MCCS Okinawa Living September 2021

A DANCE WITH HISTORY

September 2021 | Issue 283

HAPPY TRAILS BIKING AND CYCLING ON OKINAWA GET IN THE GAME ...WITH TAIYO’S GOLFER’S ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM

contents September 2021

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TOP RIGHT PHOTO BY MIA COX, BOTTOM RIGHT MCCS PHOTO

8 56 out + about

features

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Happy Trails Despite it being a small island, Okinawa has a surprising amount of trails for bikers and cyclists, from challenging jungle tracks to picturesque paths perfect for cruising.

Get in the Game …with Taiyo’s Golfer’s Advancement Program Quality practice and instruction are vital to advancing your game, which makes the right player development program—such as Taiyo’s Golfer’s Advancement Program—essential to your success.

restaurant review 44

On the cover There are probably as many legends about the origins of shishimai as there are variations of this iconic dance.

Brunch Takes the Lead Onto Something Good at TERRA TERRA makes a strong argument for why brunch may be the best meal of the day.

56 Shishimai A Dance with History If you see any large lions dancing around, don’t be scared! Adorned in beastly garb and intricate masks, dancers perform shishimai to bring about auspicious times and prosperity.

contents September 2021

dining + entertainment 41 Açai Bowls at LifeJuice You won’t have to make a trip to Brazil to sneak a taste of this delicious fruit—stop by LifeJuice for an açai bowl! Snag one while you can, as they’re available for a limited time only.

43 Fireworks Dinner Cruise Enjoy a lovely dinner and fireworks show during a leisurely cruise of Naha Port with Tours+.

kids + parents 49 Hey Coach!

Make a positive impact in the community and in children’s lives as a Youth Sports Coach.

51 Kinser Youth Hip Hop Classes If you’ve got a kid with more energy than the Energizer Bunny, Semper Fit has got a new class on Camp Kinser for them to burn it all off while having a blast: Youth Hip Hop Dance.

services 53

33 fitness + fun

marines + families

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Okinawa’s Strongest If you think you have the strength and mental toughness to claim the title as Okinawa’s Strongest, come and prove it at the Battle of the North.

Volunteer Ready Volunteers are not only helpful to a community, they are essential. But to achieve their true potential, volunteers need a good leader.

Learn how to become one at this volunteer management workshop.

31 Camp Kinser Bike Race Channel your inner Olympian and conquer the 37km course at the Camp Kinser Bike Race.

33 Get Your Paddle Moving Starting an adventure (while sneaking in some fitness) has never been easier with kayak rentals on Camps Courtney and Schwab.

37 Domestic Violence Awareness Next month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of and make a concerted effort to stop domestic violence. You can learn more at the Community Resource Fair, and help shine a light on this issue with the Break the Cycle Cyclethon.

Comic Con Art Contest Comic Con is back and in need of some fabulous décor, so it’s time to show off your super skills by entering the Comic Con 2021 Artist Alley Contest!

55 Inns of the Corps There’s no need to go off base for a luxurious staycation—the award-winning Inns of the Corps Camp Hansen has got you covered.

extras 5 Mensôre

7 Feedback & Show Us!

69 Living on Okinawa

70 Marketplace Guide

SEPTEMBER 2021 | ISSUE 283 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 Mia Cox 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 SUMMER HIRE Leilani Lewis We welcome your comments.

Please send letters to editor@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org

mensôre “Welcome” to Okinawa Living

Congratulations!

Seventeen MCCS Okinawa facilities have been recognized with 2021 MCCS Food & Hospitality Excellence Awards, including Inns of the Corps Camp Foster as the 2021 Marine Corps Lodge of the Year, for their performance in 2020.

“This award is a true reflection of the dedication to the mission of the MCCS team here at Camp Butler,” said Brigadier General William J. Bowers, Commanding General, Marine Corps Installations Pacific. “Throughout the COVID pandemic, they provided lodging support for incoming Restriction of Movement (ROM) guests at the Inns of the Corps Camp Foster. The MCCS team was able to provide top-notch service, from greeting guests at the Kadena AMC terminal upon their arrival to serving complimentary breakfast and even providing welcome gift baskets in each room. In order to maximize on-base rooms for incoming personnel in ROM, the Inns of the Corps Camp Foster facilitated an innovative reservation process for local off-base hotels who supported outbound personnel and inbound guests after they cleared their ROM status. The MCCS Okinawa team went above and beyond in supporting the command mission and providing outstanding customer service to all travelers.”

The Food and Hospitality Excellence Award Program was established by Marine Corps Community Services at HQMC to recognize restaurant and hospitality activities that exceed the highest level of operation and service. The award program allows any club, restaurant, snack bar or lodging facility, regardless of size or location, to measure their results against criteria in pre-established categories. To achieve an Excellence Award, activities must be agile and seasoned, and place the customer at the center of all they do.

Alongside Inns of the Corps Camp Foster, the following activities were also honored: Surfside on Camp Kinser, Habu Pit O/SNCO Club on MCAS Futenma, Ocean Breeze, TERRA, Bonsai Coffee, Bulldogs Burgers, Sumo Burrito and Shisa Pizza on Camp Foster, Inns of the Corps and Hashmarks SNCO Club on Camp Courtney, Taiyo Steakhouse, The Palms on Camp Hansen, BeachHead on Camp Schwab and LifeJuice Cafés on Camps Foster, Courtney and Hansen. Once again, congratulations on a job well done! 

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

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.

Okinawa Living Magazine is printed with

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Visit mccsokinawa.com/ol for the latest issue. Also, visit issuu.com/mccsokinawa to see back issues of the magazine.

feedback

from the ICE Program and Facebook This is my second Mt. Fuji Tour. Thank you, Mark Waycaster; you are the best tour/event guide I have ever encountered. You kept the team informed, made yourself available to the participants literally 24/7 and provided valuable information to folks not sure about Tokyo, the subway and the climb itself. You made the trip fun and informative—you were even willing to take the subway with participants who were not familiar with its usage.

You care about us and we appreciate you tremendously.

Great job, Mark!

—via ICE I just wanted to give the McTureous Aquatic Center staff some praise for my overall experience today. The lifeguards were very attentive to all patrons and made sure everyone was safe. The facility was spotless, and the slide and diving board were both open in alternate rotation the whole three hours I visited the pool. My kids were so excited! I just wanted to give the whole staff a big “shout-out” for doing a great job! Thank you!

—via ICE

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

@coffeecloudsandchaos Waiting for these blue skies to return #okilivingmag

I can’t thank the staff of Yuimaru [Child Development Center on Camp Kinser] enough for taking great care of my babies over the last five years. The caregivers there are amazing—they’ve taken care of my kids as if they were their own! It has been such a blessing having Yuimaru as my children’s childcare facility. It saddens me that I’ve had to pull my kids from care as we PCS. We are going to miss the staff at Yuimaru greatly.

—via ICE

@tsuki_no_asano We love Uruma! #okilivingmag

I wanted to start by saying all MCCS Fitness Centers on Okinawa are by far the cleanest facilities in all the Marine Corps with the finest staff. The reason I’m submitting this is to inquire about the climbing ropes out by the HITT area. When will they be fixed? We currently don’t have an obstacle course aboard Camp Foster, so having these ropes available helps with the warrior ethos of Marines.

Thank you for your time.

—via ICE We are happy to inform you that the ropes have been repaired and they are now available for use. If you have any additional comments, questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at fitnesscenters@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. Thanks for sharing your feedback.

—James Biggins, Camp Foster Semper Fit Athletics Director I would like to recognize an employee at [Camp Hansen House of Pain Fitness Center] that was very helpful— Mr. Eugene [Humphrey]. He was knowledgeable and courteous and helped me when I was looking to borrow a grill for my unit’s function for the 4th of July. I had no idea where to even start since it was my first time trying to borrow anything from Outdoor Recreation. Fortunately, he was the first person I ran into and he had all the answers. It’s because of employees like him that make stressful situations manageable. Thank you again for continuing to be that help in a time of need.

—via ICE

@mari_the_uchinaanchu Look Up #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.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 7

OUT + ABOUT

OUT + ABOUT

Growing up, I remember “golf ” being as much a part of my weekend vocabulary as “church,” because my dad was an avid player. After my husband and I found ourselves here on Okinawa, he told me he was going to the driving range with some friends. “Great, have fun!” I chirped.

And the next thing I knew, he came home with a golf bag and his own set of clubs. As he gets more and more into the game, golf, once again, has become a part of my weekend vocabulary.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 17

“Golf is both a game and a sport,” according to Taiyo Golf Club Manager and PGA Professional, Tom Abrahamson. In other words, in order to become a better golfer, you’ll need to hone your skills just like any other athlete. And since quality practice and instruction are vital to advancing your game, finding the right player development program is essential to your success.

Since its grand opening in 2010, Taiyo Golf Club has had a high standard of excellence. With their new Golfer’s Advancement Program (GAP), you’ll find Taiyo has raised the bar even further. Designed to improve overall performance, players of all skill levels will reap the benefits of being a GAP member: unlimited range balls, customized training plans and FREE access to clinics (each covering different aspects of the game).

As you practice both on and off the course, simply knowing you have access to the driving range with zero additional cost can encourage you to squeeze in even more drills between rounds. Participants can also test out the ES15 Launch Monitors from Ernest Sports that are in the process of being installed. And, since you don’t want to wind up practicing the wrong way hundreds of times (and then try correcting it afterwards), the customized training plans outlined by Taiyo’s pro staff will help you focus on your individual needs and goals.

Plus, you’ll be able to attend GAP clinics (one-hour sessions offered three times per month), which are a blend of lectures and kinesthetic discovery. As Mr. Abrahamson says, “Over years of playing competitive golf both at the collegiate and professional level, there are certain skills that I developed to compete. I am going to share these secrets with you to reach your golf potential.”

Check out the skills that will be highlighted during some of the upcoming GAP topics.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 19

Learn to use all of your clubs.

Check out the most popular brands such as Titleist, Taylor Made, Callaway, Mizuno and Ping in Taiyo’s demonstration and fitting clubs lineup. In addition, Abrahamson reminds us that it’s smart to try before you buy because the technology is always changing.

With Taiyo’s professional club fitting, you can get the equipment that matches your game.

If you played in Taiyo’s recent 4-Club Tournament, you probably didn’t select a long iron as one of your four clubs. “These are just harder clubs to hit and control, so we’re dedicating a clinic to better performance with them,” but, as Abrahamson notes, you can learn to use all of your clubs. If you’re considering replacing one of your traditional long irons with a moreforgiving hybrid, hold off until after this clinic.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 21

“Arm yourself with the tools to play the game better.

Golf is more than just the swing.”

—Tom Abrahamson

According to Abrahamson, “This clinic really blows people’s minds and gives them a true understanding that they can control the golf ball.” Covering aspects such as your grip, stance, swing path and angle of attack, you’ll learn to create a variety of shots. Hit a low hook, a high fade, medium draw and a low fade—and learn when to select each of these shots.

Do you know your true carry distance with each of your clubs? Abrahamson says hitting for your intended distance and direction is “more about consistency and precision.” In addition, you’ll learn to be the kind of player who is “measuring the effects of the wind and playing the percentages so that your miss hits are better,” he continues.

There’s a reason why long drive contests exist: power is impressive. Who doesn’t want to smack a golf ball into oblivion? But really, smash factor applies to more than just the shots you take with your driver; “it is important for all clubs,” says Abrahamson. “This clinic focuses on creating smash by hitting the ball with angle and addresses inefficiencies in swing, such as casting, not loading [your backswing] and poor resistance that can cause the club to create less compression at impact.”

With the majority of shots taking place within 100 yards of the pin, golfers of all skill levels should never underestimate the value of mastering shots with a short swing. “The key here is developing distance control, precision, consistency and confidence,” Abrahamson stresses. Aiming to use more than just their sand wedges, participants will “learn to hit different types of shots—half, three-quarter, cut or knockdowns, as well as how to tighten the release [of the golf club].”

Like many courses, the majority of the holes at Taiyo (15 of them!) have bunkers near the green, so you’ll definitely want to be prepared for this type of challenge. Ready your wedges, hit the flop shots and learn how to get up and down like a pro. And since everyone winds up in the sand sometimes, players will especially want to stay clear of deep bunkers like those on holes 3 and 14.

So your approach shot came up short? No worries, that’s part of the game. Dead eye chipping focuses on improving accuracy, overall technique and teaches assertiveness. Since you can chip with a variety of clubs, you’ll also learn how to master the chip-and-run with each of them—a methodology that gives golfers more consistency in their contact and improved results from misses. Plus, it enables you to better attack the pin.

Avoid the dreaded three-putt as you learn the value of lag putting. Participants will work on building muscle memory for feeling target distances and also learn to “read greens, understand grain, play in the wind and play the high side of the breaks,” according to Abrahamson.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 23

“Address the mental side of your game in areas like course management, self-management, focus, pre-shot routines and learning how to play to your strengths.”

—Tom Abrahamson

Golf is a cause-and-effect-heavy sport, so players need to put a lot of strategy into their game. During this clinic, participants will go around the golf course and see different situations and practice strategies to get the best results. This class also covers the rules that will save you strokes. For example, Taiyo’s course has steep slopes on all holes, and you can find detailed descriptions of these areas that are considered obstructions— from which you are permitted free relief—in Taiyo’s local rules.

Knowing how to think through your game will help you balance risk vs. reward, select your clubs, handle wind and learn to play the percentages. You not only need to train your body, but train your mind as well.

Many of the GAP clinics will help with mental discipline and preparing for tournament play. According to Abrahamson, there are also “fun games you can play that help develop focus.”

Dealing with unfavorable conditions is all part of the game of golf. Not all of your days on the course will be sunny and carefree. You’re bound to find lies that range from good to bad to just plain ugly. Do you know what to do if you have to hit from uphill, downhill or sidehill lies? What if your ball is buried, plugged or worse—deemed unplayable—and you have to drop and take the penalty strokes? And while Taiyo is one of the most unique places you’ll ever play, it comes with frequent high winds, surprise rain showers and the formidable surrounding jungle—all the more reason to hit it straight. You need a plan for every situation that might arise.

As you get into the game, “golf ” doesn’t have to be something you just casually mention on the weekends.

Give it your best shot with the GAP advantage. Stop by the Taiyo Pro Shop and register at any time to get started. Pricing for membership starts at $90 for three months, and the longer you’re enrolled, the more you can save. To try it out before making the full member commitment, you can attend GAP clinics as a nonmember for $15 per clinic.

For more information about GAP, or to view the scheduled dates for each GAP clinic, visit mccsokinawa. com/golf or follow Taiyo’s Facebook page at facebook. com/taiyogc.  SEPTEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 25

Consult with III MEF/MARFORJ Leave & Liberty Guidance before booking/travel

Thailand is reopening for fully vaccinated international travellers without quarantine requirements starting from Phuket from 1 July, followed by Surat Thani s Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao from 15 July 2021.

Get Ready Now!

FITNESS + FUN

Okinawa’s Strongest Battle of the North

The South has had its chance, and now it’s the North’s turn. Okinawa’s Strongest: Battle of the North is back. If you think you have the guts, the strength and the mental toughness to claim the title as Okinawa’s Strongest, then come and prove it. On September 19, the Battle of the North will be waged across four unique challenges at the Camp Hansen Athletic Field, where only the strongest (per weight class) will stand victorious.

Those four challenges are the Atlas stone lift, in which competitors hoist heavy spheres onto platforms; the yoke carry; the tire flip; and the deadlift/log press medley, a combined challenge in which competitors must complete deadlifts and log presses over 50 meters.

If you are interested, and if you are a SOFA ID card holder age 18 years or older, grab $25 and register through Eventbrite by September 15 (11:30 p.m.) to claim your spot in the competition.

Keep in mind, Okinawa’s Strongest will be split into separate weight classes: Men below 175 lbs, men between 175 and 200 lbs, men above 200 lbs, women below 150 lbs and women above 150 lbs.

If you have any questions, email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

For more information, head to mccsokinawa.com/adultsports. 

Remembrance Yoga Pay Your Respects, Reflect & Remember It is almost hard to believe that 20 years have passed, marking the day millions will never forget; the impacts of September 11, 2001 are undeniable and changed our lives forever. Foreign policy, airline security, building safety standards and national security were all shaped and influenced. Even more than these public changes, the tragic deaths of 2,977 people during the 9/11 attacks spread shock, grief and heartache across the nation. Rescue workers, survivors, volunteers and the American people came together in unity—to mourn for and honor those whose lives were lost.

On this solemn anniversary, pay your respects, reflect and remember the events of September 11 with a one-hour yoga session on Friday, September 10 from 5 to 6 p.m. Yoga provides exceptional opportunities for mindfulness—and a calming way to

process your thoughts and feelings of one of modern America’s most significant days.

SOFA ID card holders island-wide, including children ages 12 and older (with parent or guardian supervision), are welcome to attend at their choice of two locations: the aerobics room at Gunners Fitness Center on Camp Foster or the aerobics room at Ironworks Fitness Center on Camp Courtney. Fresh fruit will be provided and participants will receive small American flags and pins as memorial tokens.

Registration for Remembrance Yoga is FREE and available through Eventbrite until September 8 at midnight. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/health promotion and if you have any questions, please email groupfitness@okinawa.usmc -mccs.org. 

SEPTEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 29

FITNESS + FUN

Camp Kinser Bike Race Pedal to the Metal

Feeling motivated after watching the Olympic cyclists this summer? With average speeds of over 35km/h for women and over 38km/h for men, watching Olympians tackle the road races sure was awe-inspiring. Pulling inspiration from gold medalists Richard Carapaz and Anna Kiesenhofer or top USA finishers Brandon McNulty and Coryn Rivera, it’s now your turn to rule the road.

Whether you’re channeling your inner Olympian through every klick or just enjoying the ride as you work on beating your own personal record, all SOFA cyclists ages 15 and older are invited to the Camp Kinser Bike Race on Sunday, October 3. Checkins are from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. and are followed by a mandatory brief at 7:45 a.m.—then you’re off! For Kinser’s 37km course.

This race does not follow a staggered start, so go ahead and take the lead, fall in and let those leaders break the wind’s resistance or keep pace with a trusted racing buddy. But whatever you do, pedal your hardest because awards will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in all age categories for male and female racers. Age categories include 15 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49 and 50 and up.

Registration is available through Eventbrite until 11:30 p.m. on September 29 for $40. Visit mccsokinawa.com/adultsports for more information, or email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org if you have any questions. 

Become a Master of the Courts!

Tennis Lessons with Semper Fit

After watching the pros blast ace after ace, hit the baseline with pinpoint accuracy with a crosscourt backhand and then make a perfect drop shot you may think to yourself: “Sure, I can do that!” Well…maybe with a bit of instruction, a lot of practice and perhaps a wish granted by a personal genie.

In all seriousness, tennis definitely takes copious amounts of time and practice; there’s much more to playing the game than just hitting the ball as hard as you can to the other side of the court. Proper instruction will teach you basic tennis mechanics such as grip, strokes, spins, footwork, strategy and tactics that will not only make you a better player, but also protect you from possible injuries.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking to develop your skills or have never picked up a racquet, tennis lessons are a great way to improve your game, or to learn just how fun tennis can be; not only is tennis a great sport for getting into shape, it’s also a great way to make new friends.

Interested? Tennis lessons for individuals and small groups are offered on Camp Foster at the courts next to the Semper Fit Aquatic Center. Times and dates are flexible, and registration is accepted at the front desk of Gunners Fitness Center. For more information, call 645-3050 or email fitnesscenters@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.  SEPTEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 31

OKUMA BEACH

BOUNCE!!

LABOR DAY WEEKEND 4 - 5 SEPTEMBER Saturday, 4 September 10 am - 3 pm

Open to children ages 13 & under Calling all kiddies! Come play outside at Okuma Beach for a fun event that’s just for kids! Join a water balloon fight, and take a ride on the slip n’ slide and inflatable water slides.

Customers are encouraged to bring their own water guns.

5 - 9 pm

Enjoy live entertainment and delicious backyard BBQ specials on the restaurant patio!

Sunday, 5 September Color Run

13 (includes T-shirt) 4 pm • Register at Beachfront Campground 5:30 pm • Race starts Come join this 1.5-mile fun run! $

Beach Cleanup Day

Saturday, 18 September • 10 - 11 am In honor of International Coastal Cleanup Day, Okuma wants to help beautify the beaches! Stop by the patio outside Surfside Grill & Bar to get trash bags and gloves, then head to the beaches to get started. Afterward, enjoy free ice cream for all your hard work!

Current social distancing measures will be adhered to per 18th Wing guidance.

Okuma Beach • 631-1990 | Lodging Reservations • 631-1991 Surfside Grill & Bar • 098-962-1805 | Okuma Outdoor Recreation • 631-1815 Located 51 miles north of Kadena Air Base Okuma.KadenaFSS.com facebook.com/theokumabeach @okumabeach

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FITNESS + FUN

PADI Instructor Development Course Share your Passion of Diving with Others Okinawa is one of the best dive locations in the world. Healthy corals, diverse sea life, incredible visibility—it’s no wonder throngs of people get dive certified during their stay. And with so many people learning to dive, instructors are in high demand.

Remember the first time you took a breath underwater? Now you can help others experience that same sublime feeling by becoming a PADI Instructor through Camp Foster Tsunami Scuba’s PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC), September 21–October 17.

Whether you want to become an instructor to enhance your career, supplement your income or ignite a lifelong passion of diving in others, this class will sharpen your dive demonstration skills and teach you how to control open water dives. After completing this two-part course, which consists of the Assistant Instructor course and the Open Water Scuba Instructor program, you’ll be ready to take the Instructor Examination, the final step towards earning a PADI Instructor certification.

To sign up, you must be a registered PADI Divemaster over 18 years old with more than 60 logged dives. Moreover, you must be a certified First Aid/CPR instructor. If you aren’t already, don’t worry—there’s an Emergency First Response Instructor course offered through Tsunami Scuba September 7–11, which is perfect timing as registration for the PADI IDC closes September 13. For more information, check out mccsokinawa.com/tsuna miscuba, and to register for IDC, head to Camp Foster Tsunami Scuba in person or call 645-4206. 

Get Your Paddle Moving

Kayak Rentals from Outdoor Recreation

After moving to a subtropical island, surely the obvious occurred to you: Okinawa has just as much to enjoy offshore as on. There’s swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and, of course, one of the best water sports around—kayaking! Using this unique way to explore the island’s waters, you’ll also discover how kayaking is a great low-impact exercise that provides both the cardio and strength-building components of a solid workout.

With two MCCS Camps offering kayak rentals and beach access, starting an adventure (while sneaking in some fitness) has never been easier. Get your paddle moving at Camp Schwab’s Oura Wan Bay or Camp Courtney Beach with affordable rentals from Outdoor Recreation (located inside Schwab Power Dome and Courtney Ironworks Fitness Centers). At Camp Courtney, your rental will also come with a hand-pull trolley that makes the process of getting your kayak down to the beach even smoother.

Kayak rentals at both locations are available for daily rates (with an equipment return deadline of 5:30 p.m.), but if you’d like more time on the water, weekend rates (Friday–Sunday) are also an option. For more information visit mccsokinawa.com/ outdoor_recreation. If you have any questions, email fitnesscenters@okinawa.usmc-mccs. org, or call 622-9221 (Camp Courtney) or 625-2442 (Camp Schwab).

A few tips to remember: Bring water and small snacks to stay hydrated and keep your energy up. Don’t forget sun protection. And since ocean gear rentals are popular, plan to call ahead—advance reservations are welcome.  SEPTEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 33

MARINES + FAMILIES

Training in the Trades

Another Way to Succeed

Trade in the thought that a four-year degree is the only path to success.

There are options for you to get certified faster, save money, receive hands-on experience and discover in-demand jobs. If any of these appeal to you, it might be time to pursue a career in a trade or vocation. In contrast to the traditional four-year colleges, a trade school’s focus is developing specialty skills, which gets you out of the classroom, and gaining hands-on experience in your chosen profession.

If your interest is piqued, head to the MCCS Education Center on Camp Hansen or Foster to talk about all of this and more at the Training in the Trades workshop. In this class, you will navigate and explore educational and training opportunities in trade and vocational fields. You will also learn how to utilize your GI Bill or other financial opportunities to cover education costs.

The workshop is open to all SOFA ID card holders. For convenience's sake, you’ll have two different opportunities to attend this workshop: September 8 at Camp Foster (Bldg. 5679) and September 22 at Camp Hansen (Bldg. 2399). Advance registration is required to attend. To reserve your spot, please email your full name and email address to education@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/education. For questions, please call 645-7160.  —Kiara Klein

Volunteer Ready

Volunteer Management Workshop

Aristotle astutely stated, “What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.”

Why? Our community wouldn’t function as smoothly as it does without volunteers. Their time and energy are not only helpful to our community, but essential. And while many volunteers have different reasons for serving others and doing good, it is important that they feel valued and supported for their work—which is why MCCS is hosting Volunteer Ready, a volunteer management workshop.

During Volunteer Ready, you’ll learn recognition strategies that validate your volunteers for their efforts. You will also learn to write volunteering descriptions that appeal to new volunteers who are eager to join the team. And last but certainly not least, you’ll learn how to engage Marine Corps volunteers in effective and mutually beneficial ways.

The training is a quarterly event, and the next two are scheduled for September 30 and November 5. The training on September 30 will be hosted via Adobe Connect and take place from 9 to 11 a.m. Registration is required. Information for the meeting and a link to join the event will be emailed the week of the scheduled training. For additional information, visit mccsokinawa.com/volunteer. For questions, call 645-3749 (DSN) or 098-970-3749.  —Kiara Klein SEPTEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 35

MARINES + FAMILIES

Get Inspired!

Arts and Crafts Classes

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Community Resource Fair and Break the Cycle Cyclethon Next month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of and make a concerted effort to stop domestic violence. This pattern of abuse that occurs in an intimate or cohabiting relationship with the ultimate goal of gaining control over the victim can take the form of physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or neglect—all of which the military community does not tolerate. Moreover, the military community is here to help.

Stop by the Domestic Violence Awareness Month Community Resource Fair, hosted by the Behavioral Health Family Advocacy Program Prevention team, to learn about the resources available to victims of domestic abuse as well as resources that are in place to prevent domestic abuse. This tabling event will take place at the Camp Foster Community Center Auditorium on October 1 from 4 to 6 p.m., where Prevention and Education will share the calendar of domestic violence awareness events for the month. (The Bulldogs Burgers food trailer will also be present!)

Included in that calendar is the Third Annual Break the Cycle Cyclethon. Join Behavioral Health in walking, running and cycling all October long to help shine a light on the resources available to

victims of domestic abuse. Here’s how it will run: Any time during October, head to mccsokinawa. com/prevention_and_education and submit your registration information. Then, every day up to and including October 31, log how many minutes you walked, ran or cycled (for the latter, you can gain cycling minutes both in cycling classes and on your own time). After the competition wraps up, the participants with the most minutes will receive prizes. For more information, head to mccsokinawa. com/behavioralhealth. If you have any questions, please call 645-2915 or email FAPPrevention@okina wa.usmc-mccs.org.

Lastly, 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 at 645-1716. Second, you can call the Family Advocacy Program at 645-2915 from a DSN or 098-970-2915 from off base. After calling, FAP’s professionally-trained clinicians will work on assessing the report along with PMO if needed. Third, you can call 24/7 Victim Advocates—a great resource for when individuals have general questions about domestic abuse—at 645-SAFE (7233) from a DSN or 098-970-7233 from off base. 

Autumn is a wonderful time to “fall” in love with your creative side. It's the perfect time to craft beautiful décor for the upcoming holidays or make homemade gifts for your loved ones this season. But where to find the inspiration? With classes from MCCS Arts and Crafts!

Classes for both children and adults are offered on Camps Foster and Courtney. Enjoy sketching, oil painting and pastel work, or opt for crafts such as ikebana ( Japanese flower arranging), kimekomi dolls or beaded jewelry. Foster Arts and Crafts also offers DIY framing for turning your masterpieces into keepsakes, and Courtney Arts and Crafts has a woodshop where you can even make furniture.

For more information about class details, schedules and prices, visit mccsokinawa.com/framing andfinearts or mccsokina wa.com/courtneyartsand crafts. If you have any questions, please call 645-3674 (098-970-3674 from off base) for Foster Arts & Crafts or 622-7492 (098-954-7492 from off base) for Courtney Arts and Crafts. 

SEPTEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 37

DINING + ENTERTAINMENT

AÇai Bowls at LifeJuice Move Over Straws, the Spoons are in Town Masquerading as berries, the fruit of aÇai palm trees are actually drupes. Call them what you want though; berry is more than acceptable, as most people don’t go searching the markets asking for drupes. But, unless you’re planning a trip to the Amazon, you’ll be hard pressed to find aÇai in one whole, intact form. That’s because once they’re harvested—a process that must be done by hand—aÇai “berries” need to be consumed within about 24 hours. This is why outside of its natural habitat, you’ll only find aÇai in other forms: powder, juice and, the most popular, frozen purée.

With regard to nutrition, aÇai is deemed a superfood with a lot of associated health benefits, the biggest of which is its antioxidant properties. Also high in fiber and heart-healthy fats (like those found in olive oil), these grape-sized fruits are small but mighty.

AÇai has been a staple for the people of the Amazon River delta for centuries. Outside of Brazil though, this superfood has only been enjoyed for a relatively short time, as it gained its largest popularity boom in the U.S. around the early 2000’s.

Now, if you’ve never tasted aÇai, two words are likely to come up if you check around with others who have: tart and delicious.

You’ll also find descriptions of the taste include “earthy” and likened to a mix of blueberries and dark chocolate. Delicious is right! As is tart, which is why aÇai is often paired with other sweeter foodstuffs.

Good news for aÇai newbies and super fans alike: you don’t have to make that trip to Brazil just yet in order to sneak a taste. You’re in luck, because for a limited time only, AÇai Bowls are hitting the menu at LifeJuice Cafés island-wide.

This thick aÇai purée is blended with apple juice, frozen blueberries and peaches then topped with banana slices, berries and granola and served with honey on the side. You can also substitute any of LifeJuice’s milk and milk alternative selections in place of the apple juice.

So, have yourself a bliss“bowl” day and stop by any of LifeJuice’s six locations to snag one. For locations and more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/lifejuice.  SEPTEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 41

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Brunch Takes the Lead Something Good at TERRA

Text by: Angie Andrews | Photography by: Mia Cox

We all know that brunch is winning the race when it comes to everyone’s favorite meal—it’s the perfect compromise, offering breakfast for those that like to lazily roll out of bed as afternoon inches near and lunch for those that have already been awake for hours.

As far as the food goes, of course, it should be delicious.

But if you send a snapshot to your family members and one of them replies with “Oh, my gosh! I would give anything to eat that,” or you wind up with evidence of your meal stuck to your face (because you have no shame), that’s when you know you’re onto something good.

I was not lying when I gushed to Kristin Kope, Club Manager of TERRA on Camp Foster, that I have two favorite breakfasts on island, and the Chorizo Benny is one of them.

This twist on traditional eggs benedict replaces Canadian bacon with spicy chorizo and hollandaise sauce with avocado crema. It also comes with pepper jack cheese and mizuna (Japanese mustard greens). The perfect example of how TERRA blends flavors from different cultures in its dishes, this is my go-to choice and it never disappoints.

As a creature of habit, once I find something I love it’s hard to stray from it. But after my recent visit, I dare say I have another favorite menu item: the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. One bite and I blurted out, “it tastes just like chicken wings!” which Sous Chef Miyagi-san seemed to take as a great compliment.

Large enough to tackle with a knife and fork and finger lickin’ good as a handheld, no matter how you choose to attack it, I highly recommend this one.

As large and in charge as that sandwich was, another item made a huge impression: the Avocado Toast, which can be ordered with or without an egg on top. This is the most beautiful toast I think I’ve ever seen, presented on a wooden platter accompanied by a colorful salad. By sight alone, it left

no question as to why it’s one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, and it tastes just as delightful as it looks.

Combining yogurt, berries and granola and served with honey, the Granola Parfait sure is a sweet way to start your day.

The blueberry and raspberry compote is made in-house, as are many other items including the sausage gravy that smothers fresh biscuits in the Sausage Gravy & Biscuits breakfast classic.

Knowing that many items include restaurant-made components says a lot about the love TERRA’s staff gives to their menu. Restaurant Manager Helen Cales (who recommends the Sunny Side Burger as a personal favorite) shared that the level of care doesn’t stop with the food. She said their staff treat each other like family, and this positive work environment directly impacts the customer experience. As a repeat customer myself, I can vouch for the fact that you can expect great service and a great atmosphere.

In addition to their standard menu options, the staff at TERRA incorporates Specials (usually designed for the lunch or dinner menus) which are collaborative recipes that Chef Miyagi and Lead Cook Dominic Avalos create together. For example, the Burnt Ends Beef Brisket Tacos offered in the past were a huge hit. The special offering during my visit?

Something I know my cookies-n-cream ice cream-loving husband would adore—Oreo Chocolate Pancakes. Topped with ice cream and crushed Oreo cookies, these certainly put the “cake” in pancake and were a true contender in the breakfastmeets-dessert arena.

Ladies and gentleman: brunch takes the lead, no doubt.

TERRA is open for brunch on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. And if you can’t wait until the weekend, they also have breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, a full bar and two private dining rooms you can reserve. For menus and more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/terra.  SEPTEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 45

KIDS + PARENTS

Hey Coach!

Volunteer as a Coach and Shape a Child’s Future Many of us have had one—that one person who made a lasting impact in our lives during our younger years. Whether it was a teacher who showed us the joy of reading that blossomed into a love of writing, the music instructor who taught us the beauty of music or that basketball coach who taught us that a defeat wasn’t the end of the world… these were people who made us stronger and better in the long run.

With the right coach, kids feel more confident, well prepared and inspired when both participating in their chosen sport as well as in everyday life. Participating in sports at a young age can have a healthy developmen-

tal influence on children, too; not only do sports promote cooperative play, teamwork and sportsmanship, the physical activity also improves motor skills and enhances selfesteem. So, in a sense, a good coach will leave a positive and lasting impression on a kid that could last a lifetime!

If you are ready to make a positive impact in both the community as well as in a child’s life, MCCS Semper Fit Youth Sports has the opportunity for you. Semper Fit is looking for fun, dedicated individuals who want to make a difference in a child’s life and teach life lessons that they’ll carry into adulthood. To coach is to play an active role in a

child’s future. You are not just a coach; you are a mentor, a hero and a role model. In addition, coaching a team is a great way to meet new people and share your skills with children who share a passion for sports and an active lifestyle. Volunteer opportunities are available all year round, but currently Youth Sports is seeking dedicated head and assistant coaches for this year’s winter cheerleading and basketball season.

For more information about becoming a volunteer coach, please stop by the Semper Fit Youth Sports office on Camp Foster, call 645-3533/3534 or email youthsports@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org.  SEPTEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 49

KIDS + PARENTS

A Safe Path Healthy Teen Dating Class There’s no doubt that social media has made relationships more complicated—especially for teens who are taking their first foray into the dating field. And if you throw the negative effects that high rates of tech use have on a teen’s social skills into the mix, that dating field more and more resembles an emotional minefield. So to help guide middle and high school students down the safe and healthy dating path, Behavioral Health Family Advocacy Program is hosting Healthy Teen Dating, a course taught in collaboration with professional clinicians and a school psychologist that aims to promote healthy teen relationships, boundaries and communication.

Healthy Teen Dating will be available this month and the next at Kubasaki High School and Lester Middle School during select class periods. As for specific topics, students can expect to learn about dating ethics (the rights and wrongs of dating behavior), dating in a digital world (and the common emotions, like jealousy and distractedness, that may arise), red flags in relationships (what is unacceptable behavior from a partner?) and what healthy relationships look like.

Dating can be messy. But with Healthy Teen Dating, students can navigate the field with composure, compassion and confidence. No registration is required to attend.

For questions, please call 645-2915 or email FAPPrevention@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org. 

Youth Hip Hop Classes Kinser Fitness Center If you’ve got a kid with more energy than the Energizer Bunny, Semper Fit has a class at the Camp Kinser Fitness Center for them to burn it all off while having a blast: Youth Hip Hop Dance. This class—offered on Fridays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. for children ages 5–8 and 5:30–6:30 p.m. for children ages 9–12—is a fantastic activity with proven benefits in the realms of physical, social and cognitive health.

How so? First, hip-hop dancing involves tons of unique muscle movements that kick the cardiovascular system into gear (as the names suggest, it’s hard to pop, lock and break without breaking a sweat). Second, participating in fun and active group settings offers

plenty of chances for your kid to interact with others. Third, dancing improves mood, lowers stress and is an outlet for people to express themselves and get creative—a huge boon to mental health. So if your kiddo is interested, you can register at the Kinser Fitness Center for $35 per month.

Youth Hip Hop Dance classes are open to SOFA ID card-holding children, and don’t worry, all the hip hop music played in class will be age-appropriate. For more information, head to mccsokinawa.com/semperfit or facebook. com/mccsokinawa.semperfit. For questions, feel free to email fitnesscenters@okinawa.usmc-mccs. org or call 637-1114.  SEPTEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 51

SERVICES

A Sale-Stuffed September Typhoon Motors In celebration of Labor Day, Typhoon Motors is putting in the work to bring you sales all September long—starting with the Radiator Flush Special. Stop by Typhoon Motors on Camps Foster, Courtney or Hansen any day this month to receive 25 percent OFF on a complete radiator flush. What does a radiator flush do, exactly? It removes rust and scale deposits from your cooling system, thereby preventing your engine from overheating (a potentially costly occurrence).

Next up on the calendar is the Sundown Sale on Camp Foster. Drop

by September 3–8 to find all Sundown Audio equipment 15 percent OFF. After you swap out your original factory set-up with Sundown subwoofers and amplifiers, you’ll be floored by the sound quality and power you can achieve in your own car.

After that, stop by Typhoon Motors on Camps Foster, Courtney or Hansen between September 4 and 11 for the Labor Day Special, where select automotive goods will be up to 50 percent OFF. The on-sale stock will differ from store to store, too, so check out all locations to make sure you aren’t missing out on any sweet deals.

As for the last sale, Typhoon Motors is hosting a $1 Lifts and Stalls Sale on Camp Foster September 5–7, Camp Kinser September 5–6 and Camps Courtney and Hansen on September 7. If you’ve been aching to work on your car yourself but haven’t had the means to access the undercarriage, this is the sale for you.

For more information, including locations, numbers and services, head to mccsokinawa.com/typhoonmotors.

Comic Con Art Contest Show Off Your “Super” Artwork Have you heard? Comic Con Okinawa is coming back! And Artist Alley—the area of Comic Con where both professional and amateur artists from around the globe set up booths to display (and sell) their original work—needs fabulous décor. That means it’s time to show off your “super” skills by entering the Comic Con 2021 Artist Alley Contest.

Artists of all talent levels, this is your chance to share your work with the community. Showcase your favorite superhero, anime, manga, fantasy, sci-fi or cartoon character using any medium you like. Artwork should be no larger than 11 by 17 inches, on paper or cardstock and can be portrait or landscape oriented. Let your imagination run wild, but please do not include any inappropriate language, insensitive content, excessive gore or graphic (not fit for children) depictions.

To enter, send a digital copy of your work along with a short description or explanation of your inspiration to contest@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org by October 22. Be sure to include your full name, email address and phone number. After finalists have been selected, your original artwork should be turned in to Arts and Crafts. (Don’t worry, you’ll get it back.) In addition to having your art seen by all those at Comic Con, all finalists' works will also be displayed at the Camp Foster Library in the weeks following Comic Con. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/comiccon or feel free to send any questions to contest@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 53

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SERVICES

Inns of the Corps Camp Hansen Plan Your Getaway Daily grind getting you down? Maybe it’s a good time to gather the family and plan a weekend to get away from it all. Before you start surfing the web for luxurious (and expensive) hotels off base, though, have you thought of something a little closer to home?

There’s no need to go off base for a luxurious staycation—the Inns of the Corps Camp Hansen, the first on island incorporating the newly designed Inns of the Corps brand standards, offers a total of 36 rooms, with 26 standard rooms and 10 extended-stay suites. There are even two pet-friendly rooms (one standard and one extended stay) so your furry family member can join in on the fun! Complimentary continental breakfast is available every morning in the dining area for all guests to enjoy. Other amenities include smart televisions, FREE Wi-Fi, a dog-walk area and more.

No matter the reason for traveling— whether it is for a getaway, a permanent change of station or temporary additional duty—Inns of the Corps Camp Hansen is committed to ensuring their guests’ stays are as comfortable as possible.

For more information about the facility and how you can make a reservation, call 623-4511 (098-969-4511) or visit mccsokinawa. com/hansen_lodge.

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 drawing with a frame from Foster Arts and Crafts? 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, a leotard from Excellence Gymnastics Academy, snorkeling and diving gear for ocean fanatics from Tsunami Scuba—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 much, much 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.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 55

SHISHIMAI CRAFT BY KATHY MILLETTE; PHOTO BY MIA COX JANUARY 2016 | OKINAWA LIVING XX

A dance with history Text by: Kiara Klein | Design By: Mayar Mahmoud

S

hīsā, or shi-shi dogs, are icons ingrained in Okinawan culture. These half-dog, half-lion beasts guard transitional spaces; you’ll see them flanking gates or positioned on the rooftops of homes and businesses. Their job: keeping the good spirits in and preventing evil spirits from entering the premises. While these peace-keeping artifacts originated in China, they have since proliferated across Asia and inspired a performing art: shishimai, or “Lion Dance.”

Adorned in beastly garb and intricate masks, dancers perform shishimai to bring about auspicious times and prosperity.

The Origins of Lion Dance

Today many countries in the Far East have their own regional type of “lion dance,” but experts agree that they are all inspired by the Chinese variation, which has two major forms that are both distinct and equally impressive. There is the northern lion dance, or Běi shī, and the southern lion dance, or Nán shī. Both versions have their own mythological origins, distinguished costuming and dance styles.

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THE NORTHERN LION

Leading the dance is the northern lion, which has the longest history of all other forms of lion dancing. The costume of the Běi shī lion is more realistic compared to its southern counterpart.

The large, wooden mask is painted gold and features a hinged jaw with sharp teeth. In China, the dance is usually performed with a male and female pair of lions, and bows can be spotted in their “manes.” The color of the bow signifies the lion’s gender; a red bow indicates a male and a green one indicates a female. As for the lion’s body, there is shaggy yellow or red “hair” with matching leggings that create a cohesive appearance and enhance the illusion.

During Běi shī the lion moves like a feline, with the performer controlling the eyes and ears to create expressions that add to the overall lifelike appearance.

And when it comes to Běi shī, there just might be as many legends as there are dance moves! One story states that during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386–534), Emperor Daowu (Tuoba Gui) launched an attack on Gansu Province, which resulted in the capture of 100,000 Mongolians. Elated by his victory, the emperor ordered the prisoners to provide entertainment at a celebratory feast. Thirty soldiers—skilled martial artists—paraded through the banquet hall wearing wooden lion masks and performing acrobatics. Amused and impressed, the emperor freed the skilled showmen and settled them within the kingdom, henceforth spreading the dance throughout central and northern China.

THE SOUTHERN LION The southern lion, or Nán shī, was the follow-up act to the northern lion. And, contrasting the northern lion’s more “traditional” look, the southern lion comes in two fantastic varieties: Fut San and Hok San, both named for where they originate. The southern lion sports a colorful head, traditionally made of linen papier-mâché supported by a wire and bamboo frame. Lined with a wool trim, the head—with a short snout—more closely resembles a dragon than a lion.

Additionally, a large mirrored adornment is attached to the head of the costume to ward off evil spirits by scaring them with their own reflection. The performances are lively, synchronized to a fast drum tempo and display plenty of acrobatics and quirky catlike details such as ear scratching and prowling.

Despite their differences, both Chinese dances are affiliated with martial arts (kung fu and karate), and both tend to follow similar dance patterns. Moreover, it’s common to find pairs, trios or quartets of dancing lions in both versions, as well as a companion or “keeper” who accompanies them.

THE LEGEND

Usually related to the southern lion dance, ancient Chinese mythology suggests there was an otherworldly predator, Nian, who would rise from the depths of the ocean during the Lunar New Year to terrorize nearby villages. The ruthless monster preyed on innocent villagers and their livestock, wreaking havoc and gobbling everything in sight before returning to the sea. For many, many years the townspeople would flee, seeking shelter in the mountains out of reach from the vile creature.

That is, until one year, when a god appeared in the form of an old, homeless man; he walked through the town seeking shelter the morning before Nian’s arrival. Eventually, he found shelter in the home of a woman who was much too old to run from the monster’s wrath.

“If you allow me to shelter in your home, I will protect you from Nian,” the old man proposed. The old woman pleaded with him to leave town before Nian’s arrival, but the old man refused and stayed.

As night fell, Nian emerged from the ocean and the god who only appeared to be an old man took his rightful form as a celestial lion. As Nian approached, the lion bellowed a thunderous roar that reverberated through the village and charged the dastardly beast. Overwhelmed with terror, Nian fled, swearing to return the next year to seek revenge and retribution. With Nian gone, the god retook his form as a homeless man and left town. When everyone returned from the mountain, the old woman informed everyone about what happened. The townspeople rejoiced and experienced a prosperous year until Nian returned to seek retaliation.

But this time the townspeople were ready. They suited up in their very own “lion” garb, selecting two of their bravest martial artists to face the beast. The rest of the town decorated their homes in red, pounded on drums, clashed cymbals and beat gongs to create a deafening “roar”—and it worked, Nian fled once again in a panic.

Now each year, on the eve of the Lunar New Year, the lions dance to scare away evil spirits. Since that day, the word “nian” (or “nien”) became the Chinese word for “year.” Coincidentally, the Japanese word for “year” is “nen.”

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NAME/BIGSTOCK.COM

THOMAS ALAN SMILIE

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NAME/BIGSTOCK.COM

MCCS PHOTO

SHISHIMAI IN JAPAN Believed to be imported during the Tang dynasty, the shishimai fit seamlessly in Japan’s long history of performance art and by the 19th century, the spread of shishimai could be seen from Hokkaido to Shizuoka.

Generally, in Japanese, the word shishi translates to “lion.” However, this wasn’t always the case. In ancient Japanese and some local dialects, shishi was a generic term referring to many wild animals, mostly deer (shika) and wild boars (inoshishi). Lions never inhabited Japan, so, much like the rest of Asia, they were left up to imaginative interpretation.

Today, there are more than 9,000 variations of the dance across the country; the style of the dance and lion are influenced by the region. Oftentimes the dance is part of kagura, a performing art used in religious Shinto festivals. Two types of shishikagura found across the country are diakagura, which is an acrobatic form, and hikagura, which is a theatrical form. Despite the difference in forms, however, most shishimai bodies in mainland Japan are covered with a green cloth, or yutan, with white arabesque designs, while the heads are often made with wood from the paulownia tree, which is lacquered and painted red, black or green.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 63

ATTEND A WEBINAR TO LEARN HOW UMGC PROGRAMS ARE MADE FOR YOU Register to attend at asia.umgc.edu/webinars or scan the QR code below and get answers about earning a degree from UMGC. If you apply for admission within 30 days of attending an Intro to UMGC Asia or Graduate Programs Webinar, your $50 application fee will be waived!

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MCCS PHOTO

OKINAWA’S DANCING LION-DOG Even with the same name as its mainland counterpart, the Okinawan shishimai differs in appearance and is more similar to the northern Chinese lion. The wooden shishigashira (shishi head) is carved out of diego wood and lined with thousands of dyed banana plant fibers, and the color of the leggings matches the rest of the costume to create a consistent character. But what really brings the large dancing lion-dog to life are the two performers—one for the snapping head and the other for the tail— always remaining in character even during a pre-performance stroll, playfully biting spectators to bring them another year of good luck.

During the performance, the shishimai is accompanied by musicians playing drums, flutes, cymbals and the sanshin (likened to an Okinawan banjo). The Okinawan shishimai puts on a show much like its northern Chinese cousin, full of mimetic movements, cat-like speed and effervescent energy, making a show that is both engaging and highly convincing. Many of the performances are also filled with humor and preceded by karate performances and eisa dancers.

It is believed the beloved Okinawan shishimai first originated in Tera Village during the 14th century, on a small piece of land nestled just below Shuri Castle’s walls. King Shō Hashi announced Tera Village as the mecca of shishimai for the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Guided by samurai customs, the dances derived from martial arts and have continued to be passed down for generations. To this day the shishimai performers of Tera Village stick to their samurai roots and traditions, which means while many other shishimai performances on island will incorporate humor, the dancing liondogs of Tera Village are grave in manner and never break character.

While the late summer months and New Year’s celebrations are the best times to catch a performance, shishimai can be spotted any time of year at seasonal festivals and at the grand openings of businesses. You may even spot them welcoming visitors to the island at Naha Airport.

No matter where your first shishimai encounter takes place, witnessing the grace, power and exuberance of a shishimai dance is a definite must-do before parting the island; plus, it’s the only way to be bitten by a lion and consider yourself “lucky” afterward.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 65

LIVING ON OKINAWA

Yakizakana (Broiled Teriyaki-style Fish) Serves four Ingredients • 4 slices of de-boned fresh fish (filets of salmon, or other favorite—3/4 to 1 inch thick) • 2 Tbsp. sugar • 2 Tbsp. sake (Japanese rice wine) • 3 Tbsp. soy sauce • 1 Tbsp. mirin (sweet cooking wine) • 1–2 tsp. vegetable oil Method of Preparation 1. Mix all liquid ingredients.

2. Heat oil in a medium-sized pan over low heat.

3. Lightly brown fish on one side (skin-side down, if applicable).

4. Flip the fish over, add condiments and quickly cover. Lower heat and simmer until liquid evaporates.

5. Turn over gently to prevent the fish from breaking apart. After done (approximately five minutes after step 4, depending on the size of the slice), lightly broil the skin side of the fish until crispy.

6. Serve and enjoy.

Tsukimi—Moon Viewing When you were a child, did you believe that the moon was made out of a lunar variety of Swiss cheese? Or, did the shadowy shapes represent the face of the man in the moon?

In Japan, many children see a different shape on the surface of Luna: a rabbit. And not just a boring old rabbit, but a large lunar hare pounding rice into dumplings called mochi with a wooden hammer. Although the patterns on a full moon are pretty much the same throughout the world, oftentimes, people see different things depending on their country of origin. For example, people from parts of the world see a human face and others see a crab. Many Chinese see the same rabbit that Japanese children describe, only the hare is grinding herbs.

The people of Japan have been admiring the moon since ancient times, celebrating with moon-viewing parties called tsukimi during mid- to late-September every year. These parties were especially popular during the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom and took place high above Naha on the ramparts of Shuri Castle. While tsukimi were more solemn occasions during the days of old—a time in which farmers prayed to the moon for a bountiful harvest by offering mochi dumplings with pampas grasses—modern day tsukimi are a lighter affair for friends to enjoy the beautiful moon together.

Regardless of ancient superstitions, the full moon is especially beautiful this time of the year, mostly because the late summer air tends to be very clear. Take advantage of a clear evening this month to pay homage to that one-and-only lunar rabbit. 

Uchinâguchi Corner English

Japanese

Uchinâguchi

Do you speak English?

Nihongo wo hanasemasu ka?

(Do you speak Japanese?)

Uchinâguchi hanasabiimi?

(Do you speak Uchinâguchi?)

SEPTEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 69

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