t let that stop you from bringing produce to the party. There are plenty of fabulous choices to complement your carnivorous cravings: onions, mushrooms, peppers and pineapple, just to name a few. There’s no limit to what you can grill, so think outside the box—anything goes from lettuce to peaches and watermelon to your favorite local selections like negi, gōya or beni imo!

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Supermarkets carry everything you need for a great cookout. You’ll find premade dipping sauces, marinades, spices and plenty of meat and produce. But to up your “hunting and gathering” game, check out some local meat shops. You’ll find more variety and specialty cuts than at regular grocery stores. And, a super shopper tip: remember that the 29th of each month is niku-no-hi, or “meat day,” a great day for deals and discounts on meat at many different places.

1. Ganaha-meat ganaha-meat.co.jp 2. Gyuuan gyuuan.co.jp 3. Miyagi Meat miyagimeat.shop-pro.jp 4. Takuei Foods takuei-foods.com 5. Ivano ivano.co.jp 6. *Inami inaminikunari.com 7. *Nikuya Shokudo nikuya-shokudo-henza.com *These locations also offer advance ordering (online or by phone) for gifts and BBQ sets that can be shipped to your home.

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At its most basic meaning, grilling is simply broiling food over a heat source. Getting a bit more specific, there are pros and cons to each type of heat source, giving yet another way to personalize your barbecue feasts. Do you like the smoky flavors from charcoal, or are you all about the convenience of having the temperature controls that come with electric and gas grills? If you live in an apartment, maybe a small panini press or grill pan that can fit on your stovetop burners or hot plate is your go-to.

If you choose a charcoal grill, you can tweak your experience even further by changing the type of charcoal you use. Japan produces over 1,800 tons of charcoal per year, but if you want the best of the best, Japan’s premier charcoal is binchōtan. It is a type of traditional charcoal made from ubame oak trees. It takes the shape of the wood that was used to make it, and it has been used as far back as the Edo period. Valued for being odorless, it seals in the natural flavor of the meats better than lesser-quality charcoals. Because of its density, binchōtan can burn between three and five hours, which means more time to cook and feast!

Mayar’s Chicken Marinade

Salt and pepper two chicken breasts and allow to rest. Using a blender, create a paste from the onion and garlic. Cover chicken well with the paste and allow to sit for 1 hour in the refrigerator. Add sesame oil, vinegar and, if preferred, honey. Toss to coat.

Yakiniku Steak Marinade

Mix all ingredients except the sesame seeds and kimchi in a blender. Add sesame seeds after the mixture is blended. Use to marinate thinly sliced steak; cover well and refrigerate for at least two hours.

Honey & Soy Glaze

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Use to marinate BBQ protein of your choice; refrigerate in a covered container for at least two hours.

Salt & Pepper (to taste) 1/2 Tbsp. paprika 1 yellow onion, sliced thin 6 cloves of garlic 1 Tbsp. sesame oil 1 Tbsp. vinegar Honey (*optional)

3 Tbsp. soy sauce 1 1/2 Tbsp. sugar 1 Tbsp. sesame oil 1/4 cup fresh ginger, chopped 4 cloves of garlic 1 small spring onion 2 Tbsp. white sesame seeds *kimchi to top the steak after cooking (optional)

2 Tbsp. soy sauce 2 Tbsp. mirin (sweet cooking wine) 2 Tbsp. sake (rice wine) 2 tsp. minced garlic Honey (to taste)

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Being outdoors for BBQs and cookout gatherings adds an extra layer to the chill vibe. Paper plates, comfy clothes, beautiful weather—all the things that amount to a heaping serving of relaxation. Sprinkle in good music, games and friendly banter and everyone is sure to have a good time.

On Okinawa, beach BBQs are where it’s at, so don’t forget that BBQs can bring plenty of beach time your way even as the waters get cooler. Many beaches on island have rental equipment and prepared BBQ sets you can order for your cookout. Some will even complete the clean-up for you. Now that’s a stress-free meal! If your favorite beach doesn’t rent equipment, some of the specialty meat shops on island rent out grills and, of course, you can rent them from MCCS Outdoor Recreation, too.

Whether it’s a backyard get-together, a unit gathering or just time with family, barbecues are a social affair— and a celebration! Just as important as where and what you choose to grill, are the people you choose to share your meal with. If we have learned anything through these recent socially-distant days, it’s to celebrate our friends and family and to not take the time we have with them for granted.

Yakiniku translates to grilled meat and often is thin, bite-sized pieces of meat that can be cooked quickly, making for an easy eat-as-you-cook meal.

At yakiniku restaurants, small grills are built into or placed upon dining tables, allowing you to cook your meal yourself. Some of these indoor BBQ places offer set menus while others offer all-you-can-eat menus within a certain time-limit (for example, two hours to order, cook and eat). Whichever style you choose to visit, this is a great way to taste different cuts of meat, as the menu will include a variety.

When COVID restrictions permit, Okinawa is full of yakiniku restaurants for you to try. A few favorites to get your bucket list started include Yakiniku Goen and Yakiniku Tenjin in the Chatan area; Gyuen, a popular one in Kin Town; and the yakiniku restaurants in both the AEON Rycom Mall and PARCO CITY Mall.

In the meantime, you can bring this style of cooking to your own DIY barbecues either with an outdoor grill or tabletop hot plate for an indoor experience at home.

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LIVING ON OKINAWA

Kabocha-no-Nimono Japanese-Style Seasoned Pumpkin Serves four Ingredients 1/2 kabocha (a small Japanese pumpkin, usually green) 3 1/2 Tbsp. sugar 1 1/2 Tbsp. soy sauce 1 1/2 cup dashi soup (made from dried bonito flakes) Method of Preparation 1. Scoop seeds out of the pumpkin and peel off the thickest part of the skin.

2. Cut the pumpkin into slices approximately two inches thick, soak in water for 2–3 minutes and drain well.

3. Place pumpkin pieces into a deep pan, skin-side down. Add dashi soup, and bring to a rolling boil for 2–3 minutes.

4. Lower heat and add sugar until completely dissolved (be careful not to damage pumpkin slices). Cook for 7–8 minutes with low heat.

5. Add soy sauce, and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes.

6. Lower heat, cover the pan and simmer until pumpkin is tender (pieces should be easily pierced with a toothpick).

7. Serve and enjoy!

Okinawa Soba Day After Okinawa was returned to mainland Japanese control during 1972, the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) in Japan claimed that calling the Okinawa soba noodle “soba” (known locally as “suba”) was incorrect. According to their standards, more than 30 percent of the noodle must be made of buckwheat flour, and Okinawa soba noodles were made of wheat flour like Japanese kishimen and udon noodles.

The FTC ordered that manufacturers of Okinawa soba change its name to kishimen or udon to comply with national standards, but the people of Okinawa strongly disagreed. The director of the Okinawa Noodle Association fought for many years to keep the name until finally, on October 17, 1978, Okinawa soba received the approval of the FTC. To commemorate this day, many soba restaurants offer specials to celebrate Okinawa Soba-no-Hi or “Okinawa Soba Day.” This year, when October 17 rolls around, be sure to celebrate with a steaming bowl of Okinawa soba—although for many islanders, slurping up a bowlful of soba noodles is pretty much an everyday occurrence, so technically any day of the year qualifies. 

Uchinâguchi Corner English

Japanese

Uchinâguchi

That startled (scared) me!

Bikkuri shita!

Shikanda!

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Commercial Ad Directory

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