contents September 2020
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features
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Kunigami Village Explore the heavily-forested lands of northern Okinawa and enjoy the gorgeous mountains, banyan trees, cliffs and locales said to be amongst the most sacred on island.
Get Hooked! Fishing on Okinawa Shore fish, deep-sea fish and spearfish the thousand-plus species thriving in Okinawa’s waters and learn how to prepare your catches for some seriously fresh dishes.
MCCS PHOTOS, THOMAS ALAN SMILIE
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On the cover One of the many perks of fishing on Okinawa? The incredible view.
Explore Yomitan Village Home to legends, artists and castle ruins, Yomitan village is the perfect place to get lost and revel in the unexpected adventures you will inevitably stumble upon.
contents September 2020
45 Stop Being Broke Attend a Money Management Workshop and let the experts help you develop a budget, establish a savings plans and gain control over your finances.
kids + parents 47 Welcome Back to School! As kids head back to school remotely this month, MCCS is here to help with services and activities created specifically to support students and parents.
services 53 The Liberty App Make life easier on Okinawa by downloading the award-winning Liberty App—measuring your total fitness!
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Foster Framing and Fine Arts Labor Day Sale If you are in a thrifty frame of mind, stop by Foster Framing and Fine Arts’ Labor Day Sale; choose from different colors, materials, sizes, thicknesses and patterns to best display your art.
extras
fitness + fun
dining + entertainment
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Mensore
Beyond Burger If you subscribe to the notion veggie burgers can’t possibly be as satisfying as their meaty counterparts, then you haven’t tried one at Bulldogs Burgers.
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marines + families
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Get Fit and Stay Fit…with Semper Fit! The Semper Fit family has crafted a one-week Tabata home workout schedule to help you stay fit during these unpredictable times.
21 PADI Instructor Development Course Share your passion of diving with others— become a PADI-certified Dive Instructor and help others experience the wonders of the underwater world.
23 A Bash with a Splash Don’t sweat September. Instead, cool off at a Labor Day Pool Bash with MCCS Aquatics.
41 Explore Okinawa with Confidence Learning the local language is empowering; start your Japanese language-learning journey with MCCS Personal & Professional DevelopmentResources’ FREE Japanese language classes.
43 Suicide Prevention Know the risk factors, know the protective factors and know that MCCS is here to support you with effective behavioral health care and community connection opportunities.
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Feedback & Show Us!
69 Living on Okinawa
Marketplace Guide
SEPTEMBER 2020 | ISSUE 271 COMMANDING GENERAL, MCIPAC Brigadier General William J. Bowers ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, MCCS, MCIPAC Edward S. Hutsell DEPUTY ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, MCCS DIRECTOR, MCCS, MCB CAMP BUTLER Michael S. Gieseck DEPUTY MCCS DIRECTOR MARINE & FAMILY PROGRAMS Carlos J. Saldaña CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER Jim Kassebaum EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mike Daley MCCS ART DIRECTOR Henry C. Ortega OKINAWA LIVING ART DIRECTORS Margie Shimabukuro, Ai Jirka GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Emeline Toole, Giulia Pulvirenti, 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 Alicia Sallese, Courtney Davis, Leah Scrybalo SUMMER INTERNS Joshua Cobb, Emilio Novillo
mensôre “Welcome” to Okinawa Living
What. A. Year. As we enter the third quarter of what many are now calling the “great challenge” that is 2020, most are breathing a sigh of relief that this doozy of a year is almost over, and looking towards the future with a glass-halffull mentality. Summer on Okinawa is customarily spent out and about enjoying festivals, concerts, beach barbecues and more—but obviously, this summer is anything but customary. One thing, however, has not changed: the value of time spent together with loved ones is just as precious. Even though restrictions (albeit constraints that are in place for our own, as well as our communities’, protection) have limited us to what we can do off base, it doesn’t mean we cannot spend quality time with a spouse or child. It may not be at a favorite off-base park, the aquarium or the local mall, but each moment spent cooking dinner together, helping out with homework or even cleaning under all the couches and chairs in the living room can be time well spent—a gift that will pay dividends in the form of fond memories and improving ever-important lines of communication. Many are labeling 2020 a “wash,” as if we should just call it a year and wait to have fun or meaningful experiences until next year. But we must take advantage of this time. More than anything, now is a great time for talking to each other without distractions and possibly learning something new about the person that you thought you knew like the back of your hand. Yes, we will look back on 2020 as a tough and challenging year, but we can also look back on it as the year we truly got to spend enough quality time with our loved ones. We’ll once again be outdoors exploring the island’s beauty—walking the endless beaches, swimming above colorful reefs teeming with life or taking a couple days off and camping in northern Okinawa—soon enough. But, in the meantime, stay safe and rejoice in the little joys that life presents us, such as that tiny long-lost Nintendo Switch game cartridge that you and your kid found under the couch while cleaning together.
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
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
Mike Daley Editor-In-Chief
Take us on the road Enjoy Okinawa Living Magazine on your favorite mobile device! Visit mccsokinawa.com/ol for the latest issue. Also, visit issuu.com/mccsokinawa to see back issues of the magazine.
feedback
from the ICE Program and Facebook We went for dinner at Tengan Castle [on Camp Courtney] last week and had a wonderful experience! The restaurant and restrooms were immaculately clean and the entire staff was very warm and friendly! My daughter absolutely adored each of them! We were so thankful for the team leader (Ms. Laura Kight, I think) answering all of our questions and making us feel at home. We observed more than one instance when Laura seamlessly shifted to other positions like wait staff, janitor, etc. Our experience could not have been a standalone occurrence. Any observer of this team would come away with the same conclusion! I wished I had jotted down every name that evening because they all deserve a name drop and a gold star! —via ICE
@okilivingmag Show us your island adventures and favorite food finds!
@jennyy.joyy
When the roots are deep, there’s no reason to fear the wind. #okilivingmag
I want to commend John Beal, an employee at Typhoon Motors on Camp Foster! Spotlight this guy as a professional who provides exemplary service to his customers. I visited Foster Typhoon Motors last week to get information about junking my last car on the island before I PCS. John was very informative; he made sure I had all of the required paperwork, provided me with a good checklist and even gave directions to get the job done. I was a little concerned at first because I would have a tight timeline between junking the car, getting a rental and then PCSing but John’s calm demeanor and clear instructions soothed my nerves. When I came in today to execute the procedures, he again handled all of the steps for me and I was in and out in no time. John is the kind of employee that the command and MCCS should take good care of and recognize for their exceptional customer service! —via ICE
@the.whimsical.mom Weekend mood #okilivingmag
Although many enter negative ICE comments, today I have a positive one! I am planning a bowling event and Rondell Hocker at Courtney Bowling Center has been doing an exceptional job assisting me! He has gone above and beyond expectations in dealing with me, answering all my questions and assisting me to ensure I have a successful event! I want to express my gratitude for Rondell, MCCS and the Camp Courtney Bowling Center. —via ICE Please pass along my enthusiastic appreciation for the marvelous work the entire grounds crew at Taiyo Golf Club has performed over the past couple of months to bring the course into tip-top shape. As a weekly player, I have really noticed the difference and so have my partners. The course is currently in the best condition it has been in since opening 10 years ago. Keep it up... happy to pay and play at this excellent golf course! —via ICE Your ICE comment from this past weekend was greatly appreciated and I have passed along your message to the Course Superintendent, Eric Van Gorder, and his grounds crew. Coming from one of our regular players makes it that much more valuable and I thank you for the time you took to send it. —Todd Toohey, Taiyo Golf Club Manager
@thespiritedwife
Fighting that Covid angst under a volcano haze during a state of emergency. Real life, you all. Side note: Raising little skater girls is the coolest! #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 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 7
The heavily-forested lands of northern Okinawa, stretching from north of Nago to the island’s northernmost tip, are collectively known as Yanbaru, which translates into “mountainous areas.”
OUT + ABOUT
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OUT + ABOUT
This area is home to numerous types of birds and countless other creatures—many of which are endangered species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Far north of Nago, the largest city in northern Okinawa, major thoroughfares dwindle into a single lane road that winds along the coast and pierces the towering cliffs via tunnels bored through the rocks.
As it is sparsely populated, the majority of this region falls under the jurisdiction of Kunigami Village, where the main sources of income for residents—farming and fishing—haven’t changed that much in practice within the last century or two. This makes Kunigami a great place to get away from it all and spend a relaxing day or two recharging the batteries.
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OUT + ABOUT
Hedo Misaki The island’s northernmost point is an excellent place to start your exploration. Offering gorgeous views from the cliff-tops, Hedo Misaki’s allure lies in its unique position as the place where the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea meet. The colors of the waters— ranging from deep cobalt and emerald topped by pristine white surf in the sunshine to grey gunmetal intermingled with murky froth during cloudy days—directly reflect the mood of the sky. During late autumn and winter, the northern winds drive the surf breaking on the craggy shoreline skyward, showering unsuspecting visitors who should be keeping a safer distance. On calmer days, however, the colors of the sea serenely complement the sunrises and sunsets that fill the nooks and crannies of the cliffs with golden light.
that offers several hiking courses with breathtaking views of Hedo Point from above as well as some trails that wind through fascinating limestone formations (estimated to be hundreds of millions of years old) and sprawling banyan trees believed to contain magical powers—this peak is considered to be amongst the most sacred spots on the island. Local legends state that Asumui is where the god Amamikiyo first set foot on the earth. Since ancient times, noro (priestesses) from Shuri Castle journeyed to Asumui to collect sacred water for purification ceremonies in the court. This practice stopped in 1938 due to instability followed by war. The practice began again in 1999 and continues today (although the practice was temporarily suspended due to the fire at the castle; it is slated to resume next year).
Asumui If you were to turn 180 degrees away from the ocean standing at the monument commemorating the reversion of the island from American to Japanese control in 1972, you’ll see a curious shape in the nearby mountains. And, if you tilt your head to the right, the outline of the rock wall assumes a familiar shape—that of a face jutting from the horizon. Known to hikers as Dai Sekirinzan—a park SEPTEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 15
OUT + ABOUT
Guardians of Kunigami Asumui is home to thousands of banyan trees which are known locally as gajyumaru. Since the area was sparsely populated during the war, Asumui escaped the attention of bombs and bullets, allowing many sprawling specimens to survive—a few are even reputed to be hundreds of years old. On Okinawa, the gajyumaru is considered to embody mystical energy. Also called himpun, these trees are believed to be able to block evil spirits from entering homes or villages. It is also thought that this concentration of trees will protect the area in the centuries to come. Before you Go Before heading north, remember that this part of Okinawa is quite remote compared to the rest of the island and cellphone reception can range from bad to non-existent. So, plan your trip wisely by packing a couple of good maps and bring along a buddy to navigate as you drive. Also, before you hit the open road, don’t neglect your car; be sure to start your trip with a full tank of gas and, while you’re at it, check your oil and the air in your tires—it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Furthermore, few places in northern Okinawa accept American dollars (or credit cards), so stop by an ATM and get some yen for the expressway, admission fees, drinks and food. And, most importantly, because many of the roads are secluded and far apart, inform a friend of your itinerary before leaving. As another alternative, MCCS Tours+ will do the driving for you on their Kongou Hiking, Hedo Point and Okuma Tour. For upcoming dates, visit them online at mccsokinawa.com/tours.
THOMAS ALAN SMILIE
Okuma Beach Known simply as “Okuma” to those who have been there, this 65+ year-old facility features cabanas and an ample camping area for those wishing to stay a day or two or three. Okuma is not only a beautiful place to spend time with family and friends, but can also serve as an excellent base of operations for exploring the northern reaches of Kunigami Village at your leisure—without having to worry about a 2-hour drive back to civilization after a 6-hour hike. Recreation and amenities at this joint-forces center include a small golf course, beaches, water sports, hiking areas, a restaurant, an Exchange Express and more. Call 631-1991 or 098-962-1991 for reservations.
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FITNESS+FUN
These Tabata exercises are eight rounds of 20 seconds of work and ten seconds of rest for each exercise. One minute of rest is allowed between each exercise. As tempting as it may be, don’t cheat! In the wise words of Semper Fit Health Promotion HITT/ Fitness Coordinator Stephanie Towers, “The only BS you need in your life are burpees and squats!”
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays: Warm Ups Jumping Jacks/Squat-to-sidebend and Reach/Stationary Inchworm/High Knees/Alternating Lunges with Trunk Rotation/ Plank to Downward Dog
Get Fit and Stay Fit… …with Semper Fit! During these unpredictable times, it’s really hard for many of us to maintain a regular fitness regimen because of closures at fitness centers and cancellations of fitness classes. But, this doesn’t mean you should just hit the brakes and stand idle on your path to fitness. Start with a bit of great advice from Gregory Hammond, Wellness Director with Semper Fit Health Promotion: “Move a little, move some, move a lot…it’s your choice, but just MOVE.” Long story short, maintaining strength, flexibility and stamina doesn’t necessarily require regular trips to the gym, it’s just a matter of keeping on the move wherever you may be. Even without that lunchtime gym trip, exercises can easily be worked into your day, no matter how busy or hectic. We all get the same 24 hours a day in which to fit work, family, errands and other commitments, so we must optimize our time while remaining realistic in our goals. Or, as Tiffany Wilson, the Semper Fit Health Promotion Group Fitness Director, puts it: “Create a lifestyle that’s sustainable and give it your ALL.”
Don’t forget to measure your success as well; develop a written plan of action for each day and make it happen. Your exercise log won’t lie and sometimes we really need to see, in writing, just how much or little we are doing. “The only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen,” says Zoey Powell, a Wellness Educator with Semper Fit Health Promotion. But even if you do stumble and miss a day, don’t fret; just get back on that horse and keep moving forward! To help you get started (or to keep you moving in the right direction), Gregory Hammond and the rest of the Semper Fit Health Promotion family have done some of the “legwork” for you in the form of a Tabata training regimen covering Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays to help you stay fit wherever you are—be it at home or the fitness center. For more information, or simply a bit more motivation to get and stay fit, give MCCS Semper Fit Health Promotion a call at 645-3910. For more information on their services and offerings, visit them online at mccsokinawa.com/healthpromotion.
Mondays: Tabata #1 Single Dumbbell Squat Press/ Sit-up/Basic Squat/One Push-up to Two Plank Jacks Tuesdays: Recovery Take a brisk 30–60 minute walk, stretch or rest Wednesdays: Tabata #2 Dumbbell Squat with Alternating Press/Sit-ups with Two Punches/Jumping Lunges/ High to Low Planks Thursdays: Recovery Take a brisk 30–60 minute walk, stretch or rest Fridays: Tabata #3 High or Low Plank/Side Plank (right)/Push-up to Downward Dog/Side Plank (left) Saturdays: Recovery Take a brisk 30–60 minute walk, do some yoga, bike, stretch or rest Sundays: Tabata #4 In-to-out Squat Jumps/Plank Shoulder Taps/Burpees/V-ups
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FITNESS+FUN
PADI Instructor Development Course Share Your Passion for Diving with Others
Typhoon Tips Stay Prepared During Typhoon Season When Mother Nature hits Okinawa, she hits hard. And if you aren’t already stocked and prepared for the next typhoon, it’s best to be before one pops up on the Doppler; contending with the Black Friday-like crowds whenever a typhoon is announced only adds unnecessary stress to an already stressful time. A well-prepared emergency typhoon kit has the following items: a 3-day supply of water and perishable food, a manual can opener, a flashlight and battery, a lighter or matches, a hand-crank or battery-powered radio, towels, duct tape, gloves, personal hygiene items, a first aid kit, a 7 to 10–day stock of medical supplies (prescriptions, contacts, etc.), baby supplies and pet supplies. Throughout all of typhoon season ( June 1–November 30), military installations remain in TCCOR 4 (Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness 4), which means destructive winds are possible within the next 72 hours. When destructive winds become possible within the next 48 hours, installations crank it up to TCCOR 3. This is the best time to conduct a general cleanup and check for emergency supplies and fuel. TCCOR 2 occurs when destructive winds are anticipated within the next 24 hours. Outdoor items should
be secured by this time. And when destructive winds are anticipated within 12 hours, TCCOR 1 is announced, which has different stages in itself. During high winds, when TCCOR 1 Caution is called, you must stay indoors and all personnel are released from work unless designated as essential emergency personnel. TCCOR 1 Emergency is announced during actively destructive winds, halting all outdoor movement unless providing lifesaving response actions. After the winds pass, installations announce TCCOR 1 Recovery, in which emergency personnel assess damage while you remain indoors. TCCOR 1 Storm Watch is set when recovery efforts are complete, but it is important to remain alert and monitor the radio, television and internet during this time. When the storm and storm forecast are officially over, All Clear is called, meaning all individuals can finally resume normal activities. MCCS wishes you a safe typhoon season, and for up-to-date information on typhoons, metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/jtwc.html, wunderground. com and kadena.af.mil/Agencies/Local-Weather are fantastic resources.
Okinawa is one of the last dive bastions 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 23–October 18. Whether you want to become an instructor to enhance your career, supplement your income or ignite a lifelong passion of diving in others, this $990 (plus educational materials and online learning) 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 9–12, which is perfect timing as registration for the PADI IDC closes September 15. For more information, check out mccsokinawa.com/tsunamiscuba, and to register for the IDC course, head to Camp Foster Tsunami Scuba in person or call 645-4206.
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FITNESS+FUN
A Bash with a Splash Labor Day Pool Bashes
Put Your Money Where Your Club Is Beat the Pro Challenge at Taiyo Golf Club Have you ever seen Tiger Woods or Inbee Park shank a shot? If only for that moment, a voice in your head may have whispered, “I could have hit a better shot than that.” It’s the golf equivalent of “put me in, coach!” and many a player have felt the urge to jump through the T.V. and onto Pebble Beach to redo a professional’s shot, if only to play against other pros, to prove their worth, to say, “I can golf like a pro…well, at least for a shot or two.” This vision no longer has to be hypothetical—on September 13 at Taiyo Golf Club, the Taiyo Golf Professionals (not Tiger or Inbee) will be on the course and ready to compete
against you in four challenges: longest drive, closest putt and two closest-to-the-pin challenges. Each challenge costs $5 and if you can “Beat the Pro” you will win an 18-hole greens fee each time! Taiyo Golf Club’s Beat the Pro Challenge is open to all SOFA status golfers. If you’d like to play, you will need to have a tee time prior to 9 a.m. and register in the pro shop before you tee off. Now, all that’s left to do is to put your money where your club is. For more information, call 622-2004 via DSN or 098-954-2004 from off base.
Although September typically signifies the end of summer, it’s a different story on Okinawa, where summer is just getting its second wind. Finding a way to stay cool here in September—usually one of the hottest months on Okinawa— can be a real challenge. But don’t sweat it; MCCS Aquatics has got you covered (figuratively and literally—with cool, refreshing water). Keep your swim season going strong with a fun and revitalizing day in the water at a pool bash event near you, only at MCCS Aquatic Centers. Each bash will have free food, drinks (while supplies last) and poolside music. The fun kicks off on September 7 with Labor Day Pool Bashes at Camps Kinser, McTureous, Schwab and Plaza Housing Aquatic Centers. All bashes will run from noon to 3 p.m. For more details, please visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics or facebook.com/mccsokinawa.aquatics.
Swim Meet Hosted by ODST Calling all competitive swimmers! The Okinawa Dolphins Swim Team (ODST) will be hosting a swim meet at 7 a.m. on September 19 at the Foster Aquatic Center. This competition is open to all DoD ID card holders, with events for swimmers of all skill levels to include 400m free/IM (Individual Medley), 25m Kick (w/board), 25m/50m/100m Backstroke, 25m/50m/100m Breaststroke and many more (maximum of three individual events per participant). Swimmers will be grouped into the following age divisions (based on swimmers’ ages as of March 6, 2021): 8 and under, 9–10, 11–12, 13-14, 15–18, 19–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59 and 60+. Competitors will be seeded by entry times (regardless of age group), but will receive awards based on age group and gender; for every individual event, the top 8 finishers in each age and gender group will receive ribbons. This event is FREE and swimmers don’t have to be a member of ODST to participate, however, all athletes must register to compete. And although the sign-up deadline for non-SOFA swimmers has passed, SOFA swimmers can still register via email at aquatics@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org by September 16. For more information and registration details, visit mccsokinawa.com/swimteam. Email aquatics@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org if you have any questions. SEPTEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 23
DINING+ENTERTAINMENT
In with the New…Menu!
Bonsai Coffee Company
The Beyond Burger
MCCS MARKETING
Beyond Meat and Beyond Your Expectations
With the recent explosion in the popularity of plant-based burgers, you may find yourself tempted to try one—or at the very least, curious. If you haven’t had one before, we understand; ordering a veggie burger for the first time can be riddled with doubt and hesitation. Many customers have walked up to the food counter at a local fast-casual eatery with the intention of ordering the veggie option, but between the smell and the sizzling of the beef patties behind the counter, that good old cow-based faithful ropes them back in at the last minute. Foiled again! But trust us: if you subscribe to the notion veggie burgers couldn’t possibly be as satisfying as their meaty counterparts, then you haven’t tried one at Bulldogs. Bulldogs has officially added the Beyond Burger to their lineup, and it may just be their new star player.
Crafted with a 100% plant-based patty and topped with grilled onions, juicy tomatoes, fresh greens, Bulldogs’ signature Devil Dog sauce and cheese as American as a bald eagle wearing jean shorts, this burger is satisfying, filling and delicious. Want to make it fully vegan? Just replace the buttery bread with lettuce and pass on the Devil Dog sauce. So stop by a Bulldogs near you and see what the hubbub is all about, because this Beyond Burger will satisfy your taste buds beyond your expectations. The Beyond Burger is available at Bulldogs locations on Camps Courtney, Foster, Kinser, Schwab and MCAS Futenma. For more information on Bulldogs, including their respective locations’ phone numbers, head to mccsokinawa. com/bulldogs.
Don’t worry, your old favorites are still available, but Bonsai Coffee has got some new arrivals that may become quick additions to your daily routine. For coffee drinkers, Bonsai Coffee has added the Coffee Cream, Espresso con Panna, Café Misto and Red Eye to the roster. The Coffee Cream is a refreshing, espresso-based frozen blend that will simultaneously pick you up and cool you down. The Espresso con Panna, meanwhile, is simply a shot of espresso topped with whipped cream—a quick, tasty meeting of bitter and sweet. For a smooth-tasting, less-foamy latté, try the Café Misto (half steamed milk, half fresh-brewed coffee), and for the most sluggish of moods, it’s the Red Eye—coffee topped with espresso—to the rescue. For non-coffee drinkers who’d still like some caffeine in their lives, Bonsai Coffee now offers additional tea-based options including the Green Tea Latté, London Fog and the Green Tea Cream. The Green Tea Latté is a matcha powder green tea with steamed milk. Similarly, the London Fog is also a tea latté but with Earl Grey tea and a splash of vanilla thrown in to sweeten the deal. Lastly, the green tea cream, a tea-based frozen blend, is the tea-lover’s answer to an Okinawan summer day. With locations at the Camp Foster Community Center Auditorium, The Palms on Camp Hansen and the Taiyo Golf Club Clubhouse, stop by Bonsai Coffee soon to check out the new menu for yourself. For more information, visit Bonsai Coffee Company online at mccsokinawa.com/bonsaicoffee.
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RESTAURANT REVIEW
TEXT BY ALEX JUSELL LAYOUT BY MARGIE SHIMABUKURO
MCCS PHOTO
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ishing on Okinawa is like fishing in a Dr. Seuss book with how varied the species are in size, shape and color. What’s on the end of your line? Could it be a weightless damselfish or a 250 kg marlin, a tube-like needlefish or a broad mahi-mahi? Perhaps you have hooked a grey bonito or a neon sixbar wrasse. What makes Okinawa such a haven for diverse sea life, and how can you go about catching some of it?
the oldest pair of fish hooks in the world to ever be unearthed. These days, you don’t have to use snail-shell fish hooks but you can continue Okinawa’s time-honored angling tradition by shore fishing, deep-sea fishing or spearfishing the more than 1,000 species swimming in Okinawa’s waters. With all these different fishing methods, though, it’s helpful to know the ins and outs of each before choosing which route to take. Perhaps the most accessible option is shore fishing. You’ll catch reef dwellers and sometimes snappers and emperors if you cast out from beaches and seawalls, although the reef can be a pain as it’s easy to catch your line on coral—especially if you aren’t familiar with the location. A common tactic is scouting your chosen fishing spot at low tide to find what areas are more open to help avoid line-snagging, then returning during high tide when fish feed
TOP RIGHT AND LEFT PHOTOS BY KAILEY LAVALLIERE
Two main factors contribute to the abundant assortment of fish surrounding Okinawa: the Kuroshio Current and the presence of coral. The Kuroshio Current is a warm-water current that carries enough plankton past Okinawa to support the population growth of all different kinds of fish, while coral reefs provide shelter and more food for fish, allowing communities to survive and thrive. Okinawa practically won the habitat lottery twice; these two factors working in conjunction have spawned an underwater playground for fish seen at few other places in the world. As with all island cultures, it’s impossible to overstate the impact these plentiful waters have on the Okinawan lifestyle, as islanders have been surviving off their bounty for centuries. In fact, just a few years ago, researchers discovered a pair of 23,000-year-old snail-shell fish hooks in Sakitari Cave on the southern coast of Okinawa,
SEPTEMBER JULY 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 33 29
closer to shore to cast your line. Additionally, you can fish along the rockier coasts of Okinawa that plunge into deeper waters to potentially catch large game like mahi-mahi, giant trevally and barracuda—just avoid the places with signs designating no fishing zones. Next, deep-sea fishing is a great option if you’re willing to spend more money, although the charters on Okinawa are on the cheaper side— especially if you split the cost with a group of friends, as many boats charge a flat rate regardless of how many people are in your group. On these boats, you’ll likely have options of drifting, jigging and trolling. Drifting involves the captain positioning the boat up current and turning the engine off. Then, at the captain’s signal, the fishers drop their lines up current while the boat drifts down current, which keeps everyone’s lines from getting caught under the boat. Comparatively, jigging is a much more active fishing technique in which fishers use a jig, or a lure with a lead sinker that allows it to drop quickly, to create a jerky, vertically-moving target. Jigs target fish that inhabit deeper areas of the water column (more so than drifting), opening the door to meatier fish. Drift fishing and jigging usually occur around man-made structures miles offshore that attract open-water fish such as tuna. Trolling, on the
While great cooked, Yellowfin Tuna’s bright red meat really delivers when served raw, offering a deliciously mild taste that is adaptable to most raw-fish recipes including sashimi and poke. Yellowfin Tuna Poke Yield: 2 servings Ingredients 1/2 lb. raw yellowfin tuna, cut into bite-sized chunks 2 tbsp. soy sauce 1 tbsp. sesame oil 1 tsp. sesame seeds Sriracha mayonnaise 1 cup brown or white rice, cooked 2 scallions, thinly sliced 1 Japanese cucumber, thinly sliced (but thick enough to have some crunch) 1 avocado, cut into bite-sized chunks
RECIPE PHOTO BY ALEX JUSELL
Instructions 1. Toss tuna, soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds and scallions together in a bowl. 2. Layer tuna, avocado and cucumber on top of the cooked rice in serving bowls. 3. Drizzle with sriracha mayonnaise and apply extra soy sauce or sesame oil as needed for taste.
SEPTEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 35
Make it a September to Remember
Scuba Dive Classes at Okuma Okuma Outdoor Recreation Equipment Rental Diving Program 090-3195-6563
Color Run Sunday • 6 September 4 pm • Register at Beachfront Campground 5:30 pm • Race starts $13 • Per person Join us for a 1.5 mile fun run as you get blasted with colorful chalk powder! Price includes the registration fee and a t-shirt.
Okuma now offers a wide range of scuba diving options. Fun Dive Trip (2 dives) $65 • Per person Includes 2 tanks and weights Qualification • Open Water Diver or above Must register three days in advance.
You can now get certified at Okuma Scuba Dive Class $348.50 • Per person For more information, please call 090-3195-6563 daily, 9 am - 5 pm.
Okuma Beach • 631-1990 | Surfside Grill & Bar • 631-1805 | Reservations • 631-1991 Located 51 miles north of Kadena Air Base
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other hand, involves dragging fishing lines from the back of a boat as it travels through open water, often targeting large, fast fish like marlin and wahoo. Now, if you’ve lived near freshwater streams or rivers before, you’ll notice a lot less fly fishermen on Okinawa than what you’re used to for several reasons. First, saltwater fly fishing can be more tedious as it relies heavily on sight fishing—or spotting the fish first (often from the flushing of bait fish to the surface) and casting in its proximity. Second, fly fishing requires more active movement compared to its spinning counterpart, and so attracts less of a crowd due to the work involved. Lastly, although you can use a sinking fly line to sink your fly, you aren’t able to target as deep of water as you can with spinning rods. Saltwater fly fishing can still yield great results— it’s not unheard of to catch tuna with a fly rod— but often with much more work involved. Lastly, the most adrenaline-pumping fishing option: spearfishing. Unfortunately, it’s also the most restricting; spear guns and spears outfitted with mechanical propulsion—like a rubber sling, for example—are illegal. Why are they in stores, then? Because members of the local fishing union are allowed to use spear guns, just not temporary
Its lean, flaky and sweet-tasting meat makes mahi mahi a prime candidate for fish tacos and seared fish fillets. Mahi Mahi Tacos Yield: 2 servings Ingredients 1/2 lb. of mahi mahi fillets 4 corn tortillas Salt and pepper to taste Marinade 1 tbsp. vegetable oil Juice from half a lime 1 clove garlic 1/2 tsp. paprika 1/2 tsp. cumin 1/2 tsp. chili powder Pinch of cayenne (as needed for spice)
Optional Toppings Shredded cabbage Sour cream Avocado Pico de gallo Onions Cotija cheese
RECIPE PHOTO BY ALEX JUSELL
Instructions 1. Whisk the oil, lime juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, chili powder and cayenne together in a small bowl. 2. Season the mahi mahi on both sides with salt and pepper. 3. Place fish and marinade in a large ziplock bag, then seal and let sit for 30 minutes. 4. In an oiled pan over medium-high heat, cook the mahi mahi fillets for about 4 minutes on each side (may vary depending on thickness). 5. Heat corn tortillas on a separate pan or in the oven until warm. 6. Serve fish on tortillas with desired toppings.
SEPTEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 37
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residents. Technically, temporary residents can buy these spear guns, but are unable to use them in the water in Japan without getting hit with a considerable fine. The only spears allowed are good old-fashioned pole spears, which are still formidable in the reefs as long as you get a longer pole. And one last spearfishing rule: scuba divers are not allowed to spearfish because being able to breathe underwater allows one the unfair advantage of being able to target rarer fish which, over time, may become quick additions to the endangered species list if left unchecked. Only freedivers may spear fish. Yet, even with these restrictions, spearfishing remains an exhilarating alternative that brings a more distilled ‘thrill of the hunt’ to the sport of fishing. Whichever fishing method you use, however, it is highly recommended to take advantage of the hundreds of great fishing guides Okinawa has to offer. They fish these waters every day and can turn an empty-handed session into one in which you’ll have enough tuna in your freezer to last you half a year. Many guides on island will even fillet your catches for a small fee, so all you have to bring on your excursions are some freezer bags in which to store your mountain of fresh fillets—and fish does not get fresher than this. Luckily, no matter how much you take home, there are plenty of different ways to prepare your catches so you won’t burn out easily on the taste of fish. If you’d like some inspiration, check out the sidebars throughout this article for a few of the MCCS staff ’s favorite recipes, all prepared with fish common to Okinawa’s waters.
Blackened Mackerel Yield: 2 servings Ingredients 1/2 lb. of mackerel fillets 4 tbsp. butter Blackened Seasoning 1/2 tbsp. paprika 1 tsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. black pepper 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 tsp. onion powder Pinch cayenne pepper Pinch dried thyme Pinch dried oregano
Garlic Aioli 3 tbsp. mayo 1 clove garlic, minced Juice from half a lemon Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: 1. Coat the fish in blackened seasoning. 2. Heat a pan (preferably a cast-iron skillet) over high heat. To blacken fish, the pan must be very hot. Turn on your kitchen fan, as it may get smoky. 3. Drop 2 tbsp. of butter into the pan, immediately followed by the filets. 4. Cook uncovered for two minutes. Add rest of the butter and turn the fillets over. Cook for 2 more minutes. The outside will look charred (hence the name). 5. Serve with garlic aioli or tartar sauce.
RECIPE PHOTO BY ALEX JUSELL
*Please fish responsibly and only in designated areas. It is illegal to take reef-building corals, sea turtles, sea turtle eggs, Japanese spiny lobsters, shellfish, sea lettuce, seaweed and sea urchins. Do not use crab baskets and do not use lights or nets from boats. Again, the use of spear guns and the hunting of fish or shellfish while scuba diving is prohibited.
Mackerel gets an undeservedly bad reputation for its strong and “fishy” taste, but this taste only occurs if you eat mackerel that’s not fresh; fresh mackerel, with its rich, sweet taste, is quite delicious. Even if you have a less-than-fresh mackerel, however, the following Blackened Seasoning recipe, a staple of Cajun cuisine, is a tasty and accessible option that can transform the fishiest-tasting fish into a showstopper.
SEPTEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 39
MARINES+FAMILIES
Explore Okinawa with Confidence Japanese Writing and Language Classes If you are on the fence about learning Japanese during your stay on Okinawa, let us assure you: learning the language will empower you. It’ll open the door to friendships and adventures that would otherwise not be available to you, and, as not knowing a local language can feel pretty isolating, it will make Okinawa feel much more like home. You don’t have to begin with the goal of becoming fluent—especially if you are only stationed here for a short while—but starting small, learning common phrases you know you are going to have to say or hear and building day by day will go a long way towards you becoming more involved in the Okinawan community and towards becoming a better ambassador in your
home-away-from-home. To guide you on your language-learning journey, MCCS Personal & Professional Development-Resources (P&PD-R) offers a FREE Japanese Survival Writing class as well as FREE Japanese Language classes. The writing class will boost your reading and writing skills in hiragana, katakana and kanji to help you make sense of your surroundings. After this class, you’ll be more able to read menus, restaurant signs, traffic signs and more, an incredibly worthwhile skill that will make your life remarkably easier while out and about town. Meanwhile, the Japanese language classes will equip you with the proper pronunciation skills and basic phrases you need to communicate with confidence.
No more floundering out in public, no more avoiding interesting stores or food stalls or exciting opportunities because you don’t know how to communicate simple phrases; these two classes will take the stress out of exploring your island home. And once you grasp the basics, there is no better way to build your language skills than by practicing it in public. Yes, speaking a different language to native language speakers can be nerve-racking, but by the end of these classes, you’ll be surprised at how confident you feel exploring Okinawa. For more information on the schedule of classes offered and more, call 645-2104/2106 or visit mccsokinawa.com/culturalawareness.
SEPTEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 41
MARINES+FAMILIES
National Suicide Prevention Month Your Community is Here for Support
The troubling rise of suicide in the United States is unfortunately reflected within the military itself; in the last five years alone, the rate of suicide increased from 18.5 suicides per 100,000 service members to 24.8 suicides, elevating suicide as the second-highest cause of death among American military members. This surge in suicide in recent years begs the question—what has changed to cause this rise? Any reasoning is ultimately speculative, but experts often point to feelings of isolation to be a likely factor, a trend which mirrors Americans’ growing reliance on technology. Other risk factors for suicide include easy access to lethal methods and personal loss—two common occurrences in the military. With these risks so close at hand and with suicide on the rise, we must remain vigilant in promoting positivity and support in ourselves and in our fellow service
members. One way to boost support is by building protective factors against suicide. Protective factors are aspects that buffer individuals from suicidal thoughts, like having effective behavioral health care, feeling connected to the community and learning new life skills (especially ones that help individuals adapt to change), among others. The military community offers these factors in abundance—one just needs to know where to look. For behavioral health care, check out Community Counseling (mccsokinawa.com/ communitycounseling), an MCCS program comprised of licensed counselors who are available to help Marines and families address life’s many challenges. To strengthen your connection to the community, look for opportunities through the MCCS volunteer program (mccsokinawa.com/volunteer) and, if you are a single Marine, through the Single Marine Program. Both offer frequent
opportunities for community engagement. Lastly, to learn new life skills, check out Cultural Awareness and Adaptation (mccsokinawa.com/culturalawareness) for Japanese language classes, Foster Framing and Fine Arts (mccsokinawa.com/framingandfinearts) and Courtney Arts and Crafts (mccsokinawa. com/courtneyartsandcrafts) for art classes and Marine Corps Family Team Building’s LifeSkills Training and Education program (mccsokinawa.com/mcftb) for various personal workshops. For more information on suicide prevention and counseling services through MCCS, head to mccsokinawa.com/behavioralhealth or call Community Counseling at 645-2915. For the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, please call 645-2915 from a DSN or 098-970-2915 from off base.
SEPTEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 43
MARINES+FAMILIES
Get Lost in the Library… …You’ll be Glad You Did! Get lost in a good read or plug into an audiobook at a nearby MCCS Library, home to hundreds of books, graphic novels, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, video games, music CDs and USMC and Navy professional reading collections. MCCS Libraries make it easy to request books online and also offer, adult, teen, children and family programs, Japanese language learning, the Summer Reading Program, conference rooms and meeting spaces, gaming nights, crafts and charging stations as well as eResources such as EBSCO/GALE research databases, Mango Languages, Universal Class, Launchpad Brain Games and more. For the creatives, there’s the Innovation Lab! There, you’ll find 3D printers, computer-controlled cutting machines, a research-grade robot, coding programs, Raspberry Pi’s, Oculus Rift virtual reality stations, Microsoft HoloLens headsets, LittleBits Pro Library, vinyl cutters, musical instruments, music and photo editing software and many more makerspace opportunities. For more information about MCCS Libraries, visit mccsokinawa.com/libraries.
Stop Being Broke Money Management Workshop Gaining control over your finances is not as difficult as you think. Attend a Money Management Workshop hosted by the Personal Financial Management Program and let the experts help you. These three-hour, interactive seminars will teach you how to develop a personal budget, detail your income and expenses, establish a savings plan, determine your debt-to-income ratio and learn how to build or rebuild a credit record/rating. Workshops will be held in the Personal & Professional Development-Resource Centers. All sessions run from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. For a schedule of classes visit mccsokinawa. com/personal_finance_management. Please have your current Leave and Earnings Statement, bank and investment statements and any statement of a debt or financial obligation handy so that they can be referenced during the workshop. For more information, call 645-2104/2106 or visit mccsokinawa.com/finance. SEPTEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 45
KIDS+PARENTS
Welcome Back to School! Student and Parent Resources through MCCS
As kids head back to school remotely this month, MCCS is here to help with services and activities created specifically to support students and parents. The libraries (mccsokinawa.com/libraries), as most parents know, are great places for kids to work on homework after school, but they offer much more than books and computers; 3D printers, Adobe Creative Cloud suite of software, musical equipment, sewing machines and printing and laminating services are available for students who either want to express themselves creatively or need some help finishing a school project. Additionally, the youth and teen centers are fantastic spaces for students to hang out, as they consistently offer enriching and socially engaging clubs and activities (optimal for students who are in need of some face-toface peer interaction), including culture club, D.I.Y. club, cooking club and game club as
well as trips to the aquarium, various museums, Torii Beach, Round One and more. For their calendar of events, check out mccsokinawa.com/ youthandteencenter. Another way students can engage with the community is through volunteering. MCCS offers teen volunteer opportunities through the American Red Cross, Girl/Boy Scouts of America, Outdoor Recreation and the Marine Thrift Shop, among others. For more information, check out mccsokinawa. com/volunteer. Finally, some advice for students that’s been around since the dawn of the dinosaurs for a reason: try to adjust your sleep schedule a few days before school starts so you aren’t struggling your first week. And just as important: eat breakfast. Even if you aren’t hungry when you wake up, try to eat something so your stomach isn’t growling by the middle of first period. And parents,
speaking of meals, remember that Free and Reduced Lunch Program applications are required each school year; head to aafes.com/ about-exchange/school-lunch-program to apply. Lastly, for more educational support and information, take advantage of the School Liaison Program. Their website (mccsokinawa.com/slo) is a great portal for all things school-related including school supply lists, calendars and student and parent guides, while the program itself offers services to include easing students’ transitions in and out of Okinawa, assisting students with grade and credit transferability and acting as a conduit between schools and the military. Be sure to check these programs’ calendars often. With that, students and parents, MCCS wishes you a safe and happy backto-school.
SEPTEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 47
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afspa.org/fsbp *Up to $60 per visit; 40 visits per year for each type of service. All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions set forth in the Foreign Service Benefit Plan’s Federal brochure (RI 72-001)
SERVICES
Typhoon Motors
MCCS PHOTO
Here for all of your Automotive Needs! Summer on Okinawa can wreak havoc on a vehicle. The heat can break tired air conditioners and easily kill engines that are low on coolant; the sun can crack paint jobs, rubber seals, leather seats and steering wheels; and the humidity can even rust your wheels within days if left sitting. With such a chronic assault against our vehicles, it’s good to have a professional and knowledgeable garage on your team. When Typhoon Motors says “We do it all,” they mean it. With an experienced staff, Typhoon Motors can tackle both minor and major automotive issues, from routine maintenance checks, stereo installations, wheel and tire services, oil changes and air conditioning repairs to full-blown collision repairs—they’ll even tow your car in such an instance. And if a precious, hard-to-find car part is damaged in an accident, not to worry; Typhoon Motors can order car parts for you. Moreover, while your ride is in the shop, Typhoon Motors has a limited number of loaner cars free of charge, if you’re in a pinch. Add to all this the junking, JCI Inspection and vehicle pre-purchase inspection services this garage offers, and Typhoon Motors is your one-stop car convenience shop. But what if—whether from curiosity, high self-efficacy or a simple love of automotive tinkering—you want to work on your own car? Thankfully, indoor auto work stalls (with and without lifts) are available for rental. Other amenities include a metalworking shop, a wash rack with pressure washers, temporary indoor and outdoor vehicle storage areas, storage lockers and vehicle deregistration services. Keep in mind, any services provided by Typhoon Motors are reserved for DoD ID card holders island-wide. For more information on hours, offerings and phone numbers, visit Typhoon Motors at mccsokinawa.com/typhoonmotors.
The Liberty App
Measure Your Total Fitness and More
While moving to a new country is exciting, it does have a catch—it’s unfamiliar. And being stationed overseas, there are a lot more rules you may be unaccustomed to than if you were stationed somewhere in the States. Obviously, that can be both overwhelming and confusing. But don’t worry: there’s an app for that. Make life easier and download the award-winning MCCS Okinawa Liberty App—it contains all sorts of information concerning life on Okinawa (both on and off base), including transportation schedules and numbers, event information, emergency contacts and a helpful guide on Okinawan policies. The Liberty App also provides flag and sea conditions, up-to-date TCCOR levels, a yen rate calculator and common basic Japanese phrases with pronunciations. Find places beyond the gates to eat, shop, visit and play or discover the nearly-endless offerings from on-base resources such as MCCS, the Exchange, USO and more. The Liberty App even features a “how-to” on taking buses and using the daiko service, as well as a list of what’s off limits (you know, the ones they told you about, but have probably forgotten by now). In collaboration with the III MEF Chaplain’s office, the Liberty App now features information relating to “Body,” “Mind,” “Spirit” and “Social” in the new Total Fitness section. This area consolidates information for Marines and Sailors, providing fingertip access to chaplain services, fitness programs and many other resources. Moreover, this section offers the Total Fitness self-assessment survey, an anonymous tool that gives users a resource to gauge their current “Total Fitness” score and then take action with suggested links provided at the end of the assessment. The Liberty App is available for both iPhone and Android users, and can be downloaded for free via the Apple Store and Google Play as well as on the MCCS website. For more information, or to download the app, visit mccsokinawa.com/liberty. SEPTEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 53
SERVICES
MCCS We Want YOU! MCCS offers a variety of challenging, career-building opportunities with the priority of hiring qualified family members of active duty military and civilian employees stationed in foreign areas. Jobs are available in entertainment, sports, accounting, marketing, wellness, child development, maintenance, IT, counseling and much more. Prospective employees can check current vacancies at careers.usmc-mccs.org and submit applications online. If you would like the hot job listings, along with the latest happenings and offerings from MCCS sent directly to your smartphone, subscribe to the MCCS Okinawa News & Events newsletter at mccsokinawa. com/newsletter. Applicants without an internet connection can visit the MCCS NAF Human Resources Office located on the second floor of Bldg. 5966 on Camp Foster. Interpersonal skills, technology and leadership course offerings, designed to help employees develop skills that improve workplace performance, are available to all MCCS employees. Moreover, for regular full and part-time employees, MCCS offers a generous benefits package including the Tuition Assistance Program (up to $10,000 per year for certifications, licenses and college degrees). In addition, a NAF Retirement Pension that may be transferrable between non-appropriated positions with other agencies is available along with a Fidelity 401(k) Retirement Plan with up to 5% matching on a robust investment plan. Aetna International Medical Insurance, convenient and accessible medical and dental care through military and local treatment facilities for employees and their families, is also available in addition to a life insurance policy through UniCare that offers affordable coverage to employees and family members up to three times their annual salary. Furthermore, regular full and part-time MCCS employees are eligible for short-term disability insurance—up to 60% of the employee’s salary for up to 3 months while qualified. Employees also earn vacation and sick leave and are even authorized to utilize the Family Friendly Leave Act, Family Medical Leave Act, Leave Donation Program, Employee Assistance Program and much more (when qualified). For more information on becoming a part of the MCCS team, call the MCCS NAF Human Resources Office at 645-3052.
Labor Day Sale Foster Framing and Fine Arts Grab that painting you never got around to framing and stop by the Foster Framing and Fine Arts Labor Day Sale, September 8–12, for 10 percent off all materials. Even if you have a monster of a painting with awkward dimensions (it’s easy to lose hope in framing pieces of art with larger depths), we’ve got the tools, supplies and expertise to frame it and frame it well. And if you have never been to Foster Framing and Fine Arts before, you can choose between buying premade frames or creating custom frames to your exact specifications. Pick from different colors, materials, sizes, thicknesses and patterns to best display your art. If you have no idea what frame will best suit the art you want to hang, our knowledgeable staff will help you choose. Additionally, we offer framing classes that will teach you how to mount your artwork while catering to both aesthetics and protection. Apart from frames and framing classes, other fine arts classes are available, like oil painting, pastel, beaded jewelry and realism drawing classes. Foster Framing and Fine Arts is located in the Foster Community Center, Bldg. 5908. If you have any questions or want to register for an art class, feel free to call 645-3674 from a DSN or 098-970-3674 from off base. To see a schedule of the art classes that are available, head to mccsokinawa.com/framingandfinearts. SEPTEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 55
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Explore
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Okinawa is renowned for its picturesque coastlines, surrounding seas teeming with life and its fascinating cultural heritage dating back thousands of years. However, its greatest treasure is the happy, kind and openhearted residents. And there’s no better way to get to know the island and its people than to don a pair of sturdy and comfortable walking shoes and experience it with your own eyes on your own two feet. So where is a great place to start? Yomitan Village!
ITAN Village text by mike daley layout by ai jirka
SEPTEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 59
MCCS PHOTO
The sleepy hamlet of Yomitan, located on a small peninsula north of Kadena that juts into the East China Sea, features rugged yet beautiful coastlines. Although many residents of Yomitan Village rely on the sea for sustenance, the village’s main industries are farming, tourism and cultural crafts. Famous island-wide for producing sugarcane, sweet potatoes, flowers (primarily Chrysanthemum) and fruit, the village’s history is also rich with art, culture, music and spirituality. Local legends state that the founder of classical Okinawan shimauta (island music) was an omoro (a traveling prayer-chant singer) from Yomitan by the name of Akainko. The legend goes that one evening during the rainy season, Akainko was awakened and subsequently entranced by the simple, rhythmic echoes of rainwater dripping from the roof to the ground. The next morning he constructed a stringed instrument from wood using horsetails for string (the precursor to the sanshin) and went from village to village with his new instrument, adding melody to his words. Although history states classical Okinawan music actually finds its roots in China, Akainko’s “achievement” is commemorated with a monument in Yomitan Village. And, every year on the 20th day of the 9th month on the lunar calendar, Yomitan holds the Akainko Festival to honor the “Father of the Uta-sanshin.” Whether or not this legend-of-a-man discovered uta-sanshin (the combination of prayer chants with strummed melodies), Akainko was in fact a real person. His name appears in the royal government-edited tome called the Omorososhi (a book that encompasses the greatest Ryukyu songs and verse) as an omoro master.
SEPTEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 61
Places to see...things to do
Yachimun-no-Sato In addition to Akainko, Yomitan is also home to many artists and artisans—some of which are transplanted from other areas. Yachimun-no-Sato, or the Village of the Potters, is a small community in Yomitan where many artists and artisans from throughout the island live and create ceramic works of art together. The original mecca of Okinawan pottery was located in the Tsuboya District of Naha City. It is said that the production of jôyachi yachimun, or glazed ware, was introduced to Okinawa by three Korean potters who were sent to the Ryukyu Kingdom by the Satsuma of Kyushu in 1616. One of these potters, Cho Ichiroku (also known as Cho Kenko), settled in the Tsuboya area, built a kiln and took apprentices. Over time, several more kilns were built in Tsuboya as others gathered. Although destroyed by the war, Tsuboya was rebuilt as a potters’ village and grew again until the smoke from the many larger climbing kilns called “noborigama” started to cause more and more complaints from surrounding residents. Finally, many of the masters, including Jiro Kinjo (a national living treasure) and Shinman Yamada (a potter renowned worldwide for his glazing techniques) gathered their apprentices and moved to Yomitan. Yamada himself designed Yachimun-noSato’s nine-chamber noborigama, which became the centerpiece of the village. His studio and gallery is located about 100 meters to the right of the picturesque kiln. Not limited to pottery, Yachimun-no-Sato is also home to Seikichi Inamine—a master in the creation of blown glass art. Mr. Inamine is famous for his experimentation with different natural materials; he fuses substances such as curry powder, coffee grounds, potter’s clay and others into molten glass to extract spectacular colors.
Zakimi Castle
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The ruins of Zakimi Castle (originally built during the 15th century as a home for Lord Gosamaru) are located above Yomitan atop a 125-meter-high hill. Today, both the ruins and the surrounding area are maintained as a park from which people can enjoy a panoramic view of the East China Sea. The Yomitan Yuntanza Museum, located just below Zakimi Castle, features many artifacts and a journey through Yomitan’s history and is definitely worth a visit.
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Zampa Misaki (Bolo Point) Featuring one of the most photographed lighthouses on the island, Zampa Misaki’s rocky cliffs are usually populated with fishermen clinging to ledges. Zampa also features a gargantuan lion dog that dominates the small park in which it stands. The giant shīsā of Zampa Misaki is reputedly the largest specimen of its kind on the island. The shīsā faces Asia, guarding travelers as they leave Okinawa and, at the same time, welcoming those returning from long journeys.
Murasaki Mura
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In 1992, NHK (Nihon Housou Kyokyu, the local equivalent of PBS) produced a television miniseries on the history of the people of Ryukyu. This half-year series, entitled “Ryukyu no Kaze” (The Wind of Ryukyu), ran from January to June in 1993 as part of the national historical “Taiga Drama” series. Written by Chinese playwright Shin Shunshin, “Ryukyu no Kaze” is set during the 16th and 17th centuries—tumultuous times when the Ryukyu Kingdom had become prosperous by trading with neighboring nations, but was in danger of being assimilated by the Satsuma Clan of Kyushu. Location shooting for the series took place in Yomitan Village and the sets and facilities created were very realistic reconstructions of ancient structures of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The set included Tenshikan (living quarters for envoys and missions from China), the Tenpi Gu (a shrine for praying for safe sea voyages), a karate dojo and more. Not wanting the set to be destroyed, the people of Yomitan renamed it Murasaki Mura and opened it to the public as a local attraction.
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Hotel Nikko Alivila Resort Located near Murasaki Mura, this seaside retreat’s name can be broken down into alivio and villa, or “relaxation manor.” Built on a Spanish motif, Alivila features lush décor, patterned marble floors, iron sconces and over-sized chandeliers. The hotel itself sits above a cove beside a strip of sandy beach, granting Alivila a secluded feel. All rooms have views of the water and small balconies for guests to catch the sea breeze. The resort also features an extensive spa and a wide variety of marine activities, field sports and five-star restaurants.
Gala Aoiumi Gala Aoiumi, located next to Alivila Resort, is a facility where visitors can experience the process of distilling salt from seawater and a myriad of Okinawan arts and crafts, such as pottery and glass-blowing. One of the most unique facilities that can be found on the seashore below Gala is the Sea Seed Coral Garden. Sea Seed is a coral farming facility that grows coral and transplants it back into the ocean. Hand-built by Mr. Koji Kinjo and a group of volunteers, the facility has grown and transplanted almost 100,000 corals since its beginning in 2005. For a fee (most of which is used for coral growing and preservation), visitors can marvel at the vast number of coral specimens and fishes onsite.
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While exploring is about discovery, it's also about the process of discovering. In other words, the journey one undertakes while searching for something can be just as important as the discovery, as it can lead you to unexpected—and even incredible—experiences. Yomitan Village is a perfect place to get lost and, in the process, discover something new.
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LIVING ON OKINAWA
Kabocha-no-Nimono Japanese-style Seasoned Pumpkin Serves four Ingredients: One half kabocha (a small Japanese pumpkin, usually green) 3 1/2 tbsp. sugar 1 1/2 tbsp. soy sauce 1 1/2 cup dashi soup (made from dried bonito flakes) Method of Preparation: 1. Scoop seeds out of the pumpkin and peel off thickest part of skin. 2. Cut the pumpkin into slices approximately two inches thick, soak in water for 2-3 minutes, and drain well. 3. Place pumpkin pieces into a deep pan, skin-side down. Add dashi soup, and cook with high heat. 4. Lower heat and add sugar until completely dissolved (be careful not to damage pumpkin slices). Cook for 7–8 minutes with low heat. 5. Add soy sauce, and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes. 6. Lower heat, cover pan and simmer until pumpkin is tender. 7. Serve
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 also see a shape on the surface of Luna—a rabbit. To Japanese children’s eyes, the dark shape on the moon resembles 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, depending on where they live some would see a Native American’s face and others 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. Many enjoy moon-viewing parties called tsukimi during mid-to-late September. Modern day tsukimi are, of course, for enjoying the beautiful moon with friends. However, during the days of old, tsukimi was a solemn occasion when farmers “prayed” to the moon for a bountiful harvest by offering mochi dumplings with pampas grasses. Tsukimi parties were popular during the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom, held high above Naha on the ramparts of Shuri Castle. 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. And although Chushuno-Utage, the mid-autumn moon-viewing banquet held at Shuri Castle, is currently on hiatus until the castle is rebuilt, watching the moonrise over the ocean is a beautiful alternative in the meantime.
Uchinâguchi Corner English
Japanese
Uchinâguchi
Do you speak English?
Nihongo hanasemasu ka?
Uchinâguchi hanasabiimi?
(Do you speak Japanese?)
(Do you speak Uchinâguchi?) SEPTEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 69
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