June 2018 | Issue 244
A HANDCRAFTED HERITAGE WATERY FUN
contents June 2018
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38
8 24 CORTESY OF ANA INTERCONTINENTAL MANZA BEACH RESORT RODERICA MATHIS, THOMAS ALAN SMILIE
features
On the cover The joy of java is alive and well on Okinawa.
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38
Out + About: Watery Fun at ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort Enjoy a summer day splashing around the largest water park of its kind in Japan!
Restaurant Review: Segafredo Zanetti After an article about coffee, it’s only fitting that it’s followed by a review of an establishment featuring… more great coffee!
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But First…Coffee Although tea may come to mind as the beverage of choice in the Land of the Rising Sun, not all cups here are filled with a piping hot green liquid.
A Handcrafted Heritage Cups, bowls, mugs and jugs—on this island—are all well-established works of art. See them for yourself down in Tsuboya Pottery District.
contents June 2018
marines + families 41 Career Focus Education Planning It’s not a secret that the competition for jobs is fierce. Don’t make the mistake of being ill-prepared.
43 Loan Locker Where a pot can make your day!
45 PCS? No Problem! Many who are in the military, whether they’re active duty or a family member, know the woes of PCSing.
kids + parents 47 Kids Summer Boot Camp Get your mini-Marines moving this summer by enrolling them in MCCS Health Promotion’s Kids Summer Boot Camp!
Services
37 fitness + fun
dining + entertainment
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Father’s Day Bowling Special This Father’s Day, treat dad to a fun day of strikes and spares at an MCCS Bowling Center!
Father’s Day Brunches In honor of dad and his strength, courage and love, MCCS Clubs & Restaurants cordially invite you to a hearty Father’s Day Breakfast or Brunch Buffet.
21 Sunrise Breakfast Scramble Enjoy a little friendly competition at Taiyo Golf Club followed by the most important meal of the day.
23
RODERICA MATHIS
Join the Business of Saving Lives Not all heroes fight crimes or wear capes. In fact, they come in all shapes and sizes—some even wear bathing suits.
37 Go Beyond the Beef Enjoy a Bulldog’s Veggie Burger! Made with the trademarked Beyond Burger patty by Beyond Meat, you won’t even be able to tell the difference.
53 Bounce Houses Make your child’s summer party the talk of the block with a bounce house from MCCS!
extras 5 Mensôre
7 Feedback + Show Us!
69 Living on Okinawa
70 Marketplace Guide
JUNE 2018 | ISSUE 244 COMMANDING GENERAL MCIPAC Brigadier General Paul J. Rock Jr. ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, MCCS, MCIPAC Edward S. Hutsell DEPUTY ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF BUSINESS & SUPPORT Michael S. Gieseck DEPUTY ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF MARINE & FAMILY Carlos J. Saldaña CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER Jim Kassebaum EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mike Daley MCCS ART DIRECTOR Henry C. Ortega OKINAWA LIVING ART DIRECTORS Margie Shimabukuro Jongeun Spencer GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Lisa Miyagi, Catherine Newquist EDITORIAL Amanda Carrasquillo, Ashley Sablan DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Thomas Alan Smilie DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA Kathlene Millette, Gabriel Archer, Emi Komiya Shelbie Thilmony PHOTOGRAPHER Roderica Mathis CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST Ayako Kawamitsu ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP MANAGER Roy Forster ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP Yoshihiro Shinzato, Yoriko Yamashiro, Hiromitsu Horikawa Athena Garcia MARKETING ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH MANAGER Andrew Menges MARKETING ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH Kristen Wong, Secoya Holmes Ashley Snipes, Erin Hotson DISTRIBUTION Desiree Adams
mensôre “Welcome” to Okinawa Living
Ah…Summertime Heat soaring into the 90s, the delightful sensation of sugar-fine sand between your toes, snorkeling and diving in crystalclear emerald and azure waters and the reverberating thunder of taiko drums and fireworks filling the evening skies… summer is officially here! June marks the beginning of the season of celebration on Okinawa with matsuri, or festivals, held throughout the island. Every summer, hundreds of thousands of people flock to festival venues to party, play festival games, nosh on matsuri cuisine, listen to live bands and to watch hanabi taikai, or fireworks displays. There's absolutely no question, Uchinânchu, or the people of Okinawa, love their festivals—so much so that they are known by many throughout Japan as matsurizoku or “festival people.” And, as a current resident of Okinawa—temporary or not—you’re considered an honorary Uchinânchu, so it’s time to get into the matsurizoku spirit! There are several opportunities to enjoy festivals on the island during the summer months and beyond. Virtually all of the larger cities, many of the smaller municipalities, even down to small villages and communities hold their own matsuri— each with a flavor, and a life, of its own. There’s no better opportunity to make new friends among the local community. As always, we thank you for picking up this issue of Okinawa Living Magazine, now time to turn the page and let your journey begin!
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
Mike Daley Editor-In-Chief
ARTISS/BIGSTOCK.COM, RODERICA MATHIS
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 ©2018 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
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 as well as Okinawa Spotlight.
feedback
from the ICE Program and Facebook All of the staff at the SNCO/Officer club on MCAS Futenma are fantastic! Ted Gonzales is a great manager. I was visiting from MCAS Iwakuni, and the Habu Pit is ten times better than the SNCO club in Iwakuni. The Habu Pit serves great tasting food for all of the Marines, which is something a lot of other SNCO clubs don’t do. The bar service was flawless and drinks were served on the spot with no delay, even when the staff was busy. I have nothing but great things to say about the Habu Pit. —via ICE My first time ever doing the Camp Hansen Mud Run and I must say the experience was fantastic. I will definitely do it again next year and will recommend it to everybody! —via CSI
@okilivingmag Show us your island adventures and favorite food finds!
@molinafamily_ okinawaadventure
It was a beautiful day on Okinawa yesterday. We got to celebrate our son’s 13th birthday with a buffet meal at the resort and beach fun after. #okilivingmag
Thank you for the glowing review! We loved seeing everyone getting down and muddy despite the rain! Hope we see everyone out there next year for a muddy good time! —MCCS Consumer Relations I hope MCCS will consider adding a second water Zumba class or adjusting the time. Base elementary schools release at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, making this an inconvenient “Family Zumba” time (at least until the school year ends). —via Facebook
@tricediva
I love a good treat yo’ self in the middle of the week. Today mine is aloe vera sheet masks & this cute matcha ice cream cone #okinomnoms
Thank you for the feedback! We are pleased you love our programs enough to ask for more! Our group fitness schedules are updated monthly, so make sure you visit your local MCCS Semper Fit facility to grab a copy or find them on our website at mccsokinawa.com/healthpromotion. —MCCS Consumer Relations Ms. Natalie Wooley conducted a LINKS for Marines for our unit. We would like to thank her for her superior service. She not only set up the SMEs, but also conducted an interactive, fun training and education day. The Marines were engaged and had a great amount of takeaway information that will assist them in their time within the Marine Corps. I will highly recommend her as a facilitator to all of my fellow FROs.—via ICE Giving a shout-out to Michelle Pedersen, Laura McNulty and all the staff at Tengan Castle for a job well done at the Ragin’ Cajun Shrimp Boil! For a first-time event, it was great and well done. The shrimp hit the spot and all the food was beautifully set up. The DJ did a fantastic job. He played whatever was requested! Looking forward to the one next year!—via Facebook
@landnsee
They call Japan “the land of the rising sun,” but on the island of Okinawa it’s the sunsets that will take your breath away. #okilivingmag
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.
JUNE 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 7
WATERY
FUN ...at ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort Everyone knows that Okinawan summers are swelteringly hot. Because of this, some choose to spend these days moving exclusively between the blessed coolness of their climate-controlled rooms and the nearest indoor mall where the thermostat is set to a constant 72°F. Well, these people are missing out as the hot weather offers a plus side—such as an exhilarating afternoon jumping rump-first into the beautiful emerald green seas while squealing like a happy infant.
TEXT//Mike Daley LAYOUT//Catherine Newquist PHOTOGRAPHY//ANA Manza Beach Resort
EVGENIIAND/BIGSTOCK.COM
OUT + ABOUT
JUNE 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 9
OUT + ABOUT
ONE OF THE MORE ICONIC RESORTS ON THE ISLAND,
ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort is located on a cape near one of Okinawa’s most-recognized and oftphotographed landmarks—Manzamo. A mecca for tourists, Manza Beach Resort is, of course, equipped with pools. However, the best part of the resort features H2O-related fun on a scale that's several digits higher than ever possible in an enclosed body of water. Imagine, if you can, a vast inflatable playground afloat in the shallow pristine waters of the East China Sea anchored right off a beautiful beach.
JUNE 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 11
OUT + ABOUT
STUDIO1ONE/BIGSTOCK.COM, FLYNT/BIGSTOCK.COM
Manza Beach Resort features an ocean park with over 20 floating mini-islands of delight bobbing atop the fishfilled waters off the sandy coastline. Originally opened in 2014, Manza Beach Resort’s Ocean Park has grown into the largest of its kind in Japan—with the most beautiful locale by far. “Until last year, the park was separated into two sections—a kid’s course and an adult’s course modeled after the American Ninja Warrior (known in Japan as 'Sasuke,') says Hiroyuki Sakata, Director of Leisure Activity at ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort. “Many children—especially elementary school aged kids—really wanted to try the Ninja Warrior course, so this year the Ninja Warrior Course was made even larger and divided into A, B, C and D sections which vary in difficulty and opened to children,” he says. The kid’s course remains for smaller tykes, though. From mockrock climbing and tower scaling to mini slides and jungle gyms, both children and kids-at-heart will be in a watery state of nirvana for the whole day—wearing the requisite personal flotation device (available for free) of course.
BOTH CHILDREN AND KIDS-ATHEART WILL BE IN A WATERY STATE OF NIRVANA
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OUT + ABOUT
Manza Beach Resort offers a special military discount: ¥1,500 for adults and ¥1,250 for kids 3–12. A special lunch set (which includes water park entry and lunch at Aquabelle, Cuomo Salvatore, Unkai and The Oriental Grill by Karin, all located on the resort grounds) is available for ¥3,900 for adults and ¥2,000 for kids 3–12.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en.
JUNE 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 15
FITNESS + FUN
Father’s Day Bullfighting
THOMAS ALAN SMILIE
Share with dad a unique experience he’ll never forget!
In some parts of Asia, including Korea, Japan and Okinawa, bulls fight the only adversary they can meet head-to-head on equal terms—another bull. Bulls are quite rambunctious by nature and butt heads on a fairly regular basis as it is. Watching two colossal titans locking horns and vying for supremacy is a spectacle that puts even WrestleMania to shame. Bullfighting on Okinawa has a long history—approximately 300 years. Known as ushi orasê, bullfighting was extremely popular among the rural population before the war, especially older Okinawan farmers. Larger tournaments regularly attracted over 30,000 fans and bullfighting rings decorated virtually every farming village. And although it all but disappeared before, during and after World War II, bullfighting resurfaced and regained popularity after reversion. Today, around 300 “ranked” bulls battle for the coveted title of “yokozuna” at tournaments held throughout the island. These events are usually raucous affairs, with spectators banging steel drums and whistling piercingly (a general Okinawan demonstration of approval). And every once in a blue moon, front row spectators
are treated with a meet-and-greet with one of the bulls trying to jump out of the ring during the heat of battle. Many bullrings, or tôgyû-jyo, are hidden in rural areas, hewn out of natural formations that fit ushi orasê specifications—which thankfully include earthen bulwarks topped with tall railings around the ring to prevent the competitors from joining the spectators. Some of the rings are even built in craters left by large bombs dropped during the war. Matches usually last only a few breathless minutes, but they can sometimes go on for over an hour. The victor of the contest is the bull, not the handler. Although bulls sometimes do become injured in contests, deaths are extremely rare, and all wounds are immediately tended to (usually with loving care). Enjoy this unique experience with your dad at the Tours+ Father’s Day Bullfighting Tournament Tour June 17—it’ll certainly beat the necktie that you gave him last year. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/tours.
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Okuma Beach Resort
Summer at Okuma
Enjoy all that Okuma has to offer this summer! The beautiful resort, just 51 miles north of Kadena Gate 1, is combined with scenic qualities and a myriad of facilities synonymous with Japanese hospitality. Find serenity and privacy and choose from a wide variety of accommodations to fit any family. While here, you can discover the beautiful sights, culture and adventure this part of the island has to offer. Why wait? Book your stay at Okuma Beach Resort for this summer and all year round.
4th of July Celebration Wednesday • 4 July
Celebrate the all American way at Okuma Beach! Enjoy some classic American food at Surfside Grill & Bar like hot dogs, hamburgers, and more! There will be free live entertainment into the night, afterwards head over to North Beach to watch the amazing display of fireworks light up across the sky!
Latin Night
No Limits Texas Hold’Em
at Surfside Grill & Bar Saturday • 2 June • 9 pm - 1 am
Saturday • 16 June
Sign ups • 10:30 am | Game starts • 11 am Play in this fun Saturday mid morning game!
Salsa the night away with a nacho bar, margarita specials, and Latin music!
Father Daughter Dance
Saturday • 16 June • 5 pm - 9 pm Dance the night away with your favorite little girl(s) at this fun dance! Mothers and sons are also encouraged to join in the fun making this spectacular night for all parents and children.
Father’s Day Brunch
Sunday • 17 June • 8:30 am - 1:30 pm $16.95 • Adults | $8.50 • Ages 4 - 12 Free • Ages 3 & under Make dad (and his belly) happy with our delicious array of Father’s Day brunch favorites! There will be steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, pancakes, French toast, hash browns, bacon, sausage and much more!
Okuma Beach • 631-1990 | Surfside Grill & Bar • 631-1805 | 098-962-1805 Okuma Beach is located 51 miles north of Kadena Air Base Kadenafss.com/okuma facebook.com/theokumabeach
KADENA AIR BASE
Instagram us @okumabeach
FITNESS + FUN
Let the Good Times Roll Celebrate your birthday at an MCCS Bowling Center! Have a ball on your birthday with MCCS! For the entire month of June, MCCS Bowling Centers across the island will be offering all active duty Marines whose birthdays land in June two FREE games of bowling as our present to you. All you have to do is mention that it’s your birthday and flash your I.D. as proof. It’s that simple. Then, let the good times roll! Shoes are not included and standard rental fees apply at $2 for adults and $1 for children. For more information, contact your nearest participating bowling center by visiting mccsokinawa.com/bowling.
WOTERS /BIGSTOCK.COM, RODERICA MATHIS
Red Pin Special! If you’re looking for a new way to unwind after a long weekday, stroll by the Futenma Bowling Center with your friends and check out our Red Pin Special! Every Tuesday and Thursday, we’re offering you a chance to win FREE games of bowling all night long! All you have to do is bowl a strike! Whenever a red pin gets placed in the head position, a prize of a FREE game will be awarded if the player whose turn it is wins a strike. Available in all open bowling modes. Standard rental fees for shoes apply at $2 for adults and $1 for children. For more information, call the Futenma Bowling Center at 636-3084 or visit mccsokinawa.com/bowling.
Father’s Day Bowling Special Make this Father’s Day a strike! Father’s Day is very special for our military community. It’s a day to appreciate our dads and all they do for our families while also showering them with gifts carefully made by loving little hands. Whether dad is a first-timer or the family fire-team leader, show him a knock down good time this Father’s Day at the Futenma Bowling Center. On June 17, dads with a valid DoD ID card will receive one FREE game and FREE shoe rentals.
After dad has devoured his chocolate chip pancakes in bed and tried on that snazzy new tie you knew he needed, throw him the car keys and take him to the lanes. Lane rentals are $8 per hour during the day and $10 per hour after 5 p.m. Rent a pair of bowling shoes for $1 for adults and 75¢ for children. Contact your local MCCS Bowling Center for more information, or check them out online at mccsokinawa.com/bowling.
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FITNESS + FUN
Sunrise Breakfast Scramble
RODERICA MATHIS,
…at Taiyo Golf Club Calling all golfers; we’ve got an early bird special for you! On Saturday, June 23, start your day with a light-hearted scramble tournament and breakfast buffet for only $20. Everyone, no matter their skill level, is invited. What’s a scramble? It’s a tournament format that’s designed with every golfer in mind. In a scramble, a team is formed by four players. Each team member hits a drive, then the shots are compared and the best selected. The golfers play the next shot by the position of the selected ball, placing each ball within one club-length of where the selected ball lies (it can’t be closer to the hole or improve the lie of the original ball). This is continued until the completion of each hole. A scramble tournament is excellent practice, especially if you’re not an experienced golfer or you’re a little rusty. This is because there’s no pressure, and if you don’t do well, your teammates can make up for it. You simply have to focus on having a good time while playing one of the best sports in the world. Don’t forget to enjoy the sunrise while you’re out there too. No handicaps are needed for this scramble event, which will begin with a shotgun start at 5:15 a.m. Prizes and the breakfast buffet will follow the tournament. All DoD ID card holders are welcome and registration closes on June 20. Green and cart fees are not included in the entry price. For more information, call 622-2004 or visit mccsokinawa.com/golf.
Taiyo Junior Golf Clinics It’s Never Too Early Is your kid an aspiring golfer? Or, just want to prevent them from turning into a budding summer couch potato? Then sign them up for a Taiyo Golf Club Junior Golf Summer Clinic! These clinics, with sessions available June 19–22, July 24–27 and August 7–10, will provide kids with tips and advice about the game of golf. Topics to be covered include fine-tuning one’s golf swing, putting and chipping, actual game instruction and course etiquette. Classes consist of three 45-minute instructional sessions with a course professional and a two-hour play day on the course
on the final day followed by a BBQ lunch. Age groups are 6–9 and 10–14 and available class times are 7–7:45 a.m., 8–8:45 a.m. and 9–9:45 a.m. The final-day play session is 8–10 a.m. for all class members. This summer, don’t let your kids waste away on the couch; sign them up for one of Taiyo’s Junior Golf Summer Clinics. The clinics are $25 per child and include balls, a hat, tees and the final-day BBQ lunch. For more information or to sign up, call Taiyo Golf Club at 622-2006 or visit mccsokinawa. com/golf. JUNE 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 21
FITNESS + FUN
Learn to Swim Summer Sessions Swimming is a great (and fun) way to exercise. It works practically every muscle in your body and keeps your heart, as well as your joints, happy and healthy. It’s also an important skill that could save your life one day. If you don’t know how to swim or you’re tired of relying on the doggie paddle, MCCS Aquatics is ready to help with Learn to Swim, a program that’ll have you swimming with confidence in no time. There are four sessions to choose from this summer: June 19–28, July 2–12, July 16–25 and July 30–August 8. Register online for parent/child lessons ($50) or regular lessons ($75). There will also be walk-in signups available after online registration closes. The registration fee includes eight weekday classes at the McTureous 25M Pool, Foster 50M Pool or Kinser 50M Pool. Sessions are tailored to a variety of skill levels and last approximately 30 minutes. To register, mccsokinawa.com/learntoswim.
Swim, Bike & Run The 7th Annual TriKids, MiniKids & Women’s Only Triathlon
Join the Business of Saving Lives with MCCS Aquatics
THOMAS ALAN SMILIE
It All Starts with the Lifeguarding Full Course Not all heroes fight crimes or wear capes. In fact, they come in all shapes and sizes— some even wear bathing suits. If you’re a strong swimmer and think you have what it takes to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies, then you should consider becoming a lifeguard. To get started, simply take MCCS Aquatics’ Lifeguarding Full Course. This class will teach you the tools and techniques needed when caring for those in and around water. Finishing this course will result in the following certifications: Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, Administering Emergency
Oxygen and Bloodborne Pathogens Training. Sign up NOW for the June session (registration ends at 11 p.m. on June 12). The course will be held June 14–19 and is $150. To attend, students must be at least 15 years old on or before the last day of the course. Participants must also be able to pass the required prerequisite skills. For more information or to register, visit mccsokinawa.com/lifeguard. Additionally, upon successful completion of the course, check out mccsokinawa.com/ jobs for lifeguarding opportunities. MCCS Aquatics is actively hiring lifeguards.
Push yourself to the limit and find out what you’re really made of by swimming, biking and running back-to-back in the TriKids, Minikids & Women’s Only Triathlon on Camp Kinser! This race is a fun-focused, non-competitive event that’s open to triathletes of all skill levels. Those in the women’s (females over the age of 13) or TriKids (children 7–14) categories will swim 100 meters, bike ~4 kilometers and run ~1.5 kilometers. Those in the MiniKids (children 10 and under) will swim 25 meters, bike ~250 meters and run ~100 meters. If you don’t want to participate to expand your boundaries, at least do it for the exercise. The TriKids, MiniKids & Women’s Only Triathlon will take place on June 23. Participants can register online no later than 1 p.m. on June 19. This event is FREE. For more information or to register, visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics. JUNE 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 23
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Like the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom, the roots of coffee are deep—dating back more than a millennium. It's said that the first harvested coffee plants grew on the shores of the Red Sea. Legend states that East African tribes would grind the coffee cherries together, mix the pasty concoction with animal fat and roll it into small spheres for portability. These precursors to Red Bull, Monster and other energy drinks were said to give warriors a much-needed energy boost for battle. It’s quite fitting that working warriors throughout the world today ready themselves for another day with a piping-hot cup of this heavenly beverage. Today, coffee beans are produced around the world in a zone centered on the equator called the coffee belt, which strings together 70 different coffeeproducing countries. Lucky for us, Okinawa sits on the northern range of this belt and there's a burgeoning coffee plantation industry on island. Some growers have been around for years, while others are up-and-coming.
Nestled quietly among the trees of the northeast is a coffeelovers paradise. It rests right off Route 331 in Higashi Village, after a few sweeping curves and signs guide you away from the hustle and bustle of city life. There, a lone building with potted plants adding color to charming wooden décor awaits your arrival. This is Matayoshi Coffee Farm. The winsome building is actually the coffee shop. Inside, the air is thick with the scent of homemade bread and freshly
brewed coffee. Out back, fields of about 1,200 coffee plants— separated by whether they bear yellow or red cherries—seem to stretch on forever. The cherries are selectively picked by hand (unripe ones are left to be picked later), then washed and dried before the beans are removed, roasted on a cassette stove and ground in a mill located in the shop. In the shop, there are currently nine different specialty coffees, all of which are served hot, iced or Vietnamese style (mixed with sweetened condensed milk and ice). Eight are listed on the menu by the country the beans came from, while one is a unique homemade blend. With just one sip, visitors can delight in the rich flavors of Okinawa, Mexico, Honduras, Columbia, Papua New Guinea, Brazil, Costa Rica, Rwanda and Okinawa Blend. Customers can also order food
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RODERICA MATHIS
to accompany their cup of Joe (such as sandwiches, curry and treats from the small bakery in the back), shaved ice, juice, tea and get ready for this—jam made from coffee cherries. The Okinawa bean, which is grown on the Matayoshi farm, is a great choice for those who enjoy a strong, bitter coffee. It doesn’t smell like a typical cup of coffee, though. In fact, at first sniff, one may confuse it for a glass of red wine. It’s even a little tart, but with a somewhat heavy body and bright, unique flavor that can only come from coffee that’s 100% Okinawan. If you’re someone who prefers a milder taste, sip on the Okinawa Blend. It’s a mixture of the Okinawa, Honduras and Mexico. The combination brings a hint of a fruity taste while mellowing out the strong Okinawan flavor, but not so much that you can’t enjoy the distinctive taste.
Regardless of what you choose, there’s more to Matayoshi Coffee Farm than simply getting your daily dose of caffeine. You can take the Harvesting & Roasting Experience course, which takes you through the coffee journey from bean to cup. In the course, you’ll handpick coffee cherries, then remove, roast and grind the beans with an expert. At the end, you’ll brew and sample the coffee. You can also turn your visit into a vacay by staying at one of their camp sites or wooden cottages with ocean views (reservations required). Coffee-lovers, there’s no better place to get your fix than Matayoshi Coffee Farm. So when you have the chance, spend some time in paradise—away from all the noise, heavy traffic and crowds of people—and indulge in coffee that’s truly phenomenal. Find out more by visiting their Facebook page at facebook.com/ matayoshicoffeefarm or calling them at 098-043-2838. MAY 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 29
At this unique coffee shop, it isn’t the brew that makes this place so remarkable. The coffee is, of course, very good. However, the real magic? That lies within the roast. Ten years ago, just as Okinawa began budding into the premier island destination it is today (now tallying over 9.3 million visitors a year—more than Hawaii), an influx of holiday trippers and sun-seekers brought with it a wave of major coffeehouse chains. Their goal was simple: Turn busy tourists from tired to wired and make a boatload of money. But while large chains do well to bring in heaps of cash and fuel the masses, they sorely lack originality, and a lot of the time, quality. Enter 35COFFEE Sango Roast. Equipped with the vision to have visitors, quite literally, “taste Okinawa,” over the last decade, this small shop has managed to hold its own against larger entities, now boasting 11 locations scattered across the southern end of the prefecture. So what should Okinawa taste like? According to the roastmasters over at 35COFFEE, extremely inviting, extremely mellow, and apparently, extremely ethical. See, here, coffee is roasted, not with hot coal, stone, wood embers or electricity, but with sango— coral fossils collected off the island’s very own shores. The process is an admittedly lengthy one (similar to that of a slow cooker). Still, it’s well worth the wait—not just because the coffee is excellent, but because adding to their resourcefulness, 35COFFEE also donates 3.5% of their profits to conservation efforts made by the Okinawa Coral Restoration Project. Right now, the livelihood of Okinawa’s underwater ecosystem is being threatened by pollution and coral bleaching. To roast their beans, the coffeehouse collects and utilizes only dead coral through a specially acquired
license; and in exchange, has, so far, planted 2,300 heads of live coral around Okinawa at an 80% success rate. It’s coffee they’re proud to make and coffee you can be proud to drink. Only two blends of drip brew are available at 35COFFEE, but there exists beauty and confidence in this simplicity. Customers can opt for the J.F.K. Blend, a Columbian coffee that's sweeter and less acidic; or they can go for the more popular Island Blend, a Brazilian coffee with a little more softness. The aroma of both flavors is to be appreciated—delicate and inoffensive, yet strong enough to wake you right up. Of course there’s the option of hot or iced; and all shops have a small cream and sugar station, so you can flavor your cup to your liking. You can also buy bags of beans, grounds or powder, and sip on this simple, yet uniquely Okinawan roast in the comfort of your own home. For more information on 35COFFEE, visit them at 35coffee.com. JUNE 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 31
Tucked away in an unassuming building on an unassuming street in Awase is an extraordinary place. Extraordinary if you’re a coffee lover, that is. KrampCoffeeStore, owned and operated by Tetsuya and Yuki Kudaka, has been serving excellent coffee and tasty culinary accompaniments for 5 years. The décor of their small shop is simple and understated, and this both compliments and contrasts with the extraordinary quality of their brew. “I use single origin beans [coffee grown within a single known geographic origin; either a single farm, or a specific collection of beans from a single country] that are roasted by Ogawa Coffee in Kyoto,” says Tetsuya Kudaka, who handles the brewing duties. “Although, I’m very interested in using more locally-roasted beans from places such as Cerrado Coffee [in Urasoe City] in the future when they produce more volume,” he continues. Kramps’ beans change every 3 months and during the interview they were offering beans from the Republic of Burundi in, you guessed it, East Africa. Espresso roasted beans ground extra fine are the stars of Kramps’ most intriguing caffeinated beverage—the melted latte. The menu states “no ice cubes, no sugar, no straw…don’t mix, just drink.” Follow these instructions and you'll be treated to an almost out-of-body coffee experience in which a flavorful saga of epic proportions unfolds on your tongue. And no, this isn’t an overstatement. Kramp also offers Americano, lattes, cappuccino, espresso cocoa as well as pour-over coffee and even decaf. For more information on KrampCoffeeStore visit them on Facebook (facebook.com/ krampcoffeestore) or Instagram (@krampcoffeestore).
Although tea may come to mind as the beverage of choice in the Land of the Rising Sun, not all cups here are filled with a piping hot green liquid. And although tea is sublime, simultaneously refreshing and relaxing, the joy of java is alive and well on Okinawa— whether it comes in a hand-made mug made by a master of Ryukyu pottery, a waxed paper cup or even a can from a vending machine. JUNE 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 33
DINING + ENTERTAINMENT
Father’s Day Brunches
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Spend Father’s Day with MCCS Your dad is your protector, provider and peacekeeper. He referees living room brawls and fixes broken toys. He’s there to teach you how to throw a ball, how to ride a bike and how to hide purchases from mom. He will forever be proud of all your accomplishments, though he may not say it too often, and is always there to offer advice, even if you have to use Skype or Messenger to get ahold of him while he’s TAD… again. In honor of dad and his strength, courage and love, MCCS Clubs & Restaurants cordially invite you to a hearty Father’s Day Breakfast or Brunch Buffet. On June 18, Taiyo Steakhouse is offering an à la carte brunch menu from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Seating will be available on the balcony so you can enjoy your meal in the beautiful Okinawa outdoors, weather permitting. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 622-2020. The Butler Officers’ Club is hosting a scrumptious Father’s Day Brunch Buffet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Adults can enjoy an exquisite
meal for $19. Children ages 5 through 11 are $9.50 and children under 5 are FREE. Reservations are highly recommended for this holiday treat. Call 645-7530. Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney and Kinser Surfside are also hosting Father’s Day Brunch Buffets from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The price for adults is $17. Children ages 5 through 11 are $8.50 and children under 5 are FREE. Please call 622-9413 for more information and reservations. Treat dad to a delicious Father’s Day breakfast buffet at The Veranda at Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Habu Pit on MCAS Futenma is also hosting a special buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At all breakfast buffets, adults eat for $9.95, children ages 5 through 11 are $4.95 and children under 5 eat FREE. For more information about MCCS Father’s Day Breakfast and Brunch Buffets, visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs.
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DINING + ENTERTAINMENT
First & Third Fridays
RODERICA MATHIS
…at Kinser Surfside We all know Friday is the best day of the week. It’s the beginning of the weekend, so how could it not be? Plus, the anticipation of spending a couple days away from work puts pretty much everyone in a good mood. So go ahead—leave the chores and sleep for Saturday and Sunday, and go out and have fun! Unwind and welcome the weekend every first and third Friday of the month with karaoke, drinks, FREE appetizers and more at Surfside on Camp Kinser. First Fridays will begin at 4 p.m., with heavy hors d’oeuvres being served from 4 to 7 p.m. There will also be a DJ spinning some of today’s hottest tracks. The celebrations for Third Fridays will start at 5 p.m., and you can fill up on finger food from 5 to 8 p.m. Both events will also have happy hour beer and a high-quality wine selection. For many, the first and third Friday of this month is payday. If you’re not careful, celebrating the end of the workweek can be expensive. But you don’t have to blow your money to have a good time. Don’t just start off the weekend right, start off June the way you should and head to Surfside. Remember to drink responsibly. Taxis are always a phone call away. These events are open to SNCOs, civilian equivalents and authorized guests. Attendees must be 18 or older. For more information, call 637-3137 or visit mccsokinawa.com/surfside.
Go Beyond the Beef… …at Bulldogs Burgers
There’s almost nothing in this world more satisfying than a big, juicy burger. Hot off the grill, plopped onto a soft warm bun and layered with fresh vegetables and mouth-watering toppings—other sandwiches just don’t quite compare to this all-American classic. On the other hand, what isn’t so great are the feelings that come after devouring one of these delicious stacks—namely the postburger sluggishness and pangs of guilt. Well, we’ve got some good news. Available at all locations is the Bulldogs Veggie Burger! Made with the trademarked Beyond Burger patty by Beyond Meat, you won’t even be able to tell the difference. Topped with American cheese, our special Bulldogs sauce, crisp lettuce, tomatoes and red onions, this quarter
pounder still tastes like your normal beef burger, but is 100% plant-based and packed with 20 grams of clean, green pea protein. On top of that, the patty itself is free of any antibiotics, hormones, GMOs, soy and gluten—a healthy alternative for anybody with food sensitivities. Just ask our friendly staff to hold the cheese or lose the bun! Try the Bulldogs Veggie Burger for only $7! Or, for two extra bucks, make it a combo meal. All combos come with a drink and a side of either sweet potato fries, french fries or onion petals. For only 75¢ extra, you may substitute your side for a salad. For more information or to view our full menu, visit mccsokinawa.com/bulldogsburgers.
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RESTAURANT REVIEW
Segafredo Zanetti Text by Amanda Carrasquillo, Photography by Thomas Alan Smilie
Hours of Operation Sun–Mon 7 a.m.–midnight Address 904-0313 Okinawa Prefecture, Nakagami-gun, Yomitan-son Ōwan, 34 banchi Directions Segafredo Zanetti is a little over 1.6 km north of Kadena Gate 1. You’ll see it on the right-hand side, just before MOS Burger. To get there, you’ll have to keep driving (a little over 150m) until you see a Family Mart on the right and make a U-turn. Phone 098-989-4444 Accepts ¥, CC Instagram @segafredo.okinawa. yomitan
In Italy, there’s an illustrious culture for both cuisine and coffee. Both were constructed (and perfected) by rules and rituals that have been passed down from generation to generation. The country’s passion for bold, rich and textural food, as well as simple (yet strong) coffee has spread all around the world—and Okinawa is certainly no stranger. Have a taste of Italy at Segafredo Zanetti, a café restaurant with a hefty menu. The establishment is relatively easy to find since it’s just a little north of Kadena (in Yomitan) on Hwy 58 and you can’t miss the sign with the large coffee cup out front. It might be a little overwhelming when you first look at the menu, because as far as beverages go, it seems like they’ve thought of it all. Hopefully you’ll visit for the Italian coffee, which you’ll find to be smooth and pleasingly sharp, but if you’re somehow not a fan of the sacred grounds, there’s soda, tea, juice and even wine, beer and cocktails. As for the food, there’s a great selection of paninis, pasta, pizza and more. If you’re a lover of paninis, try the Scamorza Cheese with Three Kinds of Vegetables. It’s made with yellow squash, red pepper, zucchini and creamy melted cheese. They also serve a Shrimp & Avocado Tartar panini, Caprese (mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and basil) panini and more. A great accompaniment for any of these would
be their cappuccino, which is made from a marvelous ratio of well-prepared espresso under a substantial layer of velvety foam. Are you really getting an Italian experience if you’re not grubbing on some pasta or pizza? Slurp (not really, though) up the Shrimp Pasta with Genovese Sauce (a rich, onion-based sauce), Chicken & Broccoli Spaghetti with Salt Lemon Butter, Chicken Spaghetti with Mailhime Tomato Sauce or Bolognese Pasta. For pizza, the Margherita is highly recommended. It consists of perfectly-fluffy crust adorned with tomato sauce, just the right amount of cheese and basil. If you want something a little heavier, the Shrimp & Zucchini and Salsiccia (sausage) & Bell Pepper will definitely have you stuffed. The carbs might make you drowsy, but one of their regular coffees will certainly pick you up. It’s a dark roast with a bold flavor and thick body. Whatever you decide to feast on, save room for dessert. There’s granita (a semi-frozen treat made in assorted flavors or espresso), ice cream and more. You might wonder how Segafredo Zanetti can have so many different items on their menu, yet execute them all flawlessly. However, it’s best not to wonder. Just leave it to the professionals and simply enjoy being transported into one of the greatest food and coffee cultures in the world.
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MARINES + FAMILIES
Career Focus Education Planning
PATHDOC /BIGSTOCK.COM
What’s the best path for you? The world is ever-changing. As a result, new professions are constantly flowing into the job market, while the traditional ones are either being altered or disappearing. This means that skills and educational requirements are changing as well. So then, are you prepared? It’s not a secret that the competition for jobs is fierce. Don’t make the mistake of being ill-prepared. To be successful, you need to set goals and take the necessary actions that support them. But, of course, you first need a plan. Obviously, you want a job that involves doing something you love. And, the best way to make a positive impact on the world is to do just that. However, finding the right
path is harder than it seems. You have to explore educational and career goals that are compatible with your talents, experience, interests, values, personality and aspirations. Also, if you choose to seek higher education, you have to consider how your educational pursuits will impact future career opportunities. Now, this process may seem a little overwhelming at first, but don’t worry. You don’t have to figure it out all by yourself. MCCS Education Centers can give you all the help you need! To get started, attend a Career Focus Education Planning class. This session will introduce assessment tools that identify possible choices for majors and careers based on the evaluation of an
individual. Participants will also learn how to develop a strategic plan that utilizes their military experience, certifications and education to help them enter their desired career field. Come, learn more about yourself and explore training programs, areas of study and occupations that are compatible with your personal attributes. The Career Focus Education Planning class will be held at the MCCS Education Centers on Camps Schwab ( June 6), Hansen ( June 13) and Foster ( June 20) from 11 a.m. to noon. For more information on these classes, call a participating location or visit mccsokinawa.com/ educationandcareerservices.
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MARINES + FAMILIES
NOWA Newcomers’ Orientation Welcome Aboard
New to the island? Start your tour off right by getting all the information you need at Newcomers’ Orientation Welcome Aboard (NOWA). You’ll also be able to take your Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) licensing test, which enables you to drive on Okinawa, at the orientation. NOWA is offered every Wednesday from 7:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Camp Foster Community Center Auditorium, and is a mandated event for all accompanied Marines and Sailors, DoD civilian employees and all family members ages 10 years old and above. It’s also required for all unaccompanied Marines and Sailors in paygrades of E-6 and above. Transportation is available from the Westpac, Hamagawa and Eagle Lodges (must be requested in advance). For more information and to register, please visit the MCCS Okinawa Welcome Aboard page at mccsokinawa.com/ welcomeaboard or call 645-8395.
Loan Locker
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Where a pot can make your day! Are you new to the island and awaiting your shipment of household goods? Trying to cook a real meal in temporary lodging weeks after your household goods have been sent to your next duty station and finding that it’s nearly impossible to make pasta without a pot? Visit the Marine and Family Programs-Resources (MFP-R) Branch’s loan locker on Camp Foster in Building 445. Both families who have recently PCSed in, as well as those who are getting ready to say “sayonara” to Okinawa, are eligible to rent household necessities from the loan locker for up to 60 days. You’ll receive a bin of items such as cutlery, pans, plates, pots, baking dishes and more to help you make it until either your shipment arrives or your family departs. You can even check out car seats and strollers! To pick up items from the loan locker, call the Camp Foster Relocation Office at 645-8395/2104 and bring a copy of your orders. Visit mccsokinawa.com/ relocation for more information. JUNE 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 43
MARINES + FAMILIES
Deployment Services
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Nobody ever truly feels ready for a deployment. However, at MCCS Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB), we offer an array of deployment services that can help prepare Marines and their families as best as we can for the challenging road ahead. Our Readiness and Deployment Support Trainers are available at every installation to meet with you and discuss topics concerning legal planning, single parenting, Combat Operational Stress Continuum, personal preparation, preparing loved ones and other resources available to Marines and their families. We also provide workshops specially tailored to each unique stage of deployment. From the beginning stages of pre-deployment all the way through to reintegration, we’ll be there for you every step of the way. Our Pre-Deployment workshops highlight key areas of preparation, such as gathering important documents, emergency communication and securing sources of assistance. We also have your kids covered. In the Pre-Deployment Training for Parents & Kids, MCFTB breaks deployment down through a puppet show and fun activities to help children better understand what’s to come. This course is also for parents, who can learn how to recognize and deal with any change in behavior their children may exhibit. We also host Mid-Deployment workshops designed to aid you during your wait at home. Self-care is important. Together, we will tackle emotional ups and downs, goal setting and staying connected to your Marine throughout this trying time. Finally, MCFTB Return and Reunion and Post-Deployment workshops cover what to expect during homecoming. Other topics include renegotiating responsibilities upon your Marine’s return, communication strategies and understanding each other’s needs. We’ll also share tips on how to strengthen your relationship during the reintegration process. To say that deployment is hard is an understatement, but you don’t have to go through it alone. For more information, call 645-3041 or visit mccsokinawa.com/mcftb.
PCS? No problem! Many who are in the military, whether they’re active duty or a family member, know the woes of PCSing. The packing, piles upon piles of paperwork and especially the endless waiting are things that very few look forward to. Fortunately, Marine & Family ProgramResources (MFP-R) is there to help make your next PCS—whether it’s to Okinawa or elsewhere—as smooth as possible. At mccsokinawa.com/welcomeaboard, inbound travelers will find a treasure trove of information on relocating to Okinawa. MFP-R has compiled a plethora of resources, such as the Okinawa PCS “Must Know Information” online booklet (which includes everything from PCS flowcharts for USMC and USN personnel), pet importation guidance, information on household goods and much more. Not limited to those PCSing to Okinawa, MFP-R also offers resources for those getting ready to leave for their next duty station. For more information on all of their offerings, visit mccsokinawa. com and click on the “Marines & Families” tab. JUNE 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 45
KIDS + PARENTS
Kids Summer Boot Camp
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Motivating your Mini-Marines Get your mini-Marines moving this summer by enrolling them in MCCS Health Promotion’s Kids Summer Boot Camp! It’s never too early to inspire a healthy and active lifestyle. This week-long fun-focused fitness camp will take place from June 18 to 22 at Gunners Fitness Center. Each day, from 9 to 10 a.m., kids will lace up bright and early (considering school’s out) to join in on a series of FREE activities designed to fortify strength and endurance of both the mind and body. Kid-friendly circuit training is just one of the activities your little ones can expect on their first day. Circuit training has been proven to provide a great full-body workout. For this program, stations will be spread throughout the venue where children will get their hearts pumping in a selection of exercises geared towards improving cardiovascular health, muscular endurance and physical strength. Over everything else, perhaps the best benefit of circuit training is children will get to exercise alongside friends! Together, kids will learn to be better sportsmen and companions by cheering on one another as they go through the ropes.
A healthy mind and nutritious diet also play large parts in the prevention and management of any problems that may come as they grow older. At Kids Summer Boot Camp, children will get to play exciting mind and coordination games to boost their brain power! Children will also learn about the importance of eating healthy and how to do so. Yummy snacks and drinks packed with the proper nutrients and vitamins will also be provided. By the week’s end, your child will be fresh and fully energized— ready to tackle the rest of the summer! Don’t be surprised if they come back a whole new person. They might even teach you a thing or two. The Health Promotion’s Kids Summer Boot Camp is open to children ages 7 through 11. All activities are safe, age-appropriate and designed with their well-being in mind. Registration is required, and will operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, call 645-3910 or visit mccsokinawa.com/healthpromotion.
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KIDS + PARENTS
MCCS Youth & Teen Centers
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Something for everyone from ages 10 to 18! Summer break is here and your local MCCS Youth & Teen Centers are the place to be for kids as the heat dials up to eleven. Each day, centers on Camps Courtney, Foster and Kinser have activities and events planned to stave off boredom. Anyone between the ages of 10 and 18 is invited to hang out with their friends and watch movies, play video games, challenge each other in board games and more (even study)! Along with various fun activities, each center hosts a variety of clubs and classes for youth and teens to engage in. Passport to Manhood and SMART girls are classes designed to address age- and gender- specific issues youth and teens encounter as they grow up. There’s also Torch Club—a character and leadership development club to help adolescents build their personality traits through volunteer activities. Each center also offers unique classes, such as book clubs, art clubs, cooking clubs and more. Throughout each month, MCCS Youth & Teen Centers schedule crafts, sports, membership appreciation parties and themed events for
members to enjoy. And, don’t forget lock-in events, where members are invited to stay the night at the facility and play games, watch movies and eat yummy snacks with their peers. Sound interesting? Here’s what you need to do to join: go to mccsokinawa.com/cyp and download the Youth & Teen Registration Packet. The simple questionnaire needs to be filled out by your parents, as their permission is required. Then, submit the info to your local club. Camp Courtney’s Youth & Teen Center (622-9702) is in Bldg. 4446 and is located near the Chura Warabi Center. Call 622-9702 for more information. The Camp Foster Kishaba Youth Center (6458015) is located next to Zukeran Elementary School, Camp Foster’s Teen Center (645-1004) is located inside The Spot, Camp Kinser’s Youth Center (637-2248) is located down the street from Kinser Elementary School, and the Kinser Teen Center (637-1775) is located next to the bowling center.
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KIDS + PARENTS
Swim with the Dolphins Summer Swim Team Tryouts The Okinawa Dolphins Swim Team is looking for aspiring competitive youth swimmers. Tryouts will be taking place on June 18 from 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. at the Foster 50M Pool. Tryouts are FREE, only take about five to ten minutes and are based on the exit skills assessment for Level 5 American Red Cross Swimming Lessons. Prospective members must first swim 50 meters of nonstop freestyle with proper side breathing, head/body position and kicking. They must then complete 25 meters of backstroke and 25 meters of breaststroke with a short rest period of 20 seconds in between. All swims must meet competitive stroke rules, be nonstop efforts and must be performed with no parental interaction. Swimmers must be at least seven years old by the first day of practice. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/swimteam.
Dive-In Movie FS-STOCK/BISTOCK.COM, TROPICAL STUDIO/BIGSTOCK.COM
Dive into fun! Itching for a movie night, but don’t want to spend your entire summer wasting away on the couch? Well, ditch it and dive in! This summer, MCCS Aquatics will be hosting a series of fun filled movie nights at four of our Aquatics Centers. Patrons are invited to chill on the deck or relax in the water, all while enjoying a poolside flick. To sweeten the deal, snacks and drinks will also be provided FREE of charge! This year, dive into a Dive-In Movie on Thursday, June 14 at the Foster 50M Pool. If you have prior engagements, worry not. With three whole months of summer, you have plenty of time to get your affairs in order and seven more movie nights to choose from! The rest of the schedule is as follows: July 5 and August 2 at the Foster 50M Pool; July 19 and August 16 at the Plaza Housing Aquatics Center; June 20, July 11 and August 8 at the Camp McTureous Aquatics Center; and June 28, July 26 and August 23 at the Kinser Aquatics Center. The best part? The movies are family friendly! All movie nights will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. These events are FREE and open to all ranks and ages. For more information and movie selections, mccsokinawa.com/aquatics. JUNE 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 51
SERVICES
Bounce Houses Take your child’s party to the next level! How do you turn a great party into an amazing one that your kid can brag about for the foreseeable future? Two words: Bounce. House. The best, most sought-after party accessory is available for rent through MCCS Special Events. If you care at all about your reputation as a party host, you’d get a bounce house. If you care even the slightest bit about the happiness of your children, you’d get a bounce house. The only possible downside to renting a bounce house for your party is that everything that happens
after the bounce house party will pale in comparison (except, perhaps, TWO bounce houses). As if it couldn’t get any better, bounce houses are now customizable to fit your occasion. Choose from twelve 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.
The Okinawa Guide ZURIJETA/BIGSTOCK.COM
Let us be YOUR guide to the island! The Okinawa Guide is an annual publication produced by the staff of Okinawa Living Magazine for newcomers and island dwellers alike. Filled with comprehensive information on everything from Japanese language and culture, holidays and places to visit to offerings on all Marine camps, the Okinawa Guide is the perfect guide for your stay on the island. The best thing? It’s FREE! Pick up your copy today at an MCCS facility near you! For more about the Okinawa Guide, visit mccsokinawa.com/guide. JUNE 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 53
SERVICES
I’ll Buy That! MCCS Flea Markets Want to make a few bucks and ease the load on your weekly trash duty? Sound too good to be true? Almost every weekend, Camps Courtney and Foster provide a venue for you to turn unwanted items into cash via MCCS Flea Market! Bust out your markers, posters, folding tables and chairs (or rent what you need from MCCS Outdoor Recreation) and sell your “gently used” items at Camp
Courtney’s flea market from 7 to 10 a.m. You can hawk your “likenew” wares at Camp Foster’s flea market from noon to 3 p.m. Spaces are available to all DoD ID card holders for $15, but MCCS Flea Markets are open to the general public. Vendors must arrive one hour prior to set up their booth. For a current schedule, more information and a complete list of rules, visit mccsokinawa.com/fleamarket.
Omoide
JULIA LOTOTSKAYA/BIGSTOCK.COM
Memories of Okinawa Everyone who’s visited Okinawa has a favorite spot; the perfect place to watch the sunset, a beach that the family visited every summer, the steps to Nago Castle lined with sakura (cherry blossom) trees blooming brilliantly pink or even a stretch of beautiful coastline that was so breathtaking you had to stop the car to take a photo. Omoide: Memories of Okinawa captures these moments on Okinawa and preserves them to provide precious memories of time spent here for you and to show family and friends back home how wonderful and beautiful your home-away-fromhome is. Broken down into north, central and south, this full-color pictorial contains images from Hedo Point on the northern tip of the island to Chinen Cape—the southern-most point of Okinawa. Not only a perfect going-away gift or present for mom and dad back in the states, Omoide: Memories of Okinawa can also serve as a bucket list of places to visit for those new to Okinawa. Alongside The Best of Okinawa Living, Omoide: Memories of Okinawa is available for $28 island-wide at Exchange retail facilities selling books and Camp Foster’s Westpac Lodge. For more information on Omoide: Memories of Okinawa visit mccsokinawa.com. JUNE 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 55
SERVICES
Stay Cool for Less Is your vehicle ready to beat the summer heat? Driving on Okinawa in the summertime can either be heaven or the alternative—with the performance of your air conditioner providing the defining difference between cruising along a seaside road in either cool comfort or sweaty discomposure. During the month of June, head over to your nearest MCCS Typhoon Motors to top off the Freon in your vehicle’s air conditioning system for 20 percent off the
regular price and ensure that your summer drives are cool and comfortable. For more information, call your nearest Typhoon Motors located on Camps Foster (645-7169), Kinser (637-2191), Courtney (622-9546) and Hansen (623-7743). Visit Typhoon Motors online at mccsokinawa.com/typhoonmotors.
MCCS Gift Cards
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The Gift That Keeps on Giving Show them how much you care with a MCCS Gift Card for that special occasion. What can they use it for? How about camping gear rental from MCCS Outdoor Recreation? Why not a relaxing massage or performance-enhancing dietary supplement from Semper Fit? Or a customized bowling ball from the Camp Foster Bowling Pro Shop, framed photo from Foster Framing, a tour from Tours+ or an art class at Foster Framing & Fine Arts? The MCCS Gift Card is the most versatile gift, made for everyone. Use it to buy balls at the Taiyo Golf Club Pro Shop, an oil change from Typhoon Motors, a mask and snorkel from Tsunami Scuba…the list is endless. MCCS Gift Cards are available at MCCS retail facilities island-wide. For more information, call 645-3193 or visit mccsokinawa.com/giftcard. JUNE 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 57
Text by Ashley Sablan Photography by Roderica Mathis Layout by Margie Shimabukuro
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LIVING ON OKINAWA
Oyako-Don
(Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl) Serves Four Ingredients 7.5 oz chicken (preferably dark meat) cut into bitesized cubes 1 onion sliced into thin strips 4 beaten eggs 1 mitsuba (honewort) or watercress leaf per bowl Sauce 2 cups of dashi (made from bonito flakes) 5 tbsp. sugar 10 tbsp. soy sauce 5 tbsp. mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine) Preparation 1. Bring all sauce ingredients to a rolling boil in a sauce pan. 2. Add chicken and sliced onions and heat for 2–3 minutes. 3. Add eggs while stirring slowly. 4. Add mitsuba (or watercress) leaves, turn off heat, and cover until eggs have solidified to desired consistency. 5. Place rice in a deep bowl and cover the rice with mixture. 6. Serve *To make dashi: boil water, then add katsuobushi. After one minute, strain the liquid.
FOMAA/BIGSTOCK.COM, THOMAS ALAN SMILIE
Irei no Hi On June 23, 1945, the war on Okinawa came to an end. This day is commemorated as a public holiday on Okinawa known as Irei no Hi, or Memorial Day—honoring and remembering all who died during the Battle of Okinawa as well as in other areas of the Pacific. The Battle of Okinawa is remembered as one of the bloodiest, most destructive Pacific battles of WWII. More than 29,000 Marines and Sailors were killed, missing or wounded. U.S. Army casualties totaled close to 40,000. And, Japanese losses were enormous, with more than 107,500 killed and at least 23,700 sealed in caves. Irei no Hi is a time for people to pray for the spirits and souls of those who died. Thousands of people flock each year to memorial services at various war sites such as
the Himeyuri Monument, where hundreds of high school girls and teachers died while serving in the Japanese Army Himeyuri Nursing Corps. One of the most visited places during Irei no Hi is Peace Memorial Park in Chinen Village. Comprised of monuments such as the Cornerstone of Peace (an expansive wall inscribed with the names of those who lost their lives during the war) and the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum, Peace Memorial Park is a solemn tribute to the war victims and a somber reminder of the tragedy of war. To get to Peace Memorial Park, head south on Hwy 58 toward Naha airport. South of the airport, 58 is called Route 331. Stay on Route 331 through Itoman City and follow the signs to Peace Memorial Park.
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Dushi JUNE 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 69
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