JULY 2020 | Issue 269
OBON AND EISA IE ISLAND: THE “PEANUT” ISLAND
contents July 2020
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MCCS PHOTOS, THOMAS ALAN SMILIE
28 58 Out+About
feature
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Ie Island: The “Peanut” Island Affectionately known as “the peanut isle” because of its shape—as well as the fact that peanuts are an important part of agricultural exports—Ie is a quiet and peaceful place that is perfect for unplugging from the daily grind.
Obon and Eisa Out of all the sights, sounds and smells of summer on the island, nothing signifies that the season has arrived as hearing the booming sounds of drums and the pleasant twang of the lute-like instrument called the sanshin in the evenings accompanied by the strident voices of young Okinawan dancers warming up for their Obon eisa performances.
58 On the cover Summertime is here…time to hit the beach!
All About the Beaches The beaches of Okinawa vary, from the small deserted strip of sand perfect for a bento lunch break to five-star resorts offering every amenity imaginable. We’ve compiled a short list of our personal favorites just in time for the peak beach season!
contents July 2020
kids + parents 47 Summer Reading Program Digging into a good book can transport you to a different world, teach lessons, provide a unique perspective, or simply offer an escape from our trying times. But if you “dig deeper,” reading may even win you an overnight stay at an Okinawan resort and other great prizes. How, you ask? The Summer Reading Program!
49 Looking for a Few Good Tennis Coaches! MCCS Semper Fit is looking for a few good tennis coaches to pass on their love of the game to youths, teens and families on Okinawa.
services 53 FREE Stuff MCCS makes Okinawa a better home-awayfrom-home, and, in many cases, MCCS does this free-of-charge!
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43 fitness + fun 17 Red, White & Blue Scramble Gather your team for this no handicap, four-person scramble golf tournament at Taiyo Golf Club!
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DRAGONIMAGES/DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
Get Fit with Semper Fit! MCCS Semper Fit offers a plethora of activities, services and programs to help keep service members healthy, active and fit—and many of them are FREE!
dining + entertainment 27 Breakfast at TERRA There’s no better way to start off a day than with a good, hearty and tasty breakfast. It sets the tone for the day, fuels you and fills you with positive vibes. That being said, have you tried breakfast at TERRA yet?
Shisa Pizza Satisfy your cravings for sizzling hot pizza laden with piquant tomato sauce, gooey heaps of melted mozzarella and tasty toppings of your choice at Shisa Pizza.
marines + families 41 Succeeding in Online Courses Whether your move to online education was planned, this workshop will show you the virtual ropes, offering best practices and strategies to thrive in an online educational environment.
43 Yukata-Dressing Class Join Personal and Professional DevelopmentResources for their yukata-dressing class to learn how to dress in this traditional Japanese summer kimono.
Stay Updated with the MCCS (e)Newsletter Do you feel a bit behind the times? Are you often the last among your friends to hear about a concert or fun event? It might be because you aren’t subscribed to the MCCS newsletter!
extras 9 Feedback & Show Us!
69 Living on Okinawa
70 Marketplace Guide
JULY 2020 | ISSUE 269 COMMANDING GENERAL, MCIPAC Brigadier General William J. Bowers ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, MCCS, MCIPAC Edward S. Hutsell DEPUTY ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, MCCS DIRECTOR, MCCS, MCB CAMP BUTLER Michael S. Gieseck DEPUTY MCCS DIRECTOR MARINE & FAMILY PROGRAMS Carlos J. Saldaña CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER Jim Kassebaum EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mike Daley MCCS ART DIRECTOR Henry C. Ortega OKINAWA LIVING ART DIRECTORS Margie Shimabukuro, Ai Jirka GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Emeline Toole, Giulia Pulvirenti DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Thomas Alan Smilie PHOTOGRAPHER Kailey LaValliere EDITORIAL Alex Jusell DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA Kathlene Millette, Lillion Hunt Hamilton, Hillary Taylor Christine Zimmerman CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST Ayako Kawamitsu ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP MANAGER Roy Forster ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP Yoshihiro Shinzato, Hiromitsu Horikawa Terumi Nagai, Serge Sombie, Crystal Rivas MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER Andrew Menges MARKETING ACCOUNTS Alicia Sallese, Courtney Davis DISTRIBUTION Jason Jones
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)
mensôre “Welcome” to Okinawa Living
Typhoon Time! Summer is definitely in full swing on island and soon enough we may be given a taste of Mother Nature’s immense power in the form of a typhoon. Even though the island is very well fortified (typhoons are not uncommon on Okinawa), take each and every one of these storms seriously. During typhoon season, which runs through November 30, it’s imperative to maintain a typhoon preparedness kit including at least a four-day supply of nonperishable food and ample potable water, sandbags to reinforce doors, duct tape for leaks, hammer and nails for quick emergency repairs (including tarps/ heavy plastic sheets, heavy cardboard and plywood), towels and a large supply of newspapers (again, for leaks). Also, don’t forget flashlights with extra batteries and candles with waterproof matches or a lighter, a portable radio with extra batteries, plenty of food for pets and a charcoal or propane grill (in case the contents of your freezer need to be cooked in the event of an extended post-storm power loss). In addition, stock up on medications and have a first aid kit as well as supplies for kids—including diapers and formula for babies and a fully charged portable battery charger for mobile devices. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. For more information about typhoons, as well as a plethora of material on Okinawan culture, pick up a copy of the 2020-2021 Okinawa Guide—available island-wide (there’s probably one right next to the magazine you just picked up). As always, in the pages of Okinawa Living Magazine you can also learn more about your beautiful home-away-from-home and its fascinating culture, and find out about the many interesting and exciting things to do on the island when the sun is shining and there are no typhoons to be found. Thank you for picking up this issue of our magazine, now time to turn the page and let your journey begin!
See our advertising rates at mccsokinawa.com MCCS MARKETING BRANCH MCB Camp S.D. Butler. Unit 35023, FPO AP 96378-5023
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Mike Daley Editor-In-Chief
Okinawa Living is published by MCCS Marketing. Its purpose is to inform the military and civilian community about events and programs offered by MCCS or available in the local market. Dates and times may change. Copyright ©2020 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.
feedback
from the ICE Program and Facebook
@okilivingmag Show us your island adventures and favorite food finds!
The new virtual TA [Tuition Assistance] briefs held by the MCCS Education Center are working out amazing. It’s so much easier to get my Marines through when they don’t have to worry about physically showing up. Even if it’s only kept for once a week after things return to “normal,” it would be a great benefit for Marines with busy schedules. Thank you! —via ICE. Aloha! I am looking to relocate to Okinawa from Hawaii. I am a U.S. citizen. I was wondering if you could provide any leads on job recruitment? —via Ask MCCS Please visit our MCCS Careers website accessible via
@hey__stephany
Regardless of being born during such a terrifying time full of unknowns and stress, which sure will be a story we tell you about. You were also born in such a beautiful place, and that is something no world pandemic can ever ruin for you. #okilivingmag
mccsokinawa.com for more information about job opportunities with MCCS Okinawa. You may also find it useful to visit the USA Jobs website at usajobs.gov to search for other U.S. government jobs on Okinawa. Mahalo! On May 30, a free screening of “Dolittle” was shown on Camp Lester. The staff, food from Bulldogs Burgers, the screen, sound and EVERYTHING was PERFECT! Please do more and thank you. —via ICE
@theperfectbiteee
Thank you for the “Spies In Disguise” movie on June
Turned the Greens To Go smoothie into a bowl #okinomnoms
5! It was a gorgeous night and nice way to spend the evening with the family. I also enjoyed it being on Camp McTureous and the screen being up high, which made it easy to see anywhere you sat! Thank you again! —via Facebook I would just like to recognize Heather Pottinger for her outstanding contributions to the TA [Transition Assistance] Program. Heather goes above and beyond in assisting and meeting the needs of her clients. She assisted me with a resume rebuild and going through the interview process. Her dedication to helping service members achieve their goals is a selfless act and shows the extent of her character. Other than saying “thank you,” I hope Heather is recognized for the value she brings to the TA Program. —via ICE I accidentally walked into Foster Framing and Fine Arts without realizing it was actually closed, but was met with the utmost professionalism and politeness so much that I didn’t even realize my mistake for several
@lovealwaysnikkicole
o k i n a w a || Another fun Oki day in the books! Met up with some wonderful friends at @southeast_botanical_ gardens and fed all the cuties! #okilivingmag
minutes. Dina Cusic took the time to help me design my frames and provide a quote, even though she couldn’t process my order. She explained everything in great detail (as I am a first timer) and even told me about an upcoming sale so that I could save some money! Outstanding customer service! Thanks Dina! —via ICE
Domo arigatou gozaimashita and thank you for your posts! We can’t wait to see what else you love about Okinawa! —The Okinawa Living Staff
Give MCCS Feedback—ICE Program & Facebook Let us know how we can better serve you or thank us for a job well-done. Go to mccsokinawa.com and click on the ICE link at the bottom of the homepage or find us on Facebook to share feedback. Comments on this page may be edited for clarity or length.
JULY 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 9
OUT + ABOUT
IE ISLAND: THE “PEANUT” ISLAND Text by Mike Daley / Layout by Giulia Pulvirenti
MCCS PHOTOS
Ie Island is a tiny islet with a permanent population numbering only in the thousands. Affectionately known as “the peanut isle” because of its shape—as well as the fact that peanuts are an important part of agricultural exports—Ie is a quiet and peaceful place that is perfect for unplugging from the daily grind. While idyllic, Ie does offer several places to visit including monuments, sightseeing locales and more. Fierce battles were fought there during WWII, and while many parts of the island remain mostly unchanged, some buildings bearing scars from bullets and bombs are still standing today—preserved to teach lessons to generations to come. One of the island’s most well-known monuments was erected for someone who was in the thick of the battle, but wasn’t carrying a rifle. The Ernie Pyle Monument honors an acclaimed journalist known internationally for covering stories from the front line. He was killed April 18, 1945 at the age of 44, and a memorial solemnly stands in tribute.
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OUT + ABOUT
MT. GUSUKU Rising 565 ft above sea level is Ie Island’s most distinct feature Mt. Gusuku. Although its conical shape may suggest volcanic origins, it is believed that the mountain was formed when older bedrock pierced the newer above due to tectonic movement. The rock that makes up the mountain is thought to be several million years older than the rock that makes up the rest of the island. Mt. Gusuku is known to residents as “Tacchu” and has been considered a sacred place since ancient times. A combination of pathways and stairs enable visitors to hike to the top of Mt. Gusuku and enjoy the panoramic view.
LILY FIELD PARK Decorated with 200,000 lilies in 1995 when it first opened its gates, today over 1,000,000 plants line the promenades at this seaside park located on the northern end of the island. These primarily white lilies bloom in mid-April and are breathtaking during the day. However, no words can describe the beauty of this park during the sunset hours.
NIYATHIA CAVE
MIKE DALEY
Located a little over 2 miles west of Ie Island Port, this cave served as protection for residents against bombs during the Battle of Okinawa. However, the notoriety of this cave extends well beyond protection. It has been believed by local residents for ages that if an infertile female was able to lift a special stone inside (called “chikaraishi”) that they would be cured and blessed with a child.
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OUT + ABOUT
WAJEE Ie Island offers many breathtaking panoramic viewpoints, from the top of Mt. Gusuku to the rocky shoreline below Lily Field Park (which can give visitors an up-closeand-personal view of the power of the sea in the form of geysering spray exploding skyward even on mildly windy days). One of the best panoramas can be found on the northern tip of the island. Called Wajee, these 60-ft-high cliffs overlook seas that cover many spectrums of azure on a sunny afternoon. Wajee, in the local dialect, means “freshwater spring.” That's because there's a spring at the base of the cliffs that has been a precious source of water to Ie Island residents for ages. Since ancient times, people would scale up and down the cliffs bearing buckets, but after WWII, U.S. Armed Forces made this unnecessary by installing pumps and pipes that brought the spring water to the top. Today, Wajee’s water is used in locally-produced sodas flavored with dragon fruit, brown sugar and other flavors. Although Wajee does offer limited summertime shore diving, it can be perilous (most of the diving on Ie Island is done via boat). The underwater trenches of Wajee are populated with schools of damselfish, Napoleon fish, parrotfish, squid and octopi.
MIKE DALEY
YYY IE RESORT Among everything Ie Island offers for visitors, beautiful beaches and seas filled with a rainbow of life and quiet solitude to heal the soul are at the forefront. YYY iE Resort offers a pool, a sauna and ample marine activities ranging from trolling, sea kayaking, sailboarding and jet skiing to snorkeling or spending time on the beach at sunset with that special someone. YYY iE Resort also offers charters to several of the island's spectacular dive sites, such as the aforementioned Wajee, Gyosho and East Gyosho “fish beds,” and two underwater mountains—Mt. Sankaku and Mt. Kumanomi. ACCESS Ie Island is accessible via ferries departing out of Motobu Port (located next to Sesoko Island). MCCS Tours+ also offers regular tours to Ie Island—including weekend tours at YYY iE Resort. For more information on upcoming tours, call 646-3502 or visit mccsokinawa.com/tours. JULY 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 15
FITNESS+FUN
Red, White & Blue Scramble Taiyo G.C. Golf Tournament
Are you an awful putter but a fantastic driver? Can you chip where you want, whenever you want, but shank it every time you have to nail a long iron to a narrow green? At the Red, White & Blue Scramble, you don’t have to be the perfect all-around player, you just need a team that’ll round you out. Gather your team on July 11 for a 6 a.m. shotgun start at Taiyo Golf Club. This no handicap, four-person scramble is, open to all DoD ID card holders island-wide. If you are new to golf, you may be wondering what a scramble is. A four-person scramble is a tournament format that is especially great for beginners, where teams of four compete against one another. All members of a team take turns hitting from the tee box, then the team chooses the best of the four shots from which to hit next. All members then hit
from where that best shot landed, and again choose the best shot from that second hit, and so on and so forth until they hole out. The score is recorded, then it’s on to the next hole. This format keeps the speed of play chugging along since you don’t have to play from a shot you hit under a habu snake in the jungle, and is great for newbies who want tournament experience but don’t want the fear of dragging down the team to stress them out. In this Red, White & Blue Scramble, Taiyo Golf Club is celebrating our nation’s colors by having players alternate tee positions between red, white and blue, starting from your first hole. Register by July 8 to secure a spot. $30 per person (does not include green or cart fees). For more information, call 622-2013 or head to mccsokinawa.com/golf.
ARTURVERKHOVETSKIY/DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
Independence Day Pool Bashes Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Pool Parties This Independence Day weekend, celebrate the 13 colonies’ independence from King George III the way our founding fathers would have wanted—at an MCCS Independence Day Pool Bash! Join us at the Camps Foster, Hansen, McTureous or MCAS Futenma Aquatic Centers for a pool party that will go down in history. With FREE food and pool-side entertainment, this will be an Independence Day to remember. We know you’ve been stuck inside for much of the year due to restrictions, so come celebrate your new-
found freedom with some fun in the sun. Remember the sun? No? Then bring some sunscreen. The Independence Day Pool Bashes will be rocking Friday, July 3, noon–3 p.m. Open to all ages. No registration required. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics or facebook.com/mccsokinawa.aquatics. If you have questions, email aquatics@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or call 645-3180.
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FITNESS+FUN
Get Fit…
ALEBLOSHKA/DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
…with Semper Fit!
As facilities begin to reopen island-wide, it’s important to remember the array of fitness programs Semper Fit has to offer. So whether you’ve hibernated a little too long this year and need to shed some winter weight, or you just want to get back out again and return to some sort of normalcy with sports, we’ve compiled the gamut of Semper Fit opportunities as a refresher of what’s available to Marines, Sailors and their families. Availability is contingent on HPCON restrictions due to COVID-19. Aquatics (mccsokinawa.com/aquatics) runs the spread of pools on Camps Foster, Hansen, Kinser, McTureous, Schwab, MCAS Futenma and Plaza Housing, where you can swim for fitness or fun and even join the Okinawa Dolphins Swim Team (ODST). ODST is open to all DoD ID card holders ages 7 and up and holds frequent practices designed to fit the needs of all skill levels. Next up, Athletics (mccsokinawa.com/athletics) oversees the massive array of sports, courts, complexes and fitness centers. And don’t forget: use of these state-of-the-art facilities is FREE of charge. Racquetball courts, basketball courts, soccer fields—also available free of charge. Charges are only involved if you compete in the youth or adult sports seasons or tournaments, get a massage or take martial arts lessons. Speaking of martial arts (mccsokinawa.com/martial_arts), MCCS has a robust martial arts program, offering classes in Brazilian jiu-jtsu, judo, aiki-jitsu, Shuri-Ryu, Shorin-Ryu and Isshin-Ryu karate as well as Mugai Ryu iaido. Moreover, Health Promotion (mccsokinawa.com/healthpromotion),
which is dedicated to the health and wellness of the military community, provides personal fitness programs, group fitness classes, wellness testing and Functional Fitness/High Intensity Tactical Training ( HITT). As for the latter, these comprehensive combat-specific strength and conditioning programs focus on physical development, combat readiness and resiliency. This way, participants will always be prepared for their CFT, PFT and any kind of physical challenge they may meet. If organized sports or classes aren’t really your speed, and you’d much rather go camping on the beach to get some quiet time with friends or family, then head to Outdoor Recreation (mccsokinawa.com/outdoor_recreation), where you’ll be equipped with all of your camping needs: tents, canopies, sleeping bags, fryers, stoves, coolers and more. But what if you are new to island and don’t know anybody yet? The Single Marine Program (mccsokinawa.com/smp) has your back. Encouraging a boost in quality of life, community involvement and recreation, the Single Marine Program offers local and off-island trips, dragon boat races, community relations projects, paintball, barracks bashes and more. Lastly, after participating in all that Semper Fit has to offer, you’ll likely be sore. Let MCCS’ Massage Therapy (mccsokinawa.com/massage_therapy) program take care of that with specializations in aromatherapy, reflexology, stepping, Swedish and pre/post-natal massages.
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FITNESS+FUN
Shred the Gnar…
NIKKOLINA/DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
…at an MCCS Skate Park Near You If you skateboard, inline skate or BMX, it’s hard to find a spot on Okinawa that doesn’t have a sign prohibiting a simple session. Luckily, Camps Courtney, Foster, Kinser, McTureous and Plaza Housing have proper parks to practice your slides, slobs and slappies. Camp Courtney Skater’s Way Skate Park is adjacent to the Courtney Towers, while the Foster Rampage Skate Park is behind Popeyes right next to the Foster School Age Care. Find Camp Kinser Trickflips Skate Park near the Kinser Fitness Center, Camp McTureous Skate Park behind Bechtel Elementary School and Plaza Housing’s Skate Plaza next to the tennis court. These parks are outfitted to accommodate different skate styles, with boxes, rails and plenty of space for the street skaters, and a healthy lineup of ramps and pipes for the vert skaters. With lights installed in and around the parks, too, you’ll be able to skate well past sundown. A couple things: you’ve got to be at least 10 years old or be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to use the skate parks. Only skateboards, inline skates and BMX bicycles are allowed, and all bicycle pegs must have caps on the ends. Also, helmets and protective equipment are required at all times. That means kneepads, elbow pads and wrist guards (except for bikers—they don’t need wrist guards). Lastly, no food, drinks, spectators or personal ramps and rails are allowed within the parks. For more information on exact locations, numbers and hours, head to mccsokinawa.com/skatehours.
Dive-in Movies Enjoy a Movie at the Dive-in! Summer is too hot to enjoy a drive-in movie, so why not go to a “dive-in?” July is overflowing with Dive-in Movies throughout the island, where you can enjoy a movie all while swimming at your favorite local pool. No registration is required, but you’ll want to show up early to get a good spot in the water. Plaza Aquatic Center’s Dive-in Movie will be July 10, followed by Camp Kinser Aquatic Center’s on July 17. Camp Schwab Aquatic Center will host a
Dive-In Movie on July 24, and on July 31, Camp Hansen Aquatic Center will bring the silver screen poolside. All Dive-ins start at 7:30 p.m. Open to all DoD ID card holders island-wide. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics or facebook.com/mccsokinawa.aquatics, and be sure to check these sites as the dates approach to discover what movies are playing. Any questions? Email aquatics@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
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FITNESS+FUN
Swim Meet Test Your Swim Skills! What did the dolphin say to the seal? Find out at Camp Foster Aquatic Center’s Swim Meet on July 11 at 7 a.m. (Spoiler alert: the only seals in attendance will be Blue Seal Ice Cream!) Hosted by the Okinawa Dolphins Swim Team, prizes will include race ribbons and Blue Seal Ice Cream for all. To register, email aquatics@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org with your name, gender and age by July 8. If you are a member of the Okinawa Dolphins Swim Team, your coach will choose your events, however if you are not a member, please include your chosen events (maximum of 3) in your email. To view the list of events at the swim meet, visit mccsokinawa.com/swimteam. This FREE event is open to all ages. Swimmers will be seeded by entry times regardless of gender or age, but will receive rewards based on age group and gender. Email aquatics@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org or call 645-3180 if you have any questions.
Aquathlon PIKTERART/DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
Run+Swim+Run Do you love triathlons but hate the bike portion? The cost of the bike, all the gear needed to race, the saddle sores—it can be cumbersome and expensive! Then check out Semper Fit Aquatics’ Aquathlon at the Camp Foster Aquatic Center, a FREE, noncompetitive training event. There will be two aquathlons in July, and each aquathlon will include two races. Athletes may do either or both races on each date. The first event on July 14 will proceed as follows: race #1 will be a 390 m run + 100 m swim + 390 m run, while race #2 will be a 2.88 km run + 400 m swim + 1.44 km run. The second aquathlon will be on July 28. Its first race will be a 390 m run + 100 m swim + 390 m run, while the second race will be a
3.6 km run + 400 m swim + 1.44 km run. Both Aquathlons start with a warm-up at 4:30 p.m. and participants are able to register on-site on the day of the event until 5 p.m. At 5:10 p.m., the first race will commence, and the second will start at 5:40 p.m. Open to all DoD ID card holders island-wide, the aquathlon is a fun, alternative activity to test your endurance. Shoes must be worn during the runs, and races will be a mix of gender and age. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/athletics or facebook.com/mccsokinawa.aquatics. If you have questions, please email aquatics@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
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DINING+ENTERTAINMENT
Coming Soon… …from Bonsai Coffee!
Whether you are a cold-weather person who sweats at the mere thought of the sun, or you grew up in the desert where you could bake cookies on the hood of your car, we can all agree: Okinawa’s mix of summer heat and humidity can be brutal. But help is on the horizon! Bonsai Coffee Company is preparing something special to help you to overcome the summer slog. Available August through September, Bonsai Coffee Company is offering a new Coffee & Cream Blender—a creamy vanilla frozen delight swirled with freshly brewed espresso and topped with a dollop of coffee whipped cream, making it a perfect treat to cool you down. And don’t worry—in the meantime, café lattes, café Americanos, café mochas,
caramel macchiatos, white caramel mochas and chai lattes are all available iced to help you beat the heat. In addition, other frozen blenders like the caramel cream, fruit and cream, mocha chip, white chocolate mocha and chai cream will also hit the spot. Don’t like coffee? No worries! Bonsai Coffee Company also has Tazo® Iced Teas ready to quench your thirst. Is that a mirage you see? No, it’s real relief from the heat coming from Bonsai Coffee Company! Bonsai Coffee Company has locations inside the Camp Foster Community Center Auditorium, The Palms on Camp Hansen and at the Taiyo Golf Club Clubhouse. For more information, visit Bonsai Coffee Company online at mccsokinawa.com/bonsaicoffee.
Ocean Breeze’s Keto Diet Menu
MCCS PHOTO
Hop on the Keto Train! The ketogenic diet, more commonly referred to as the “keto diet,” is a low-carb, moderate-protein, high-fat diet that places your body in a state of ketosis. Ketosis occurs when your body doesn’t have many carbs (sugars) left to burn, and so switches gears to burn fat instead. This means that “eating keto” can be effective in helping you lose weight and reduce risk factors for diseases such as prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. If you have been riding the keto train for a while, or are ready to hop on, then add the Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster to your list of main stops. With Ocean Breeze’s Keto Diet menu, available inside the Globe & Anchor, a diet never tasted this good. Delicious offerings like the Cajun Blackened Chicken BLT Salad or the Pan Roasted Pork Tenderloins with blue cheese sauce, will have you coming back for
more. Try the Chicken Piccata, available in a decadent white wine, lemon, garlic and butter sauce, or the Mexican Beef Taco Salad, topped with pico de gallo, green onions, shredded cheddar, guacamole and sour cream. Don’t dine on swine, beef or chicken? Then try the oven-roasted Norwegian Salmon, topped with cauliflower rice risotto and paired with grilled asparagus. While Ocean Breeze’s Keto Diet menu keeps your body light, the weight loss won’t apply to your wallet as each meal is only $9.95. For more information about Ocean Breeze or specific keto menu items, check out mccsokinawa.com/oceanbreeze or call (DSN) 6453666 or 098-970-3666 from off base or a mobile.
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DINING+ENTERTAINMENT
Start your day right… …with breakfast at TERRA There’s no better way to start off a day than with a good, hearty and tasty breakfast. It sets the tone for the day, fuels you and fills you with positive vibes. That being said, have you tried breakfast at TERRA yet? When it comes to delicious goodies for your taste buds in the ‘a.m.,’ TERRA takes it to a newer, higher level. All the breakfast classics are, of course, available—including “Two It” (as in two eggs, two slices of bacon or sausage with choice of toast), Breakfast Sandwich (with two fried eggs, bacon and smoked gouda cheese served on a toasted ciabatta), Steak & Eggs, Sausage Gravy and Biscuits and many more. All breakfast classics are served with choice of home fries, white rice or fruit cup. A trio of Eggs Benedict plates are available including the TERRA Benny, the Mushroom Benny and the Chorizo Benny as well as an all-star selection from the griddle including Belgian Waffles, Buttermilk Pancakes, French Toast and Framboise French Toast (smothered in sweetened cream cheese, raspberries and orange framboise butter). All griddle items are served with a choice of home fries,
bacon, sausage, white rice or fruit cup and are accompanied by maple syrup and butter. TERRA’s omelets include the Western Omelet, the Veggie (broccoli, tomato, mushrooms and cheddar cheese) and the “3 Little Pigs Omelet”—bacon, ham and sausage with cheddar cheese. All omelets are served with choice of home fries, white rice or fruit cup and come with a choice of white, multigrain or rye toast. Breakfast Flatbreads including the Denver, Spicy Jack and Bacon Egg & Cheese are available and the menu is rounded out by healthy selections such as the Caprese Egg White Omelet, the Granola Parfait (layers of Greek yogurt, granola and mixed berries with honey on the side) and more. TERRA is open daily. Breakfast is served 6 to 10 a.m. Monday– Friday, with brunch from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For complete breakfast lunch and dinner menus, as well as upcoming specials, visit mccsokinawa.com/terra.
Shisa Pizza RESNICK_JOSHUA1/DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM, NITRUB/DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
Pizza…the Ultimate Comfort Food Except for those few oddballs out there, everyone loves pizza. It’s the go-to meal for celebrations and get-togethers for a reason. Not only can it come in all different kinds of sizes and configurations, but many versions cover almost all the main food groups. It’s also extremely dippable, but you won’t want to dip into too much ranch at Shisa Pizza, or you’ll cover up the delicious, fresh-fromthe-oven pizza taste. Stop by to make the hardest decision of your day: which pizza to choose! Don’t miss out on the classics or the local favorites like the Italian Supreme, the Carnivore, Garden Veggie and Meatball Pie. Not limited to the almighty pizza, Shisa also features delicious wings. With the perfect skin-to-meat ratio and a satisfying combination of crispiness and flavor, try the mouth-watering mild, buffalo hot, or BBQ wings at Shisa Pizza, located in the Foster Bowling Center. For more information or to view the menu, visit mccsokinawa. com/shisapizza. JULY 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 27
Text by MIKE DALEY Layout by MARGIE SHIMABUKURO
Festival and Dance for Ancestral Spirits
MCCS PHOTOS
Every summer, the people of Okinawa welcome the spirits of their ancestors back into their homes with drums, dance and festivity.
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ummertime on Okinawa shares many traits with other sub-tropical regions of the world including heat soaring into the 90s, stifling humidity and battalions of annoying mosquitoes. On Okinawa, summertime also means every morning you’re awakened by the deafening cacophony of cicadas buzzing away in the trees and the almost imperceptible (or very perceptible, depending on where you live) scent of the sea mingling with the aroma of the morning’s first cup of java or jasmine tea. However, out of all the sights, sounds and smells of summer on the island, nothing signifies that summer has arrived as hearing the booming sounds of drums and the pleasant twang of the lute-like instrument called the sanshin in the evenings accompanied by the strident voices of young Okinawan dancers warming up for their Obon eisa performances. Eisa, the dance traditionally performed during Obon, has been a summertime icon on the island for hundreds of years. It is one of the more important holidays to the people of Japan and Okinawa—many believe that deceased ancestors are allowed to visit the homes of their families during this three-day “festival of the dead.” Traditionally, eisa is performed during the Obon holiday to honor and welcome returning ancestral spirits and send them back to their resting places with the thunderous sounds of taiko drums.
THOMAS ALAN SMILIE
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THE THREE DAYS OF OBON
MCCS PHOTOS
Preparations for Obon on Okinawa are quite extensive. Both the butsudan (the family altar) and the home must be cleared and cleaned to welcome both living and deceased relatives, food must be prepared and certain items purchased as gifts. Business at markets and shops is always brisk, and airports are often flooded with travelers during the week preceding the holiday. During these three days, ancestral spirits “enjoy time” with living family members, who return home if they have moved away. Much like many other places in Asia, Obon is celebrated for three days on Okinawa. The first day is called Unke, or the “welcoming day.” On Unke, the doors of the home containing the butsudan are opened to welcome the spirits, and lanterns are lit to help spirits find their way. The butsudan is prepared with offerings of food and drink, and family members stand at the door to welcome spirits as soon as darkness falls. Nakanohi, or the “middle day,” follows Unke. Most people spend this day visiting the butsudan of their extended family, bringing gifts called ochūgen (which usually consist of daily staples such as rice, katsuobushi or tea), and visiting more distant relatives’ butsudan as well. Ūkui, or the “escorting day,” is the final day of Obon. Lavish farewell dinners are prepared and placed in special boxes called jyūbako. Living family members light incense, pray for protection from bad luck and often beg forgiveness for not visiting more often. After all the incense has been placed in a special holder in the butsudan, the final feast usually commences. Meals are also prepared for the departing relatives. These meals, along with other offerings such as “spirit money” are given to ancestral spirits during ceremonies held late at night to send them back to their resting places—accompanied by the spirited sounds of eisa dancing.
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THOMAS ALAN SMILIE
EISA Although modern eisa is probably known more as a form of entertainment than for its religious connotations, traditional eisa is performed strictly for the spirits of ancestors. And Obon eisa, which is danced on street corners and in the yards of village homes every year, can still be compared to holding memorial services for village ancestors. Even today, Obon eisa usually begins with songs containing Buddhist invocations including Mamauya Nembutsu, Chōja-nu-Nagari and Yamabushi. These songs, which are called nembutsu (prayer songs), used to be sung by wandering Buddhist priests called ninbuchā during ancient times. It is said that eisa’s roots can be traced to a dance called the esa omoro. The word “Esa” can be found in the 14th volume of the Omorosōshi, (a compilation of over a thousand Okinawan songs and poems written during the 15th century under royal court supervision). Esa, which was used several times in the poem Iro-iro-no-Esa Omoro was also used in Buddhist prayers for the dead. It is believed that over time, the poem was combined with song and dance and changed over time into today’s eisa. Modern-day eisa is a dynamic, spirited dance that is not only a vital part of Obon rituals, but is also considered a symbol of the Ryukyu Islands. On the night of Ūkui, while the ancestral spirits are retiring to the world of the dead, a village’s eisa dancers gather in the courtyard of the kami-ashagi (the local place of worship) and begin. After offering the first dance to the village gods, the dancers make the rounds of the homes in the village, dancing for the spirits of individual residences that have requested performances beforehand. Dances are also performed for the people who gather at roadsides while the troupe moves from venue to venue. Eisa often lasts throughout the evening of Ūkui and into the morning hours of the next day. The principal musical instruments used in eisa include the sanshin, large barrel drums called ōdaiko, medium-sized laced drums called shimedaiko and
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MCCS PHOTOS, THOMAS ALAN SMILIE
small hand drums called pāranku. Other items used may include small cymbals, fans, castanets, hand towels and handkerchiefs. In many dances, the beats are vigorous and incorporate jumping and spinning, as dancers work fans, kerchiefs and other accessories into routines. Eisa “formations” vary from place to place, ranging from circular, square and star-shaped, to columns of young men and women broken into different categories determined by their part of the dance. Traditionally, sedate colors were used for eisa costumes. Young men wore robes of banana fiber cloth or bashōfu, with straw sashes and kerchiefs. Women also wore somber garb, consisting of bashōfu robes or dark blue kimono with white kerchiefs. However, the costumes of today are usually a riot of colors, including reds, yellows and blues. Although many costumes can be outlandish, usually the most garishly dressed of the troupe are the nakawachi— the accompanying clowns and jesters, who come complete with special face makeup. Nakawachi, which are also called "chondara," not only provide comic relief and shrill whistles to accompany the shouts, they also keep eisa dancers hydrated and crowds pacified when dancers rest. Today, eisa is considered an Okinawan art form throughout Japan—on par with the more stately Ryukyu Buyō. Eisa is performed by people of all ages, at special occasions and at tourist attractions. Eisa troupes from different municipalities compete against each other at an islandwide tournament held on the last day of August, while professional troupes, such as the Mafekaji eisa complement of the famed Zampa Ufujishi Daiko, spread eisa far and wide to various parts of Japan, Europe, Oceana and the United States. Although a fair number of younger people consider their Obon eisa responsibilities as cumbersome duties, and many members of the new generation associate Obon with simple (but usually enjoyable) family gatherings at grandparents’ houses where the older generations perform obscure rites, almost all agree that the holiday strengthens family ties and reaffirms beliefs in the fact that all life is sacred. Originally danced exclusively for the ancestral spirits of the islands, eisa is now an inseparable part of the spirit of Okinawa.
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MARINES + FAMILIES
Succeeding in Online Courses It’s Harder than it Looks! With the recent exodus of learning from physical campuses to online classes due to COVID-19, many are finding that succeeding in online courses is hard. Think of all the educational hurdles— indirect communication, lack of diverse learning modes, a heavy reliance on text and a complete self-monitoring on staying punctual. Not to mention the physical hurdles including staring cross-eyed at a screen, legs falling asleep and back aching from sitting in the same chair for hours on end, constantly fending off distractions (hey, turn your Xbox off )—online learning is a skill! Thankfully, as with all skills, you can get better. This July, MCCS is offering a FREE course on how to succeed in online
learning. So whether your move to online education was planned or forced, this workshop will show you the virtual ropes, offering best practices and strategies to thrive in an online educational environment and propelling you over all those aforementioned hurdles to the finish line. Two virtual briefs are available to choose from to accommodate your busy schedule: Wednesday, July 8, 10–11 a.m. and Wednesday, July 22, 10–11 a.m. To register please email education@okinawa.usmcmccs.org with your name and rank (if applicable). For more information, call 645-7160/3486 or visit mccsokinawa.com/educationandcareerservices or facebook.com/mccsokinawa.educationand libraries.
Volunteer to Coach
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Make a Difference in a Child’s life You don’t have to be an expert to be a good coach, especially when it comes to youth sports. That’s because at this level, it’s not about making superstars, it’s about teaching kids important life lessons such as good sportsmanship, self-discipline and the value of effort. Plus, what’s really important is not whether you know the rulebook like the back of your hand or have a plethora of next-generation drills, it’s that you organize practices,
show up on time, display interest in your players and simply try your best. Aside from making an impact on young lives, coaching is a great way to meet others and make life-long friends. And, believe it or not, it’s actually a good way to get in a little exercise. Think about it: throwing footballs to wide receivers, hitting ground balls, teaching a new cheer…coaching isn’t exactly a sedentary activity.
Apply to be a coach today by downloading and filling out an application from mccsokinawa.com/coachescorner. All applications can be submitted to youthsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or dropped off at the Youth Sports office on Camp Foster in Bldg. 5952. For more information, call 645-3533 or visit mccsokinawa.com/youthsports.
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MARINES + FAMILIES
Yukata-Dressing Class Learn How to Wear a Summer Kimono Walking around Okinawa or mainland Japan during the summer— especially in and around onsen and ryokan—you’ll likely spot people wearing beautiful, more casual kimonos called yukata. Have you ever wanted to wear one but been too intimidated to try? On Friday, July 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., join us for our yukata-dressing class to learn how to dress in this traditional Japanese summer kimono. In the past, Japanese nobles and aristocrats wore yukata as bathrobes. However, over time, yukata have become a more airy and casual summertime kimono for anyone to wear. The styles for men, women and children are usually different, too. Women and children typically wear yukata with livelier patterns, with women sporting especially bright colors, while men more often wear darker-colored yukata with minimalist designs. Regardless, yukata are beautiful, but if you ever plan on wearing one, knowing how to put one on is very important; there is a proper method involved which can vary in difficulty depending on the type of yukata you have, so you’ll want to check out this class to avoid any yukata fashion faux pas. Held at the Personal and Professional Development-Resources Center on Camp Foster (Bldg. 445), the yukata-dressing class is open to all DoD ID card holders island-wide. You must register to attend this class. For more information, to sign up or to see what other cultural classes are offered, visit mccsokinawa.com/culturalawareness or call 645-2104.
Head to the Library…
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…for Learning, Relaxation AND the A/C There’s plenty to do for the whole family at your local library (in addition to escaping the summer heat, of course). Get lost in a good read or plug into an audiobook. MCCS Libraries are home to hundreds of books, periodicals, graphic novels and multimedia. Rent DVDs and video games for Xbox, PlayStation, Wii and Switch, or hop on a computer and explore various eResources, including language learners, encyclopedias, FREE online classes and much more. All locations offer free Wi-Fi, computers, iPads for check-out and professional military reading titles as well. Each library has special programs and events offered throughout the year including book clubs, survival language courses, crafts, presentations and more. The library on Camp Foster is also home to the Innovation Lab, a collaborative space where creativity meets technology. After spending a relaxing weekend there, you’ll probably find yourself spending a lot more time at your local library throughout the year! Check out mccsokinawa.com/libraries for more details on all their offerings, including the Summer Reading Program. JULY 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 43
TROY’s Military and Family Scholarship caps the cost of tuition at $250 per credit hour for active military. Also, your spouse and dependents receive up to 50% in tuition savings. CONTACT THE PROGRAM
COORDINATOR NEAREST YOU FOR MORE INFORMATION
KADENA AB kadena@troy.edu DSN 634-7464
OSAN AB osan@troy.edu DSN 784-8151
MISAWA AB misawa@troy.edu DSN 226-3748
CAMP HUMPHREYS humphreys@troy.edu DSN 755-3534
troy.edu/pacific
Okinawa Living 7.9375 x 5.625 2019-2020 Term 3 - Edit.indd 1
for
Troops Center
TERM I, 2020 Aug. 10 - Oct. 11, 2020 Application Deadline: 07/31/20 Registration Begins: 05/04/20 TERM II, 2020 Oct. 12 - Dec. 13, 2020 Application Deadline: 10/02/20 Registration Begins: 09/21/20 TERM III, 2021 Jan. 4 - Mar. 7, 2021 Application Deadline: 12/18/20 Registration Begins: 11/23/20 TERM IV, 2021 Mar. 15 - May 16, 2021 Application Deadline: 03/05/21 Registration Begins: 02/22/21 TERM V, 2021 May 24 - Jul. 25, 2021 Application Deadline: 05/14/21 Registration Begins: 05/03/21
8/29/19 11:01 AM
MARINES + FAMILIES
Learn to $ave… …with Personal & Professional Development-Resources Some people only save money in case of emergencies, while many don’t save at all because they think saving means you won’t have anything to look forward to—their hard-earned money would just be sitting in the bank gathering dust until an undetermined date. The truth of the matter, however, is that money is a tool through which you can live the life you envision for yourself. And the sooner you begin saving and/or investing, the sooner that life and your goals will begin to actualize—whether that means a new house, a car, a vacation, giving your children a head-start in life or simply feeling safe and secure. Explore how to use saving and investing to achieve financial
security at the Personal & Professional Development-Resources (P&PD-R) Saving and Investing workshop. Learn basic investing techniques, taking advantage of compounded interest and time while exploring various saving and investing tools that can help you reach your life’s goals. Saving and Investing workshops will be held at the Camp Kinser P&PD-R center on July 9 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and at the Camp Courtney P&PD-R center on July 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, or to register, call 645-2104 or visit mccsokinawa.com/personalfinance_management.
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Money Management Workshop Gaining control over your finances is not as difficult as you think. Attend a Money Management Workshop hosted by the Personal Financial Management Program and let the experts help you. These three-hour, interactive seminars will teach you how to develop a personal budget, detail your income and expenses, establish a savings plan, determine your debt-to-income ratio and build or rebuild your credit record/rating. Money Management Workshops will be held July 7, 15, 22, 24,
28 and 30 at our P&PD-R centers. Each seminar will run from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Please have your current Leave and Earning Statement or paycheck stub, bank and investment statements and any statement of debt or financial obligation handy so that you can reference them during the workshop. For more information, call 645-2104 or visit mccsokinawa.com/personal_finance_management.
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KIDS + PARENTS
Summer Reading Program
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Dig Deeper During this period of restrictions, self-isolating and quarantining, many have discovered (or rediscovered) the joy of reading. Digging into a good book can transport you to a different world, teach you lessons, provide you a unique perspective or simply offer an escape from our trying times. But if you dig even deeper, reading may win you an overnight stay at an Okinawan resort. How, you ask? This summer, MCCS Libraries will once again host a Summer Reading Program with fantastic incentives. The more you read, the better the prizes you have a chance at winning. Some lucky readers will even be chosen at random to win the following: three overnight stays for two courtesy of DSH Resorts Okinawa, one overnight stay for two with breakfast at the Okinawa Grand Mer Resort, one overnight stay for two with breakfast at Kafuu Resort Fuchaku and great additional prizes courtesy of California Sunshine. Here’s how it works—first, read. Next, head to okinawabutler. beanstack.com, register for an account, and, from June 15 to August 3, log your reading minutes. Prizes will be awarded throughout the summer, culminating in the aforementioned grand prize giveaway at the very end of the program. So go grab a book and get started. If you don’t have any unread books at home, head to your closest MCCS Library. It bears mentioning the vast range of benefits you receive simply by registering for a library card at one of these libraries—access
to books, music, movies, eBooks, audiobooks, online databases and educational and creative programs, not to mention high-tech equipment like 3D printers, vinyl cutters and GoPros. Don’t want to leave the house? You don’t have to! The MWR Digital Library is an excellent resource for all your reading needs. Just log onto the digital library through Military OneSource, and you’ll have access to hand-picked, age-appropriate reading databases without even taking a step outside. Resources available include BookFlix, Explora Primary and NoveList K-8 Plus for children, EBSCO Learning Express, ScienceFlix and Interactive: Science, among others, for teens and the EBSCO eBook and Audiobook collections, as well as Gale eBooks, Britannica Academic and Academic OneFile all one click away for adults. The Summer Reading Program is open to all ages, but don’t let that discourage you; it doesn’t matter how many books you breeze through, just that you’re reading! So whether you’re sailing the open ocean with Captain Ahab or freezing in the Arctic with Shackleton’s crew, wandering the streets of New York with Holden Caulfield or mucking through its sewers with the Downsiders, be sure to log your minutes. And remember, to win, you’ve got to do more than dig deep…you’ve got to dig deeper! Visit MCCS Libraries online at mccsokinawa.com/libraries.
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KIDS + PARENTS
PADI Junior Open Water Diver Certification
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Make Scuba Diving a Family Activity Summer with the family does not have to be something to dread on Okinawa. Sure, it’s hot, it’s sticky, and your clothes are soaked through with sweat in a minute, but that doesn’t mean there’s less to do. Summer is the perfect time to take to the water. Okinawa has a whole other world waiting for you beneath the water’s surface, so take advantage of it while you still live here—get dive certified to explore one of the best coral reef habitats this world has to offer. “But,” you may say, “I’ve got kids…and we can’t exactly go diving as a family.” Not so fast! With the PADI Junior Open Water Dive Certification, you can make scuba diving a family activity. As long as your children are 10 years or older and can demonstrate some basic water skills (swim 200 meters without stopping, tread water for 10 minutes), they are able to get dive certified. With a PADI Junior Open Water Diver Certification, your 10 or 11-year-old will be able to dive with a PADI-certified parent or guardian down to 40 feet, while your 12 to 14-year-old will be allowed to dive with a PADI-certified adult down to 60 feet. Here are the details: The Junior Open Water Diver course costs $225 per person and can be taken through Tsunami Scuba Centers on Camps Courtney, Foster, Hansen or Schwab. The course involves a classroom portion which can be presented in multiple formats and costs between $69.95 and $199 (a fantastic price compared to open water courses in the states; a common price point in Florida sits around $600 for a full certification), several confined water dives (in pools) and several open water dives so learners can develop skills and confidence at a nice, easy pace. Sign up today to explore a whole new world with the family. For more information, including phone numbers for the different Tsunami Scuba locations, head over to mccsokinawa.com/ tsunamiscuba or call the training department at 645-3385 or 098-970-3385.
Looking for a Few Good… …Tennis Coaches! Do you love tennis? We mean really love the game…enough to pass that passion on to the next generation? Well, Semper Fit needs you! Semper Fit is looking for a few good tennis coaches to teach the game to youths, teens and families on Camps Kinser, Foster and Courtney. The qualities Semper Fit is seeking include knowledge of tennis mechanics— grip, strokes, spins, footwork, strategy and tactics as well as tons of patience, good communication skills and a genuine enthusiasm and excitement for the sport. In other words, prospective candidates should be adaptable, experienced and motivated to motivate! Interested? Send your resume to adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. For more information, call 645-4866 or visit Semper Fit online at mccsokinawa.com/semperfit or facebook.com/mccsokinawa.sportsandwellness. JULY 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 49
KIDS + PARENTS
Happy Birthday!
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Let MCCS be the Life of Your Party! Ah...birthdays. They’re so much more than a day signifying that you’re another year older; they’re a special day…a day for fun, celebration, smiles and balloons! For your next celebration, why not let MCCS make it all the merrier? First, the venue. The Courtney Arts and Crafts Center, located in Bldg. 4453 next to the Courtney Library and Ironworks Fitness Center, offers a wide selection of party supplies to decorate your venue to fit the joyous occasion. Also, Joy Company Balloons, which specializes in decorating for parties, has an outlet inside the Foster Custom Shop located in Bldg. 5908 (the Camp Foster Community Center) for all of your party balloon wants and needs. Next, food. All MCCS Clubs and Restaurants offer catering services with the option to tailor menu items to different events. A wide selection of fine foods are available—just contact the manager or catering coordinator at your nearest club. For those that feel a birthday party cannot happen without pizza, Shisa Pizza, located inside the Foster Bowling Center, stands ready to please. Visit mccsokinawa.com/shisapizza to see their menu selections. Finally, fun! Bowling can electrify any birthday celebration—especially in the dark. Picture this: laser lights, black light-lit glowing lanes and fluorescent balls accompanied by loud, pounding music—it’s called Glow Bowling! Sounds like the ultimate party, right? Glow Bowling Parties are available at MCCS Bowling Centers island-wide. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/ bowling. Looking for something outdoors and a little… bouncier? Bounce houses, available for rent through MCCS Special Events, are customizable to fit the occasion. Choose from twelve different themes including Marvel Avengers characters, Disney Princesses, Hello Kitty, Jurassic Park and more. For more information, call MCCS Special Events at 645-5828 or visit mccsokinawa.com/bouncers. JULY 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 51
SERVICES
FREE STUFF! Need we say more?
Actually, there’s quite a bit to say as MCCS offers a wide range of activities that are FREE of charge! MCCS makes Okinawa a better home-away-from-home for you and yours, and, in many cases, MCCS does it for zero dollars and zero cents. What does MCCS offer for FREE? We’re glad you asked. Enjoy FREE golf clinics, swing instruction and more at Taiyo Golf Club. MCCS Clubs and Restaurants offer tons of FREE stuff—from concerts to karaoke. Get fit for FREE at MCCS Fitness Centers’ gyms, classes, fitness assessments and more. Learn about Japanese culture and even some of the language with FREE classes with Personal and Professional Development-Resources (P&PD-R). And, that’s just the tip of the FREE iceberg! Want more FREE stuff? For a full listing of everything that’s FREE at MCCS, check out mccsokinawa.com/FREE.
Last-Minute Gift Shopping…
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…has Just Gotten Easier! Show them how much you care with an MCCS Gift Certificate for that special occasion. What can they get with one? How about camping gear rental from MCCS Outdoor Recreation? Why not a relaxing massage or performance-enhancing dietary supplement from Semper Fit? Or how about a customized bowling ball from the Camp Foster Bowling Pro Shop, a tour from Tours+ or a framed photo (of you, of course) or art class at Foster Framing and Fine Arts? The MCCS Gift Certificate is the most versatile gift, made for everyone. Use it on tickets to one of MCCS’ premiere culinary events, an oil change from Typhoon Motors, golf apparel from Taiyo Golf Club…the list is endless. MCCS Gift Certificates are available at MCCS retail facilities island-wide in $5, $10 and $20 denominations. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/giftcertificates.
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SERVICES
Custom Plaques and Engraving Courtney Arts and Crafts Center Just Got an Upgrade With the arrival of a new CNC machine, the Camp Courtney Arts and Crafts Center is now capable of taking your designs to a whole new level. A CNC machine, or computer numerical control machine, is a large, computer-controlled router filled with drills, boring tools and lathes that is able to take a slab of wood and a computer-created design to create unique plaques, signs and engravings. While the Arts and Crafts Center does have some designs in stock such as unit crests, simply bring in a sketch of your ideas and our knowledgeable staff will help bring your designs into fruition. Customers are not able to operate the CNC machine themselves, so our staff will handle the creation aspect. If you are getting a gift for someone and are absolutely stumped on what to get, our custom plaques and engraving services are a fantastic safety net. So whether you are looking for a personalized gift for a loved one’s birthday or a coworker’s retirement, don’t stress, just head to Courtney Arts and Crafts, where we can help you make your gift that much more special. For more information, head to mccsokinawa.com/artsandcrafts. For any questions, call 622-7492 or 098-954-7492, or feel free to stop by Camp Courtney Arts and Crafts in person, where we will no longer be charging hourly shop fees for the wood shop or ceramic painting.
Stay Updated...
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With the MCCS (e)Newsletter Do you feel a bit behind the times? Are you often the last among your friends to hear about a concert or fun event? It might be because you aren’t subscribed to the MCCS newsletter! MCCS has hundreds of events per year, and with such a constant flow of dates, times and locations, it’s nice to have all this event information organized in one convenient place so you can stay up to date. Head to mccsokinawa.com/newsletter and sign up to gain access to events and activities offered by MCCS Okinawa—from FREE workshops and classes, special sales, giveaways and holiday events to updates about festivals, entertainment, food truck fairs, concerts, backstage pass information and more. Up-to-date information during crises is also communicated through this weekly newsletter. By the way, in the list above, did the word “giveaways” catch your eye? That’s right, we frequently have free giveaways tucked into our newsletters. Why? The more you read our newsletter, the more up to date you will be with what’s going on, which increases the chances of you coming to MCCS events. The more events you come to, the more a part of the community you are, which can directly enhance your quality of life. As it is MCCS’ mission to enhance the quality of life of Marines, Sailors and their families, this newsletter is a stepping-stone towards making you a happier (and more informed) camper, and helping us fulfill our mission. Win-win! So sign up today! JULY 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 55
SERVICES
Omoide
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Memories of Okinawa Everyone who’s visited Okinawa has a favorite spot; the perfect place to watch the sunset, a beach the family visited every summer, the steps to Nago Castle lined with sakura (cherry blossom) trees blooming a brilliant pink or even a stretch of beautiful coastline so breathtaking you just to pull over to take a photo. Wouldn’t it be great if you could share these memories with family and friends back home? Well, you can by sending them a copy of Omoide: Memories of Okinawa! This full-color photobook captures these moments on Okinawa and preserves them so you can share them with your family and friends as well as show them how wonderful and beautiful your home-away-from-home is. Broken down into north, central and south sections, Omoide 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 present for folks stateside, Omoide: Memories of Okinawa can also serve as a bucket list of places to visit while you’re still here on the island. Omoide: Memories of Okinawa is available for $28 island-wide at Exchange retail facilities selling books. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com.
It’s Typhoon Season… Typhoon Motors Season, that is! Summer on Okinawa can wreak havoc on a vehicle. The heat can break tired air-conditioners and easily kill engines that are low on coolant; the sun can crack paint jobs, rubber seals, leather seats and steering wheels; and the humidity can even rust your wheels within days if left sitting. With such a chronic assault against our vehicles, it’s good to have a professional and knowledgeable garage on your team. ‘Tis the season for Typhoon Motors! When Typhoon Motors says “We do it all,” they mean it day or night. Car troubles don’t strike on your schedule, and with a 24-hour drop-off policy, find solace in the fact you can drop your car off at Camps Foster, Courtney, Kinser or Hansen whenever a problem arises. With its experienced staff, Typhoon Motors can tackle both minor and major automotive issues, from routine maintenance checks, stereo installations, wheel and tire services, oil changes and air conditioning repairs to full-blown collision repairs—they’ll even tow your car in such an instance. And if a precious, hard-to-find car part is damaged in an accident, not to worry; Typhoon Motors can order car parts for you. Moreover, while your ride is in the shop, Typhoon Motors will loan you a car in the interim, free of charge, making your life a breeze when car troubles try to prove otherwise. Add to all this the junking, JCI Inspection and vehicle pre-purchase inspection services this garage offers, and Typhoon Motors is your one-stop car convenience shop. But what if—whether from curiosity, high self-efficacy or a simple mistrust in other people—you want to work on your own car? Thankfully, indoor auto work stalls (with and without lifts) are available for rental. Other amenities include a metalworking shop, a wash rack with pressure washers, temporary indoor and outdoor vehicle storage areas, storage lockers and vehicle deregistration services. Keep in mind, any services provided by Typhoon Motors are reserved for DoD ID card holders island-wide. For more information on hours, offerings, and phone numbers, visit Typhoon Motors at mccsokinawa.com/typhoonmotors. JULY 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 57
MIKE DALEY, UNDREY /DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
BEA AC ALL ABOUT THE
CHES MCCS MARKETING PHOTOGRAPHY
Text by: Alex Jusell & Mike Daley | Layout by: Emeline Toole
JUNE 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 59
WATER THE COLOR OF PRICELESS EMERALDS AND SAPPHIRES, the delightful sensation of powdery white sand between your toes, explosions of colorful sea life under the surface…just another day on one of Okinawa’s many beautiful beaches. Okinawa is well known for them, being a subtropical paradise and all, and summertime is the season for outdoor activities on subtropical paradises. The beaches of Okinawa vary, from the small deserted strip of sand perfect for a bento lunch break to five-star resorts offering every amenity imaginable. We’ve compiled a short list of our personal favorites—in no particular order as all are worth a visit
MIKE DALEY
or two (or three) this summer.
OODOMARI BEACH (Mama-san Beach)
CIARA RYAN
Off the east coast of Okinawa shoots Kaichu Doro, a long bridge with breathtaking views. On this bridge to Miyagi Island, it feels like Okinawa is intensifying: the water grows unspeakably blue, the wind and sky open up. Keep driving and you’ll skip over another bridge to Ikei Island, where, tucked into its western coast, you’ll find Oodomari Beach. Discovering this beach is like uncovering a local secret, and its beauty is immediately apparent— Oodomari’s most striking suit is its views. This side of Ikei Island cranes to look back towards Okinawa, so you are able to fully take in the sights of your island home from this hideaway. With a decent amount of beach, too, you are more than able to spread out, even on busy days. Oodomari’s biggest strength activity-wise, however, lies in its swimming. The roped-off swimming area is spacious and safe as the coast slopes gently into deeper waters. Moreover, coral heads dot both the shallow and deeper waters, so no matter your swimming proficiency, you’ll have plenty of sealife to observe including stunning parrotfish, schools of damselfish and even cuttlefish and squid. So bring your snorkel gear, and lastly, bring yen. Admission costs ¥500 per adult and ¥300 per child. This fee is well worth it, though, as Oodomari comes equipped with bathrooms, washing facilities and a small convenience store, allowing you to stay longer to get the most out of this paradise.
JULY 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 61
MANZA BEACH
ANA INTERCONTINENTAL MANZA BEACH RESORT
What’s not to love about Manza? Bright, beautiful fish make this cove their home, and on a day with good visibility, you will be groaning into your snorkel at the unbelievable rainbow of color mere feet from your face. Vibrant sixbar wrasses, parrotfish, clownfish, lionfish and more frequent these waters. What’s different about Manza, though, is that these fish are visible only a couple of large steps into the ocean. The convenience is extraordinary. And, with mushroom-shaped rock islands dotting the seascape and Cape Manzamo’s rising cliffs framing the beach’s left, this is one of those settings in Okinawa in which you find yourself grateful for the rare sights we get to enjoy in our little corner of the world. In addition to the views, an especially attractive aspect of this beach is the amenities. Just a short walk around the corner is ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort, which offers an inflatable ocean park, food, bathrooms and various ocean adventure activities. Hours will pass before you even realize it. Some last tips: sections of water in Manza Beach have rough coral with urchins tucked into their pockets, so it’s best to wear protective foot gear if treading out into the more coralpopulated areas. Also, if you want to avoid a walk and choose to park at ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort’s lot, bring ¥2,000 per car.
JULY 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 63
AHAREN BEACH
MIKE DALEY
Aharen Beach is located on Tokashiki Island. This isle, reachable by ferry out of Tomari Port in Naha, is the largest and most populous (albeit 700 residents cannot be considered large) isle in the Kerama Archipelago. Boasting amazing amenities (the area around the beach is well populated with dive shops, equipment rentals and restaurants), Aharen Beach is located in a crescent-shaped bay. The sand is fine and as powdery soft as newly fallen snow, and as the water in the bay is relatively shallow, this translates into blues and greens that will absolutely take your breath away. The waters are even more beautiful underneath the surface, teeming with unimaginably diverse sea life ranging from octopi and moray eels to giant trevally and everything in between. Spending ¥1,000 will get you a round-trip ride on a banana boat to the small deserted island at the entrance of the bay. This tiny island, known to residents simply as “hanare,” has a small pristine beach and snorkelers will marvel at the storms of blue/ green reef chromis swarming the coral heads that dot the sandy bottom below.
JULY 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 65
a m u k O h c a e B Summer at Okuma!
Enjoy all Okuma has to offer! Relax on pristine beaches and enjoy summer water activities. • Two beautiful beaches • Jet ski rentals • Ski boating • Ski tubes • Wakeboards • Water skis • Kneeboards • Glass bottom boat tours • Snorkeling tours • Scuba diving excursions • And more! Visit okuma.kadenaFSS.com for more information.
4th of July Celebration
4 - 5 July Celebrate the all-American way at Okuma Beach! Come enjoy family fun in a relaxing atmosphere at our beautiful retreat.
Camping
$11 • Per tent daily We have two campgrounds for our customers to enjoy - Beachfront and Hillside. Campers must register at Outdoor Recreation Equipment Rental prior to setting up camp. Did you forget something? Don’t worry, we have equipment to rent! Tents, sleeping bags, and coolers are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Surfside Grill & Bar Limited Time Offer
For the month of July, try the Okuma Surfside’s new Trio Sausage Pizza! The pizza is a zesty combination of Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, bratwurst, sliced onions, bell peppers, and finished with a drizzle of mustard.
Okuma Beach • 631-1990 or 098-962-1990 | Surfside Grill & Bar • 631-1805 or 098-962-1805 Reservations • 631-1991 or 098-962-1991 | Located 51 miles north of Kadena Air Base
KADENA AIR BASE
Okuma.kadenafss.com
facebook.com/theokumabeach
Instagram us @okumabeach
KAIJI BEACH
SAFETY FIRST! Before hitting the beach, check out the MCIPAC Installation Safety Office’s page on Facebook, or visit their webpage at mcbbutler.marines.mil/Base-Information/ Base-Safety/Water-Safety to stay current on the best safety practices while having fun in (and around) the waters of Okinawa.
This beach is located on Taketomi Island, near Ishigaki Island south of Okinawa (less than an hour flight from Naha). This island, which is only ten minutes away from Ishigaki Port by ferry, was protected from the great tsunami of 1771 by abundant coral reefs (the tsunami took 10,000 lives throughout Yaeyama). Taketomi’s incandescent white sandy lanes, lined with hibiscus and bougainvillea-bedecked onestory houses squatting behind low limestone walls along unspoiled beaches, have remained relatively unchanged for hundreds of years. Kaiji Beach isn’t the most beautiful beach in the prefecture or even on Taketomi (Kondoi Beach takes that honor on this tiny islet). In addition, due to strong currents, even swimming is prohibited. Yet, Kaiji is very popular with visitors – not just because it is a photogenic locale, but because of the sand! Made up from the millions of exoskeletons (aka shells) of tiny organisms called foraminifera, the sand on Kaiji (known locally as hoshizuna) is literally shaped like tiny stars. What better memento of your visit to Okinawa than a tiny bottle full of stars you can carry in your pocket?
DHDEPOSIT18, MCCS MARKETING REPTILES4ALL/DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM PHOTOGRAPHY
MANY OF US PROFESS TO ENJOY LIFE IN THE FAST LANE… charging from project to project, hands blurring with speed on our races up the ladder of success. On the other hand, almost all of us invariably seek solace from this oftentimes thankless steeplechase in places surrounded by natural beauty where time slows to a crawl and the more important things in life spring into sharp focus. This summer, take a break from the world and its accompanying agendas, obligations and endless assignments… and join us on the beach!
JULY 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 67
LIVING ON OKINAWA
Yakitori
Skewered grilled chicken Yakitori is a popular snack that is often seen at festivals on Okinawa. Although many different parts of the chicken are used, the following recipe features one of the most common versions. Ingredients 4 medium-sized chicken thighs (boned and skinned) 2 medium-sized Japanese leeks (negi) 3 tbsp. soy sauce 3 tbsp. mirin (sweet cooking wine) 1 tbsp. sake (rice wine) 1 tbsp. granulated brown sugar 1 tsp. honey or maple syrup 12–14 bamboo skewers * These are available at the commissary and most major grocery stores off base.
Method of Preparation: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
ANIRUT, AREMAFOTO/DEPOSITPHOTO.COM
7.
Mix together the soy sauce, mirin, sake and sugar with the honey or maple syrup in a saucepan and bring it to a rolling boil. Set aside to cool. Soak bamboo skewers in cold water for at least 30 minutes. Cut the chicken thigh meat and leeks into bite-sized pieces (approximately one inch squares for the chicken and 1 1/2 inches long for the leeks). Place the chicken in a few tablespoons-worth of sauce and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours. Pour the remaining sauce into a cup. Alternately spear pieces of chicken and leeks on skewers—four pieces of chicken and three pieces of leek usually leaves enough room to flip the yakitori over while cooking. Place yakitori on a partially banked hibachi grill, and alternate flipping with dipping into sauce until chicken is done—be careful not to leave on the grill too long as the skewers will catch fire. Serve with a tall refreshing beverage of choice.
Tanabata Love is grand or so they say; however, imagine only being able to see your loved one once a year. In Japanese folklore, there is a story about this acutely poignant kind of situation. Every year, many in Japan celebrate a festival called Tanabata (or star festival) on July 7. On this day, two stars that are usually apart (Vega and Altair), approach each other in the night sky. It is said that these two stars are star-crossed lovers of ancient Japanese folklore. Once upon a time, there was a princess known as Orihime (Vega) who was responsible for weaving the clothing of the gods. She was very skilled, and her textiles were very popular among the divine. One day, one of the gods introduced Orihime to Kengyu (Altair) who watched over the celestial herds. Orihime and Kengyu fell in love, and like many other couples in the same situation throughout the universe, enjoyed spending every waking hour together. However, this proved to be their downfall, because in the meantime they were seriously neglecting their duties. The gods were, of course, not amused at all, and immediately separated them to the eastern and western sides of the Amanogawa or “River of the Heavens” (known by modern-day astronomers as the Milky Way). While Orihime now had plenty of time to weave, she still couldn’t perform her duties because she couldn’t see past the rivers of tears streaming down her cheeks. Over time, the gods finally relented and allowed the couple to meet once a year if they worked hard enough. Many Japanese celebrate Tanabata by placing small bamboo trees decorated with ornaments and narrow strips of colored paper outside of their homes. Both children and adults write wishes on these colored strips with hopes that these wishes come true through diligence and hard work.
Uchinâguchi Corner English
Japanese
Uchinâguchi
Cheers!
Kanpai!
Karii! JULY 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 69
Commercial Ad Directory
AEON MALL Okinawa Rycom .....................................46 Bar & Grill Flex .......................................................................50 Beachside Condominium ............................................4, 5 Beach Front Tower Mihama .........................................46 CaARS Towing Okinawa .................................................20 Chicken & Papa ...................................................................42 Cocok Spa ..............................................................................36 Japan Cleaning Services ...................................................8 Kamiunten Orthodontic Office ....................................16 Kinsei Fitness & Barbell ....................................................36 Life Relaxation Salon ................................................ 38, 39 me love .....................................................................................64 Mediatti Broadband Communications ...................18 Miyagi Cosmetic Surgery ................................................52 oceanside acupuncture studio ...................................50 Okinawa Ocean Front Hotel & Residence .......... 4, 5 Okuma Beach .......................................................................66 PARCO CITY Shopping Mall .........................................22 Partyland ..................................................................................46 Pizzeria Marino .....................................................................56 Plastic Surgery KC ..............................................................12 Reebok CrossFit Asia ........................................................36 Santa Monica International School .......................... C2 SURASA Spa ..........................................................................46 Thai Med Spa ........................................................................56 The Moana .............................................................................46 Troy University ......................................................................44 University of Maryland Global Campus ..................42 WISESOL PACIFIC ..............................................................44 Yakiniku Restaurant GOEN ............................................32
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MCCS NEWS
Serving Proudly Proudly serving those who serve…these words are the lifeblood of Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) in our mission to support Marines, Sailors and their families stationed on Okinawa, in mainland Japan and the Republic of Korea with a wide variety of services, programs and facilities. Many members of MCCS Okinawa have made fulfilling this mission their lifework. And, last month, two such individuals were recently paid the highest compliment—being recognized with Department of the Navy Civilian Service Commendation Medals awarded by the very people they serve.
MCCS PHOTOS
Mr. Jason J. Meyers, MCCS Community Services Supervisor at Combined Arms Training Center (CATC), Camp Fuji, Japan, was awarded the Civilian Service Commendation Medal for exemplary service from October 2018 to June 2020. During this time period, Mr. Meyers implemented significant improvements that provided a tremendous positive impact on the physical, mental, professional and personal resiliency of all CATC Camp Fuji personnel. In his drive to improve quality of life at Camp Fuji, Mr. Meyers established and furnished a Single Marine Program Center, supported the renovation of the Mountain View Inn TLF, oversaw the renovation of the installation library and, most notably, significantly improved the Big Guns Gym, enabling it to better support the functional fitness of personnel. Mr. Meyers also updated 95% of all weight equipment in Big Guns Gym, greatly increasing morale and making tours to Camp Fuji less of a hardship for all personnel while simultaneously increasing readiness. Ms. Laura Bates, former Athletic Program Manager with MCCS Semper Fit (she PCS’d with her husband to MCB Twenty Nine Palms last month), was awarded the Civilian Service Commendation Medal for superior management of athletics programming during the crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic from February 2020 to May 2020. Ms. Bates set the standard for effective implementation of
mitigation measures designed to preserve facilities and
programming for continued use during this crisis. Ms. Bates was a co-architect in the production of a “New Normal” video, which outlined new procedures that needed to be implemented to reopen MCIPAC fitness centers within a COVID-19 environment. She even stepped forward to narrate its content. The “New Normal” video, and its supporting documentation, were seen by HQ Marine Corps as a best business practice, and the video was subsequently pushed out as the template for other installations to emulate. Additionally, the actions that Ms. Bates initiated early in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic ensured that Marines on Okinawa had continued access to athletic activities with minimal disruption, thus contributing to their high morale during these challenging times. Please join us in congratulating Ms. Bates and Mr. Meyers. These employees exemplify the standards which MCCS Okinawa is built upon—supporting our community of Marines, Sailors and their family members with exceptional services and programs that enhance personal and family readiness—while keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Naval Service.
JULY 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 71