Okinawa Living Magazine June 2021

POOLS AND WATER PARKS: YOUR SUMMER SOLACE June 2021 | Issue 280

OBON AND EISA

contents June 2021

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TOP LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF ANA INTERCONTINENTAL MANZA BEACH RESORT; MCCS PHOTOS; COVER PHOTO BY REBECCA LAMBERTSEN

8 56 out + about

features

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Pools and Water Parks Find your summer solace in the cool, clear water of Okinawa’s pools and water parks.

OLM Staff Favorites Beaches With so many beaches to choose from, it can be difficult deciding which beach to visit on a given day. To help ease your decision-making, we’ve compiled a list of staff favorites to which we find ourselves returning summer after summer.

restaurant review 44

On the cover Okinawa features a beach for every occasion.

Taiyo Steakhouse A Cut Above Attention to detail, phenomenal service and delicious food you won’t stop thinking about— Taiyo Steakhouse has it all.

56 Obon and Eisa Traditions Worth Saving for Generations to Come Since ancient times, eisa performers have welcomed ancestral spirits’ return during the Obon holiday with music and dance—a tradition that strengthens cross-generational ties and keeps Okinawan culture alive.

contents June 2021

dining + entertainment 41 Boost Your Life Increase your fruit and veggie intake for the day with a Boost Juice at LifeJuice Café—fresh, healthy and convenient.

43 Camp Foster Festival Celebrate Independence Day with MCCS at Camp Foster Fest, a two-day entertainment extravaganza complete with fireworks.

kids + parents 49 Youth Sports Baseball and Softball Go to bat for your kiddos by registering them for the Semper Fit Youth Sports baseball and softball season.

51 Celebrate Fathers Storytime While ties, socks and corny dad joke books are nice every once in a while, MCCS has created a more inspired way to honor dad this year: Celebrate Fathers Storytime.

43 fitness + fun

marines + families

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Aquathlon Run, swim and run some more during this challenging multisport event at the Camp Foster Aquatic Center.

Summer Reading Program Spend your summer in the pursuit of wonderful prizes, all from the comfort and convenience of your own home.

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Northern Camp Commanders Cup Soccer Tournament Eligible units from Camps Courtney, Hansen and Schwab will square off in this 6v6 showdown.

Choosing a College Major You are not alone on your path to higher education. MCCS Education is here with two virtual workshops to help you choose a college major.

33 Taiyo’s 4-Club Tournament You have a club for every situation, every surface and every distance—now choose only four.

services 53 MCCS Gift Cards Show them how much you care with the most versatile gift on Okinawa—an MCCS Gift Card.

55 Bouncers+ Make your next party one to remember with bounce houses, lawn games and inflatables like Slip n’ Slides and sumo suits.

extras 5 Mensôre

7 Feedback & Show Us!

69 Living on Okinawa

70 Marketplace Guide

JUNE 2021 | ISSUE 280 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 DEPUTY MCCS DIRECTOR BUSINESS & SUPPORT Hyun Woo Chang CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER Jim Kassebaum EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mike Daley MCCS ART DIRECTOR Henry C. Ortega OKINAWA LIVING ART DIRECTORS Margie Shimabukuro, Emeline Toole GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Giulia Pulvirenti, Mayar Mahmoud, Rebecca Lambertsen DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Thomas Alan Smilie PHOTOGRAPHER Hillary Taylor EDITORIAL Alex Jusell, Angie Andrews DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA Kathlene Millette, Roxine Ami, Jaci Mullally CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST Ayako Kawamitsu ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP MANAGER Roy Forster ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP Yoshihiro Shinzato, Hiromitsu Horikawa Terumi Nagai, Crystal Rivas, Ronshanda Perkins MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER Andrew Menges MARKETING ACCOUNTS Leah Scrybalo, Bethany Ramirez DISTRIBUTION Brian Jones CONTRIBUTING WRITER Kiara Klein

mensôre “Welcome” to Okinawa Living

Ah…Summertime Summer is officially here! That means the heat will soon be soaring into the 90s, ushering many indoors to vegetate in an airconditioned living room. However, it also means we can enjoy the delightful sensation of sugar-fine sand between our toes, snorkeling and diving in crystal-clear azure waters, devouring delightful ice cream cones and enjoying the reverberating sounds of taiko drums and eisa dancers preparing for Obon (more on that on p. 56).

June traditionally marks the beginning of celebration season on Okinawa with matsuri, or festivals, held throughout the island. And although hundreds of thousands of people flocking to festival venues to party, play festival games, enjoy live bands and watch hanabi taikai—or fireworks displays—is still not a safe proposition by any standard, there is still plenty of summer fun to be had!

How about gathering your family and friends for some relief from the heat at a pool or water park this month? We’ve put together a mini-guide beginning on p. 8 that includes all the summer happenings at MCCS Aquatic Centers as well as water parks, slides and zip lines at local resorts.

If sand between your toes, lazy beachcombing, snorkeling with sea turtles or relaxing and enjoying a million-dollar seaside view is more your speed, turn to p. 16. Whether it’s enjoying an indescribably beautiful snorkeling spot in the Keramas followed by a heaping scoop of Blue Seal ice cream, hunting for treasure at Sea Glass Beach or simply enjoying some solitude and a beautiful sunset, we’ve got a beach for it.

As always, we thank you for picking up this issue of Okinawa Living Magazine. Now, time to turn the page and let your journey begin!

We welcome your comments.

Please send letters to editor@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org For advertising | 広告掲載のお問い合わせ (日本語可) 098-970-2245 (phone) | 098-970-0975 (fax) sales@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org (email) See our advertising rates at mccsokinawa.com

Mike Daley Editor-In-Chief

MCCS MARKETING BRANCH MCB Camp S.D. Butler. Unit 35023, FPO AP 96378-5023

Okinawa Living is published by MCCS Marketing. Its purpose is to inform the military and civilian community about events and programs offered by MCCS or available in the local market. Dates and times may change. Copyright ©2021

by MCCS. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transferred in any form, by any means, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without written permission of the copyright owner. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement of advertisers and sponsors. MCCS is not responsible for editing content of non-MCCS ads.

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feedback

from the ICE Program My family and coworkers ate at the Camp Courtney Bulldogs Burgers yesterday for lunch and it was pretty busy in there. The burgers were very good and the service was excellent. [Shift Leader] Pacita Petrucci was so attentive and quick to take care of customers’ needs.

She goes above and beyond to ensure that all patrons are taken care of. The cashier, cooks and janitor are all doing an amazing job. Gold star to Pacita for providing such excellent customer service.

—via ICE We have been attending Kinser School Age Care (SAC) for some time, and I can remember when my oldest used to go, it was not exactly the best experience. I wanted to write this to let you know that, since then, my daughter has been going for four years and it has been amazing! The whole staff has been so helpful and understanding, providing a working parent peace of mind. I can’t begin to say how thankful I am for Kinser SAC, the impact it’s made on my daughter and the assistance it has provided to me and my family.

—via ICE

@okilivingmag Show us your island adventures and favorite food finds!

@ro0xay

The dream: the beach and sand views all year long. #okilivingmag

The [Courtney Ironworks Fitness Center] cardio room does not have access to Wi-Fi. Although I can connect in the main side of the gym, the connection drops in the cardio room and it can’t be reestablished. Can you please fix this?

—via ICE

@capturingthekeatings Paddleboat fun #okilivingmag

Thank you for sharing your concerns about the Wi-Fi at the Courtney Ironworks Fitness Center. We are pleased to inform you that installation of Wi-Fi in the cardio room is currently underway. Our IT department currently has materials on order and once they arrive, installation will proceed. Although we do not have an estimated timeline, we hope to have it done as soon as possible. If you have any additional comments, questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me via email at fitnesscenters@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org. Thanks again for sharing your feedback.

—Ever Wong, Athletics Director, Courtney Ironworks Fitness Center We had a lunch event at the Ocean Breeze [on Camp Foster] last week and the staff was amazing! They worked hard to help us solve a technical issue and provided superb customer service. All of the attendees at the event enjoyed the Italian buffet. Thank you for helping make our event such a success!

—via ICE I greatly enjoyed [New Parent Support Program’s] Baby Boot Camp! Great information and knowledgeable teachers. It has given my husband and me more confidence in becoming parents!

—via ICE

@chiari_ig

Kudaka Usland #okilivingmag

Domo arigatou gozaimashita and thank you for your posts! We can’t wait to see what else you love about Okinawa!

—The Okinawa Living Staff Give MCCS Feedback—ICE Program & Facebook Let us know how we can better serve you or thank us for a job well-done. Go to mccsokinawa.com and click on the ICE link at the bottom of the homepage or find us on Facebook to share feedback. Comments on this page may be edited for clarity or length.

JUNE 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 7

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OUT + ABOUT

Text by: Angie Andrews | Design by: Mayar Mahmoud As surely as the sun beats down, dancing off of the glistening water, there will be times this summer when you’ll want some relief from the heat. Find your summer solace in the cool, clear water of Okinawa’s pools and water parks. Jumping right in, there’s plenty of places to splash around on and off base.

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OUT + ABOUT

MCCS Aquatic Centers MCCS Aquatics has seven locations, all of which offer opportunities for recreation and fitness. Babyfriendly pools can be found on Camp McTureous, Camp Kinser and at the Plaza Aquatic Center. For extra slippery fun, Camps Foster and McTureous have slides. And since nobody wants the water-filled amusement to end, three year-round locations— Camps Foster, Hansen and Schwab—offer heated pools during the winter months.

Detailed hours can be found on the Aquatics website (see p. 13); however, feel free to lay out your summer poolside plans with this general guide.

Aquatic Centers’ Days of Operation Camp Kinser Friday–Sunday (through June 10) Tuesday–Sunday ( June 11–August 22) MCAS Futenma Friday–Sunday (through June 10) Tuesday–Sunday ( June 11–August 22) Camp Foster Daily (year-round) Plaza Housing Friday–Sunday (through June 10) Tuesday–Sunday ( June 11–August 22) Camp McTureous Friday–Sunday (through June 10) Tuesday–Sunday ( June 11–August 22)

MCCS PHOTO

Camp Hansen Daily (year-round) *Limited hours on Mondays Camp Schwab Daily (year-round) *Limited hours on Mondays

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OUT + ABOUT

MCCS Aquatics Programs Pools are wonderful amenities, especially when they are FREE to use, but diving a little deeper, you will find that MCCS Aquatics has even more to offer.

Okinawa Dolphins Swim Team (ODST) Camp Foster is home to ODST, comprised of competitive swimmers ages 7 and older. High school-age team members may even earn varsity letters and pins for their efforts. The next tryouts are slotted for June 14. Along with regular practices, ODST hosts monthly swim meets. For more information about ODST, visit mccsokinawa.com/ swimteam.

Special Events Head on out to enjoy music, food, drinks and plenty of fun in the sun at the Independence Day Pool Bashes. Or, keep your Friday evenings “reel” with Dive-in Movies. If you think poolside movie watching is a hoot, wait until you see all the pooches showcasing their doggypaddling expertise at the annual Pet Plunge.

aquathlons. And, for a fun twist on exercising, try an Aqua Zumba class on Camp Foster. They’re offered each Friday and a family version is held on Tuesdays.

Pool Parties Did you know you and your friends could have the pool all to yourselves? To reserve an Aquatic Center for a private party, please check online for the reservation form and email your form to mccsaquatics@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

Jobs For those who can’t get enough of the aquatic life, consider applying to be an MCCS Aquatics staff member. Check for open positions and apply at careers.usmc-mccs.org.

And that’s just skimming the surface. For all the latest Aquatics info, head to mccsokinawa.com/aquatics or facebook.com/mccsokinawa. aquatics. For those venturing off base, be sure to explore public parks and a resort or two, even if it’s just with a day pass.

Health and Fitness Take advantage of the masters (adult) swim practices, lap swimming, unit trainings and special fitness events like triathlons and JUNE 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 13

OUT + ABOUT

MANZA OCEAN PARK® ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort

SHERATON OKINAWA SUNMARINA RESORT

Public Parks On the hottest days, choose to visit parks that also have a pool. Two examples are the Nishizaki Sports Park and Okinawa Comprehensive Park. The facilities at these parks are complete with waterslides, children’s pools that are toddler-friendly and lap pools for exercise.

Yuinchi Hotel Nanjo Resort Located in the southern sector of the island, this resort has two pool areas—one indoor and one outdoor. While enjoying the outdoor pool, venture down the double-barrel waterslide or float along in the lazy river. Indoors, you’ll find a lap pool, an ocean-view Jacuzzi and a children’s pool.

Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort Located right on the East China Sea in central Okinawa, this resort has beach access, an indoor pool and a garden pool that includes waterslides. If you’re purchasing a day pass, you’ll be able to access all three water areas, the locker and shower area and a “para deck” set which includes a beach parasol and two chairs. For the adventurous

folks looking for more than waterslides, you’ll also want to purchase a ride or two on the MegaZIP—a 250m zipline directly over the ocean.

ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort Just a little north of Sheraton Sunmarina, you’ll find ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort, situated on its own little cape fairly close to Manzamo. And it does have pools, but more spectacularly, it has one of the largest inflatable water parks in Japan— Manza Ocean Park®. Anchored right offshore you’ll be entertained all day with over 50 different obstacles. We’re talking slides, monkey bars, bridges and more, including the hardest challenge of all: the “U-curve.”

The ocean park is open to children (ages 3+) and adults alike; however, children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.

Wading in waist-deep, submerging yourself completely or just splashing around, one thing’s for sure as you peek over your sunglasses this summer: there’s no sight more inviting than the cool, refreshing water. And if you expand your gaze, you’ll spy the best beaches, too. 

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With roughly 130 named beaches lining the main island and hundreds more across the Ryukyus, there is a beach in the prefecture for any mood. But with so many to choose from, it can be difficult deciding which beach to visit on a given day. To help ease your decision-making, we’ve compiled a list that is by no means comprehensive, but rather a collection of staff favorites to which we find ourselves returning summer after summer.

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You wouldn’t think visiting nearby islands would feel like much of a vacation from our regular beach-filled lives on Okinawa, but the Keramas exist, and so it does. Like Spinal Tap’s amps, the Keramas crank the scale to 11, pushing the limits on water visibility, sea life diversity and even color; the blues here achieve the affectionately named hue of “stupid blue”—blue so blue it’s ludicrous.

Two stellar beaches in the Keramas are Aharen Beach and Ama Beach.

Aharen Beach—which sits along a cove on the western coast of Tokashiki Island, the largest of the Keramas— has all the makings of a dream snorkel spot. Its sheltered position generally keeps the waves and current from getting too rowdy; various hard and soft corals attract fish of all different shapes and sizes; and there are enough amenities to keep you from going crazy on a hot day if you don’t have a hotel to retreat to.

When you visit, be sure to bring yen. The bus from Tokashiki Port costs ¥400 each way, and you’ll want some extra cash on hand for equipment rentals, showers, nearby restaurants and—if you’re feeling adventurous—activities such as kayaking, jet skiing and glass-bottom boating.

Ama Beach is a quiet stretch of sand on the southwest side of Zamami Island with spectacular views of Kahi and Aka Islands off in the distance. Just the scenery alone is enough to place Ama on a “favorite beaches” list, but the frequent turtle visits make this spot exceedingly special. The lifeguards here are also blazingly fast on their paddle boards, so for parents who would like some peace of mind while their children form unforgettable memories swimming with sea turtles, this is the beach for you.

And same advice as Aharen: bring yen. The bus from Zamami Port is ¥300 each way and there is a soba shop nearby that sells kaki-gōri (shaved ice) and Blue Seal ice cream that you won’t want to pass up on a hot day. And for those of you not in a rush to return home, there’s a camping area with showers and restrooms and even small rentable cabanas with air conditioning; stay on a clear night and you’ll be rewarded with a star-packed sky.

Ferries to the Keramas leave from Naha Port. Two are high-speed: Naha to Tokashiki Island, and Naha to Zamami Island via Aka Island. These high-speed ferries are popular during the summer, so book your tickets ahead of time if you know what day you’d like to travel. And if you’d like to check out both Aharen and Ama Beaches back-to-back, there’s a small sea-taxi connecting Zamami to Tokashiki that makes several round-trip runs a day.

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The irony of promoting a beach to laud its seclusion is not lost on us, but the bare-bones nature of Muruku Beach isn’t for everyone. There’s a small surf shop with gear rentals and a bathroom and a parking lot (¥500 per car), but don’t expect any sort of pampering. This is a beach for getting some space from the world, for settling your mind, for peace.

Muruku Beach is tucked into the eastern side of Hamahiga Island, the resting place of the creation goddess, Amamikyu, according to the Ryukyu religion.

And as this is an east-facing beach with hardly any land dotting the horizon, Muruku is an outstanding location for sunrise photography.

As phone directions can be unreliable, here’s how to get there: From Uruma, take the Kaichu Doro (Highway 10 bridge) to Miyagi island, then the 238 bridge south to Hamahiga Island. Once on island, take a left and stay on that road until you reach a fork with a sign in front of you that says “Hotel Hamahigashima Resort.” Take a left. This road will take you straight to the parking lot.

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A Google image search of “Sea Glass Beach Okinawa” will return pages and pages of glass treasures people have discovered over the years—and continue to discover.

It makes sense: the beach is downhill from a landfill, which deposits glass into the ocean to tumble around for a while before washing back in, smooth and colorful. Replete with “young” sea glass, bonfire glass and seashells, the beach’s stock is refilled every time the tide turns.

You won’t find a bathroom or any amenities nearby, but the treasure hunting is enough to keep the beach fun and interesting.

If you’re looking for “older” (rarer, more weathered) sea glass, we recommend going to an unnamed beach along Highway 329. Just east of Igei Beach Park is a café called XYZ. After you pass it on your right, you’ll see a row of tombs followed by a nondescript strip of sand. This is the beach. Find a safe place to pull over and bring a bucket, because you’re likely about to find more than you are able to carry.

Whether you choose Sea Glass Beach, the beach along Highway 329 or another one famous for sea glass, here’s a pro tip: wear felt-bottom booties. You’ll walk away with exponentially more loot (and your feet will thank you).

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Okuma Beach Hai Sai “Hello” Summer Saturday, 12 June

Kick off the summer at Okuma Beach!

Enjoy live entertainment ranging from Eisa dancers, taiko drummers, Shisa dogs, and even a live band!

There will also be a local food buffet with Okinawan favorites like yakitori, yakisoba, and so much more! Hope to see you there. For more information, contact Surfside Grill & Bar at 6311805 or 098-962-1805.

Father’s Day Weekend

How To Have the

Best Weekend at Okuma

Camping image

Grab a sleeping bag and let the waves sing you to sleep while camping on the beach!

With the beautiful stars and convenient amenities, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Okuma has a variety of water activities.

You can rent a Jet Ski®, SUP, or the ski boat to ride on the tube. You can even hop on the glass-bottom boat tour!

If you are looking for a little friendly competition, the Minigolf course is a great way to spend an afternoon!

Perfect for kids, adults, and families!

After your big adventure, bring your big appetite to Surfside Grill & Bar to enjoy some famous brick oven pizza! With a beautiful pizza oven and fresh ingredients, the perfect pizza is waiting for you.

18 - 20 June Friday Family Bingo

Saturday Father Daughter Dance • 5 - 9 pm Sunday Father’s Day Brunch • 8 am - 2 pm There will be steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, pancakes, French toast, hash browns, sausage and more!

4th of July Celebration 4 - 5 July

Celebrate the All-American way at Okuma Beach! Come enjoy live entertainment on the patio as well as Okuma’s own Backyard BBQ lunch specials.

SUBJECT TO CHANGE Okuma Beach • 631-1990 | Surfside Grill & Bar • 098-962-1805 | Lodging Reservations • 631-1991 Located 51 miles north of Kadena Air Base Okuma.KadenaFSS.com

facebook.com/theokumabeach

@okumabeach

While “beach and pork” isn’t as renowned a pair as peanut butter and jelly or soup and salad, it is a fabulous pairing nonetheless—a pairing I’d be ignorant to if not for Pork Village.

Situated just north of Hija River’s mouth (south of Torii Beach), Pork Village is a quirky pig-themed park overlooking Toguchi Beach with a lot to offer. In addition to a pork restaurant and a butcher shop (I told you this was an unconventional beach), BBQ pavilions line the sand. And these are not your regular beachside grills; the fine people at Pork Village provide prepared ingredients, equipment and clean-up, so all you have to do is cook, eat and enjoy the view. There’s also a stand that sells cold drinks and ice cream to help stave off the summer heat.

As for beach activities, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, masks, snorkels, umbrellas, beach beds, floats and children’s pools are available for rent. Toilets and showers are also available, as is a beach-side barber, in case you have a sudden desire for a haircut.

Monthly events at Pork Village include Meat Day Sales on the 29th of every month, and Beach Yoga sessions on the fourth Saturday of every month. Check okinawa-pork-village.com for more details.

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FITNESS + FUN

Triathlon Fun Racing Here, There and Anywhere Race you in a pool. Race you on a bike. Race you to the finish line! If you’re up for any and all racing events, why not combine three favorites into one? On June 12, head to the Camp Foster Aquatic Center for the TriKids, MiniKids & Women’s Only Triathlons.

Participants ages 9 and younger will swim 25m, bike approximately 250m and run approximately 100m.

TriKids (ages 7–14) and women ages 13 and older will swim 200m, bike approximately 5k and finish by running approximately 1k.

Kiddos who are non-swimmers are still eligible to participate in the bike and run portions of the event.

Besides being fun and fitness focused, this event is FREE. For race schedules, the course map, safety rules and to register, visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics.

Registration will close at 11 p.m. on June 9. For any questions, please email aquatics@okinawa.usmcmccs.org.

Aquathlon: Run, Swim, Run Multisport Endurance Training Mixing up your fitness activities is always a good strategy, but switching between exercises within one workout helps build endurance. Whether you are training for other athletic competitions or just looking to improve your overall fitness, how about challenging yourself with a multisport event?

On June 29, join Semper Fit for their first Aquathlon of the summer at the Camp Foster Aquatic Center. Participants can choose between two races (which vary in distance), or opt to

complete both for one super-charged workout.

Either way, get ready to run, swim and run again.

Courses will include either laps around the tennis court area or laps around the softball field, a swim and then more laps.

Registration is available on site from 4:30 to 5 p.m. the day of the event. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics, or if you have any questions, please email aquatics@okinawa.usmcmccs.org.

Dive-in Movies A Splashing Good Time As you and your family are “pooling” your ideas for favorite summertime activities, how about floating the idea of catching a flick? Friday night at the movies is always a classic choice for entertainment (and everyone misses going to the movies after 2020), so this year, fill up a few of those open spots on your calendar with Dive-in Movie events at the pool!

From June to September, join MCCS Aquatics at select aquatic centers for a splashing good time. All Dive-in Movie events will begin at 7:30 p.m. and include FREE snacks and beverages while supplies last.

Patrons will have the choice of viewing these family-friendly films (mostly rated PG) either poolside or from inside the pool. Some of the blockbusters shown last year were Aladdin, Sonic the Hedgehog and Kung Fu Panda 3. Be sure to follow facebook. com/mccsokinawa.aquatics for updates and movie title announcements. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics or flip to p. 67 for dates and locations.

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FITNESS + FUN

It’s Going Down MCAS Futenma Open Flag Football Tournament

A 6v6 Showdown Northern Camp Commanders Cup Soccer Tournament As the island heats up this month, so will the competition. Who will take the Northern Camp Commanders Cup in soccer this year? Find out on June 12 and 13 at the Camp Schwab Athletic Fields, where 12-member squads (plus a coach, if your coach isn’t playing) will square off in a 6v6 showdown. Eligible units from Camps Courtney, Hansen and Schwab may participate and must register by June 7 (1:30 p.m.) on Eventbrite. Registration

is FREE. Lastly, 1st and 2nd place teams will go home with awards and the top eight teams will be able to compete in the Commanding Generals Cup—the pinnacle of 6v6 soccer on Marine Corps camps on island.

For more information, head to mccsokinawa.com/adultsports or facebook. com/mccsokinawa.semperfit. If you have any questions, please email adultsports@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org or call 623-5558.

Stake Your Claim Hansen Open Softball Tournament Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the best softball team of them all? We may never know, but by the end of the Camp Hansen Open Softball Tournament, we’ll certainly have a clearer picture of who’s top-tier on island.

On Saturday and Sunday, June 19 and 20, head to the Camp Hansen Softball Fields to stake your claim. Your roster may have up to 15 players (plus a coach, if he or she isn’t playing) and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams will walk away

with awards and bragging rights. Interested SOFA ID card holders ages 16 and older must register by June 14 (1:30 p.m.; $150 per team) on Eventbrite to participate.

For more information on the tournament and other Adult Sports competitions this month, head to mccsokinawa.com/adultsports or facebook.com/mccsokinawa.semperfit. If you have any questions, email adultsports@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or call 623-5558.

If you haven’t started training for the Futenma Open Flag Football Tournament yet, start practicing your evasive spins, diving catches and lightning-fast flag grabs now because the competition is right around the corner. On Saturday and Sunday, June 19 and 20, it’s going down at the MCAS Futenma Athletic Field!

Here’s the deal: You’re allowed 20 people on your roster plus a coach, if he or she isn’t playing. Eight players from your team will be allowed on the field at any given time, games will consist of two 20-minute halves and awards will be given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams.

SOFA ID card holders ages 16 and older may participate. Those interested must register by June 14 (1:30 p.m.) on Eventbrite for $150 per team. For more information, head to mccsokinawa. com/adultsports or facebook.com/ mccsokinawa.semperfit. If you have any questions, email adultsports@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org or call 636-2672.

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FITNESS + FUN

Frisbrawl at the Bowl Courtney Open Ultimate Disc Tournament Fine, frisbrawl isn’t a word…our excitement is just getting the better of us as Semper Fit is finally able to throw the first Ultimate Disc Tournament since 2019. It’s been a long time coming, but it’s back—and better than ever—with the Courtney Open Ultimate Disc Tournament.

This flurry of flying discs will take place at the Courtney Bowl on Saturday and Sunday, June 26 and 27, and just in case you are rusty on the rules, here they are: Teams will be limited to twelve players plus a coach (if the coach isn’t playing), with 7 players allowed on the field at any given time. A team wins if it scores 15 goals first (with a margin of two or more goals) or if it is ahead when time runs out. Games are comprised of two 20-minute halves, but if teams are still tied when time is called, the game proceeds to overtime. At the end of the tournament, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams will receive awards.

The tourney is open to SOFA ID card holders ages 16 and older. To participate, make sure to sign up by June 21 (1:30 p.m.) on Eventbrite; registration costs $120 per team. For more information on the Courtney Open and other Adult Sports happenings, head to mccsokinawa.com/ adultsports or facebook.com/mccsoki nawa.adultsports. For questions, email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or call 622-7297.

Choose Wisely Taiyo’s 4-Club Tournament See how you fare with the bare minimum during Taiyo Golf Club’s 4-Club Tournament on June 12. This twist on a regular tournament requires you to choose only four clubs for the whole round, which means you’ll have to be even more strategic with your game. You’ll want to think not only about your clubs, but also Taiyo’s challenges.

Can you live without your driver and use a fairway wood for tee shots instead? While that might work for Taiyo’s shorter holes, which are par threes, you’ll still have to tackle those par fives on holes 1, 4, 10 and 17. And don’t forget about clearing the water on hole 16. You’ll need a tried and true choice for that one. You might want your favorite iron, or you could try putting with a sand wedge or hybrid. Which-

ever clubs you pick, though, one thing’s for certain: once you choose, there’s no turning back. So make sure you plan for the course as a whole; if you play it right, you might just win.

This will be a stroke play tournament with a 7 a.m. shotgun start featuring prizes, food after the tournament and skins. As skins traditionally allows for one winner per hole, that means there’s a possibility for up to 18 different winners! With MCCS Gift Cards up for grabs, you definitely want to choose your clubs wisely to post the lowest score.

SOFA ID card holders island-wide may register at the Pro Shop before June 9 for $30. For more information, please visit mccsokinawa.com/golf or call 098-9542004.

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TROY’s Military and Family Scholarship caps the cost of tuition at $250 per credit hour for active duty military. Also, your spouse and dependents receive up to 50% in tuition savings.

for

Troops Center

TERM I, 2021 Aug. 9 - Oct. 10, 2021 Registration Begins: 05/03/21 TERM II, 2021 Oct. 11 - Dec. 12, 2021 Registration Begins: 09/20/21

CONTACT THE PROGRAM

TERM III, 2022 Jan. 3 - Mar. 6, 2022 Registration Begins: 11/22/21

FOR MORE INFORMATION

TERM IV, 2022 Mar. 14 - May 15, 2022 Registration Begins: 02/21/22

COORDINATOR NEAREST YOU

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

TERM V, 2022 May 23 - Jul. 24, 2022 Registration Begins: 05/02/22

MARINES + FAMILIES

Read to Win Summer Reading Program

Completing puzzles, watching movies, reading a delightful novel— while these are all great home activities, only one of these things can earn you exciting prizes (unless you are entering a sweet puzzle competition). Join MCCS Libraries for the 2021 Summer Reading Program: Reading Colors Your World from June 11 until July 31. The more you read, the more prizes you will win; and you’ll be entered to win even more goodies—including several grand prizes. Here’s a little-known fact: Summer Reading is great for all ages. Yes, adults included. So why not spend your summer—and especially any ROMs you may have—in pursuit of wonderful prizes, all from the comfort and convenience of your own home?

What can you look forward to earning? Event sponsor California Sunshine is supporting the event with awesome prizes for each of the different age groups—baby, pre-k, school age, teen and adult. Prizes range from wooden blocks and plush toys to Bluetooth speakers and more. These prizes also increase in value the more you read, as there are different tiers between 300 and 1,500 logged minutes of reading time.

What’s more, Tamaru Camping Park is providing one lucky reader an evening of relaxing glamping. Nestled in the heart of Nakijin, you

can bring your favorite literature, sit under the stars and read by firelight. Tamaru Camping Park is also a great home base for fun activities up north, like hiking Mt. Motobu, enjoying the aquatic animals at the Churaumi Aquarium (guidelines permitting) or sight-seeing at the sprawling Nakijin Castle ruins.

Getting started is as easy as read, record, redeem: head to okinawabutler.beanstack.org, create your account and start recording your reading minutes!

Beanstack also has a helpful app to make logging minutes as easy as possible and includes a timing feature you start when you sit down to read; once you finish, the app automatically adds your time to your reading log. Or if you prefer, you can stop by your closest MCCS Library and a staff member will assist you with logging your minutes.

Racking up time isn’t limited to just books, either. There are many other ways to earn minutes, such as reading magazines, newspapers, e-books, audio books and even work documents.

For more information on MCCS Libraries, head to mccsokinawa. com/libraries or facebook.com/mccsokinawa.educationandlibraries.

—Kiara Klein

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MARINES + FAMILIES

MCCS Education’s Virtual Workshops Choosing a College Major “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is a much easier question to answer when we are children than when choosing an educational and career path. At five or six years old we spout off answers without hesitating—sensible professions such as teacher, firefighter, pilot or lawyer get listed right alongside more kid-like aspirations such as superhero, princess and even dinosaur.

Gradually figuring out that we can’t grow up to be dinosaurs and princesses, we realize we have to pick something to do. So, how do you discover what you would like to do? Ultimately, the choice is yours, but you don’t have to make such a serious decision alone.

MCCS Education is offering two virtual workshops to help you choose a college major.

On June 2 and 16 at 10 a.m., all current and potential college students are invited to attend the Choosing a College Major workshop.

Find out how to create educational goals that are in line with your values, talents, personality and aspirations. Once armed with the understanding of the many components that can affect your choice and how they fit together, choosing your college major will be almost as satisfying as the day you land your dream job.

To register, please email education@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org with your full name and email address. Access links and passwords will be emailed out on the day of each workshop. For any questions or further assistance, visit mccsokinawa.com/education or call 645-7160 from a DSN or 098-970-7160 from off base.

Swim Instructors and Lifeguards Wanted Em-pool-ment Opportunities with MCCS Aquatics This sub-tropical island of ours is a popular place to learn how to swim—there is so much to see in the surrounding waters, and at times it seems like diving to the bottom of a pool is the only way to escape the grueling summer heat.

Right now, with newly interested swimmers flocking to the aquatic centers en masse to learn and sharpen their skills in the water, MCCS Aquatics is seeking positive, responsible swim instructors to provide lessons in both individual and small-group formats. If you are interested in becoming a contracted swim instructor and teaching this incredibly useful life skill to swimmers-to-be of all ages, please send your résumé and a copy of your certification to mccsaquatics@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

In other employment-related news at the aquatic centers, MCCS Aquatics is also seeking lifeguards to help ensure the

safety of patrons. If you are 15 years or older and are interested in becoming a lifeguard, head to mccsokinawa.com/jobs and apply. To qualify, applicants must be able to pass an initial and recurrent physical ability test to include swimming, treading water and a timed brick retrieval. Applicants selected for a position who do not have a Lifeguard certification, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer certification (or equivalent) and Standard First Aid certification (or equivalent) will be enrolled in a course as part of their on-boarding process.

For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/learntoswim or mccsokinawa.com/lifeguard. If you have any questions, please email mccsaquatics@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

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DINING + ENTERTAINMENT

Dad’s Best Breakfast Joke… …has the Funniest Brunchline In honor of the guy who gives the biggest bear hugs and tells the cheesiest jokes, it’s time to celebrate Father’s Day with breakfast or brunch at an MCCS Club or Restaurant. Just make sure mom drives, otherwise dad might get lost, refuse to ask for directions and make you miss your reservation. Just kidding, but seriously, if you let him drive, five bucks says he combat parks.

Since he probably taught you that “the early bird gets the worm,” Taiyo Steakhouse is kicking things off bright and early on Sunday, June 20 with their à la carte breakfast beginning at 7 a.m. Weather permitting, balcony seating will be available.

Next up, he can pile his plate high at one of our brunches, which are available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Butler Officers’ Club on

Plaza Housing is serving up their Sunday spread with pricing at $19 for adults, $9.50 for children ages 5 to 11 and FREE for children under 5. Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney and Surfside on Camp Kinser are also offering brunch; prices are $17 for adults, $8.50 for children ages 5 to 11 and kiddos under 5 may enjoy their meal for FREE. Reservations are required for all breakfast and brunch locations.

And, finally, because he’s the best, go ahead and enter him for a chance to win a fabulous prize courtesy of event sponsors Moon Ocean Ginowan Hotel or Tamaru Camping Park. For more information, please visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs.

Boost Your Life Satisfying Sips at LifeJuice With six locations on island, each housed within an MCCS Fitness Center, LifeJuice Café is nutritious and convenient. Along with their smoothies, freshly prepared juices are also available. They’re aptly called Boost Juices because they’re a great way to increase your fruit and veggie intake for the day and they come with plenty of health benefits.

Recently renamed to showcase these very benefits, LifeJuice is reintroducing Hydration, Energy, Slim, Radiance, Detox and Restoration juices. Hydration, Slim and Restoration pull their benefits from cucumbers, apples or a combination of the two. These should be your top picks to fight hunger, stay hydrated and reduce inflammation. Radiance and Energy are both chock-full of oranges, but the former also includes carrots, making it a great choice for your skin and hair. And last but not least, your digestive system will have pineapples to thank when you choose a Detox Juice.

When it comes to nutrition, all of the juices have 1g of fat or less, and five of the above named juices have less than 10mg of sodium, making Boost Juices a very heart-healthy choice. All of the options are gluten free and made fresh daily. And as you make a toast to your health, don’t forget to show us your satisfying sips on Instagram as we celebrate Pride Month (see p. 43 for more on that). For more information on LifeJuice offerings, hours and locations, visit mccsokinawa.com/lifejuice.

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DINING + ENTERTAINMENT

Celebrate the Rainbow Pride Month Photo Contest at LifeJuice What do the Pride Flag and LifeJuice Café have in common? All the colors of the rainbow. June is Pride Month, and LifeJuice is using its colorful array of smoothies and juices to celebrate the LGBTQ Community and its diversity with a Pride Month Photo Contest.

Here’s how the contest works.

First, order your favorite smoothie or Boost Juice at LifeJuice Café.

Next, take a photo with your drink; the photo can be a selfie or a shot of the ocean or just about anything (appropriate)—just make sure the LifeJuice logo is in view. Then, post the photo to your Instagram feed with the hashtag #LifeJuiceRainbow.

You will be entered to win a prize for every photo of a different drink that you post.

The Pride Month Photo Contest will run all June long and winners will be announced on a rolling basis, so grab a sunshine yellow Morning Break with banana, whole-grain oats and honey; a violet Berry Bang with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and tropical juice; a red Strawberry Twist with strawberries, bananas and honey; or any of the other striking drinks from the multicolored assortment of options to participate.

There are LifeJuice Café locations on Camps Courtney, Foster, Hansen, Kinser, Schwab and MCAS Futenma.

For more information, including hours, numbers and the full menu, head to mccsokinawa.com/lifejuice.

Camp Foster Festival Uncle Sam’s Birthday Party In celebration of Uncle Sam’s birthday, MCCS is thrilled to announce the return of the Camp Foster Festival—a two-day entertainment extravaganza on Saturday and Sunday, July 3 and 4, from 1 to 9 p.m. Open to SOFA ID card holders and authorized personnel, this event will be rocking at the Community Center parking lot and surrounding streets like a classic block party. Stop by and enjoy the live music and entertainment, as well as the featured attractions, booths, vendors and Fun Land carnival rides like bumper cars, bungee, the Hurricane and more. Plenty of food and drink options will also be available, including Hickory House All-American BBQ’s delicious smoked meats, sizzling cheesy pizza, 305 Latin Bistro’s steak and pork sandwiches and, of course, the satisfying bites we all know and

love from Bulldogs Burgers. And as it wouldn’t be a true Fourth of July celebration without fireworks, there will be a terrific display at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday (in case of inclement weather, fireworks will be rescheduled to 8:30 p.m. on July 4).

Since we are still under restrictions, we must all play our part in ensuring this event falls within III MEF/ MCIPAC-MCBB guidance. To do so, social distancing, masks and limited group sizes (maximum of six individuals per group) will be enforced. Moreover, please do not bring pets, glass bottles, outside alcohol or coolers.

For more information regarding the festival and entertainment schedule, check out mccsokinawa.com/festivals for any updates as the event date approaches.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

Taiyo Steakhouse A Cut Above

Text by: Alex Jusell | Photography by: Hillary Taylor

I wish my review for Taiyo Steakhouse could include a recording of the sounds I heard walking through the dining area during my last visit. Alas, this is a magazine, but what you would hear is plenty of taste-induced exclamations: “This is delicious,” “Wow,” “I can’t believe how good this steak is,” and even a complimentary curse word or two. These sounds of gratitude are a testament to Taiyo’s flavorful fine dining experience, and evidence that Taiyo Steakhouse earned every letter of its 2020 MCCS Food and Hospitality Excellence Award.

You don’t have to look very far to find excellence here, either. The service is outstanding, and it starts before you even arrive. After making a reservation, I received a pleasant phone call to confirm my reservation, ensure I knew how to find their location and to remind me of the evening dress code (more on that later). Then, upon arrival, there was a plaque on a table with my name on it. It’s this attention to detail that places Taiyo Steakhouse a cut above the competition—an attention to detail that is also present in all aspects of food preparation.

The beef used at Taiyo Steakhouse is prime beef, a USDA quality grade designating the highest-quality beef (only two percent of all beef produced in the US earns this designation). The steaks are seasoned with pepper and Okinawan sea salt from Hamahiga Island, then broiled at 1,200°F to your liking. I can personally vouch for the Filet Mignon. From the first bite, I joined the complimentary chorus of the other diners. I say this without exaggeration: it was the best steak I’ve tasted on island. Delicate, tender and memorable.

My wife ordered the Crab-Stuffed Fillet of Fish, served with Hollandaise sauce and asparagus. It was just

as satisfying. Then we tried the Seared Scallops, which come drizzled with a beurre blanc sauce alongside creamed spinach topped with candied bacon. Again, just as gratifying. I quickly came to realize there was not one average offering on the menu.

With so many fantastic options available—and to help me narrow down what I should order on my return visit—I asked Alan Burn, the manager of Taiyo Steakhouse, what menu item he was most proud of. He responded that he was proud of all of Taiyo’s offerings.

Simple as that. And while I didn’t get any further in narrowing my choices (yet), I realized that maybe I didn’t need to—I would be satisfied with any item I ordered.

After capping dinner off with an outrageously rich and decadent Molten Lava Cake, we rolled out of our chairs, down the stairs and into our car. But on the way out, a gorgeous steak passing by on a serving tray caught my eye: the Prime Tomahawk Ribeye, a long-bone ribeye brushed with butter that I cannot wait to return to.

Taiyo Steakhouse is located at Taiyo Golf Club in Uruma City and is open for lunch Monday–Friday, dinner Wednesday–Sunday and brunch Saturday–Sunday.

For daytime dining, the standard liberty dress code applies, but in the evening—to help maintain a fine-dining atmosphere—Taiyo asks that patrons dress appropriately.

Individuals wearing jeans, beachwear, T-shirts, flip-flops, shorts, athletic wear or similar attire will not be served.

For more information on Taiyo Steakhouse, visit mccsokinawa.com/taiyosteakhouse. For questions, call 622-2020 from a DSN or 098-954-2020 from off base.

And if you plan to dine at Taiyo for the Father’s Day or July 4th weekends, book your reservation early—it’ll be busy.

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KIDS + PARENTS

Youth Sports Registration Baseball and Softball Season Cal Ripken, Jr. has been quoted saying, “You could be a kid as long as you want when you play baseball.” In line with his thinking, playing a ball game is the perfect way for kids to just be kids. Go to bat for your kiddos by registering them for the Semper Fit Youth Sports baseball and softball season.

Practices begin July 19 and typically last one hour. Plan for practice times to be on weekday evenings (either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday). The season’s opening games are scheduled for July 31 and each team will play games once or twice per week on Camps Courtney, Foster or Kinser. Team-specific schedules will be announced by individual coaches.

Registration is open to children ages 5–18 (of SOFA ID card holders island-wide), including 4-year-olds who will turn five before

the season ends on October 9. To register, visit mccsokinawa.com/ youthsports or stop by any staffed MCCS Fitness Center before June 30. If you have any questions, feel free to touch base with Semper Fit Youth Sports staff by calling 645-3533/34, emailing youthsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or visiting their office on Camp Foster in Bldg. 5952.

In addition, volunteer positions are available for both head coaches and assistant coaches. Interested applicants can find more information by visiting mccsokinawa.com/coachescorner or by contacting Youth Sports via the aforementioned phone number or email address. Volunteer applications will be accepted until all spots for the baseball and softball season are filled.

Child Supervision Guidelines Help Ensure the Safety of Children In an effort to ensure children’s safety, III MEF/MCIPAC-MCBB created a set of child supervision guidelines based on age ranges that all SOFA ID card holders—both on and off base—must follow.

If you are a parent, familiarity with these guidelines will go a long way in decreasing incidences of child abuse and neglect—for your family and others.

On average, 38 children die every year in the United States from heatstroke as a result of being left alone in a car for too long. To help parents avoid this tragedy, the supervision guidelines make a clear distinction as to what age children are allowed to be left unsupervised in the first place; children ages nine and younger must never be left unsupervised in a car, and children ages 10–11 may only be left

unsupervised for a max of 15 minutes with the keys removed and the windows partially open.

Other important topics covered in the guidelines include leaving children alone in quarters while on vacation (which is never allowed for youth ages 17 and younger); leaving children unsupervised overnight (which is prohibited for kids ages 13 and younger); on- and off-base curfews; babysitting guidelines and much more.

To view a detailed breakdown of the III MEF/MCIPAC-MCBB child supervision guidelines, an access link is provided at mccsokinawa. com/behavioral_health. If you have any questions, please email FAPprevention@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or call 645-2915.

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KIDS + PARENTS

Youth Swim Team Tryouts On Your Mark, Get Set, Swim!

It’s summer—the kids are on vacation and rushing to the pools, donning their sunscreen and swimwear. And while taking your little Michael Phelps or Katie Ledecky for a leisurely swim is a great way to beat the Okinawa heat, why not help turn their love for swimming into a lifelong passion at the next youth swim team tryouts?

The Okinawa Dolphin Swim Team (ODST) is hosting tryouts on Monday, June 14 at the Camp Foster Aquatic Center from 8:30 to 9 a.m.

Tryouts are for swimmers who have not taken part in previous ODST seasons. For the tryouts themselves, participants can expect to swim three competitive strokes: The first swim is a 50m freestyle (front crawl). Next is a 25m breaststroke followed by a 25m backstroke. A brief rest between the two 25m swims is permissible, but must be less than 20 seconds. Besides this brief rest, the swims must be nonstop efforts, with swimmers displaying proper breathing and stroke techniques. Tryouts are open to children (ages 7 to 18) of SOFA ID card holders. The tryouts take 5–10 minutes, and parental interaction is discouraged during the duration of the tryout.

There is no registration required, just show up confident and ready to swim. Visit mccsokinawa.com/swimteam or facebook.com/mccsokinawa.aquatics for a full list of upcoming events. If you have any questions, please email mccsaquatics@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

—Kiara Klein

Celebrate Fathers Storytime Spend Father’s Day at the Library Ever since Sonora Smart Dodd—the daughter of a single father—founded Father’s Day in 1910, generations of dads throughout the years have received countless ties, socks and corny dad joke books. These badges of fatherhood are nice every once in a while, but MCCS has created a more inspired way to celebrate dad this year: Celebrate Fathers Storytime.

On Saturday, June 19, MCCS Libraries on Camps Kinser, Foster and Courtney are hosting this special Storytime event to celebrate fathers at 10:30 a.m. Spend some quality time with dad by taking part in read-aloud stories, sing-along songs and a cool craft. Space is limited, so snag a spot for you and your pop by registering in advance. Visit your nearest

MCCS Library or give them a call to reserve your spot. For more information on MCCS Libraries, including a list of phone numbers, visit mccsokinawa.com/libraries or facebook. com/mccsokinawa.educationandlibraries.

And after Father’s Day, continue celebrating the father figure in your life by checking out a book to read at home. Get the warm and fuzzies by reading titles such as I Love You, Daddy or Me and My Dad. Or giggle as you read Your Baby’s First Word Will Be DADA, Be Glad Your Dad… and How to Surprise a Dad. These titles and more are available at an MCCS Library near you.

—Kiara Klein

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SERVICES

The NEW MCCS Gift Card The Perfect Present!

Show them how much you care with an MCCS Gift Card for that special occasion! What can they use it for?

We’re glad you asked.

How about a relaxing massage from Semper Fit followed by an evening of fine dining at Taiyo Steakhouse? Or, how about immortalizing a child’s prized 3rd grade drawing with a frame from Foster Framing and Fine Arts? The MCCS Gift Card is the most versatile gift, made for everyone—good for logoed merchandise and performance apparel from the Taiyo Golf Club Pro Shop, a customized ball from the Camp Foster Bowling Pro Shop, an oil change for their ride from Typhoon Motors, snorkeling and diving gear from Tsunami Scuba for ocean fanatics or even gymnastics classes at Excellence Gymnastics Academy for budding Olympians—the list is endless.

MCCS Gift Cards are available for purchase and redemption at all MCCS Clubs and Restaurants including Taiyo Steakhouse, all fast-casual dining facilities (Bonsai Coffee Company, Bulldogs Burgers, Shisa Pizza, Sumo Burrito and Red Barn Country Kitchen), Taiyo Golf Club (including the Pro Shop), all Bowling Centers (including the Camp Foster Pro Shop), and all Tours+, Tsunami Scuba and Typhoon Motors locations. In addition, the new MCCS Gift Card is accepted at just about every MCCS facility—including Special Events Bouncers+, Semper Fit Outdoor Recreation, all staffed Semper Fit Fitness Centers (including retail and LifeJuice purchases, martial arts and other classes as well as event and athletic tournament fees) and many more!

MCCS Gift Cards are currently not available for purchase online.

For more information about MCCS Gift Cards, call (DSN) 645-5809 or 098-970-5809.

Welcome all… to the New McTureous Community Center!

A new MCCS Community Center is now available to support service members and their families on Camps Courtney and McTureous as an all-purpose facility and meeting space. Officially opened on April 23, the new community center on Camp McTureous features vending machines, a renovated communal area with tables and chairs and, in the near future, Wi-Fi and network services.

Located in Bldg. 5239 where the Camp McTureous Chapel was formerly housed, the community center can be reached by entering Gate 1 of Camp McTureous, then taking the first right followed by a left on Saipan Road. The center will be straight ahead.

The Camp McTureous MCCS Community Center will be open Mon–Fri, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. However, the facility will be available for use at other times including weekends and evenings to support mission requirements and community needs. For more information, or to schedule use, please contact the MCCS Community Services Coordinator Office at 622-7381 or 625-2740.

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SERVICES

Beautiful Gifts For Sharing the Island Life How many times have you seen or experienced something on island that made you immediately think of someone you love? Instantly, you think to yourself, “Gosh, they’d really get a kick out of that.” Sure, you’ll tell them the story, or message them a few photos you snapped, but that will only leave them with a faint memory of your conversation. Why not give them the closest thing to actually being here—their own copy of Omoide: Memories of Okinawa or The Best of Okinawa Living?

Omoide: Memories of Okinawa is filled with the most spectacular island views any camera lens could capture.

It’s perfect for reminiscing about favorite places and beautiful scenes you’ve witnessed during your time on island. If it’s insights about the island, historical tidbits and local artists’ perspectives you’re looking for, look no further than The Best of Okinawa Living, which shares text along with photos.

With both books, sharing Okinawa is one of the best gifts you can give— especially when you’re already on the hunt for a special holiday gift. Say, did any of the times you were out and about remind you of your dad?

Think about how much you wish he could see Okinawa through your eyes.

Now you have a Father’s Day gift he’s sure to appreciate. So, go ahead, add one or both to your gift list and then complete your shopping at almost any Exchange retail facility on island that sells books.

Bouncers+ MCCS Special Events Make your next summer party one to remember with Bouncers+, your one-stop rental shop for bounce houses, inflatable activities and lawn games. Bounce houses (16ft by 16ft) are $140 a pop and come with a themed banner of your choice—Jurassic Park, Disney Princess, Marvel, Minions and more. Bounce houses with slides (20ft by 20ft) are also available for $140 and are a great all-in-one, fun-for-all option; choose from among three themes: Princess Palace, Circus World or Pirates.

For the more competitive partygoers, Bouncers+ rents out inflatable sumo suits and an inflatable boxing ring. And when the summer heat comes knocking, Bouncers+ is here to keep the party cool with inflatable Slip n’ Slides (single or double lane) and dunk tanks. In regards to lawn games, bocce ball, horseshoe, giant Jenga, jumbo 4-to-Score, croquet, cornhole and ladder ball sets are all available for rental. To rent any of the above offerings, simply head to mccsokinawa.com/bouncers.

Try to take advantage of the weekend rental situation, as well; customers who have a bouncer delivered on Friday must return the bouncer by 10 a.m. the next business day, meaning Monday. This means that if you rent a bouncer on a holiday weekend, you won’t have to return the bouncer until the following Tuesday.

And as if this wasn’t all exciting enough, Bouncers+ now offers a convenient on-base delivery service to Camps Lester, Foster, Kinser, Hansen, Courtney, Schwab, Shields, McTureous, Plaza Housing, MCAS Futenma and Chibana Housing. Reservations must be made at least one day prior to the scheduled delivery service date.

For questions, email specialevents@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or call 645-5828 from a DSN (098-970-5828 from off base).

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TRADITIONS WORTH SAVING FOR GENERATIONS TO COME TEXT BY: MIKE DALEY | DESIGN BY: EMELINE TOOLE

S

ummer on Okinawa shares many traits with many 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 many are awakened by the deafening cacophony of cicadas buzzing away in the trees every morning…and the almost imperceptible (or very perceptible, depending on where you live) scent of the sea in the air mingling with the aroma of the morning’s first cup of java or jasmine tea.

However, out of all the sights, sounds and aromas of summer on Okinawa, nothing signifies the arrival of the season more than the booming sounds of drums, the pleasant twang of lute-like instruments called sanshin and the strident voices of young Okinawan dancers in the evenings as they practice for their Obon eisa performances.

Eisa, the dance performed during Obon (more on that in a minute), has been a summertime tradition on the island for hundreds of years. Since ancient times, eisa was performed during the Obon holiday to honor and welcome returning ancestral spirits and send them back to their resting places dancing along to the thunderous sounds of taiko drums.

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Today, Obon is still one of the more important holidays to the people of both Japan and Okinawa.

Many believe that deceased ancestors—including great, great, great grandma—are allowed to visit the homes of their living relatives during this “festival of the dead.”

Preparations for Obon on Okinawa are quite extensive. Both the butsudan (a sort of house “altar”) and the rest of the home must be cleared and cleaned to welcome both living and deceased relatives, food must be prepared and certain items such as spirit money and incense must be purchased. Business at markets and shops is always brisk, and during normal times, airports are flooded with travelers returning to the home of their birth during the week preceding the holiday.

Obon is celebrated for three days on Okinawa, like in Mainland Japan and many other places in Asia. Here, the first day is called Unke, or the “Welcoming Day.” During the evening of 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” on Okinawa, is next. 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 paying respects at more distant relatives’ butsudan as well. Ūkui, or the “Escorting Day,” is the final day of Obon on Okinawa. 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 spirits. These meals, along with other offerings such as the aforementioned “spirit money,” are given 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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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. Obon eisa, which is danced on street corners and in the yards of villages every year, can still be compared to 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, the 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 is moving 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 small hand drums called paranku. 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 in the dance.

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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 not only provide comic relief and shrill whistles to accompany the shouts, they have the vital task of keeping eisa dancers hydrated, and crowds entertained 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 off all ages at special occasions and at tourist attractions. Eisa troupes from different municipalities compete against each other at tournaments as well, and professional troupes, such as the Mafekaji eisa complement of the famed Zampa Ufujishi Daiko, have been spreading eisa to various parts of Japan, Europe, Oceana and the United States for many years.

Regardless of core beliefs—many members of the new generation view Obon a bit differently than their elders—Obon gatherings strengthen crossgenerational family ties and are vital to keeping traditional culture alive. And although a fair number of younger Okinawans consider their Obon eisa responsibilities as cumbersome duties (practice can be hot and arduous work), most agree that this spirited dance, originally performed exclusively to honor ancestral spirits, is worth saving for generations to come.

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Oyako-Don (Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl) Serves 4 Ingredients 7.5 oz. chicken (preferably dark meat) cut into bite-sized pieces 1 onion sliced into thin strips 4 eggs, beaten 1 mitsuba (Japanese parsley) or watercress leaf per bowl 2 cups rice, steamed Sauce 2 cups dashi (made from bonito flakes) 5 tbsp. sugar 10 tbsp. soy sauce 5 tbsp. mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine) Method of Preparation 1. Bring all sauce ingredients to a rolling boil in a saucepan.

2. Add chicken and sliced onions and heat for 2–3 minutes.

3. Lower heat and add eggs while stirring slowly.

4. Add mitsuba (or watercress) leaves, turn off heat, and cover until eggs have solidified to desired consistency.

5. Divide rice into deep bowls (one per person) and cover the rice with mixture.

6. Serve and enjoy!

Irei no Hi The war on Okinawa came to an end on June 23, 1945—a day which is commemorated in the prefecture as a public holiday known as Irei no Hi, or Memorial Day. Irei no Hi honors all who died during the Battle of Okinawa as well as in other areas of the Pacific during WWII. The Battle of Okinawa is remembered as one of the bloodiest, most destructive Pacific battles of the war. More than 29,000 Marines and Sailors were killed, missing or wounded. U.S. Army casualties totaled close to 40,000. Japanese losses were enormous, with more than 110,000 killed—many sealed in caves. In addition, roughly half of the estimated pre-war local population of 300,000 Okinawans also lost their lives.

Irei no Hi is a time for people to pray for the spirits and souls of all those who died. Each year during Irei no Hi, many attend memorial services at various war sites such as the Himeyuri Monument, where hundreds of high school students and teachers were killed while serving in the Japanese Army Himeyuri Nursing Corps.

One of the most visited places during Irei no Hi is Peace Memorial Park in Chinen Village. Comprised of monuments such as the Cornerstone of Peace (an expansive wall inscribed with the names of those who lost their lives during the war) and the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum, Peace Memorial Park is a solemn tribute to the war victims and a somber reminder of the tragedy of war.

To get to Peace Memorial Park, head south on Hwy 58 toward Naha Airport. South of the airport, 58 is called Route 331. Stay on Route 331 through Itoman City and follow the signs to Peace Memorial Park.

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