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April 24, 2014 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly Bushido Mud Run an
stay for two atthe YYY CLUB iE RESORT
Visit mccsokinawa.com for details
Habu Snakes
S
T
he Bushido Mud Run tests physical and mental stamina with several events including a combination of mud pits, obstacles and other rigorous challenges over a 10K course. All that and it’s a lot of fun, too. The competition is open to DoD ID card holders and may be run solo or in teams of three. Fees are $20 for single runners, $60 for teams and $50 for teams with at least one single Marine or Sailor. Interested participants can register by 1 p.m. on May 5 at any MCCS fitness center.
inside
The run will take place at 9 a.m. on May 10 at the Camp Hansen parade deck. Participants must sign in at 6:30 a.m. and attend the mandatory participants’ brief at 8 a.m. The first 2,000 finishers will receive a T-shirt and an awards ceremony will be held at noon. Prizes courtesy of Coca-Cola include $100 and $200 dollar Coca-Cola gift certificates. Fresh fruit, refreshments and snacks will be provided. For details, call 645-3681 or visit mccsokinawa.com/smp.
Living at Large: Dragon Boat Races | 3 Culture Corner: Golden Week | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5 Off Base Events: Get Out and Explore | 7
ince rodents and other habu prey are more active during the summer, habu are lively during the warmer months as well. Habu live in and around rock walls, caves, tombs and tall grass. There are four types of habu on Okinawa. Sakishima habu grow up to four feet with a dark brown zig zag pattern. Taiwan habu grow a little more than four feet and resemble the Sakishima habu’s skin pattern. Okinawa habu grow up to six feet with white or yellow skin with black spots. Hime habu grow only to two feet and are gray or brown with dark spots. If you spot a habu, leave it alone, remove yourself from the area and contact Animal Control at 634-0203. See the habu in a safe environment with the Okinawa World & Habu Museum tour from Tours+. For details, see page 7 or visit mccsokinawa.com/tours.
Photo of the Week | 7 Spotlight: Cinco de Mayo | 9 Movie Schedule | 11 SMP Events | 11
2 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | April 24, 2014
3 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | April 24, 2014
livingatlarge
Dragon Boat Races
D
ragon boat races are annual events held in various fishing communities throughout Okinawa beginning in the late spring and lasting into the late summer months. The largest of these festivals is the Naha Hârî which is held during Golden Week—the five days of holiday between April 29 and May 5. The Naha dragon boat races pit multi-colored boats against each other, decorated with ferocious-looking dragon heads, scaled arms with sharp talons and elaborate tails, powered by a 32-rower team. Teams hail from Tomari, Kume and other Naha district residents, as well as different nations (includ-
ing contingents from U.S. military installations such as the MCCS Semper Fit Single Marine Program team). The three-day Naha Hârî Festival draws hundreds of thousands of spectators and incorporates
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | Jim Kassebaum MANAGING EDITOR | Lisa Leung Indelicato ART DIRECTOR | Hector Nieves GRAPHIC ARTS MANAGER | Henry Ortega GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Kelli Davis, Karie Morton EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Mike Daley EDITORS | Courtney Rick, Ryan Anastoplus PHOTOGRAPHER | Thomas Alan Smilie AD/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER | Roy Forster AD SALES | Aya Chilcote, Yoshihiro Shinzato, Yoriko Yamashiro, Jessica Wagner, Lola Cardenas DISTRIBUTION TEAM | Gideon Juko, Joe Fincher MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Andrew Menges ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH | Amy Schultz, Nicole Taylor, Allison McCarley, Kelly Longo, Phylicia Callahan CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALISTS | Ayako Kawamitsu, Rie Shinjo
food booths, live band performances, and nightly firework displays. Watch the races with Tours+ on May 5. For details, see page 7 or visit mccsokinawa.com/tours.
Questions? Comments? Please e-mail OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org To advertise in the Okinawa Living Weekly, call 645-2245, fax 645-0975, or email sales@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. MCCS is not responsible for designing and editing outside ads. No Department of Defense, U.S. Marine Corps or Marine Corps Community Services endorsement of commercial advertisers or sponsors implied.
mccsevents&happenings Pineapple Park Field Trip April 26, 12:30–5:30 p.m. Youth Center, Camp Foster 645-8015 For Members Only
Job Fair Success April 29, 10-11 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Kinser 637-1307 FREE
Teen Focus Group April 30, 4–5 p.m. Teen Center, Camp Kinser 637-1755 For Members Only
Movie Night: Kung Fu Panda April 28, 6 p.m. Library, Camp Foster 645-7178 FREE
Stress and Anger Management Workshop April 29, 9:30 a.m.–noon Bldg. 5677, Camp Foster 645-3698 FREE
Nacho Average Wednesday Wednesdays 5–11 p.m. Thirsty's, MCAS Futenma 636-3046
Typhoon Survival Workshop April 28, 5:30 p.m. Library, Camp Schwab 625-2518 FREE
Saving and Investing Workshop April 30, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. MFP–R, Camp Schwab 625-2622 FREE
Chariot of Beef Fridays and Saturdays, 5–9 p.m. The Palms, Camp Hansen 623-4375 $2.50/oz.
We Make Okinawa Home
Other FREE Media:
Channel 15 & 18
This publication printed with
Camp Courtney
Camp Foster
April 26 & 27 7–10 a.m. Turn unwanted items into ca$h. For a full schedule, visit mccsokinawa.com/fleamarket. Special Events 645-5829
Wednesdays & Fridays, 1st week of every month 5:30–6:45 p.m. Improve your sketching skills in this class designed for adults at all levels of experience. Foster Framing & Fine Arts 645-3674
Flea Market
Sketching Classes
Camp Foster
Camp Courtney
April 30 Provide a service to our military community by giving the gift of life. Appointments are preferred. For donor eligibility questions please contact the Armed Services Blood Program at 643-7737 or 645-7301/8012. Kishaba Youth Center
May 1 & 2, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Learn from trained mentors, network with other military spouses and walk away with the information, skills and resources that will help you bridge the gap between military and family life. MCFTB, Camp Courtney mccsokinawa.com/mcftb
Military Blood Drive
L.I.N.K.S. for Spouses
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japanese phrase
culturecorner
of the week
Golden Week
E Anata no onamaewa nan desuka? What is your name? For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs–Resources at 645-2104/2106.
ach year before the close of spring, people all over Japan get ready to celebrate Golden Week. While the nation prepares for its busiest week of the year, its hard-working citizens look forward to vacation. The festivities begin on Tuesday, April 29 when the country honors the birthday of former Emperor Hirohito (also known as Showa Tenno). Showa Day is a time to reflect on the challenges the Emperor faced during his turbulent reign and the recovery from World War II. It’s also an ideal time to encourage hope for the current and future condition of Japan.
Many commemorate this day by visiting the Musashi Imperial Graveyard in Hachioji, where the Showa Emperor is buried. Just four days after Showa Day is Kenpo Kinenbi, or Constitution Day, remembered on May 3 as the day the new postwar constitution was put into effect. Midori no Hi, or Greenery Day, is celebrated on May 4 by anyone who likes to experience and enjoy the beauty of nature all around them, and many parks and gardens are open free of charge. The last holiday of the week, and probably the most-highly anticipated, is Kodomo no Hi, or Children’s Day, on
May 5. Children’s Day (historically Boy’s Day) is dedicated to instilling faith for the future and happiness of the children. This event is celebrated by hanging carp streamers, koinobori, that decorate Okinawa during the month of May. A Chinese legend tells that the carp swam upstream to become a dragon, and these large fish represent strength and dedication. All kinds of parades and festivals bring life to this special day and the rest of Golden Week in Japan. By Jadelin Boldenow
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off-base events get out and explore.
Yokohama China Town Exhibition April 26–May 1, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Mitsukoshi Mall (6F), Kokusai Street, Naha FREE Koi Fish Streamer Festival April 26–May 1 Peace Memorial Park, Itoman FREE The Beatles 50th Anniversary of American Debut Exhibition April 29–May 5, 10 a.m.–8:30 p.m. Ryubo Department Store, Naha Adults ¥700, Children (under 19) FREE
tours+
adventure begins here. Okinawa World & Habu Museum May 3, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $37, Children (12–15) $27, (4–11) $19, (under 4) $5 Tour Gyokusendo Cave and then enjoy an eisa performance, a glassblowing center, a pottery village, awamori shop and the Habu Museum. Park and museum entrance fees are included.*
Neo Park & Pineapple Park May 4, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $18, Children (3–11) $11, (under 3) $5 Visit Neo Park where you can feed animals. After lunch, enjoy a tour at Pineapple Park. Bring yen for admission or purchase a Neo Park family pass ($15 for five members, for one year) at Tours+.*
Dragon Boat Races May 5, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Adults $21, Children (3–11) $14, (under 3) $5 Experience Okinawan culture and watch as teams including those representing U.S. military branches entertain spectators with numerous races. Enjoy live music, show, street vendors, food booths and games.*
Shrines & Gardens Tour May 3, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $18, Children (3–11) $16, (under 3) $5 Explore two of Okinawa’s most famous gardens, Shikina-en, the royal summer home and garden for the Okinawan kings, then visit Kokusai Street for shopping and lunch. Afterwards, visit Fukushu-en Chinese Garden, then explore Futenma Shrine.*
Shuri Castle & Naha May 4, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Adults $21, Children (3–11) $14, (under 3) $5 Tour this 15th century castle and enjoy lunch and shopping on Kokusai Street. Spend the rest of the day at Fukushu Garden and Naminoue Shinto Shrine. Bring yen for entrance fees, lunch and purchases.
Urashima Dinner Theater May 9, 5:30–9:30 p.m. Adults $73 (with half lobster) $58 (without), Children (6–12) $36, (3–5) $32, (under 3) $5 no meal Savor the flavors of Okinawan cuisine while being entertained by traditional music and dancers. Choose between American or Okinawan dinners. Tour price includes dinner and show.*
*Bring yen for additional food, drinks and/or purchases. For more information, contact MCCS Tours+: Camp Foster 646-3502 | Camp Hansen 623-6344 | Camp Kinser 637-2744 | U.S. Naval Hospital 646-7013 (Temporarily closed)
photooftheweek Thomas Alan Smilie
Ryukyu Mura is a cultural theme park that recreates life from the times of the Ryukyu Kingdom. To reach it, drive north on Hwy. 58 past Kadena AB and follow the signs for Ryukyu Mura on your left.
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spotlight
Cinco de Mayo
J
ust because you’re in Okinawa doesn’t mean you have to miss out on Cinco de Mayo celebrations. MCCS clubs will be celebrating Mexican-American culture from May 2 to 4 at installations island-wide. The clubs will be offering buffets, live music, DJs and brunch. May 2 has events at the Camp Courtney Legends Officer’s Club (6 to 8 p.m.), Camp Hansen Palms (10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and the Camp Schwab BeachHead (7 p.m. to midnight). May 3 will have cel-
ebrations at Surfside on Camp Kinser (6 p.m. to midnight), Thirsty’s E Club on MCAS Futenma (5 p.m. to 1 a.m.), Hashmarks SNCO Club on Camp Courtney (6 p.m. to midnight) and Camp Foster’s Globe & Anchor (10 p.m. to midnight). Finally, on May 4, Butler O’Club on Plaza Housing (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) will be hosting Cinco de Mayo brunches. For full details and pricing, visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs.
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upcoming semperfitevents movieschedule Open 6-on-6 Soccer Tournament May 2–4
Athletics/Adult Sports 645-3521/3522
Camp Hansen Parade Deck Register by 1 p.m. on April 28 at any MCCS fitness center for $100 per team. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. Tournament brackets and bylaws will be emailed to each coach. For details, call 623-5569/5558.
Aquatics 645-3180
Open Racquetball Tournament
Proud sponsor of MCCS Youth Sports
Courtney Ironworks 622-9261/7297 Futenma Semper Fit 636-2672 Gunners Fitness Center 645-3985/2235 Hansen House of Pain 623-5558/4831 Health Promotion 645-3484/3910 Kinser Fitness Center 637-1869/1114 Schwab Power Dome 625-2654/2442 Taiyo Golf Club 622-2004 Tsunami SCUBA 645-9500 Youth Sports 645-3533/3534
CAMP KINSER | 637-2177
CAMP COURTNEY | 622-6101
Thursday, April 24 Oculus (R) 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 24 CLOSED Friday, April 25 Bears (G) 6 p.m. Transcendence (PG 13) 6 p.m.
Friday, April 25 Transcendence (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26 Heaven is for Real (PG 13) 3 p.m. Transcendence (PG 13) 6:30 p.m.
May 9–11 Futenma Semper Fit Gym Register by 1 p.m. on May 5 at any MCCS fitness center for $10. On-site registration will be available from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. for $15. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. There will be an on-site participants’ brief at 8:45 a.m.* For details, call 636-2672.
Sunday, April 27 Bears (G) 1 p.m. Heaven is for Real (PG 13) 3:30 p.m. Transcendence (PG 13) 6:30 p.m.
Gunners Round Robin Softball Tournament May 9–11 Gunners Fitness Center Athletic Fields Register by 1 p.m. at any MCCS fitness center for $120 per team. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. Tournament brackets and bylaws will be e-mailed to each player. For details, call 645-4866/3985.
Wednesday, April 30 Draft Day (PG 13) 6:30 p.m.
6-on-6 Soccer Tournament May 16–18 Camp Schwab Athletics Softball Field 1 Register by 1 p.m. at any MCCS fitness center for $80 per team. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. Tournament brackets and bylaws will be e-mailed to each player. For details, call 625-2654. *Attendance is required for participation.
classof theweek Bokwa®
Bokwa is a new and completely different approach to group exercise that is rapidly spreading across the globe. Bokwa participants draw letters and numbers with their feet while performing an energizing and addictive cardio workout routine. Moving together to today’s most popular music, participants of all ages draw the Bokwa L, 3, J, K and dozens of other steps. Gunners Fitness Center Fridays, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. For a full class schedule, visit schedule mccsokinawa.com/wellness.
singlemarineprogram Okuma Beach Fest May 2–4 Okuma Recreation Center 645-3681 $10 bus fee
Taiyo Golf Clinic
First and third Fridays of every month, 9–11 a.m. Taiyo Golf Club 645-3681 FREE
Monday, April 28 CLOSED Tuesday, April 29 CLOSED
MCAS FUTENMA | 636-3890 Thursday, April 24 CLOSED Friday, April 25 Transcendence (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26 Transcendence (PG 13) 4 p.m. Captain America: The Winter Soldier 3D (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 26 Heaven is for Real (PG 13) 3 p.m. Transcendence (PG 13) 6 p.m. Sunday, April 27 Heaven is for Real (PG 13) 3 p.m. Transcendence (PG 13) 6 p.m. Monday, April 28 Rio 2 (G) 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 CLOSED Wednesday, April 30 Bears (G) 7 p.m.
CAMP HANSEN | 623-4564 Thursday, April 24 Oculus (R) 7 p.m. Friday, April 25 Heaven is for Real (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Transcendence (PG 13) 10 p.m. Saturday, April 26 Heaven is for Real (PG 13) 6 p.m. Transcendence (PG 13) 9:30 p.m.
Monday, April 28 Heaven is for Real (PG 13) 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 27 Heaven is for Real (PG 13) 2:30 p.m. Transcendence (PG 13) 6 p.m. Monday, April 28 Captain America: Winter Soldier (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Tuesday, April 29 CLOSED
Tuesday, April 29 Transcendence (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Wednesday, April 30 CLOSED
Wednesday, April 30 Oculus (R) 7 p.m.
CAMP FOSTER | 645-3465
CAMP SCHWAB | 625-2338
Thursday, April 24 Draft Day (PG 13) 7 p.m. Friday, April 25 Heaven is for Real (PG 13) 6 p.m. Transcendence (PG 13) 9 p.m.
Thursday, April 24 CLOSED
Sunday, April 27 Divergent (PG 13) 4 p.m. Transcendence (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Friday, April 25 Heaven is for Real (PG 13) 6 p.m. Transcendence (PG 13) 9 p.m.
Saturday, April 26 Bears (G) noon Heaven is for Real (PG 13) 3 p.m. Transcendence (PG 13) 6 p.m. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (PG 13) 9 p.m. Sunday, April 27 Bears (G) 1 p.m. Heaven is for Real (PG 13) 4 p.m. Transcendence (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 26 Heaven is for Real (PG 13) 6 p.m. Transcendence (PG 13) 9 p.m.
Monday, April 28 Transcendence (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Tuesday, April 29 Oculus (R) 7 p.m.
Tuesday, April 29 Heaven is for Real (PG 13) 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 Transcendence (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Wednesday, April 30 CLOSED
Sunday, April 27 Captain America: Winter Soldier (PG 13) 4 p.m. Transcendence (PG 13) 9 p.m. Monday, April 28 Draft Day (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Movie schedule is subject to change. For the latest updates visit shopmyexchange.com/reeltimetheatres/reeltime-landing.htm.