The weather on Okinawa is warming and the sun is shining—spring fever is in the air! Get Out + About and explore all that the island has to offer with Tours+!
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Gluten-Free Eating
Make Informed Decisions
Gluten-free eating isn’t just a health fad that has gained popularity in recent decades; it’s a conscious dietary restricted lifestyle for many. Learn more about gluten-free alternatives available on island.
56
Crafting Your Own Path with a Spouse-Owned Business
Whether you’re new to military life or a seasoned spouse, if you’ve been contemplating starting your own business on Okinawa but are not sure where to start—we’ve got you!
restaurant review
42
Steak Sado
It’s easy to get stuck in a loop once you find those tried-and-true restaurants that you enjoy. There’s way more to Okinawa’s restaurant scene than the big chain restaurants. May we interest you in a new mom-and-pop favorite?
LAURA C. PITA
fitness + fun
27 Okinawa’s Strongest A True Spectacle of Strength
Attention avid gym-goers and power athletes; we’re interrupting your regularly scheduled workout to invite you to the truest spectacle of strength—it’s once again time to crown Okinawa’s Strongest!
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Triathlon Training Plans and Coaching Camp Foster Aquatic Center
Are you a lover of swimming, biking and/or running and have been contemplating giving a triathlon a try? Well, we have good news for you!
29
No Need to Duck Taiyo 3K/5K/10K Run
The clean, clear air, gently rolling hills, manicured greens, tree-lined fairways and majestic views make Taiyo Golf Club the perfect place for a run. Now’s your chance to enjoy it without the worry of getting hit by an errant golf ball!
marines + families
33
March is Healthy Eating Month
Eat Right, Bite by Bite
Sometimes the simplicity of grabbing a bite to eat on the go wins over the healthier options. Join MCCS Health Promotion as they celebrate National Nutrition Month with resources for healthy eating all month long.
33
Attitudes & Actions
A Workshop on Resiliency and Self-Advocacy
Join this dynamic session to learn how to tackle challenges with a positive outlook and a growth mindset, how to shift your perspective and turn adversity into opportunity—whether at home, at work, or in your community.
35
Sleep Education
Learn the Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep
Getting the proper amount of sleep is directly related to supporting healthy brain function and maintaining physical health to help you operate your body smoothly throughout the day. Join MCCS Health Promotion to learn about healthy sleep behaviors and the benefits of sleep, nutrition and a healthy lifestyle!
dining + entertainment
39
St. Patrick’s Day at the Clubs
Come One, Come All, Go Green!
Want to celebrate with the luck of the Irish? Don your greenest of greens and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Friday, March 14 at an MCCS Club near you!
41
Fuji-Q & Hakone Tours
An Exhilarating Picturesque Experience
Enjoy a thrilling day of adrenaline-pumping rides and unique experiences at Fuji-Q Highland along with the stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and relaxing atmosphere of Hakone with MCCS Tours+.
kids + parents
45
Read Across America
Ready, Set…Read!
Reading is more important than ever! Join MCCS Libraries this month as they participate in Read Across America, an annual program that hopes to promote a nation of diverse readers, while instilling a lifelong love for reading and building a strong community.
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Daytime Playtime Gymnastics
Let Loose, Have Fun!
Is your tiny human running, tumbling and jumping all around the house? Wish you had a safe space where they can let loose? Come on down to Excellence Gymnastics Academy on Camp Foster for Daytime Playtime! services
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Typhoon Motors Sales
March Savings and Specials
March is associated with the color green…green is for spring; green is for St. Patrick’s Day and green is the color of USD that you will save at Typhoon Motors this month! extras
5
Mensôre
7
Feedback & Show Us!
67
Living on Okinawa
70
Marketplace Guide
FIBER BROADBAND
MARCH 2025 | ISSUE 325
COMMANDING GENERAL, MCIPAC
Major General Brian N. Wolford
ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, MCCS, MCIPAC
Edward S. Hutsell
DEPUTY ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, MCCS MCIPAC
DIRECTOR, MCCS, MCB BUTLER
Michael S. Gieseck
DEPUTY MCCS DIRECTOR
BUSINESS & SUPPORT, MCB BUTLER
Hyun Woo Chang
DEPUTY MCCS DIRECTOR MARINE & FAMILY
PROGRAMS, MCB BUTLER
Christopher Cowderoy
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
Jim Kassebaum
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Mike Daley
MCCS ART DIRECTOR
Henry C. Ortega
OKINAWA LIVING ART DIRECTORS
Alora Wilson, Airi Igarashi
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
James Rieth, Taylor McFarlane, Danielle Bedard
DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER
Thomas Alan Smilie
PHOTOGRAPHERS/VIDEOGRAPHERS
Mia Cox, Azra Dolberry
EDITORIAL
Swetha Gogue, Laura C. Pita
DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA
Tiara Supakit, Claire Wilkinson, Lauren Thobe
CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST
Ayako Kawamitsu
ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP MANAGER
John Dailey
ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP
Yoshihiro Shinzato, Hiromitsu Horikawa Tsutomu McCoy, Hiroko Poole
MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER
Andrew Menges
MARKETING ACCOUNTS
Amber A. Padilla, Marissa DeSmet
DISTRIBUTION
Wataru Yamanoha, Shohei Ikene
MARKETING INTERN
Genesis Benitez
We welcome your comments.
Please send letters to editor@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org
Although spring starts a bit earlier here on Okinawa than in mainland Japan, March is still traditionally considered the beginning of the season—one synonymous with rebirth, renewal, revitalization and resurrection. It’s a time when barren branches sprout leaves and bleak fields become covered with colorful, verdant clover and tiny springtime flowers. Time to head outside and celebrate the end of a dreary and cold winter!
In March, flowers are blooming throughout the island with azalea and bougainvillea brilliantly complementing the deep azure of Okinawa’s springtime skies. Spring training will also be winding down for the several Japanese professional baseball teams camped on the islands as they gear up for another season.
MCCS Okinawa offers many things to do, places to go and events to enjoy during the month of March—ranging from tours to pick fresh strawberries, a 3K/5K/10K fun run at Taiyo Golf Club hosted by Semper Fit and the Okinawa’s Strongest strength competition or declaring random March days as “cheat days” and heading over to Bulldogs Burgers or Shisa Pizza, chasing down La Cocina or Island Grindz food trucks or stopping by 58 Sweets at the Camp Foster Library to try one (or all) of their delicious offerings.
Cool weather and blue skies also make March the perfect time for hiking up north, learning more about the history and culture of your home-away-from-home with MCCS Tours+, or even just rolling all the way to the bottom of a grassy hill cushioned with clovers. Go ahead, you know you want to.
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!
Mike Daley Editor-In-Chief
feedback from the ICE Program and Facebook
Ms. Krista Hurley at the Kinser Education Canter helped me with all my questions and took the time to clarify many things I wasn’t sure about. She was so kind and really made me feel welcome at the education office. 10/10 would recommend!
—via ICE
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the outstanding support I received from Ms. Isabel McNeish and Ms. Marisel Hayden during my recent transition assistance meetings. Transitioning out of the Marine Corps has been a daunting prospect for me, and I entered both meetings feeling overwhelmed and unsure of the road ahead. However, the professionalism, expertise and genuine care displayed by Ms. McNeish and Ms. Hayden completely transformed my perspective. Each meeting was an incredible experience. They not only provided me with essential information and contacts to guide me through the process but also instilled in me a newfound sense of confidence about taking the next steps. Their ability to empathize, actively listen and offer actionable advice was truly exceptional. It was clear to me that they are both deeply passionate about their work and genuinely care about the service members they support. Thanks to their efforts, I now feel much more prepared and optimistic about my upcoming transition. Their above-and-beyond commitment to helping Marines like me navigate this challenging phase is commendable and deserving of the highest recognition. Please extend my heartfelt thanks to Ms. McNeish and Ms. Hayden for their incredible support. They are a credit to your team and an invaluable resource to those of us preparing to leave military service.
—via ICE
This afternoon a group of Marines including myself went to Habu Pit [on MCAS Futenma]. The facility was busy, but Ms. Sophie Berg was extremely accommodating. She was quick to assist our group with seating and was very friendly. As this is my first time at this location, I can say it definitely exceeded my expectations. The staff is very friendly and does everything they can to take care of all patrons. Wonderful experience—I’ll be back!
—via ICE
Awesome experience with the customer service at [MCCS Semper Fit] Youth Sports! I reached out to their office, worried that my son might have missed out on the soccer season. Not only did the staff assure me that everything was in order and that the season commencement was slated for February 3, but they also took the initiative to personally provide me with the practice schedule for my son, going above and beyond. This filled me with gratitude as it confirmed my correct registration and allowed me to plan my son’s other activities around his soccer practices seamlessly. A heartfelt “thank you” to the exceptional team at Youth Sports for their outstanding service.
—via ICE
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 www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org and find the ICE link in the “MORE” section of the homepage or find us on Facebook to share feedback. Comments on this page may be edited for clarity or length.
@okilivingmag
Show us your island adventures and favorite food finds!
@fara_dominguez
Tulips are blooming in Okinawa
@jewels.007
Fact: I always wanted to be part of the SWISS FAMILY ROBINSONS!
@_simplynikkie
the azalea festival today was one of those pinch me moments where I have to tell myself I’m not living in some fairytale world, I mean this is seriously gorgeous and I’m also so obsessed with the flower viewing culture here, just appreciating the beauty of it all
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
The weather on Okinawa is warming and the sun is shining… spring fever is in the air!
Get Out + About and explore Okinawa and beyond with Tours+!
The first stop is the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Museum of Art where attendees can explore numerous exhibits related to local culture, natural resources, history, art and more all with English explanations. The sections covering the history of the island are especially comprehensive; exhibits cover hundreds of years and include the Ryukyu Kingdom, the Battle of Okinawa, post-war reconstruction, modern Okinawa and more.
For Marines that have just arrived on the island, the new Okinawan History and Art Tour for Marines is a must-atend. On this FREE tour, specially designed for Marines newly assigned to Okinawa, atendees will learn more about the history, culture and art of their new home-away-from-home.
In addition, the museum features exhibits showcasing the history of Okinawan music, dance, crafs and even cuisine! Atendees can then marvel at the work of Okinawan artists both old and new at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum of Art, which shares the same facility.
In the afernoon, tour atendees will visit the San-A Main Place mall next door where they can shop for souvenirs, local products and more before dining on authentic Okinawan cuisine.
March marks the end of whale watching season on Okinawa…but even though the numbers do thin as the gigantic cetaceans begin their long journey back to the seas of the Aleutians, it’s also the best part of the season to go on a whale watching tour! Why do you ask? Te frst reason is the weather, of course; March brings warmer breezes and calmer seas making the experience much more pleasant than in
February. Te second (and MUCH more important) reason to take a whale watching tour in March are the baby whales! Whales ofentimes bear calves in the warm (for them, at least), safe waters surrounding Okinawa. Mother whales with their calves stay near the surface and can be easily spoted and are an adorable delight to behold.
DMM Kariyushi Aquarium, which is located at the iias Okinawa Toyosaki Mall, is also within walking distance of Okinawa Outlet Mall
Ashibinaa and the beautiful Toyosaki Beach. It is unique in that it mixes both virtual and real sea creatures in a brand-new experience that the whole family will enjoy.
What makes this aquarium truly unique is the immersive virtual experience. At the “virtual aquarium” exhibit, visitors can also view realistic displays of creatures that would be impossible in an actual aquarium including an encounter with a giant squid over 18 meters in length and living in waters at depths below 500 meters.
Te entire second foor of DMM Kariyushi Aquarium is home to freshwater fsh, reptiles, amphibians and more from many diferent ecosystems and includes terrestrial animals as well. Upon descending to the frst foor, visitors are greeted by several tanks highlighting a dazzling variety of corals, tropical fsh, shrimp, lobsters and more.
Te “main course” of DMM Kariyushi Aquarium is, of course, the largest tank in the facility, which sports a large window and smaller circular windows, ofering views of schools of Indian mackerel, rays,
larger sharks, snappers, groupers and more including a sea turtle.
A fer enjoying the aquarium, tour atendees can then explore the mall and grab lunch from one of the many cafés and restaurants.
Enjoy zipping through the brisk spring air on the Yanbaru Adventure Ziplining Tour. On this tour, you’ll journey to Higashi Village for panoramic views of Okinawa’s coastline with a side of adrenaline as you soar through the forests of Yanbaru. Afterwards, enjoy a late lunch at Okuma Beach.
Springtime is the best time for hiking, trekking and ziplining on Okinawa. It’s also when the brilliantly hued azaleas bloom in the northern region of the island! Tours+ ofers regular hiking excursions in the form of their Hiji Falls & Okuma Tour where you can hike to one of the most picturesque waterfalls on Okinawa.
And, last but not least, for fower-lovers (and macro-shooters), the Higashi Village Azalea Festival Tour is sure to please the eye and the lens. Witness the beauty of over 50,000 azaleas as they bloom in gradients of red, pink, purple and white at Higashi Village’s Azalea Eco Park.
For more information on these tours and more, visit MCCS Tours+ at www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/ tours, call them at 646-3502 or stop by their ofces on Camps Foster, Hansen or Schwab
So, what exactly is gluten? Gluten is a compound protein, along with starch, stored in the endosperm of certain grassy grains such as wheat, barley, rye and crossbreeds. Te endosperm is part of the seed that stores food for the developing plant embryo. Te presence of gluten in four is what gives dough its elasticity, rising characteristics and chewy texture to foods like bread and pizza. Gluten can also be separated from the dough by rinsing the unrisen dough in water—the extracted gluten is used as a stabilizer in many products that don’t normally contain it as well as a form of protein to foods with a low protein content.
Gluten-free diets are more complex than just being a picky eater, it is an ongoing efort to ensure what foods are safe to consume for those with wheat or gluten allergies as it directly afects their gut, usually negatively. Although there are no cures for healing gluten and wheat allergens, being aware of what you put into your body are the frst steps to help mitigate discomfort. When talking about gluten intolerance, it refers to three groups: gluten sensitivity, celiac disease and wheat allergy.
Gluten sensitivity ranges from person to person with various degrees of severity and frequency. For these individuals, ingesting gluten causes adverse reactions of feeling sick and are onset with common symptoms including gastrointestinal distress, frequent headaches and fatigue.
Celiac disease is usually inherited and ofentimes misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome or a food intolerance. To confrm if celiac disease is present in the body, one must go through testing via endoscopy by a medical provider. An endoscopy shows that the small intestine’s lining is absorbing nutrients properly or not via villi, which are the microscopic projections. Lacking necessary nutrients can result in stunted growth, anemia, malnutrition and osteoporosis. Some diagnosed with celiac are also found to be lactose intolerant because of the damage done to the villi.
Tose with wheat allergies are allergic to wheat, not gluten itself. Reactions vary including difculty breathing, anaphylaxis, cramps, nausea or vomiting, hives, etc. Unlike those with celiac, it allows those to safely consume preparations made with barley, rye, oats and crossbreeds.
According to the National Library of Medicine, around 1% of people in the United States have celiac disease and 6% have some sort of gluten sensitivity. Te rise of gluten-free diets has been due to a lack of medical treatment for gluten-related issues, as the quickest way to tell if there is a sensitivity to gluten is by completely eliminating it from one’s diet.
Gluten-free diets are virtually unheard of in Asian countries as most people living outside of the U.S. do not seem to have a problem tolerating gluten or wheat. Poor reaction to gluten is a common issue in the Western world because of that region’s afnity for ultra processed foods, poor farming practices of spraying wheat crops with glyphosate (herbicide) and hefy servings of bread in the Western diet as well as not being exposed to enough antigens during childhood.
In fact, on Okinawa and mainland Japan, gluten is already present in staple dishes eaten throughout the country, with products like soy sauce, mirin (rice wine vinegar), tomato sauce and pre-packaged curry roux. Hidden gluten can be found in malt byproducts, alcoholic drinks, mayonnaise, vinegars and mustards (to name a few) as well as in products that don’t traditionally have gluten but are exposed through crosscontamination such as candy bars that have been handled on a conveyor belt previously sprinkled with gluten or an employee touching a product with a gluten-dusted latex glove.
Even though eating gluten-free can be challenging on Okinawa, the heavy American presence supported by dozens of military bases throughout the island brings forth plenty of gluten-free options. Finding these options is as easy as a quick online search at home or on the go.
For a gluten-free bakery, we recommend COCOPAN BAKERY in Uruma City. According to their website, the bakery uses Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) organic certifed rice grown from Kyoto Prefecture, natural yeast, beet sugar and moshio salt. Each item is handcrafed to bring you the highest quality without sacrifcing favor in the name of health. For those with gluten or wheat allergies, rejoice because COCOPAN BAKERY does not use wheat, animal products, refned sugar, additives or preservatives so anyone and everyone can enjoy their delicious baked goods— even those with celiac disease! Besides gluten-free bread, the bakery also ofers mufns, pastries and vegan dishes.
Venturing into the shopping world with gluten sensitivity or wheat allergies can be a bit daunting with so many foods labels to look out for. In Yomitan, LOVE ORGANICS is an organic, health store that carries over a thousand items to provide natural sustenance for you and your loved ones. Here, you can fnd both domestic and imported goods ranging from organic wines to specialty frozen foods, organic fresh vegetables and fruits to bulk grains, nuts and fresh ground peanut buter, outdoor bug sprays and everything in between.
Adjacent to the store is BIRTHCAFE, a health-conscious restaurant that strives to ofer clean, healthy eating with various options of gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian foods. Here, guests can dine without the stress of fguring out what is in their meal as the menu is equipped with food symbols for allergens and plant-based items. At BIRTHCAFE, the staf will strive to accommodate you to the best of their abilities and your dietary needs. Te restaurant serves up mouth-watering gluten-free wafe burgers, soy meat, tempeh, homemade salad dressings, signature soy-milk smoothies and much more!
Although there is no cure, therapy or treatment besides cuting out the main culprit from one’s diet, it is a road traveled by many that can be incredibly rewarding as you fgure out what it means to eat gluten-free around the island. You don’t have to give up your favorite foods…just make informed decisions, adjust and swap out items one by one to enjoy the litle things in life like that gluten-free chocolate chip cookie!
Want to make life on Okinawa a litle easier with gluten or wheat sensitivities in mind?
fares flying from Okinawa when you explore Japan!
JAL Japan Explorer Pass
Okinawa’s Strongest
A True Spectacle of Strength
Attention all avid gym-goers and power athletes! Please pause your next set; we’re interrupting your regularly scheduled workout to invite you to the truest spectacle of strength.
This is an event where dedicated fitness individuals of all walks of life—those who spend hours lifting astonishing amounts of weight, set after set, with the goal of improving their overall flexibility, endurance and strength—can showcase their arduous efforts and fruits of their labor. It’s once again time to crown Okinawa’s Strongest!
Okinawa’s Strongest will be held on Saturday, March 15 starting at 8:30 a.m. at Camp Foster Field 2 (behind Gunners Fitness Center) and will feature the strongest of the strong on island. Awards will be given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each weight category.
Strength contests ofen revolve around a few fundamental movement paterns such as pushing, pulling and carrying, so participants will compete in a variety of events—including the log clean and press, Atlas stone, yoke carry, deadlif , sled pull, wheelbarrow, farmer’s carry and tire fip. It’s sure to be a feat of strength event that you won’t want to miss!
Interested in staking your claim to the title of “strongest on island?” Register on Eventbrite by 11 : 30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12 for $50. If you have any questions, or would like some more information about Okinawa’s Strongest, please email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs. org ,call 645 - 3003 or visit www.okinawa.usmcmccs.org/adultsports .
Become a Master of the Courts! Tennis Lessons
with Semper Fit
Afer watching the pros blast ace afer ace, hit the baseline with pinpoint accuracy and then make a perfect drop shot, you may think to yourself, “Sure, I can do that!” Well… maybe with a bit of instruction, a litle practice and perhaps a wish granted by a personal genie.
In all seriousness, tennis defnitely takes copious amounts of time and practice; there’s much more to playing the game than just hiting the ball as hard as you can to the other side of the court. Proper instruction will teach you basic tennis mechanics such as grip, strokes, spins, footwork, strategy and tactics that will not only make you a beter player but also protect you from possible injuries.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking to improve your game or have never picked up a racquet, tennis lessons are a great way to improve your game, or to learn just how fun tennis can be; not only is tennis a great sport for geting into shape, it’s also a great way to make new friends.
Interested? Tennis lessons for individuals and small groups are ofered on Camps Foster and Courtney. Registration is accepted at the front desk of Gunners Fitness Center (645-6050) for Camp Foster and Ironworks Fitness Center (622-9221) for Camp Courtney from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call the ftness center of your choice or email ftnesscenters@okinawa.usmcmccs.org.
Triathlon Training Plans and Coaching
Camp Foster Aquatic Center
Are you a lover of swimming, biking or running—or maybe all three? If you’ve been contemplating giving a triathlon a try, we have good news for you! Geting started with triathlon training can be overwhelming, as you have not one but three sports to train for. Having to fgure out the logistics of picking a race, what workouts you should do, the necessary gear and the diet you should follow for best results, all on your own, is a lot. Fear not, the Camp Foster Aquatic Center will be ofering Triathlon Training Plans and Coaching this year.
Training plans include an 8-to-12week course with swimming, biking and running workouts designed to get you to the start line in peak condition. Plans are customizable to your preference and will be delivered online so you can access them anywhere, anytime. Additionally, weekly communication with a coach is included. One-on-one coaching sessions will be 30-minutes long and include swimming, biking, running, or related triathlon skills based upon your needs! If you’re looking to improve physical ftness, muscle endurance and maintain performance for longer durations and distances, this ofering may be for you. Triathlon Training Plans and Coaching is available to SOFA-status adults and youths ages 13 and older. Registration required via Eventbrite. For more information, visit www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/ aquatics. We encourage and support the participation of individuals of all abilities. Please call 645-3180 or email mccsaquatics@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org if you need assistance or require an accommodation.
Continue Your Fitness Journey with…
…Spring Fit Camp
Spring is in the air and blessing us with cool temperatures and low humidity. Tere’s simply no beter time to get of the couch and into the gym. Fit Camp, MCCS Health Promotion’s six-week ftness program designed to build strength, confdence and motivation, will help you achieve your goal of becoming a fter and happier you. Participants will join a small group of like-minded individuals led by a personal trainer who will continuously monitor their progress.
Spring Fit campers will also hold each other accountable by providing encouragement and support, while simultaneously gaining confdence and strength. By the end of week six, you can expect to have a grasp on your ftness progress and the knowledge on how to move forward with your journey afer the camp is complete. It’ll also give you the push you need to achieve that ftness-related resolu-
tion you made back in January!
Fit Camp is a fee-based program, offered year-round with enrollment available every few months, but there’s no time like the present to get started! Ready to take the first steps in your fitness journey? Spring Fit Camp will be taking place from March 17 to April 28, with registration ending on March 12 . DoD ID card holders ages 18 and older are eligible to participate.
We encourage and support the participation of individuals of all abilities. Please contact MCCS Health Promotion if reasonable accommodations are necessary by calling 645-3910 or emailing mccshealthpromotions@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org. For more information on Fit Camp and other oferings, visit www.okinawa. usmc-mccs.org/healthpromotion or follow facebook.com/mccsokinawa.semper ft.
Embark on the Ultimate Adventure
Osaka Comic Con Tour
Te frst-ever comic book convention took place in New York City in 1964. However, Comic-Con was founded in 1970 as the San Diego Comic-Con, a small gathering for comic book and sci-f fans. In the past 54 years the convention has grown into a major pop culture event, expanding to include flms, TV shows, video games and cosplay. It atracts global atendees, featuring panels, exclusive content and celebrity appearances. Comic book conventions provide fans with the opportunity to meet other people who share their interests, interact with favorite content creators, receive sneak peeks at upcoming content, and purchase merchandise.
While Japan has its fair share of manga and anime festivals, Comic Cons have a bigger emphasis on western franchises—like Star Wars and the Marvel Universe. Comic Con
Okinawa isn’t the only premier comic book convention in Japan anymore. Tokyo Comic Con had its inaugural event in 2016 and due to its popularity, the Osaka Comic Con was born in 2023 for fans in western Japan. Tis year, the event will be taking place May 2–4 at INTEX Osaka and feature famous actors like Norman Reedus, Tom Hiddleston, Mads Mikkelsen, Jason Momoa and more!
Join MCCS Tours+ for their Osaka Comic Con Tour on May 1–4, which includes roundtrip airfare, transportation, hotel accommodations with breakfast included, a guided tour of Denden Town, the heart of anime and gaming culture in Japan, as well as entry to the Osaka Comic Con. Register at any Tours+ ofce before the end of March. For more information, including pricing, visit www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/tours
No Need to Duck
Taiyo 3K/5K/10K Run
Jogging on a golf course may be thrilling, or not—it all depends on whether people are playing (and if they can hit the ball without shanking it). Yes, the clean, clear air, gently rolling hills, manicured greens, tree-lined fairways and majestic views may make it a perfect place for a run—until you hear that dreaded “FORE!”
Well, now’s your chance to run on the beautiful grounds of Taiyo Golf Club without a worry at the Taiyo 3K/5K/10K Run happening on Sunday, April 13. Compete in this friendly run—which is open to participants island wide—and if you’re fast, you may just win an award for 1st, 2nd or 3rd place. Register on Eventbrite by 11:30 p.m. on April 9; the cost to run per person is $50. For more information, call 622-7297, email adultsports@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or visit www. okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/adultsports
Learn About the Dangers of Alcohol
Receive a Helping Hand
April marks the start of Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness on the misuse of alcohol. Recognizing substance misuse is a challenge that can be addressed. It is brave to ask for help when facing struggles with addiction, which is why the Single Marine Program (SMP) will be ofering workshops, group discussions and confdential one-on-one meetings with substance abuse counselors at diferent bases island wide.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, in the United States alone more than 140,000 people die annually from alcohol misuse—which could easily be prevented. Abusing alcohol opens the door for over 200 diseases that can negatively afect your overall mental, physical and emotional health. Individuals seeking services will be provided with healthy alcohol-free alternatives to enjoy good times as well as available resources like counseling, treatment programs and peer support. For more information, contact SMP at 645-0396/098-970-0396 or visit them online at www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/smp
Attitudes & Actions
A Workshop on Resiliency and Self-Advocacy
Looking to unlock the power of self-advocacy and build your resiliency? Join Marine Corps Family Team Building at their Atitudes & Actions workshop on March 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Camp Kinser (Bldg. 611). Tis dynamic session is designed to help you tackle challenges with a positive outlook and a growth mindset. Learn how to shif your perspective and turn adversity into opportunity—whether at home, at work, or in your community.
During this two-hour workshop, you’ll explore modern-day concepts and philosophies on resilience, engage in practical exercises and develop the tools needed to face life’s challenges head-on. You’ll leave with actionable strategies for creating change in any situation and improving your overall well-being. Tis session is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their personal and professional growth. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take control of your mindset and develop the skills to thrive. For more information, visit www.okinawa.usmcmccs.org/mcfb.
March is Healthy Eating Month
Eat Right, Bite by Bite
The arrival of spring each year invites all of us to trade in our cozy blankets, comfort foods and snug slippers for flip-flops and walks in the sunshine to breathe in that wonderful fresh air. It feels easier to exercise when it’s a joy to be outside, but with all that running around sometimes the simplicity of grabbing a bite to eat on the go wins over healthier eating options. Perhaps this is why dietitians, nutritionists and health experts across the United States celebrate March as Healthy Eating Month.
To help you stay on track, become aware of the importance of good nutrition and encourage you to eat healthier, MCCS Health Promotion will be ofering resources for healthy eating all-March-long. You can fnd information on lifelong healthy eating habits at facebook.com/mccsokinawa.semper ft or at www.okinawa.usmcmccs.org/healthpromotion.
In addition to those resources, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) also ofers some great tools including the “MyPlate Plan” found at myplate.gov/myplate-plan, which will walk you through how much of each food group you should be eating per day, based on your age, sex, height, weight and physical activity level. If you’re a parent looking to help your children build lifelong healthy eating habits, check out the USDA’s life stages website at nutrition.gov/topics/nutrition-life-stage for tips, coloring books and MyPlate materials to help start the conversation with your kids. Remember, it doesn’t take much to eat right bite by bite—small goals and changes can have a big impact.
Sleep Education
Learn the Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep
Tere’s quite nothing like a good night’s slumber…waking up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world is one of the greatest feelings. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the amount of sleep you need changes as you age. Te average amount an adult needs to sleep is 7–9 hours, while teens need around 8–10 and toddlers need an average of 11–14 hours. An adequate amount of consistent, quality sleep can improve mood, boost productivity, and repair muscles and tissue. On the other hand, frequently tossing and turning can negatively impact your overall wellbeing and leave you with a feeling of brain fog, tiredness and even elevate your cortisol levels.
Geting the proper amount of sleep is directly related to supporting healthy brain
function and maintaining physical health to help you operate your body smoothly throughout the day. Bad habits such as staying on your phone before you go to sleep, sleeping at diferent hours on an irregular schedule, and consuming cafeine before bedtime make it harder for your body to naturally fall asleep. Want to learn more about healthy sleep behaviors and the benefts of sleep, nutrition and a healthy lifestyle? Join Health Promotion for Sleep Education, a program educating about the importance of sleep. Virtual sessions will be held all month long and are FREE and open to SOFA personnel ages 18 and older. No registration required. For more information, email mccshealthpromotions@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or visit www.okinawa. usmc-mccs.org/healthpromotion
Feel at Home…
…with L.I.N.K.S.
Discover Marine Corps life and your new community with L.I.N.K.S., an interactive program by Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB). Te acronym stands for—Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills— and its oferings are ideal for both spouses and service members new to military life or living overseas. Tese comprehensive sessions ofer insights into Marine Corps history, rank structure, local resources, benefts, deployments, communication styles, community involvement and traditions.
Te series of workshops include L.I.N.K.S. Foundations, L.I.N.K.S. for Japanese Spouses, L.I.N.K.S. Mentor Workshop and Cuppa Conversations. In all of these workshops, participants can connect with fellow spouses and service members, build resilience and feel at home in their new surroundings.
L.I.N.K.S. classes are ofered in various formats, including full-day, halfday, lunch-and-learn series or via unit request. Family Readiness Command Team Advisors and Family Readiness Assistants are required to atend an eight-hour L.I.N.K.S. session every three years or when PCS occurs from or to an overseas location.
Upcoming events include L.I.N.K.S. Foundations on April 8 at Kinser Surfside, L.I.N.K.S. for Japanese Spouses on March 11 at Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster, L.I.N.K.S. Mentor Workshop on March 24 at Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster and Cuppa Conversations on March 27 at Starbucks Mihama American Village. Registration via Eventbrite is required. For more information on these workshops, call MCFTB at 645-3689, email mcfbokinawa@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or visit www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/ links
St. Patrick’s Day at the Clubs
Come One, Come All, Go Green!
March 17 marks St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday that celebrates the patron saint of Ireland with feasts. In fact, St. Patrick’s Day was originally a Catholic holiday as it fell in the middle of Lent season. In the olden days, families would go to church in the mornings and celebrate in the afernoons with feasts of traditional Irish meals like colcannon, coddle, barmbrack and bangers and mash afer Lenten prohibitions were lifed.
Although some celebrate today with a pint of Guinness, leprechauns, pots of gold at the end of rainbows and all shades of green, it wasn’t always this way as it originally was a religious holiday. But what can we say? Americans sure love a holiday to decorate and dress up for.
Want to celebrate the luck of the Irish? Don your greenest of greens and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Friday, March 14 at an MCCS Club near you! Celebrations with FREE fnger foods or hors d’oeuvres will be ofered in honor of St. Paty’s Day—sounds like a fun time, doesn’t it? So, what are you waiting for? Pencil in the date!
For more information about MCCS Clubs, upcoming events, hours of operation and more, visit www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/clubs.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth…
If you haven’t paid a visit to the Camp Foster Library, now is the time because they are no longer an ordinary haven of books! Since January, they have also become home to the newest MCCS concept, a charming French patisserie and café named afer Route 58, Okinawa's iconic highway. 58 Sweets invites visitors to slow down and explore the library’s plentiful bookshelves before indulging in some well-deserved treats.
Stop by our new sweets emporium today and treat yourself to delightful creations including an assortment of French macarons with favors like Vanilla, Chocolate, Cofee, Salted Caramel, Red Velvet, Birthday Cake, Coconut and more. In addition to macarons there are also various cakes including Blueberry, Strawberry and plain Cheesecake, Tiramisu, Lemon Cake, Red Velvet Shooters and much more! Pair your pick of dessert with a rich espresso, a creamy café late, or cool of with a refreshing frozen yogurt.
Whether you’re looking for a place to study, to take advantage of the library resources (which include books, computers, Innovation Lab equipment, games and movies) or a place to treat yourself, the Camp Foster Library and 58 Sweets ofer a small escape from the bustle of everyday life. 58 Sweets is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is located inside the library at Bldg. 5679. For more information, visit www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/58sweets or www. okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/library respectively.
Fuji-Q & Hakone Tour
An Exhilarating Picturesque Experience
Japan is known for being the land of the rising sun, its cherry blossoms and delicious fresh sashimi. It’s also known for majestic Fuji-san (the most recognizable mountain in all of Japan) that can be appreciated from surrounding areas of scenic Hakone. Did you know that you can also visit Fuji-Q Highland, an amusement park within the foothills of Mt. Fuji? Atractions at Fuji-Q Highland include nearly 40 rides ranging from exhilarating roller coasters to haunted houses as well as various rides to give you the heebie-jeebies! Sounds like a thrill of a lifetime, doesn’t it?
Join MCCS Tours+ for the Fuji-Q & Hakone Tours on June 18–21!
Enjoy a thrilling day of adrenaline-pumping rides and unique experiences along with the stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage
and relaxing atmosphere of Hakone. Fuji-Q admission fee and Hakone activities tickets are included. Get the best of both worlds—nature, fun rides and a doggone good time! Registration for the tour ends on May 2 and can be done at Tours+ ofces located on Camps Foster, Hansen and Schwab.
Te early bird gets the worm is a popular saying for a reason and that’s why Tours+ will be ofering a discounted price until March 31. Grab your tickets fast because this is surely one trip you don’t want to miss.
For more information about pricing on this tour, other upcoming tours, hours of operation and much more, visit www.okinawa. usmc-mccs.org/tours.
Strawberry Picking
With MCCS Tours+
Ahh, the warm springtime breezes of March—what could be more welcoming this time of year than delicious and juicy bright red strawberries right here on this subtropical paradise? Although the weather is warming up on Okinawa, it'll be a few more months before the heat and humidity of rainy season strikes. Take advantage of strawberry season before it’s gone and go on a Strawberry Picking Tour with MCCS Tours+. Enjoy a 40-minute all-you-can-eat session at Chura Ichigo Nanjo House while you relish in farm fresh strawberries! Te tour will take place on March 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sounds delicious, doesn’t it? Don’t wait, register now to claim a spot and eat seasonal strawberries until you can’t no more! Take-home packages will also be available so make sure to bring plenty of yen and a hearty appetite. Prices are $38 for adults, $25 for children ages 7–11, $22 for ages 3–6 and FREE for 2 & under.
For more information or questions you may have, email MCCS Tours+ at tours@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org, call 646-3502/098-971-3502, stop by one of their ofces on Camps Foster, Hansen or Schwab to connect in-person or visit www. okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/tours.
Steak Sado
Laura C. Pita
It’s easy to get stuck in a loop once you find those tried-and-true restaurants that you enjoy. You don’t even have to think about what you will order, your usual is exactly what you were expecting when you decided to skip cooking, jump in the car, drive a few miles and sit down at the restaurant. Take this as a reminder that there’s way more to Okinawa’s restaurant scene than the big chain restaurants. The small cafés and the mom-and-pop shops are where you will get to experience the amazing hospitality Okinawa has to offer. May we interest you in a new favorite?
Agu (Okinawan pork), Chicken, Hamburger and Chopped Steak. Te steak plates come with a side of carrots, broccoli, daikon (radish) and topped with a slice of lemon and a dollop of margarine. Sadoyama shared that the melt-inyour-mouth Sirloin and the lean Tenderloin are their most popular cuts of steak, with the 500g being popular with young Marines.
Location 1094-1 Takaesu, Uruma, Okinawa 904-2242
Hours of Operation
11 a.m.–10 p.m. (L.O. 9 p.m.)
Closed Mondays & 1st/3rd Sundays
Phone Number 098-973-0515 Website steak-sado.com
Along the chaotic Route 75 in Uruma City lies a small restaurant that specializes in steak and freshly baked bread. Owner Yasuhiro Sadoyama donned a chef’s hat for years before deciding it was time to step away and open his own restaurant alongside his wife Harumi Sadoyama. Steak Sado opened its doors in November 2015 and has been serving up quality steaks going on almost ten years.
When you walk in, baskets of butter rolls, whole grain and bran bread, chocolate chip, melonpan, walnut and anpan (red bean paste) rolls warmly welcome you in alongside the old American classic music and the sweet staff. If you’re lucky you may catch the staff baking up a storm in the designated bakery kitchen, right in the middle of the restaurant.
Now that we’ve set the scene, let’s move onto the food! Like most steak restaurants, Steak Sado has a simple menu featuring various cuts of steak including Tenderloin, Sirloin, Rib Roast,
Te steak sets include a house salad, your choice of Clam Chowder or Onion Soup (we had the Clam Chowder and could not recommend it enough) as well as a buter roll or rice. For drink we recommend their shikuwasa juice—which can be sweetened to your taste with gum syrup and serves as a palete cleanser that pairs well with the savory meal.
A small tray with minced garlic and their house-made sauces accompanies your steak plate. The options include a wine-based Bordelaise sauce that takes three days to make and Sado Sauce—an original soy sauce-based creation formulated by the owner himself. We have it on good authority that it pairs really well with rice as well! You also get two options of house-made salad dressings, a citrusy white dressing made with orange and shikuwasa as well as a tangy red dressing made with vinegar and a medley of vegetables including onion, carrot, tomato and garlic.
While the staff may not be fluent in English, their menu does include English translations. Steak Sado has six parking spaces next to the restaurant as well as an extra parking lot just a block away.
Text by:
| Photography by: Mia Cox | Translation by: Hiromitsu Horikawa
Read Across America
Ready, Set…Read!
Reading is more important than ever! Join MCCS Libraries this month as they participate in Read Across America. Tis annual program hopes to promote a nation of diverse readers, while instilling a lifelong love for reading and building a strong community. Reading can be challenging, but with the help of libraries on Camps Foster, Kinser and Courtney it can become fun and rewarding. Tere will be a storytime, crafing and designated time to read within the libraries.
Patrons can participate by visiting the Foster Library on March 2 at 11 a.m., the Courtney Library on March 14 at 4:30 p.m. or the Kinser Library on March 24 at 5 p.m. Multiple services and programs are available to support you and your family. Registration is not required, and walk-ins are welcome! For more information, call 645-7178 (Foster), 622-9280 (Courtney), 637-1039 (Kinser), email libraryprogram@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or visit www.okinawa. usmc-mccs.org/libraries.
New Parenting Class: Thrive, Grow
Develop Parenting Strengths
Nothing quite prepares you to be a parent. It seems like the frsthand parenting experience with its never-ending trials, tribulations and triumphs is the only way to learn about being a successful parent. What you can do is educate yourself with classes such as Trive, Grow. Trive, Grow is a new parenting class that walks individuals with children ages 5–10 through a psycho-educational course that provides evidence-based, best-parenting guidelines that promote positive parenting, stress management and healthy lifestyle practices.
Atendees will learn how to praise and encourage their children in appropriate ways, understand how to manage their child’s emotions, set healthy boundaries, promote physical health as well as manage stress and anger in order for both children and parents to have a positive dynamic within the household. Tose in atendance will receive a workbook, reference guides and a family meal planning cookbook. For more information on upcoming sessions or questions regarding the program, email fapprevention@usmc.mil or call 645-2915
Visits…
…with New Parent Support Program Home or Office
Are you expecting a bundle of joy or already embracing the incredible lifelong journey of parenthood? Te MCCS New Parent Support Program (NPSP) is here to help, ofering services that build confdence and enhance the skills you already have.
One of those services is personalized one-on-one visits based on the needs of the family, either in your home or at one of the NPSP ofces. Program experts will provide education and support to expectant mothers, fathers and families with children under the age of 6. Topics include safety, healthy relationships and skills needed for successful parenting as well as promoting personal and family readiness.
Te New Parent Support Program operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Home visits can take place anywhere on island and ofce visits can be scheduled on Camps Hansen, Courtney, Foster or Kinser. To schedule a home or ofce visit, email npspokinawa@usmc.mil or call 645-0396 / 098-970-0396
The Building Blocks of Life
LEGO Build-Off at the Foster Library
If you were lucky as a child, you had a boxfull of LEGO blocks that gave you god-like abilities to create anything—from a girafe or a Jeep to a full-fedged Death Star and everything in between. If you have been unlucky as a parent, you’ve probably stepped on an errant block during a midnight restroom expedition at least once.
Daytime Playtime Gymnastics
Let Loose, Have Fun!
Join the Camp Foster Library as they celebrate the world’s most popular building blocks with a no-holds-barred build-of on
March 13 from 4 to 5 p.m.! Compete as an individual or as a team—the winners will have their builds on display at the library for the rest of the month! For those not competing, there will be stations set up for everyone to enjoy LEGO-inspired activities.
Registration will be accepted until March 12 in-person at the Foster Library as well as via phone or email. Interested? Call 645- 7178, email libraryprogram@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or visit the Foster Library today!
Youth Swim Team Tryouts
le one that seems to be part f sh?
Why not help turn their love for swimming into a lifelong passion with the help of the Okinawa Dolphin Swim Team (ODST)? Who knows, they may be a budding Olympic
Tryouts are open for swimmers ages seven or older who have not been part of previous ODST seasons. Participants will be expected m freestyle (front crawl), a 25m m backstroke and a 25m y stroke. A brief rest between the 25m ed (must be less than 20
seconds). Besides the short rest, each swim must be non-stop with swimmers displaying proper breathing and stroke techniques. Te tryouts take approximately 5–10 minutes, and parental interaction is discouraged for the duration of the tryout.
Interested? To schedule a tryout for the upcoming season, email mccsaquatics@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. Tryouts this year will be at the Hansen Aquatic Center. For more information on other MCCS Aquatics oferings, visit www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/aquatics
Is your tiny human running, tumbling and jumping all around the house? Wish you had a safe open gym space where they can let loose? Come on down to the Excellence Gymnastics Academy (EGA) inside Gunners Fitness Center on Camp Foster for Daytime Playtime on Mondays from 10 to 11 a.m. and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tis event is open to families with children ages 10 months to 4 years old and is the perfect opportunity for your litle ones to socialize with children their age! One parent must accompany their child at all times. EGA coaching staf will be present and actively engaging throughout the session to ensure gym/equipment safety and rules are being properly followed. Registration is required and must be done online via iClasspro prior to atending. Each session costs $5.
For more information or any questions you may have, email ega@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org, call 645-1602 or visit www. okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/gymnastics.
Typhoon Motors
March Savings and Specials
Te month of March is associated with the color green…green is for spring, green is for St. Patrick’s Day and green is the color of USD that you will save at Typhoon Motors with their March Specials!
Notice some stains or musky smells coming from the backseat? No, it’s not you, it’s your beloved chariot needing a good clean—that’s why Typhoon Motors on Camp Kinser is offering 25% OFF all Auto Detailing Packages for the entire month! When was the last time you bathed ye olde reliable? Can’t remember? Now is the perfect time to take some time to pamper your ride because detailing is a great way to maintain your car’s appearance, protect its paint, increase the resale value and of course, have it smelling so fresh and so clean!
Has your sound system been giving you issues while you cruise down Route 58 and try to bump some music? Ten stop by Foster or Kinser Typhoon Motors March 25–31 and save 20% OFF all amplifers to get some new and improved tunes for a great price!
Need some automotive parts? Whether it’s a necessity or simply a want, in honor of St. Patrick’s Day we bring you some lucky news: you can save up to 80% OFF on select automotive goods at all Typhoon Motors locations starting March 17 until 24! Find something you need at a great price!
For more information on these sales and other Typhoon Motors oferings, visit them online at www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/ typhoonmotors.
Sharing the Memories…
…with Family and Friends Back Home
How many times have you seen or experienced something on island that made you immediately think of someone you love? Instantly, you think to yourself, “Gosh, they’d really get a kick out of that.” Sure, you’ll tell them the story or DM a few photos you snapped, but that will only leave them with a faint memory of your conversation and a tiny image on their phone. Why not give them the closest thing to actually being here with you—their own copy of Omoide: Memories of Okinawa or Te Best of Okinawa Living?
Omoide: Memories of Okinawa is flled with the most spectacular island views any camera lens could capture. It’s perfect for reminiscing about favorite places and beautiful scenes you’ve witnessed during your time on Okinawa.
If it’s insights about the island, historical tidbits and local artists’ perspectives you’re looking for, look no further than Te Best of Okinawa Living, which shares comprehensive prose along with photos and is in its fnal printing—so the current stock is your last chance to pick up a copy. With both books, sharing Okinawa is one of the best gifs you can give—especially when you’re already on the hunt for a special gif for family back home. Did any of the times you were out and about remind you of your mom and dad? Tink about how happy they would be to see (and learn more about) your gorgeous home-away-from-home. Now you have a gif they’re sure to appreciate. So, go ahead, add one or both to your gif list and then complete your shopping at almost any Exchange retail facility on island that sells books.
For more information on Te Best of Okinawa Living and Omoide: Memories of Okinawa, visit www.okinawa. usmc-mccs.org/publications
Warehouse Sale!
Computers, Furniture and More
Did you know that MCCS conducts weekly sales of excess Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) property every Wednesday? Items such as computers, monitors, furniture, sporting equipment, recreational equipment and more are usually available.
Tese sales take place on Camp Foster at the MCCS Warehouse in Bldg. 5600 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. During the hours of 8–11:30 a.m., the sale is open to SOFA ID card holders only, while both card holders and non-SOFA ID card holders may make purchases from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In addition to warehouse sales, MCCS also conducts sealed bid sales for larger items on a semi-monthly basis. Items ofered include vehicles such as sedans, vans and trucks, larger gym equipment and even hard-toget specialty items such as forklifs. Sales are announced on facebook.com/ mccsokinawa at the beginning of the month, and sealed bids are accepted Monday–Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the MCCS Supply Branch in Bldg. 5600 on Camp Foster until bidding is closed.
For more information about warehouse or sealed bid sales, contact MCCS Supply call 645-3954 or email warehousesales@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org
MCCS Flea Markets
It May be Junk to You…
A wise person once said “waste not, want not…” However, try as we might, we always somehow seem to end up with stuf that we really don’t need (and some items we can’t even remember buying such as that exercise bike now being used as a clothes rack). Te best answer isn’t busting your gut hauling it to the curb as garbage; turn your unwanted items into cash at an MCCS Flea Market!
Whether you’re interested in turning some of your belongings into cash, or you’re a glutton for punishment shopping for more newto-you items, here’s what to know. MCCS Flea Markets on Camp Foster are held from noon to 3 p.m., and Camp Courtney hosts a fea market from 7 to 10 a.m. For a full schedule of upcoming dates and maps to locations, visit
www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/feamarket.
Booths for sellers are available to DoD ID card holders island-wide and are granted on a frst-come, frst-served basis. To reserve a booth, arrive on-site an hour early and pay the $15 cash fee. SOFA and non-SOFA shoppers are welcome, so sellers should plan to make change in both dollars and yen.
Aside from fnding your next treasure or going home to a cleaner closet, fea markets help reduce trash, which is great—especially since billions of yen is spent on waste disposal in Okinawa each year. Flea markets do have certain rules and requirements, so be sure to review these policies at www.okinawa.usmcmccs.org/feamarket. For more information, call MCCS Special Events at 645-5829
SPOUSE-OWNED BUSINESS SPOUSE-OWNED BUSINESS SPOUSE-OWNED BUSINESS SPOUSE-OWNED BUSINESS SPOUSE-OWNED BUSINESS SPOUSE-OWNED BUSINESS SPOUSE-OWNED BUSINESS SPOUSE-OWNED BUSINESS SPOUSE-OWNED BUSINESS SPOUSE-OWNED BUSINESS SPOUSE-OWNED BUSINESS SPOUSE-OWNED BUSINESS
It has become a running joke to say that military spouses have “the toughest job in the service,” but the number of unique challenges we face as a result of our spouses volunteering to serve their country is no laughing matter. Unbeknownst to them, their families (present or future) must take an unwritten oath to live a life full of uncertainty, because this lifestyle demands countless sacrifices from us starting with relinquishing of control–as the needs of the military take precedence above all.
Military spouses face an unemployment rate of 21%
Being a military spouse also requires patience, understanding and, most importantly, fexibility. Along with the frequent exercises, TDY’s and deployments come the disruption of everyday routines— the efects of which can be felt immediately—as distance, time differences, unreliable communication and strong emotions take a toll on family members, both big and small. Ten there are the periodic relocations that force us to put our lives on hold, pack up everything we own and leave a place that just began to feel like home to start a new chapter of our life from scratch.
Trough the highs and the lows, much of the burden falls on the shoulders of the civilian spouses to take care of things on the home front. Military spouses are expected to juggle the demands of this lifestyle, support their spouses throughout their career and care for their litle ones while also carving out time for themselves. More ofen than not, the demands are too much and their own careers end up on the chopping block. Tis is especially true for parents struggling to fnd available childcare, as staying home with young children is ofentimes the option that makes more fnancial sense.
As of 2024, military spouses face an unemployment rate of 21%—which is fve times higher than the national average of 4.1% and a statistic that has not changed in 10 years, making us one of the highest unemployed demographics in the U.S. With major obstacles like constant relocations, lack of reliable and afordable childcare options, nontransferable state licenses and credentials, some will resort to taking jobs below their experience and/or education level while others—especially those in overseas locations—must embrace a season of unemployment, if only for a temporary period of time.
While there are no ofcial statistics for military spouse unemployment at OCONUS locations, the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) is known to negatively impact our options for employment, resulting in fewer opportunities than those stationed stateside are aforded. Being away from the comforts of home while at a new overseas duty station can cause feelings of isolation, coupled with the reality of unemployment may have an efect on more than our fnances. Feeling undervalued, unable to contribute to the household and uncertain over what the future will bring can contribute to mental health issues like depression, anxiety and reduced self-esteem.
However, these seasons of unemployment from traditional labor jobs do offer us a unique opportunity for entrepreneurial ventures—whether it’s through a simple side hustle like dog walking in your neighborhood or a major operation like opening a salon in your home. We all have unique skillsets, talents and passions that can provide a flexible way to supplement our spouse’s limited income while also providing a platform for self-expression, a sense of purpose and the ability to channel our creativity into a fulfilling career.
In 2022, the U.S. Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce found that 21% of military spouses are self-employed business owners. Military spouses are resourceful and by focusing on creative endeavors—like turning a hobby they already enjoy into a small business—
allows them to reap so many benefts including personal and professional fulfllment (that may help reduce those pesky resume gaps), a semblance of control over something in their lives, social connection with others in their community (be it customers or fellow creatives) and so much potential for growth. Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, because owning a business is no small feat, but the pros defnitely outweigh the cons.
Whether you’re new to military life or a seasoned spouse on Okinawa, if you’ve been contemplating starting your own business but are not sure where to start, the following are the steps to request to engage in Commercial Activities or Private Employment in Japan. Note that every branch has its own process, so you should request the necessary form by contacting the legal ofce of your afliated branch.
Put together a business plan and iron out all of the litle details like material sourcing, branding, pricing, social media and content creating before launching your business. If you’re needing guidance, there are countless resources that can be found online geared towards military spouses or simply towards small-business owners.
Join small business-related and industry-related (niche) Okinawa-based groups on Facebook; they are a great and FREE way to gain information as well as market your services. Prioritize connecting with other small-business owners in the community as they hold a wealth of knowledge and are usually open to supporting others on their journey to entrepreneurship.
Request home-based business approval from legal. Tis process difers by branch but those afliated with the Marine Corps can request the form by emailing the Ofce of the Staf Judge Advocate at mcbsjasofa@ usmc.mil. Te request includes a description of your business and an acknowledgement that you understand the rules and regulations. You will need endorsement from your sponsor, their command, both AAFES and MCCS (as businesses must not compete with their products or services), on-base housing ofce or of-base housing agency as well as camp commanders at the bases you will be conducting businesses. Keep in mind that the process may be lengthy, as it requires a number of signatures.
If your business will be creating and selling physical products, there are several opportunities on island that ofer a temporary physical location for your customers to shop. Te frst one are the Ofcers’ Spouses’ Clubrun gif shops, which include the Marine Gif Shop on Camp Foster, the Kadena Gif Corner on Kadena Air Base and the Fleet Gif Shop on Camp Shields. All ofer shelf space in their shop for vendors as well as regular pop-up events. As they are non-proft organizations, they ask for a percentage of your sales to go towards their eforts. Visit them in person to request more information about their vendor spot availability.
MCCS sister programs Kadena FSS (through Schilling Community Center, Arts & Crafs and the Youth Center separately), Navy MWR and Army MWR also ofer various vendor opportunities; fees vary by event. Contact them directly for more information. Lastly, DoDEA schools put together seasonal vendor fairs, and a small fee usually applies. Te small-business Facebook groups are the best way to stay in the know about upcoming events.
Tere is a lot that goes into launching a business, but trust that you will learn as you go. Te small-business owners and military spouse community are here to cheer you on!
Here’s what military spouses in the community have to say…
“Our business is a creative outlet, a symbol of friendship and a way to bring joy to families. We’ve gained a deep sense of fulfllment, the fexibility to work around our families and the joy of creating something from the heart. We especially love when our daughters get involved in the creative process.”
Samantha Corley & Erika Meier, Co-Owners & Creators of Loops and Troops Bows
“I have gained friendships, connections and knowledge of how complicated it is to run a small business. My respect to all of the smallbusiness owners!”
Natalie García, Owner of Lucky Beach: Gluten Free Baked Goods
“My business is a refection of my passion for baking and artistry. I put my whole self into every cake I create. I have gained a sense of purpose and fulfllment through my business and have been able to take my passion and my love of art and share it with everyone.”
Victoria Barrington, Owner of Iris Blossom Cakes
“I started my own business to be able to share my love of painting house portraits with military families, who cherish the memories that each of their houses all across the world have brought them. My favorite thing about my business is that I get to be what I always dreamt of when I was a child—an artist. And to have people love and support that is priceless.”
Rita Abrams, Artist & Owner of Rita’s Litle Studio
“From opening my business, I have gained further gratitude of having a military community. Military families face many obstacles and hardships. It is imperative for us to have the proper tools to navigate life’s hurdles.”
Athens Pellegrino, Owner of Military Family Life Publishing LLC
“I started this business from the love I had in creating clothes and accessories for my litle one. My business means the world to me. It provides me with a job that I love, gives me full access to my creativity and allows me to share it with others who enjoy the quality of fabrics and items I make.”
Victoria Martinez, Owner of Infnity Apparel Kids Boutique
“I started this career because I wanted to have a PCSfriendly and remote career, so my family could have a consistent parent at home, while providing myself with something productive and add income to our family. Te biggest thing I have gained is the pure joy I have in being able to support other military spouses in their career growth and business growth.”
Lauren Lomsdale, CEO of Aura Palms, LLC. (Aura Digital Consulting, Te WFH Milspo, Aura Agency)
Gyudon (Beef Bowl)
Serves Four
Ingredients
4 cups steamed Japanese short-grain rice
16 oz. lean, thinly sliced beef
1 onion
1 1/3 cup dashi (broth made from dried bonito flakes)
5 Tbsp. soy sauce
3 Tbsp. mirin (sweet cooking wine)
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. sake (rice wine)
Poached eggs and benishoga (red ginger) for topping (one egg per serving)
Method of Preparation
1. Before preparing the beef, fill four donburi (large rice bowls which come with ceramic lids) half-full with freshly cooked rice and cover then set aside.
2. Slice onions and cut beef into bite-sized pieces.
3. Heat dashi, soy sauce, sugar, mirin and sake in a small frying pan.
4. Add onion slices and simmer until semi-transparent.
5. Increase heat to medium then add beef into the pan and simmer for a few minutes.
6. Ladle mixture over the rice in the donburi.
7. Add the poached egg and cover.
8. Garnish with benishoga immediately before serving.
Mejiro: The Tiny Japanese Herald of Spring
While strolling under the cherry blossoms this spring, did you notice the beautiful chirping sounds that made you feel that spring had truly arrived? It was most likely the tiny Japanese herald of spring known as the mejiro
Te mejiro, also known as the Japanese white-eye, (me meaning “eye” and jiro being a derivative of shiro meaning “white”) is a tiny bird—only about four to four-and-ahalf inches tall. Although it has an olive or dusky green coat of feathers, the white-eye is named for the silky white ring of feathers around its eyes that stands out starkly on its cute-as-a-buton face. Te mejiro’s underside, neck and forehead being a brilliant yellow.
Te mejiro’s small stature and blazingly fast movement make them difcult to spot, but listen closely and they can be found. Teir melodic bell-like chirps can be heard at great
distances—especially in the springtime.
Despite their fighty and energetic nature, mejiro are very sociable, traveling in focks of 5 to 20 tiny, feathered bolts of green lightning. Feisty in nature, mejiro have been observed teaming up with each other and even other species to scare of larger birds of prey.
Once spotted, mejiro are fun to watch as they acrobatically hang upside-down (or sideways) when making a meal of insects or fruit nectar. They consume large quantities of bothersome insects such as gnats, fly larvae and spiders. They are also good pollinators, darting from tree to shrub in search of a sweet treat, like cherry blossoms in bloom.
One word of caution when bird watching: be careful when standing underneath them—for obvious reasons.
