Apples falling, Cinnamon calling!
Cinnamon Apple Spice
Chai Apple Spice
AVA I L A B L E O C TO B E R 1–N O V E M B E R 30
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contents October 2020
58
22 44 Features
Restaurant Review
22
44
Japan’s Famous Fall Produce Cook Outside Your Comfort Zone No more cowering in culinary doubt! Step out of your epicurean comfort zone and add negi, daikon, kabocha and nashi to your kitchen’s rotation.
Renaissance at Ocean Breeze Globe & Anchor’s New Menu Out with the old and in with the new menu. Globe & Anchor’s revamped selection at Camp Foster’s Ocean Breeze will have you coming back for more.
KAILEY LAVALLIERE, HILLARY TAYLOR
58 Things that Go… …Bump in the Night Although the island has no shortage of ghost stories, Okinawa is home to some very real, very scary creatures that may just live in your back yard. On the cover Say hello to Okinawa’s fall lineup.
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contents October 2020
Dining + Entertainment 41 The Gobbler Who says you have to wait for the holidays? This Thanksgiving mountain of a meal is available now at Red Barn Country Kitchen on Camp Kinser.
Kids + Parents 47 Excellence Gymnastics Academy EGA’s grand opening is right around the corner, and with a new and extremely qualified director at the helm, the program is sure to be nothing short of excellent.
49 Kids’ Warrior Day The life of a military child is filled with fascinating and enriching opportunities, but also with unique challenges that can be a lot to handle as a youngster. Join us in honoring the lives of military children at this fun and celebratory event.
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10 Fitness + Fun
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17 Domestic Violence Awareness Recognize the signs of domestic violence and learn how to take action if you or someone you know is a victim.
21 Spooky Scholarships Students, join MCCS Education for the 6th annual Spooktacular, where you’ll learn about scholarships and other financial aid offerings to help combat frightening tuition costs.
Services 53
Marines + Families Get the Job You Want Hunting for jobs as a military spouse can often feel discouraging, but FMEAP is here with concrete resources and tips to help make your job search a success.
Swim Meet Mind the splash—the Okinawa Dolphins Swim Team is hosting a meet at the Foster Aquatic Center where swimmers of all ages will test their skills in a series of different events.
Taiyo Golf Club Championship Taiyo’s most prestigious tournament of the year is back. With no team to fall back on, participants will have to stand on the merit of their own skills to succeed in this 36-hole tournament.
37 Single Marine Program SMP is the jack-of-all-programs, offering leadership and volunteer opportunities, home environments in the form of SMP Centers, tours, activities, travel and more—all in the name of balancing service members’ lives.
39 Pet Plunge All humans, please vacate the pool. Only tailwagging, four-legged friends are allowed in the water during this event.
Sales-Galore at Typhoon Motors This month, head to Typhoon Motors to find reduced prices on oil, oil changes, car care products, lift and stall rentals, amplifiers and subwoofers.
Extras 5 Mensôre
7 Feedback & Show Us!
69 Living on Okinawa
70 Marketplace Guide
OCTOBER 2020 | ISSUE 272 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 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Emeline Toole, Giulia Pulvirenti, Mayar Mahmoud DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Thomas Alan Smilie PHOTOGRAPHER Kailey LaValliere EDITORIAL Alex Jusell, Angie Andrews 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 Courtney Davis, Leah Scrybalo
mensôre “Welcome” to Okinawa Living
Happy Halloween! This month we will “celebrate” Halloween with costumes, masks, social distancing, hand sanitizer and showers of Hershey’s, Meiji or Morinaga chocolates along with a healthy dose of chilly thrills. Halloween is a relatively new phenomenon in Japan; during “normal” (as in pre-COVID-19) times, this holiday is more about older “kids” purchasing or making costumes and gathering with friends for minor or major cosplay parties, parades and contests. In mainland Japan, the first major Halloween-themed festival was held at Tokyo Disneyland and it grew year after year before escaping the Magic Kingdom and making its way into Japanese society. In recent years, larger and larger gatherings have been taking place in the Shibuya and Shinjuku districts of Tokyo (large enough to make national news and attract a major contingent from the police force to maintain order). The history of Halloween on Okinawa is a bit longer than in mainland Japan and is probably more familiar to Americans. Due to a more substantial American presence in the form of military facilities, Halloween is more about younger children going door-to-door gathering sweets. Although scary stories are still more of a summer tradition on Okinawa and in Japan (tied to the summer Obon holidays), October just wouldn’t be the same without a spinechilling yarn or two (or three). That being said, we’re including one in this issue just for you! One word of warning, though: the scary stars of Things that go…Bump in the Night are not creatures from film or your imagination. They are very much real and all around you— some may even be in your house right now as you’re reading this. Turn to p. 58 if you dare! 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 MCCS MARKETING BRANCH MCB Camp S.D. Butler. Unit 35023, FPO AP 96378-5023
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
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feedback
from the ICE Program and Facebook The menu refresh at the Globe & Anchor inside the Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster is what we have been waiting for. I am super glad you didn’t get rid of my 10-year favorite: the Thai Shrimp Curry. The only thing that would make this better is bringing back the chicken curry dish from 2010–2011. Looking forward to sampling the rest of the new menu. —via Facebook There is a rule at Camp Foster’s Gunners Fitness Center that requires all patrons to store their bags in a designated area of the weight room, and I have often found my gym bag moved from where I stored it. Given the current capacity and the lack of space for storage in the weight room, I fear that someone may steal my personal belongings. Therefore, I prefer to carry my belongings on my person while cycling through exercises across the weight room. —via ICE
@okilivingmag Show us your island adventures and favorite food finds!
@tiny.toes.n.pawz Treasure hunting. #okilivingmag
Thank you for sharing your concerns about the policy that requires workout bags to be stored in designated areas. Similar to many of our policies it relates to keeping our patrons safe. This policy in particular was created after recurring mishaps in the form of trips and falls caused by workout bags improperly stored on the floor of the fitness center. To mitigate mishaps, we currently require all workout bags to be left in a designated area of the fitness center where no one will trip over them. We apologize about your workout bag being moved while stored in this area. The high-visibility of the designated storage area is meant to deter theft. However, you also have the option of utilizing one of our daily use lockers free of charge, or you can rent a locker for a small fee. If you have any additional comments, questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at fitnesscenters@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. —Paul Honnold, Semper Fit Athletics & Aquatics Program Manager The customer service at Bulldogs Burgers and Red Barn Country Kitchen inside Kinser Surfside is great and the food is even better. The competitive pricing and wonderful food usually deter me from going off base and getting food. I had a wonderful conversation with one of the employees the other day while waiting for my food because I was the only customer there. Very pleasant woman to talk to, kind and professional. I have only had one bad experience here and it was when I was given the wrong menu item in a to-go box. The employee quickly offered an extra side for free to apologize, which I declined because I was in a rush. I was very happy with how the employee handled the situation so courteously. —via ICE
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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.
OCTOBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 7
by Angie Andrews
MARINE + FAMILIES
ny quick internet search will verify that military spouse unemployment rates are higher than the national average. As a military family member, it can be overwhelming to begin looking for employment at any duty station, let alone overseas. On Okinawa specifically, you’ll often hear disheartening comments like “It takes months for applications to process out here” or “Jobs are so limited, chances are you just won’t find work.” These comments are only opinions that don’t accurately reflect reality. In actuality, the possibilities for working during your time on Okinawa are not as limited as you might think! Securing a job on island might follow a different process from what you’re used to and may involve adopting fresh job-search strategies. Sure, you can use Google, social media connections or try your luck with a large job-searching service like jp.indeed.com, but you can also make it a little easier on yourself by leaning on the well-established island-wide military community. Even if you have been on island awhile or are preparing for your next location, you may be pleasantly surprised by the help that’s available. For starters, head over to mccsokinawa.com/fmeap, which contains a wealth of employment resources.
OCTOBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 11
MARINE + FAMILIES
Here, you can access location and contact information for the Family Member Employment Assistance Program (FMEAP), as well as countless virtual tools that are just a mouse click away. The treasure trove of online resources offered here includes résumé templates and guidance, resource links and videos. Did you know you can sign up for an email newsletter that will send current job openings straight to your inbox? You can even choose if you want to receive announcements for OCONUS, CONUS or Okinawabased work. After hitting the usual suspect websites (usajobs.com, nafjobs.org and usmc-mccs.com/careers), check out the FMEAP webpage, as it offers employment directories with an additional 30 sites to search when pursuing on-base or off-base jobs. Remember, approval for off-base work needs to be obtained from your sponsor’s command, so be sure to notify them if you prefer an off-base position. If you are experienced enough to soar (or snore!) through the job search process but are still feeling frustrated, maybe it’s time to give your résumé a strong re-write or focus on your interview skills. It never hurts to have a staff member review your job application, especially since different employers expect specific formats which may be unfamiliar to you. Take a FREE workshop or sign up for some interview coaching through FMEAP. On their website, FMEAP also provides résumé templates that you can use as models as you design your own. Even if this is your first time writing a résumé, there’s an example ready to help guide you. Your résumé is a first impression for potential employers, which means creating one that stands out is essential. When your résumé oozes a stellar first impression but the inperson presence you bring to your interview falls flat, it’s time for a confidence boost. As a collective group, military spouses have the (sometimes-unwanted) opportunity to interview for jobs much more frequently than the average job seeker. Practice makes perfect, right? Well, maybe. To improve from each practice opportunity, you need a coach to help give you pointers and constructive feedback. Encouragement and direction from an interview coach can make all the difference. Contact your nearest FMEAP office to be matched with a career coach and try a mock interview. As a military family member, your career path might be less linear than you originally hoped, but that doesn’t mean you can’t gather rewarding work experiences. Even if your path is a winding one, each stop along the way can bring you additional satisfaction within your professional life and add to your repertoire of workrelated skills.
OCTOBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 13
Summer Never Ends at Okuma Beach
Group Reservations Now – 31 March 2021 • Sunday - Thursday Okuma Group Reservations offers lodging discounts to groups of five or more rooms. This is a great time to schedule annual meetings, family reunions, weddings, retreats, functions and more! You name it, and we’ve hosted it! For more details, please contact the Group Reservations office. Monday - Friday • 8 am - 5 pm. 631-1806 / 080-6489-8619
Sweet Cabana Deal Now - 31 March 2021 Sunday - Thursday • Excludes Holidays Your stay gets even sweeter when you save 20% off of a two-night stay that includes breakfast for two people in any Okuma Suite, Suite Plus, Studio or Studio Premier. Restrictions may apply.
October Special: Mushroom Margherita Pizza $15.95 A new take on the classic Margherita Pizza that includes marinated mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, home-made tomato sauce, and topped with pesto. 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
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MARINE + FAMILIES
If you find yourself curious about how things have worked out for others, I hope my story may offer some encouragement. While by no means do I think my story is all that original compared with other military spouses, I do think it’s important to share. There’s comfort in knowing you aren’t alone in your experiences. Before starting my military spouse journey, I dedicated myself to my teaching career for seven years. As you may have guessed, maintaining that career through our relocations didn’t prove as easy as I’d hoped. I believe everything happens for a reason and trust the unrelated-to-teaching jobs I’ve held since were exactly where I was supposed to wind up within each of our locations. I am thankful for lessons learned from each employment opportunity I’ve had. Naturally, after arriving on Okinawa, I did what I usually do. I applied for jobs that I thought I was qualified for, not necessarily passionate about. However, along my way through these different jobs and places, I stayed open minded and tried new things, among which was a blog I decided to volunteer for by submitting articles. Through this flexible mindset, I discovered I really liked writing, which helped me realize what type of job I wanted to pursue. Now, I have arrived at my absolute favorite stop along my career path: I’m writing and editing for MCCS and loving it! This, my first-drafted piece, is a big shout out to you, our Okinawa Living Magazine readers, and the frustrations we can encounter but eventually overcome on our paths to a happy career. There are so many things I am thankful for after beginning my new job, but from my writer’s heart, readers will always top my list. If employment is on your Okinawa bucket list, don’t let your time on island fly by without taking advantage of the opportunities available to you. Whether you prefer full or part-time work, flexible hours or a predictable schedule, you can discover your perfect fit if you are dedicated to your job search. The opportunities will not end once you are hired, either. Each job will allow you to develop your skills and further diversify your résumé. And of course, you’re sure to enjoy the most basic perk—a brand new paycheck! So many other benefits are available as well. If you choose to join the MCCS family, MCCS offers benefits to regular full and part-time employees which include health insurance with dental options, life and short-term disability insurance, retirement savings opportunities through both the NAF Pension and a 401 (k) which has an opportunity for employer matching, plus paid time off for vacation and sick leave. There is even a tuition assistance program available. You can count on other benefits tied to employment as well, among which might be a new daily routine, camaraderie with your co-workers, a feeling of purpose or success and, if you dare, a renewed faith in the definition of resiliency.
OCTOBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 15
MARINE + FAMILIES
Domestic Violence Awareness Recognize the Signs and Take Action
In the United States, there are more than 10 million victims of domestic violence every year. Domestic violence, or a pattern of abuse that occurs in an intimate or cohabiting relationship (including parental violence against children or child-on-child violence) with the ultimate goal of gaining and maintaining control over the victim, is divided into four categories: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. Physical abuse involves physical contact to control a victim and often leads to injuries like bruises, bite marks, burns and broken bones. In addition to the visible traces, physical abuse also produces emotional ramifications including anxiety, depression and issues with substance abuse. Emotional abuse, or psychological abuse, is behavior that leaves one feeling dehumanized, intimidated or threatened. Over time, acts that negatively affect an individual’s psyche, like stalking, constant criticism, public humiliation, threats and isolation are likely to cause depression, substance abuse and even suicide. Sexual abuse is any sort of non-consensual sex-related contact. In addition to rape, sexual abuse can include refusal to use contraception, intentionally causing unwanted physical pain during sex, intentionally passing on STI’s and verbally pressuring someone into consent. Children who are victims of sexual abuse often incur psychological damage including behavioral instability, substance-dependency, trust issues and over-extensive knowledge of sexual activities beyond what’s expected for their developmental age. Neglect is the failure to provide for an individual’s basic needs. Most commonly, neglect is a parent’s failure to provide sufficient hygienic care, nourishment, medical care or supervision to his or her child, but in a partnership, neglect can take the form of purposely obstructing adequate access to basic needs or providing only a small amount of funds for a spouse to barely survive while the sponsor is deployed. Aside from the direct physical impacts that starving or a scarcity of care can have on a person, long-term mental side effects
like developmental trauma disorder, violent behavior and low selfesteem are also common in victims of neglect. People who have never been in an abusive relationship often have a hard time understanding why a victim doesn’t just leave. It’s much more complicated than it seems. Breaking abusive patterns is extremely difficult for victims, as a loss of self-esteem and power can make an individual second-guess their decision to act—not to mention the impact that fear, embarrassment or potential feelings of love still present in the relationship can have on making one hesitate in acting. Moreover, leaving a relationship can be the most dangerous time for a victim, as leaving is a reclaiming of power and thus a threat to an abuser’s control over the victim. During this time, an abuser may retaliate, so it’s important that the victim has support. If you know someone who is experiencing abuse, listening and offering support without judgment is one of the most important things you can do. The military community does not tolerate domestic abuse or violence and is here to help. If you or someone you know is a victim, there are three ways you can report domestic violence through the military. First, you can call PMO directly (PMO numbers differ depending on the base; to find yours, head to mcipac.marines.mil/ Staff-and-Sections/Special-Staff/PMO). Second, you can call the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) at 645-2915 from a DSN or 098-970-2915 from off base during normal business hours. After calling, FAP’s professionally-trained clinicians will work on assessing the report along with PMO if needed. And keep in mind, families may access and use FAP services whether or not a case meets DoD criteria for abuse. Third, you can call 24/7 Victim Advocates at 645-SAFE (7233) from a DSN or 098-970-7233 from off base. Victim Advocates is also a great resource for when individuals have general questions about domestic or child abuse. For more information about recognizing the signs of domestic abuse and how to take action, please head to mccsokinawa. com/victimadvocacy or mccsokinawa.com/behavioral_health. OCTOBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 17
NAME/BIGSTOCK.COM
MARINES + FAMILIES
Dance with Purpose! Dance for a Cause
Spooky Scholarships MCCS Education Program’s 6th Annual Spooktacular Halloween: a time for costumes, jack-olanterns and. . .scholarships? Here at MCCS, we’re always looking for an excuse to support the community. This time, our excuse is Halloween, and our focus is students! On October 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., MCCS Education’s Scholarship Spooktacular is back for the 6th year in a row at all MCCS Education Centers. Students of all ages are invited to come learn about Halloween-themed scholarships and other financial aid offerings, and as if the opportunity to receive free money wasn’t alluring enough, the Education Centers will have grab-and-go treat bags (while supplies last) for customers to enjoy. And students, if you are unable to make it to any of the Spooktaculars, the writer of this article implores you: do your research, find some scholarships and apply for them.
Scholarship money is ready for the taking, and the time it takes to write an essay is nothing compared to the thousands of dollars you can win in return; imagine not having to take out a student loan because you frontloaded your work into applying for scholarships. It’s achievable, and moreover, there are many military family member-specific scholarships with less competition because students in the general public are unable to apply for them. To get started, head to mccsokinawa. com/educationandcareerservices and click the “funding resources” tab to find scholarships. For more information on the Spooktacular, head to facebook.com/mccsokinawa.educationandlibraries, and keep in mind, this event is subject to cancellation pending III MEF/ MARFORJ HPCON guidance.
Grab some sneakers and join MCCS Health Promotion as they host Dance for a Cause—a Zumba and Mixxed Fit-filled event honoring Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This evening of fun, music, dancing and education will take place Friday, October 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Camp Foster. To best deliver a fun, fast-paced and effective event, dance instructors will rotate groups every 10–15 minutes during the evening, while speakers will address Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness. In addition to light refreshments and giveaways throughout the event, educational materials will also be available including facts and figures on breast cancer in both men and women and information regarding Family Advocacy, Community Counseling and Substance Abuse. Learn more about how to take action if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse and about how to access a FREE counseling program offered to Marines, Sailors, retirees, DoD civilians and their family members. No registration is required for this FREE event, as it will operate on a first-come, first-served basis for SOFA ID card holders only. Children and teens ages 12–18 may attend with a parent or legal guardian. For more information, head to mccsokinawa.com/ healthpromotion or call 645-3910.
OCTOBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 21
OCTOBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 23
s the seasons change, so do the fruits and vegetables readily available at the Okinawan Farmers’ Markets, and as offputting as an unfamiliar vegetable can be (How do I cook this? Which part do I eat? How do I even open that?), we’re here to help you step out of your epicurean comfort zone and expand the repertoire of fruits and vegetables at your disposal. No more walking past the negi, daikon, kabocha or nashi without so much as a second glance. No more cowering in culinary doubt!
Negima Yakitori Yield: 4 servings Ingredients Skewers 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs 5 stalks of negi Olive oil 10 wooden/bamboo skewers Teriyaki Sauce 1 1/4 cup water 5 tbsp. brown sugar 1/4 cup soy sauce 1 tbsp. honey 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 2 tbsp. cornstarch
ALEX JUSELL
Instructions 1. Soak skewers in water for 30 minutes. (This isn’t just for fun; it keeps the skewers from becoming fire hazards.) 2. Combine 1 cup of water, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, garlic and ginger in a saucepan and set over medium heat. 3. In a bowl, combine cornstarch with 1/4 cup water and whisk until dissolved. Add to the saucepan. 4. Heat the teriyaki sauce until it reaches your desired thickness (if it gets too thick, add some water). 5. Cut the white and light green parts of the negi into 1-inch pieces. 6. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. 7. Set your oven broiler on high. 8. Fold a piece of chicken in half and stab it with the skewer. Slide it down. Stab a piece of negi (the negi should be perpendicular with the skewer) and slide it down. Alternate chicken with negi until the skewer is almost filled. 9. Grease the grate of a wire rack and place the skewers on top. Place the rack on top of a foil-lined pan. Broil for 6 minutes. 10. Take pan out. Put some teriyaki sauce in a small bowl and brush both sides of skewers with teriyaki sauce. Flip skewers on the pan, then return to the broiler for 3 minutes. 11. Remove the pan and transfer skewers to a serving dish. Brush the chicken with some more teriyaki sauce (with a different brush and from a different bowl to avoid contamination) and enjoy.
On Okinawa, negi ( Japanese green onion) are as ubiquitous as cats on Taylor Swift’s Instagram. They’ve even taken root in Japanese pop culture; in Pokémon, Farfetch’d carries a stalk of negi as a weapon. Why? Duck with negi is a popular dish in Japan. You can find negi in two variations: shiro (white) and naga (long). Shiro negi has an elongated white stem better suited for soup bases, yakitori and pickling, while naga negi’s longer, dark green leaves are predominantly used as a garnish. Due to their anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, negi are a staple of Japanese home remedies and have confronted many a cold over the years, often in the form of negi-miso-yu, or miso soup with negi. They’re practically a vitamin and mineral cocktail, bursting with vitamins C and K, magnesium, iron and riboflavin. And for you staunch negi-deniers out there, pointing at your copy of Okinawa Living and laughing at why someone took the time to write a feature article on a leek, be warned: the recipe in the sidebar will likely convert you. Negima yakitori is a crowd pleaser and highlights negi’s underestimated ability to elevate any meal it meets. OCTOBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 25
Korean Pork and Daikon Yield: 4 servings Ingredients 1 medium daikon 1 lb. pork tenderloin fillets 1/2 tsp. chili flakes 1 tbsp. vegetable oil 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 tsp. sesame oil Cooking Sauce 2 cups chicken stock 3 tbsp. soy sauce 2 tbsp. sake 1 tbsp. sugar 1/4 tsp. mirin Ground pepper
ALEX JUSELL
Instruction 1. Peel daikon, then cut into 1/2 inch rounds. Next, cut each round into fourths. 2. Cut pork into 1-inch pieces. 3. Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over high heat and add daikon and pork. Sauté for two minutes. Stir in garlic and chili flakes. Cook another minute until all sides of the pork have browned. 4. Add all of the cooking sauce ingredients. (NOT the sesame oil. Yet.) Bring to a boil, then drop the heat to medium. Stir regularly. 5. When the sauce has almost evaporated (about 25 minutes), sprinkle with sesame oil. 6. Remove from heat and serve with rice.
Known by a thousand different names (including the very fun-to-say “mooli”), Okinawa’s own daikon, or “big root,” is a large white radish lauded for its versatility. Throw raw daikon into dishes for an added spicy crunch, or cook the radish to sweeten a dish. And just like negi, daikon is a star player in the Japanese home remedy defensive line as it is great at tackling mucus. Instead of appearing in soup, however, it best fights colds by teaming up with honey in hachimitsudaikon (literally, honey-daikon), a throat-soothing syrup often delivered as a sweetener in tea. In Asakusa, a district in Tokyo famous for its atmosphere reminiscent of Tokyo’s olden days, there’s a temple called Matsuchiyama Shoden where daikon plays a prominent role. As a symbol for marital and familial happiness, daikon prints adorn the lanterns, metalwork, stone blocks and wooden beams surrounding the temple. Every year during the annual daikon festival on January 7, visitors have a chance to buy and offer daikon to the temple for familial harmony. If you’re unable to make it to the temple, the Korean pork and daikon recipe in the sidebar will also bring the family together. OCTOBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 27
Kabocha Soup Yield: 4 large servings Ingredients 1 kabocha squash (around 3 pounds) Olive oil Kosher salt 2 cups onion, chopped 2 ribs celery, sliced 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tbsp. fresh ginger root, peeled and grated 1 1/4 tsp. ground cumin 4 cups chicken stock 1/4 tsp. black pepper Cilantro
ALEX JUSELL
Instruction 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. 2. Cut kabocha into large chunks (And be careful—kabocha is hard. Use a sharp knife and mind your fingers.), scoop out the seeds and stringy bits, then rub olive oil and salt over all sides. 3. Place the kabocha pieces on a foil-lined roasting pan skin-side up and throw in the oven for 45 minutes to an hour. Kabocha should be soft and caramelized around the edges. Let cool. When cool enough to handle, remove the skin and set the flesh aside. 4. Heat olive oil on medium heat in a large pan and add onions and celery, cooking until softened (about 8 minutes). 5. Add garlic, ginger and cumin and cook 2 more minutes. 6. Place the kabocha flesh, chicken stock, pepper and 2 tsp. kosher salt into the pan with the onions and celery. 7. Kick up the heat to bring the pan to a simmer, then drop the heat to low, partially cover the pan and cook 10 minutes. 8. Remove from heat. Use a blender (working in batches) to purée the soup. 9. Top each bowl with a pinch of cilantro leaves and enjoy.
What looks like a pumpkin’s overlooked little brother is in fact a deliciously sweet, fluffy squash which has played an important role in the past couple centuries, specifically during Japan’s tough winter months. Back in the day when winter meant depleted crop stocks, this hardy squash was a crutch since its hard skin can keep the flesh contained within fresh for months on end. Because of this cold weather convenience, kabocha is celebrated during the winter solstice. This hard skin does come with a slight drawback, however: when this fruit is raw, it is hard to cut, so a sturdy, sharp knife is a must. When buying kabocha, it’s okay if it’s bumpy and dull-looking, just check to make sure there aren’t any soft spots on the outside. While soft spots in other fruit can be manageable, soft spots felt through the tough skin of kabocha usually translates to an unsalvageable piece of produce. A quick check will save you heartache when you’re hungry later. Brimming with vitamins A and C, this fat-free fruit is so creamy by itself that in the accompanying kabocha soup recipe, you won’t believe cream isn’t an ingredient. And yes, squash are fruit. Don’t hate the player, hate the game. OCTOBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 29
Nashi Pudding Yield: 4 servings Ingredients 2 nashi 1 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup water 7 tbsp. butter 2 eggs 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1/3 cup brown sugar 1 cup self-rising flour (if you don’t have this, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour with1/2 tsp. salt and 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder)
ALEX JUSELL
Instruction 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 2. Peel and slice nashi into 4 thick circles and set aside. 3. Finely dice the rest of the nashi. 4. Combine granulated sugar and water in a saucepan and heat over low. Stir until sugar is dissolved and then DO NOT DISTURB. Let boil, about 15-20 minutes, or until it becomes a light caramel color. (Stirring after the sugar dissolves can cause the sugar to recrystallize. You don’t want that.) 5. Using a large muffin tin, grease 4 spaces. 6. Pour a tiny bit of caramel into each of the 4 spaces. 7. Place one of the four large nashi slices in each space, right on top of the caramel. 8. Melt the butter in a separate pan and leave to cool. 9. Beat eggs with vanilla and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. 10. Add melted butter to the bowl. 11. Sift the flour into the bowl and combine. 12. Fold in the extra diced nashi. 13. Divide mixture between the four muffin tin spaces. 14. Bake for 20 minutes for more of a pudding-like consistency and 25 minutes if you want more of a muffin-like consistency. 15. Remove from oven and carefully turn out the tins onto a cooling rack. Drizzle with leftover caramel. 16. Serve and enjoy! Delicious with something cold, like whipped cream or ice cream.
Although lacking the quintessential pear shape, nashi is indeed a Japanese pear, and one which gets much better publicity than its Western cousin; museums have been erected in their honor and nashi are so prominent a symbol of fall that their mention in autumn haiku is common. Because of their price range and larger size (which can rival softballs), nashi are considered a “luxury fruit” and are frequently given as gifts throughout Japan and even the rest of Asia. They are cheap on Okinawa, thankfully, but it’s not unheard of to find nashi abroad that’s more than ten dollars apiece. Last thing to note: they’ve got a high water content—up to 88% (which is why they bruise easily and often have to be harvested by hand). While this high water content makes them deliciously refreshing on a hot day, it does not make them prime candidates for pies (unless you like wet pies). The sticky pudding recipe in the sidebar, however, highlights nashi’s subtly sweet crispness without becoming soggy in the least bit. And although we’re showcasing nashi in dessert form, they’re surprisingly delicious in savory dishes as well, whether you poach, grill, bake or barbeque them. OCTOBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 31
FITNESS + FUN
Taiyo Golf Club Championship Taiyo’s Most Prestigious Tournament is Back Taiyo Golf Club has its fair share of fun, low-key events like Skins Weekends and the Ham Scramble, but this October 11 and 12, its most prestigious tournament of the year is back: the Taiyo Golf Club Championship. At the championship, every stroke counts. You will have no team to fall back on; participants will have to stand on the merit of their own skills to succeed in this 36-hole tournament. “Being the Club’s Championship,” says Todd Toohey, the manager of Taiyo Golf Club, “it is considered the most important event and is conducted as a true competition. USGA (United States Golf Association) rules are strictly adhered to and the atmosphere is more formal.”
To make sure you are fully prepared, head to usga.org/rules-hub.html to read through the USGA Rules of Golf. Open to all SOFA status personnel, the Taiyo Golf Club Championship is an individual stroke-play tournament with hole-by-hole scores posted each day on the club’s scoreboard. Those up to the challenge must register at the Pro Shop before Wednesday, October 7. Keep in mind, however, registration will close if all of the slots fill up, so if you are interested, don’t wait until the last minute. For more information, head to mccsokinawa.com/golf. For questions, call 6222004 from a DSN or 098-954-2004 from off base.
A Bash with a Splash Columbus Day Pool Bashes Although Typhoon Haishen’s rain and wind blew a wrench in the gears of MCCS Aquatics’ Labor Day Pool Bashes, MCCS couldn’t let the year end without a party at the pools for all ages. Thus, the Labor Day Pool Bashes have been officially re-crowned as the Columbus Day Pool Bashes. On October 12 from noon to 3 p.m., stop by the Aquatic Center on either Camp McTureous or Plaza Housing for a fun afternoon of swimming, music, free food and drinks (while
supplies last). Since Okinawa is always late in getting the hint that October should be a time for cooler weather, the Columbus Day Pool Bashes will be a great respite from the summer’s overstayed welcome. For more details, please visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics or facebook. com/mccsokinawa.aquatics. If you have any questions, feel free to email aquatics@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
OCTOBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 35
FITNESS + FUN
Test Your Strength Okinawa’s Strongest 2020 When looking for inspiration for spending hours in the gym with the sole purpose of getting as strong as an ox, you have a wealth of options—Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (strongman and actor portraying Ser Gregor Clegane on Game of Thrones), Aneta Florczyk (Strongest Woman titleholder, multiple times over), or even mythical heroes like Hercules, Atlas, Superman or Wonder Woman (just to name a few). How about this for motivation—being crowned the strongest on the island! It’s time to harness your inner-Hulk and prove if you’re truly tough, the toughest in the gym or…Okinawa’s Strongest! Your chance to put your strength to the test is just over the horizon; Semper Fit will be crowning this year’s king and queen of strength at the third annual Okinawa’s Strongest competition. Come on out to Camp Foster’s Field 6 next to Gunners Fitness Center at 8:30 a.m. on November 1 to see if your beast-mode holds up against the best-of-the-best in strength athletics. This event is open to SOFA ID card holders island-wide, but competitors must be at least 18 years of age to participate. Competitors will be divided by weight class and gender while competing in several grueling events. Overall combined scores will determine who will reign as Okinawa’s 2020 King and Queen of Strength. Win or lose, Okinawa’s Strongest is sure to be an event to remember as you witness such impressive feats of strength. Registration for Okinawa’s Strongest will be open until 11:30 p.m. on October 30. Keep an eye on mccsokinawa.com/adultsports for more details and access to the Eventbrite registration link.
Single Marine Program Helping to Balance Service Members’ Lives When asked why a service member would want to join the Single Marine Program (SMP), Anna Shaw, the SMP assistant manager, smiled. “There’s so much to say I don’t know where to start.” And her statement is justified, as SMP offers so much—leadership and volunteer opportunities, home environments in the form of SMP Centers, tours, activities, travel and more. If you want to merely use an SMP Center to relax and watch a movie, you can. If you want to be more involved and help plan programs, you can do that, too. SMP is incredibly versatile as a program and an outlet, and as Anna Shaw puts it, “You can make it what you want it to be.” If you’re unfamiliar, SMP is an MCCS program for single and unaccompanied service members (not just Marines) that offers community involvement, increased quality of life and recreational opportunities to help service members balance their lives. In regards to community involvement, SMP hosts community clean-ups—on base, off base, on beaches, and out and about town— as well as holiday food drives for local orphanages and shelters. SMP also offers volunteer opportunities at animal shelters, in local schools and even in other countries, as SMP recently facilitated a volunteer trip to the Philippines. Quality of life-wise, SMP offers classes,
Japanese lessons, festival trips, battle-site tours, block parties, BBQ’s, excursions to other islands and more. Additionally, Camps Courtney, Foster, Hansen, Kinser, Schwab and MCAS Futenma have SMP Centers, each with unique capabilities but built to serve the same purpose: to provide a place to unwind and have some fun. Common features of SMP centers include video games, massage chairs, computer rooms, movies, billiards, air hockey and more. For recreation, SMP offers snorkeling trips, boat races, paintball trips, deep-sea fishing outings, hikes and video game tournaments, among other things. Better yet, these activities are offered at extremely reduced prices—many of them are FREE of charge. Keep in mind, you don’t have to belong to a specific base to attend its SMP events, and finally, if you want to be more involved in SMP, there are leadership opportunities available on the council of representatives, on the SMP executive council or in being a POC for different events. For more information on opportunities available for single and unaccompanied service members, head to mccsokinawa. com/smp.
OCTOBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 37
FITNESS + FUN
Go Vert... …at an MCCS Skate Park!
Paws in the Pool Semper Fit Aquatics’ Pet Plunge A refreshing dip in the pool is a welcome treat amid Okinawa’s sweltering heat. But before you reach for your swimsuit and water shoes, pause—this one is for those with paws! Unleashed and ready to make a splash, your furriest best friend is invited to enjoy some pool-bound play. Pet Plunge, organized by Semper Fit Aquatics, is a great day for your whole family to soak up the sun while your pooch gets just plain soaked. Find out whose champ really is top-dog as the pups showcase their doggie-paddling expertise. Additionally, your canines will have the chance to compete for prizes; events to bark about, such as longest jump and quickest fetch, will be held for large and small breed
competitors. While you are welcome to cheer on your favorite tail-wagging friend, this experience is for four-legged swimmers only—no humans are permitted in the pool during the event. Pet owners, this is your chance to make some pool-side, sweet and slobber-full memories. On October 17, bring your cuddly buddy (and plenty of towels!) out to the Camp McTureous Aquatic Center and dive into water-filled fun from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Pet Plunge is FREE and open to pets that belong to SOFA ID card holders. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics and if you have any questions, please email aquatics@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
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 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, you’ll be able to skate well past sundown too. 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. OCTOBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 39
DINING + ENTERTAINMENT
Taiyo Steakhouse Perfect for Any Special Occasion
KAILEY LAVALLIERE, THOMAS ALAN SMILIE
If Taiyo Steakhouse isn’t on your shortlist for date night dinner spots, something’s wrong. Why wouldn’t you want prime beefbroiled and seasoned to perfection? Are you in an argument with your significant other and withholding an amazing dinner as some sort of sick retribution? Snap out of it! The sooner you stop by Taiyo Steakhouse over at Taiyo Golf Club in Uruma City, the sooner you’ll realize what you’ve been missing. In fact, Taiyo Steakhouse won the MCCS Food and Hospitality Excellence “Restaurant of the Year” for 2019 it’s a great spot for special occasions, especially if you are looking to class it up a bit. Open for brunch on weekends and holidays, lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Wednesday through Sunday, Taiyo Steakhouse will impress the pickiest of palates. Try one of the many, juicy primebeef steaks or the rack of lamb served with roasted garlic and rosemary demi-glace. Indulge in the lobster tail or koji chicken, and if you don’t like meat, don’t worry: a vegetarian option is also available in the form of a mushroom pappardelle. And what better way to top off your delightful evening than with a molten lava cake, espresso tiramisu or homemade cheesecake? Reservations are highly recommended for weekend brunch and required for dinner service. For hours, dress code requirements and more information, head to mccsokinawa.com/taiyosteakhouse, and if you have any questions or want to make a reservation, call 622-2020.
The Gobbler A Thanksgiving Mountain of a Meal When you meet the Gobbler, you’ll want every inch of stomach space available to help you scale this open-faced sandwich mountain. Base camp is a piece of Texas toast topped with mashed potatoes. Atop the potatoes stands a wall of stuffing covered in thick slices of juicy turkey, and at the Gobbler’s peak, there’s a hundred percent chance of cranberry sauce. Throughout your Thanksgiving-themed trek, you’ll also encounter slides of mouth-watering gravy, so be on the lookout. And who says you have to wait for the holidays to have a Thanksgiving meal? This turkey-day feast is available now, only at Red Barn Country Kitchen; trot on over to Surfside on Camp Kinser before this sandwich flies the coop. In addition to this limited time offer, Red Barn’s home-cooked classics are also available, including country breakfasts like the American Skillet Breakfast, the Western Omelet and the Breakfast Burrito. Or, if you’re having more of a lunch or dinner craving, order from amongst the Red Barn specialties like the slow-cooked Whole Rotisserie Chicken, the BBQ Pork Sandwich, the Chicken (bone-in or boneless) and Waffles, the southern-style Deep-fried Catfish Basket and more. Red Barn is open Monday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. For the full menu, head to mccsokinawa.com/redbarn, and if you have any questions, call 637-3137 from a DSN.
OCTOBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 41
RESTAURANT REVIEW
Renaissance at Ocean Breeze Globe & Anchor’s New Menu
By Angie Andrews | Photography by Hillary Taylor
It took all of five seconds for me to suggest a date night with my husband after hearing the new Globe & Anchor menu at Ocean Breeze offers mac & cheese. Their Mac & Cheese, which dons orecchiette pasta as the perfect complement to its ooey-gooey, thick and creamy white cheese sauce, was music to my little ears and comforting to my core—as my all-time favorite food, and a nod to my appreciation of linguistic wit. Accurately describing the shape of this fun pasta, orecchiette’s direct translation in Italian comes across as “little ears.” Topped with crispy breadcrumbs and fresh herbs, my taste buds were tickled. Despite my ability to down copious amounts of mac & cheese, the portion size was so generous, I had leftovers. While I was completely satisfied with my own iconic American comfort meal, I still couldn’t help but sneak a bite of the Thai Shrimp Curry, which my husband has already deemed his go-to choice. This curry is spicy, delicious and indulgent. And indulge we did, also treating ourselves to a decadent dessert. I went for the summery Refreshing Lemon Cake (which combines my favorite fruit pairing of lemon and blueberries), but I can’t wait to try both the Dulce Choco Brownie and Butterscotch Bread Pudding. Actually, I can’t wait to try the rest of the new Globe & Anchor menu. With a fully reinvented menu, there are plenty of new choices to tempt you whether you want to head out for lunch, dinner or dessert. Among the starters are Wings and Karaage with five different sauces to choose from (buffalo, BBQ, Thai sweet chili, sweet & spicy and garlic butter). Additionally, there are four options for nachos, including the fantastic Korean Pork Nachos with slow-cooked pork tossed with Gochujang glaze, which my coworker ordered twice during the new menu’s first week.
Your favorite handhelds all made the new menu as well. Choose from tacos, quesadillas, wraps, sandwiches and burgers. For those looking for a truly satisfying meal, try El Diablo, a burger topped with chili, queso and pickled jalapeños (secret tip: ask for a side of sour cream to take this burger to the next level). Looking to enjoy meatless Mondays or prefer an all-the-time vegetarian diet? No worries—you have plenty of options, like the Veggie Quesadilla, salads, sandwiches, wraps and, again, my own personal favorite, the Mac & Cheese. Since I was inspired for this impromptu date night during the workweek, my husband and I opted to have our meal to go. Ordering our meal from the reception desk before heading home for the day was convenient, and our food was ready as quick as we could say konnichiwa to the giant shisa standing guard outside while exchanging friendly banter with a passerby. Peeking into the seating area, I was encouraged by the measures Ocean Breeze is taking towards COVID mitigation: the dining area’s tables are socially distanced, the wait staff sport masks and there is easy and continual access to hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes and face covering cases. I even noticed the entrance doors to the restrooms were propped open to reduce high-touch contact areas. With the priciest menu item a steal at $14, you and your wallet are in for a treat whenever you choose to explore the new Globe & Anchor menu. Stop by Ocean Breeze any day of the week. This menu is yours to enjoy from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday–Friday, with to-go reception hours beginning at 10:30 a.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, current hours are noon to 9 p.m. To view the full menu, or for more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/oceanbreeze. OCTOBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 45
KIDS+PARENTS
Excellence Gymnastics Academy Opening on Camp Foster This Fall You don’t have to look long at Tiffany Mills’ resumé to realize how lucky the gymnastics community is to have her as the new MCCS Gymnastics Program Director; with more than a decade of experience directing, coaching and building gymnastics programs throughout the East Coast (the largest consisting of over 2,000 students and 100 competitive athletes), she has served on the USA Gymnastics State Board and the National Women’s Association of Gymnastics Judges State Board, choreographed countless routines for numerous state, regional and national champions and hosted numerous invitational and state championships. And, as if she needed any more qualifications, she is also a nationally-ranked gymnastics judge, a certified meet director and an ambassador for the International Association of Child Development Programs. Long story short, she knows what she’s doing. And you may have noticed: the gymnasium, located on the second floor of Gunners Fitness Center on Camp Foster, has been a buzzing hive of prep-work the past couple weeks in anticipation of the grand opening just around the corner. But now, the uneven bars, balance beam, floor exercise mats, vault, rings, bar sets, climbing ropes and more are all installed and Tiffany and her team are putting on the finishing touches before the Excellence Gymnastics Academy (EGA) opens to the public. Here’s what to expect. EGA will offer an age-based recreational
program, which will cater to children as early as 10 months old on through 17 years of age, as well as a skill-based competitive training opportunity. And for parents worried about safety, Tiffany has an impeccable safety record and not because of luck: “I implement every single safety measure imaginable to prevent accidents and injuries,” says Ms. Mills. “Staff are trained with the latest safety protocols and standards,” and as each of her lesson plans are structured around injury-reduction, parents can expect their children’s safety to be accounted for, practice after practice. EGA is also taking strong COVID-mitigation actions: class sizes will be limited, only one parent will be allowed in the viewing lobby per participant, all staff will wear masks at all times, mats and equipment will be sanitized after each use and independent station work will be encouraged (reducing the need for physical contact, although coaches will spot children as necessary for safety and technical correction). As of now, students will not be required to wear masks during class, but will be required to wear them to enter the facility, while waiting for their class to be called and then immediately once their class has ended. For the most up-to-date information regarding online registration and more, check mccsokinawa.com/gymnastics regularly and follow MCCS Okinawa on social media. Lastly, if you have any questions, please email ega@okinawa.usmc-mccs.com or call 645-1600. OCTOBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 47
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. 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
for
Troops Center
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
troy.edu/pacific
Okinawa Living 7.9375 x 5.625 2019-2020 Term 0 - Edit.indd 1
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KIDS+PARENTS
Celebrate Your Military Child Kids’ Warrior Day
The life of a military child is filled with fascinating and enriching opportunities, but also with unique hardships: having parents deploy for months at a time, uprooting and moving homes every couple years and learning to adapt to changing environments, cultures and languages—it can be a lot to handle as a child! To honor military children, L.I.N.K.S. (Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills, a program within Marine Corps Family Team Building) is hosting Kids’ Warrior Day on October 10, 9 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Children ages 5–10 from all military branches are welcome to join in on the fun over at the Mike Petty Field on Camp Foster (behind the old Zukeran Elementary School). Kids’ Warrior Day will help children build resilience, find friends who understand their way of life and experience some of what their parents went through to become a member of the United States military. Moreover, kids will learn self-defense with the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, test their aim at the nerf rifle shooting range, take a mock combat fitness test, develop discipline through close order drill and build camaraderie with their peers through a series of
fun and challenging activities such as obstacle courses and more. At the end of the event, parents will welcome their mini-warriors back with a celebration and banners, which parents will have a chance to make while the kids are out having fun. The children’s drill instructors will even present them with their very own dog tags. Kids’ Warrior Day is a FREE event, but as space is limited, registration is required by October 1 to attend. To sign up, head to mccsokinawa.com/mcftb and follow the Eventbrite link. If you have any questions, please contact Marine Corps Family Team Building at 645-3689 from a DSN, 098-970-3689 from off base or mcftbokinawa@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org via email. Lastly, volunteer opportunities for civilians and service members who want to give back to the community are available through this event. If you are interested in volunteering in Kids’ Warrior Day, please follow the volunteer Eventbrite link on mccsokinawa.com/ mcftb. Note: If the Kids’ Warrior Day is cancelled due to inclement weather or health protection measures, the event will be rescheduled to until April 2021. OCTOBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 49
KIDS+PARENTS
Dive into Fall Youth Swim Team Tryouts
A wonderful aspect of island life is that even as the temperature cools, the water is still warm enough to swim in—making every season swim season. And where there are open pools on Okinawa, you are bound to find Dolphins. If swimming is your passion and you weren’t on the Okinawa Dolphins Swim Team (ODST) during a prior season, then try out for ODST on October 19, 3:30–5 p.m., at the Camp Foster Aquatic Center for the late-fall season (October 20–December 12). This 5–10 minute tryout is split into two stages. In the first stage, you must swim freestyle for 50 meters with correct head and body position while side-breathing and kicking constantly. For the second stage, you must swim breaststroke
for 25 meters then backstroke for another 25 meters (you are allowed a 20-second rest in between the 25-meter swims in the second stage). All swims must meet competitive stroke rules, be non-stop efforts and must be performed with no parental interaction. Apart from the skills test, swimmers must demonstrate maturity and must be between 7 and 18 years old by the first day of practice, October 20. Once a part of the team, Dolphins attend regular practices and meets. If you have prior swim team experience or are unable to make the tryouts, please email aquatics@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org to arrange a late tryout. Registration for tryouts is not required. For more information, head to mccsokinawa.com/swimteam.
Mind the Splash ODST Swim Meet On October 17, if you are going to the Camp Foster pool between 7 and 11 a.m., be warned: you will be in the splash zone. The Okinawa Dolphins Swim Team (ODST) is hosting a swim meet at the Foster Aquatic Center where swimmers of all ages will test their skills in a series of different events. If you are a member of ODST, your coach will pick your events for you; if not, you will choose your events from the list available through the swim meet link at mccsokinawa. com/swimteam. Although the deadline has passed for non-SOFA status participants, SOFA status swimmers are able to register before October 14 by emailing aquatics@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org with the swimmer’s name, gender, age, event choices, entry times (if known), school grade and high school they attend (if applicable). And, as always, Blue Seal Ice Cream will be available while supplies last. OCTOBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 51
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tattoo removal . . . Before After
¥8,000
※please bring this magazine with you on your first visit.
とまりん
Open : Mon.-Sat. 10:30a.m-6:00p.m. Wed. half day Closed : Sundays & announced days
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SERVICES
Typhoon Motors Serving Up Some Scary Savings You know what’s spooky? Your car’s engine components overheating, warping and wearing out because you forgot to get your oil changed. Stop by Typhoon Motors and swap your oil out before it’s too late, and during the month of October, you will receive 10% off on complete oil changes. Moreover, you can buy Royal Purple Drum Oil for 50% off while supplies last. These oil sales are available at all Typhoon Motors locations island-wide (Camps Foster, Courtney, Hansen and Kinser). And if your car is collecting cobwebs around the corners, blow them out with some Sundown audio equipment. From October 16–30, E, SA and X-series Sundown subwoofers will be 20% off while 600–3000W SAE and SCV Sundown amplifiers will be available for 25% off only at Typhoon Motors on Camp Foster. In addition to these sales, don’t forget about Typhoon Motors’ scary amount of cheap and convenient year-round offerings. These offerings include routine maintenance checks, stereo installations, wheel and tire services, oil changes, air conditioning repairs, collision repairs, towing services, junking services, JCI inspection services and even vehicle pre-purchase inspection services. Want to work on your own car? You can, with indoor auto work stalls (with and without lifts). Other amenities include a metalworking shop, a wash rack with pressure washers, temporary indoor and outdoor vehicle storage areas, lockers and vehicle deregistration services. For more information on locations, hours, phone numbers and services, check out mccsokinawa.com/typhoonmotors.
Set “Sale” Typhoon Motors’ Columbus Day Specials This month, Typhoon Motors is setting sale with two Columbus Day specials. Venture to any Typhoon Motors location (Camps Foster, Kinser, Courtney or Hansen) October 9–19 to discover 20% off all AMSOIL high-performance motor oil, Meguiar’s car care products and Redline gear oil. AMSOIL synthetic lubricants reduce friction and boost engine performance, as their oil contains no contaminants; Meguiar’s line of products contains everything you need to wash, clean, polish, wax, protect and maintain your vehicle’s cleanliness; and Redline gear oil provides protection for gear teeth while ensuring proper, consistent shifting (yes, that’s important). The second special, the Columbus Day Lifts and Stalls Sale, will tour Typhoon Motors on Camp Kinser October 11 and 12, Camp Foster October 11–13 and Camps Hansen and
Courtney October 13, offering $1 lift-and-stall rentals for adventurers who’d rather work on their own vessels. The Columbus Day Lifts and Stalls Sale is a fantastic opportunity to get better acquainted with your car. With a lift at Typhoon Motors, you can easily access your car’s undercarriage—that means changing or realigning tires, fixing the suspension, changing oil, installing a new muffler and much, much more, all by yourself. The stalls available at each Typhoon Motors also come stocked with tools so you don’t have to worry about forgetting your tools at home. Lastly, if you would like a stall without a lift, those are available as well. For more information on locations, hours and services, head to mccsokinawa.com/typhoonmotors.
OCTOBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 53
THINGS THAT GO…
BUMP IN THE NIGHT TEXT BY MIKE DALEY LAYOUT BY MARGIE SHIMABUKURO
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A
s the end of October nears, thoughts of candy, scary costumes, cavities and things that go “bump in the night” become more common—even in Japan's southernmost prefecture. Halloween isn't officially
celebrated in Japan and on Okinawa; many people are more on the lookout for larger late-season typhoons instead of trolls and ghosts, although seeing multitudes of Okinawan children trickor-treating in the military housing areas on the evening of All Hallows’ Eve isn’t an uncommon sight. Candy-aside, Halloween is also a great time of year for chills and scares that have nothing to do with the consequences of candy overindulgence. And although there are no shortage of scary tales involving ghosts on the island, there are also several very real island denizens that send chills down spines throughout the year—whether the owners of these spines believe in ghosts or not.
BIG BATS As creatures of the night, bats have always had the power to elicit images of vampires and feelings of dread and fear—especially if it’s a gargantuan specimen gliding silently towards you, an evil fiend out on a nightly hunting expedition to collect little boys and girls as late night snacks. This is, of course, untrue. Once you get to know the giant bats of Okinawa a little better, wonder and fascination will soon replace any feelings of apprehension and revulsion. Known as “Japanese megabats” or “flying foxes,” these enormous aerial members of the 150 worldwide species of the fruit bat family can be found in tropical and subtropical areas such as Okinawa. These giant bats are a little different from what you would normally see lining the ceilings of caves. Although there are approximately 33 species of “micro-bats” in Japan, there are only two distinct living species of flying foxes—the Bonin flying fox and the Ryukyu flying fox. While nocturnal like their smaller cousins, flying foxes don’t live in caves, instead preferring to roost in trees during the day. Although some specimens can be intimidating (especially if they’re flying directly at you at eye level), flying foxes aren't carnivorous; they subsist on figs, fruit, and other sweets. The bats play an important role in the Ryukyu Island chain’s ecosystem as well, by not only cross-
pollinating plants (sort of like a very large bee), but also by widely dispersing seeds. One of the most distinctive characteristics of the flying fox is, of course, its size. Specimens have been observed with wingspans of up to 140 centimeters (approximately 63 inches) and their bodies are about the size of a small cat. If you are ever given the opportunity to see a flying fox up close, you'll agree that they are aptly named. With their charming faces and large soulful eyes, they resemble a longhaired, upside-down chihuahua wearing a black leather trench coat equipped with a fur liner. The lifestyle of the flying fox is similar to a stereotypical college student on spring break. They wake up at sunset and, as the sky darkens, can be heard clamoring from their roosts. About 30 minutes after the sun falls, they assemble at the designated feeding site, greeting each other with slaps and shrill calls, and throughout the night, they are very active, feeding on fruit and chasing each other through the air. As the night draws to a close, they disperse and return to their tree roosts to rest. Usually about an hour before sunrise, the bats are comfortable in repose, and they go to sleep at dawn. Sometimes, on cloudy mornings, they don't return to the roost until after sunrise and can be seen gliding by as you head to work or school.
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BIG ROACHES seem like an impossible task, and despite a few of these veterans advising you to “just learn to deal with them,” the war on roaches can be won. The key weapon in the war on bugs is persistence. Battles can be won daily with cans of spray, pellets and roach traps that they can check into but can never leave. However, these methods only succeed in giving you momentary peace of mind. The only true way to eliminate cockroaches from your home is diligence. Keeping the kitchen areas clean by immediately cleaning up spills and crumbs, keeping all foodstuffs in sealed containers and cleaning kitchen exhaust fans of grease on a daily basis is a significant step. Denying the roaches access into your home by caulking up cracks and checking door and window seals also helps. Use these in combination with pesticides that contain pyrethrin and permethrin—or if pets and/or children are present, boric acid—to truly gain an edge. Remember, always exercise caution when using these or any other type of chemical. The combination of these methods should eliminate the problem, but if not, call a real professional. I wish you the best of luck, and hope you don’t have any runins with either the centipede that ate Naha City or the black-and-yellow-striped spider that ate the centipede.
RECIPE PHOTO BY ALEX JUSELL
It’s 4 a.m. and suddenly you’re awakened from deep slumber. After a moment of brief panic, you see the light from the direction of the kitchen and hear the sounds of a midnight snack being prepared. Chuckling to yourself while muttering about paranoia, you quickly fall back asleep. Suddenly, the pre-dawn silence is shattered by the screaming and sobbing of your spouse, punctuated by the noises of absolute mayhem. Fearing the worst, you grab the nearest heavy blunt object and dash for the kitchen with visions of burglars and Hannibal Lecter racing through your head. As you reach the entrance of the kitchen, you find out that reality is even worse than your nightmares: a flying cockroach— the shiny-slick embodiment of all the disgusting things in the world—is making a 90-degree hard right turn around the refrigerator and flying towards your face like a sidewinder missile. Neither chaff nor flares would save you even if you were equipped with them. If you have lived on Okinawa for any period of time, it is highly likely that you have heard of, or (if you are really unlucky) experienced a scenario like this. Hardened veterans of the tōbira (cockroach in the Okinawan dialect) wars often swap stories of their epic battles with roaches seemingly the size of Rodan (the flying monster from the Godzilla movies). Although it may
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BIG CENTIPEDES Speaking of centipedes, these insects meet all the prerequisites for a good, late-night, B-grade horror flick antagonist. They can grow to be quite long, around 20 centimeters (roughly 8 inches of mostly spiny legs and shiny segments) and the specimens found in dark places on Okinawa don’t disappoint. Unlike roaches, who are omnivorous foragers, centipedes are aggressive predators that actively hunt their prey like an Alien Xenomorph with a lot more legs. Contrary to aliens, though, centipedes use venomous fangs to subdue their prey before wrapping their claw-like legs around them to dine at their leisure. Although they primarily eat spiders and
other insects, centipedes will also attack and try to subdue smaller reptiles and mammals such as mice—basically anything that they can wrap their many legs around. I bet you’re glad that they max out at 20 centimeters, huh? Centipedes prefer dark, damp outdoor spaces as their hunting grounds. However, they do occasionally end up inside homes, especially during the rainy season. If you are stung by a centipede, you should promptly disinfect the area to prevent infection. Cold compresses or pain relievers can also help reduce pain and swelling from the venom. In severe cases, medical attention may be required.
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BIG SPIDERS Mistakenly called the Okinawan “banana spider,” the arachnid actually known as the golden silk orb-weaver or o-jyorō gumo in Japanese and Nephila pilipes to scientists is the largest spider in Japan (but not in the world). Like its name suggests, this spider is a member of the orb-weaver family (a relative of the banana spider) and females have a maximum leg span of around 20 centimeters. The goliath birdeater tarantula of South America claims the honor of being the largest spider, growing up to 30 centimeters from one tip of its hairy leg to the other on the opposite side and weighing up to 170 grams—around the same body mass of a hamster. While the golden silk orb-weaver is as impressive as it is intimidating, these
spiders (along with other members of the orb-weaver family) are not aggressive in the least—they’re far more famous for their silk than they are for their fangs. Their webs can reach sizes of up to 2 meters or more in diameter and are quite stout. And, unlike the somewhat fragile webs of other spiders, these can last for weeks and even months. It is said that the silk used to build these webs is so strong that it can trap small birds (which they don’t actually eat). Then again, of all the ways to die, being liquefied from the inside out probably ranks as one of the most terrifying options. For all the bugs unfortunate enough to get entangled in an o-jyorō gumo’s web, this is their fate.
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LIVING ON OKINAWA
Kyoto Kamonanban Soba Serves 3 Ingredients 1 deboned duck breast (with excess fat removed and reserved) 14 oz. dried Japanese soba noodles 6 cups kakejiru* 1 naganegi (Japanese long onion), cut into three-inch long strips 1/4 cup sake (rice wine) 1 bunch mitsuba (parsley), cut into two-inch strips Shichimi-togarashi (Japanese seven-spice chili powder) Brown sugar Preparation 1. Slice the duck breast diagonally into 1/4-inch thick portions. 2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the soba until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Rub together gently until noodles are cold and no longer starchy. Drain well and set aside. 3. Begin warming the kakejiru over low to medium heat. 4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the reserved duck fat and sauté until oil covers the bottom of the skillet. Remove excess duck fat and add the duck breast and naganegi. Cover the skillet, and cook until the surface of the duck turns whitish and the bottom is golden. Turn the duck and naganegi to cook all sides. 5. Add sake, a dash of soy sauce and brown sugar and cook covered for two minutes. 6. Transfer the duck and naganegi to the pot of kakejiru. Add the noodles and reheat for a minute or two. 7. Divide the noodles among three bowls and pour the hot broth over them. Top with the duck and naganegi. Divide the mitsuba among the bowls and sprinkle with shichimi togarashi (to taste). *Kakejiru Combine 1 1/2 quarts of dashi (made from boiling katsuobushi bonito flakes and konbu seaweed and straining), 1 1/2 tbsp. sugar, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1 tbsp. regular soy sauce and 1/2 tbsp. of usukuchi shoyu (light-colored soy sauce) in a medium pot and bring all ingredients to a very slow boil over low to medium heat.
Okinawa Soba Day After Okinawa was returned to mainland Japanese control during the year 1972, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (FTC) claimed that continuing to call the Okinawa soba noodle “soba” was incorrect. According to FTC standards, more than 30 percent of the noodle must be made of buckwheat flour to be called soba while Okinawa soba noodles were made of wheat flour like Japanese kishimen and udon noodles. Due to this discrepancy, the FTC ordered that manufacturers of Okinawa soba change its name accordingly. However, the FTC was met with strong disagreement from the people of Okinawa. Members of the Okinawa Noodle Association provided
the loudest voices, fighting unwaveringly to keep the name until finally, on October 17, 1978, Okinawa soba received the approval of the FTC due to the long heritage of Okinawa soba and its importance to the people of the prefecture. To commemorate this day, many Okinawa soba restaurants throughout the archipelago offered specials to celebrate Okinawa Soba-no-Hi or “Okinawa Soba Day.” This special day is still joyfully celebrated annually on October 17, although many agree that slurping up a bowlful of Okinawa soba is an almost everyday occurrence, making every day of the year Okinawa soba day.
Uchinâguchi Corner English
Japanese
Uchinâguchi
That startled (scared) me!
Bikkuri shita!
Shikandā!
OCTOBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 69
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