Although Halloween isn’t officially celebrated in Japan, there’s tons of creepy crawlers on Okinawa that will give you the heebie-jeebies. Ready to learn more about island residents that can scare the living daylights out of you?
16
Keeping Traditions Alive: Baile Folklórico on Okinawa
This Hispanic Heritage Month, join us as we trace the steps of folkloric dance—a unique artform that weaves myths, legends, tales and traditions, like a tapestry—all the way to Okinawa, Japan.
56
JDM on Okinawa Driven to Connect
From daily drivers to drifting demons, the car culture on Okinawa thrives on cool rides. Learn more about car meetups, where the hottest automotive events take place and even how to ship your ride home when it’s time to PCS!
restaurant review
42
Taco Maria
LA Style Mexican Street Eats
Inspired by frequent visits to California, the admiration of Chicano lifestyle and a penchant for lowriders, Taco Maria is the lovechild of Mexican cuisine and Chicano culture for restaurant owner Kota Shikanai.
fitness + fun
27 Do You Pickleball?
If Not, There’s No Better Time to Start! Here on Okinawa, MCCS Semper Fit fully supports the local pickleball community with courts on Camps Foster and Courtney as well as MCAS Futenma.
29 Courtney Open Volleyball Tournament
It’s Time to Spike!
MCCS Semper Fit is hosting the Camp Courtney Open Volleyball Tournament November 9 –10 at Ironworks Fitness Center. Join them for a “spiking” good time!
31 Foster Grappling Tournament Conquer the Competition
What is your favorite finishing move? Is it the infamous guillotine? Do you prefer the more orthodox shoulder lock or the more exotic pace choke? Whichever one you prefer, go for the tapout and prove that you’re the number one grappler around at the Foster Open Grappling Tournament!
marines + families
33
Dog Days of Summer Pet Plunge
Calling all good bois and girls of the waggly tail kind, the MCCS Aquatics team is bringing back the Pet Plunge! For one day, and one day only, the McTureous Aquatic Center will welcome pups of every shape and size for three hours of fun in the sun!
35
Book A Spooky Sites Tour…
…If You Dare
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, join MCCS Tours+ for a thrilling excursion to some of the spookiest sites on Okinawa in celebration of Halloween.
dining + entertainment
39
Relax & Un(wine)d at Okinapa Wine Festival
Okinapa Wine Festival is back, so dress in your best cocktail attire for a unique evening out to enjoy fabulous cuisine and fine wine tasting at the Butler Officers’ Club on Plaza Housing.
41
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
D’VAM Karaoke Jam
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Family Advocacy Program will be hosting a karaoke contest where interested participants will compete for a chance to win big.
kids + parents
45
The Haunted Library Invites You To… …Spooky Storytimes
The Foster Library is offering Spooky Storytime for children ages 0–6 years old and Scary Storytime for older children and tweens; costumes are highly encouraged as there will be a costume contest open to all ages.
47
The Foster Teen Center… …is BACK!
The Foster Teen Center has reopened! Equipped with computer stations, study areas, a reading corner and much, much more, this will become your teen’s favorite after-school hangout spot.
services
51
Typhoon Motors
October Sales
This month, Typhoon Motors is ready to help you trick your ride and treat your wallet with savings. Stop by your nearest Typhoon Motors location for sales sweeter than your kids’ Halloween loot.
53
Sharing the Memories… …with Family and Friends Back Home
How many times have you seen or experienced something on island that made you immediately think of someone you love? Why not give them the closest thing to actually being here with you? Gift them their own copy of Omoide: Memories of Okinawa or The Best of Okinawa Living.
OCTOBER 2024 | ISSUE 320
COMMANDING GENERAL, MCIPAC
Major General Brian N. Wolford
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
Meghan Johnson, Alora Wilson
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
James Rieth, Airi Igarashi, Taylor McFarlane, Danielle Bedard
DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER
Thomas Alan Smilie
PHOTOGRAPHERS/VIDEOGRAPHERS
Mia Cox, Azra Dolberry
EDITORIAL
Swetha Gogue, Laura C. Pita
DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA
Tiara Supakit, Claire Wilkinson, Lauren Thobe
CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST
Ayako Kawamitsu
ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP MANAGER
John Dailey
ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP
Yoshihiro Shinzato, Hiromitsu Horikawa Tsutomu McCoy, Aimee Taira, Hiroko Poole
MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER Andrew Menges
MARKETING ACCOUNTS
Amber A. Padilla, Laura Parada, Marissa DeSmet
DISTRIBUTION
Wataru Yamanoha, Shohei Ikene
We welcome your comments. Please send letters to editor@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org
This month we will “celebrate” Halloween with costumes, showers of Hershey’s, Meiji or Morinaga chocolates (with apologies to those who only receive candy corn) along with a healthy dose of chilly thrills.
Halloween is a relatively new phenomenon in Japan—albeit more about older “kids” purchasing or making costumes and gathering with friends for minor or major cosplay parties, parades and contests. In mainland Japan, the first major Halloween-themed festival was held at Tokyo Disneyland and it grew year after year before escaping the Magic Kingdom and making its way into Japanese society. In recent years, larger and larger gatherings have been taking place in the Shibuya and Shinjuku districts of Tokyo (large enough to make national news and attract a major contingent from the police force to maintain order).
The history of Halloween on Okinawa is a bit longer than in mainland Japan and is probably more familiar to Americans. Due to a more substantial American presence in the form of military facilities, Halloween is more about younger children going doorto-door gathering sweets.
Although scary stories are still more of a summer tradition on Okinawa and in Japan (tied to the summer Obon holidays), October just wouldn’t be the same without a spinechilling yarn or two (or three). That being said, we’re including one in this issue just for you! One word of warning, though: the scary stars of Things that go…Bump in the Night are not creatures from film or your imagination. They are very much real and all around you (some may even be in your house right now as you’re reading this). Turn to p. 8 if you dare!
As always, we thank you for picking up this issue of Okinawa Living Magazine. Now, time to turn the page and let your journey begin!
Mike Daley Editor-In-Chief
feedback from the ICE Program and Facebook
The art activity held at McTureous [School Age Care] last Friday was fantastic! My kids really enjoyed it. I am very pleased with the friendliness of the staff and how they have welcomed my kids into the community there.
—via ICE
I just want to give a huge shout out to the entire team at the Foster Bowling Center, and specifically Hannah Cassels. We have been bowling here for the past three years, and the staff have become great friends, and a wonderful bowling family that will truly be missed! They have helped us plan birthday parties, suggested the Kids Bowl FREE [program], helped us get new balls along with new gear and most importantly made our stay on Okinawa fun and more enjoyable. Thank you for everything!
—via ICE
Jason Small helped me with Capstone at the Camp Schwab Transition Readiness Center. He provided great service and was extremely helpful!
—via ICE
My family and I love this pool [at the McTureous Aquatic Center]. It’s conveniently in the neighborhood, always kept clean and the staff take good care of everything. Big shout out to the McT guards for always staying on top of everything!
—via ICE
[McCutcheon Fitness Center on MCAS Futenma is the] most underrated gym on the whole island! The staff are very friendly, and someone is always cleaning the facility!
—via ICE
The Courtney Library provided an excellent environment and helped us through the reservation process for a mom’s group meeting of military spouses. I especially love their children’s section that is well set up for young readers and their caregivers.
—via ICE
I have worked with Ms. Marisel Hayden [of Camp Hansen’s Transition Readiness Program] for the better part of a year now and she has provided much needed help for the Marines assigned to my company. As the Company Commander, I asked her about transition processes and what I needed to do to better assist my Marines. She set time aside to walk me through her processes and I ended up with a better understanding of what the Marines experience. It is extremely nice to have someone that is willing to go above and beyond to ensure those that she helps get all the assistance needed. It was a pleasure working with Ms. Hayden.
—via ICE
Thank you for all the hard work organizing [Kinser Festival]. We really enjoyed Sunday night!
—via Facebook
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 www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org and find the ICE link in the “MORE” section of the homepage or find us on Facebook to share feedback. Comments on this page may be edited for clarity or length.
@okilivingmag
Show us your island adventures and favorite food finds!
@anniesblogworld
Blessed to have front row seats to the amazing Okinawa sunsets everyday.
@tasha_schulze
When you live in Japan and Cinco de Mayo is also Children’s Day.
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
Text by: Mike Daley
Design by: Meghan Johnson
As creatures of the night, bats have always had the power to elicit images of vampires as well as feelings of dread and fear—especially when it’s a gargantuan specimen gliding silently towards you, an evil fiend out on a nightly hunting expedition to collect little boys and girls as late-night snacks. This is, of course, untrue. Once you get to know the giant bats of Okinawa a little better, wonder and fascination will soon replace any feelings of apprehension and revulsion.
Known as “Japanese megabats” or “flying foxes,” these enormous aerial mammals are members of the fruit bat family, which includes 150 worldwide species that can be found in tropical and subtropical areas such as Okinawa. These giant bats are a little different from what you would normally see lining the ceilings of caves. Although there are approximately 33 species of “micro-bats” in Japan, there are only two distinct living species of flying foxes—the Bonin flying fox and the Ryukyu flying fox.
While nocturnal like their smaller cousins, flying foxes don’t live in caves, instead preferring to roost in trees during the day. Although some specimens can be intimidating (especially if they’re flying directly at you at eye level), flying foxes aren’t carnivorous; they subsist on figs, fruit and other sweets. These bats play an important role in the Ryukyu Island chain’s ecosystem as well, by not only cross-pollinating plants (sort of like very large bees), but also by widely dispersing seeds.
One of the distinctive characteristics of the flying fox is, of course, their size. Specimens have been observed with wingspans of up to 140 cm (approximately 63”), with bodies about the size of a small cat. If you are ever given the opportunity to see a flying fox up close, you’ll agree that they are aptly named. With their charming faces and large soulful eyes, they resemble a longhaired, upside-down chihuahua wearing a long, black, leather trench coat equipped with a fur liner.
It’s 4 a.m. and suddenly you’re awakened from deep slumber as the pre-dawn silence is shattered by the screaming and sobbing of your spouse, punctuated by the noises of absolute mayhem. Fearing the worst, you grab the nearest heavy blunt object and dash for the kitchen with visions of burglars and Nosferatu racing through your head. As you reach the entrance of the kitchen, you find out that reality is somehow worse than your nightmares. A flying cockroach—the shiny-slick embodiment of all the disgusting things in the world—is making a 90-degree hard right turn around the refrigerator and flying towards your face like a sidewinder missile. Neither chaff nor flares would save you even if you were equipped with them. Your screams now join with the mewling/whimpering sounds coming from your husband crumpled on the floor.
It’s highly likely that you have heard of, or if you are really unlucky, experienced a scenario like this. Hardened veterans of the tōbira (cockroach in Uchinâguchi) wars often swap stories of their epic battles with specimens seemingly the size of Rodan (the flying monster from the Godzilla movies). Although it may seem like an impossible task, the war on roaches can be won with cans of spray, pellets, traps that they can check into but can’t check out of and generally keeping your home clean.
The combination of these methods should eliminate the problem, but if not, call a real professional. We wish you the best of luck and hope you don’t have any run-ins with the centipede that ate Naha City.
Speaking of centipedes, these insects meet all the prerequisites for a good, late-night, B-grade horror flick antagonist. They can grow to be quite long, around 20 cm (roughly 8” of mostly spiny legs and shiny segments) and the specimens found in dark places on Okinawa don’t disappoint. Unlike roaches, who are omnivorous foragers, centipedes are aggressive predators that actively hunt their prey like an Alien Xenomorph with a lot more legs. Contrary to aliens, though, centipedes use
venomous fangs to subdue their prey before wrapping their claw-like legs around them to dine at their leisure. Although they primarily eat spiders and other insects, centipedes will also attack and try to subdue smaller reptiles and mammals such as mice—basically anything that they can wrap their many legs around. I bet you’re glad that they max out at 20 cm, huh?
Anyways, stay safe and happy Halloween from the staff of Okinawa Living Magazine!
Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15 every year, as a way to celebrate the history and culture of the Hispanic community and recognize the contributions made to the United States by Hispanic American citizens whose ancestors hail from Spain, the Caribbean, Central and South America. These include important advocacy work, vibrant art, rhythmic music, delicious food and much, much more!
One of the most visible influences—besides food—is la música latina which in recent years has become the second most-consumed music on a global scale. Although the genres at the forefront of this current movement are urbano and pop, there are many others that have long been a part of Hispanic culture including salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia and regional Mexican, among others.
When talking about Latin music it’s impossible not to talk about dance, as one does not exist without the other. The infectious rhythms and passionate movements of these dances exude a sense of joy that play an important role in all sorts of Hispanic celebrations.
Regardless of the country and genre in question, these dances were all born from diversity and feature African, European and Indigenous influences. While some have become widespread through
the popularity of the music genres that accompany them, some are particular to certain regions and cultures, passed down from generation to generation.
One of these is baile folklórico (folkloric dance)—an umbrella term for traditional cultural dances that emphasize a country’s folk culture. Like oral history that is passed through generations, this unique artform weaves together myths, legends, tales and traditions, like a tapestry. While various Hispanic countries have their own traditional folk dances, the most recognizable is the baile folklórico of Mexico.
Text by: Laura C. Pita | Layout by: Alora Wilson Photography by: Mia Cox
Ballet Folklórico
Dancer and choreographer Amalia Hernández founded the worldrenowned Ballet Folklórico de México in 1952 and was a pioneer in developing the baile folklórico by combining traditional dances with modern choreographed movements. Her dance troupe was highly acclaimed by Mexican leaders and to this day has permanent residence at the iconic Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City.
The principal styles of ballet folklórico include danza, mestizo and
bailes regionales. Danza, being the original folk dance performed by Mexico’s Indigenous people before the Spanish conquistadores arrived. Mestizo translates to mixed in Spanish and mostly refers to people of mixed ancestry. This style of dance is known for the mixing of influences from Spanish, French, German and Italian dances (including waltzes, fandangos, ballet and polka) with Indigenous dances.
The bailes regionales refer to the unique interpretations created
by regional communities across Mexico because—believe it or not— baile folklórico is not just one type of dance. The term encompasses the individual styles of dance from Mexico’s 31 regions and with the country being home to 68 Indigenous peoples, it’s no wonder there are so many interpretations! Some dances lean heavily into European influences while others draw on the region’s Indigenous roots…but one thing’s for sure, they represent the country’s diverse history.
The history of Mexico’s folkloric dance is intertwined with that of the mariachis whose distinctive style of music—combining brass and string instruments along with spirited melodies and humorous lyrics—accompany the folklórico dancers.
But the most important part of baile folklórico is the intricate zapateado (footwork) as dancers wear shoes with nails on the bottom of the toes and heels, that allow them to stomp out loud beats or light scuffs onto the dancefloor. The dance steps provide an added dimension to their performance, resulting in a beautiful combination of movement, rhythm and music that is enhanced by their vestuario (costumes).
Brightly colorful dresses with high collars, voluminous skirts adorned with bountiful lace and ribbon trimmings are worn by the female dancers, reminiscent of both Spanish and Indigenous cultures. The costumes aren’t complete without a slicked back hairstyle, a braided headpiece
Music, Footwork & Costumes
with vibrant flowers and bold makeup. The men on the other hand wear black Spanish charro suits adorned with silver embellishments and big sombreros. But of course, costumes differ by region.
While there are hundreds of folklórico routines performed all over the country, the Jarabe Tapatío, also known as the “Mexican Hat Dance” is the most well-known. In the 1920s the Jarabe Tapatío was adopted by the Mexican government as the country’s national dance and was later taught to children in schools.
Dancing is an integral part of Mexican culture and it is imperative for the tradition of baile folklórico to continue flourishing. As it teaches and celebrates the history and customs, while also enabling a kinship among people with shared heritage, no matter where in the world they find themselves. On Okinawa, there are several groups looking to keep the tradition bailes folklóricos alive.
BaileMexicanoFolklórico de Okinawa
(BFMO), which was founded by the Torres Family in March of 1985. The members of the family felt called to show the diversity and cultural richness of the Mexican folkloric dances when they realized the US military bases had a large presence of Mexican service members and families. They were able to gather a group of both male and female dancers with previous experience in baile folklórico, participating in various Cinco de Mayo, Hispanic Heritage Month and Christmas events on base.
Due to the ever-revolving door of military life on Okinawa, the Baile Folklórico Mexicano de Okinawa has moved through a wide range of hands but to this day it is still active, although they did take a 3-year break due to the pandemic. Graciela Mestres, a teacher at Bob Hope Elementary School on Kadena Air Base, was safekeeping the group’s intricate costumes and accessories after previous members left the island. In January 2023, she took to the internet with the hope of finding dancers interested in restarting the group.
Reyna Uribe was amazed to learn there was a Mexican folklore group on island when she saw Mestres’ post on Facebook. She had zero experience in baile folklórico and although she felt intimidated due to the intricacies of the dances, she gave it a shot and was pleasantly surprised by how easy and fun they were to learn. She is now in charge of scheduling, recruiting and has graduated to teaching new dancers the routines as well as searching for new ones to add to the group’s repertoire.
The group is small at the moment but it is made up of both activeduty service members as well as military spouses from all branches and backgrounds. It is a great place to make new friends and serves as a line of support for members while being so far from home. Although members do not have to be of Mexican descent to join, the group focuses on Mexican folkloric dance from the regions of Jalisco and Sinaloa.
“Being able to show a little bit of our culture and nation to the people of Okinawa/Japan and the United States that are stationed here [is my favorite part]. We love to see the surprise and happiness that many have since they are far away from their families. Being able to share the emotions with my partner is the best, it’s one of the things that unites my wife Claudia and I,” shared Armando Victorio Balbuena.
The Baile Folklórico Mexicano de Okinawa group has performed all over Okinawa and were even sponsored in the past to perform at Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture. Interested in joining? BFMO practices at the Camp Foster Fieldhouse every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and is always open to new members! They will be accepting new dancers starting December 1. If you would like to sign up or receive more information, follow @bfmo_okinawa24 on Instagram.
Los Angelitos de Okinawa
The newest folkloric dance group is Los Angelitos de Okinawa, a volunteer-run nonprofit organization, formed in May 2024 and spearheaded by former Marine Jessica Rangel-Poitra. The group practices at the Risner Fitness Center on Kadena Air Base. Currently they have two classes, Cariños (ages 8–12) and Angelitos (ages 13–16), but they hope to expand to ages 5–7, adults and a parent class, with the addition of volunteer dance instructors. Each group is capped at 10 dancers, on first-come, first-served basis. For more information on classes or to volunteer, follow @losangelitosdeokinawa on Instagram.
The Baile Folklórico Mexicano de Okinawa, Folclor de mi Tierra and Los Angelitos of Okinawa groups work hard to produce captivating performances that showcase the beauty, richness and diversity of the Hispanic community on Okinawa. Follow their social media platforms for more information on upcoming 2024 events.
Folclor de mi Tierra
Another folkloric dance group on Okinawa is Folclor de mi Tierra, which was founded in June 2022 by Laura Rodríguez. The group prides themselves in representing the cultural heritage of various Hispanic countries by showcasing diverse folkloric dances. The group has 17 members at the moment and is made up of active-duty service members, full-time mothers and workers from Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Peru, Guatemala, Honduras and Puerto Rico. During performances the group switches between solo and group dances, alternating countries to illustrate the beauty of these diverse folkloric dances.
“It has been an incredible experience to share my passion with them, instill in them the motivation and excitement to start sharing their culture, acquire traditional dresses from their countries, and assist them with folklore techniques, skirt movements and corporal public expression. It makes me proud how far this group has come,” commented Rodríguez.
Interested in joining? Folclor de mi Tierra practices at Risner Fitness Center on Kadena Air Base either sporadically or once/twice a week when events are approaching. Join their Facebook group, Folclor de mi Tierra en Okinawa or email folclordemitierraokinawa@gmail.com for more information.
This year, during Hispanic Heritage month, why not take this opportunity to experience the joy of folkloric dance and help keep these vital traditions alive. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month from the staff at Okinawa Living Magazine!
If Not, There’s No Better Time to Start!
What exactly is pickleball, you say? It’s a fun and competitive sport that combines tennis, badminton and ping-pong with games ending either at 11, 15 or 21 points. According to usapickleball.org, pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Washington. Three dads— Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum—are credited for creating a game to entertain their bored kids. Since then, the sport has evolved into a popular activity enjoyed throughout the US, Canada and internationally as well!
During the 2023 Biofreeze USA Pickleball Championships, nearly 3,500 registered pickleballers competed with 50,000 total fans in attendance. Over 2.6 million viewers tuned in on ESPN, the Tennis Channel and on PickleballTV to catch over 20 hours of pickleball action.
Here on Okinawa, MCCS Semper Fit fully supports the local pickleball community with courts on MCAS Futenma at McCutcheon Fitness Center’s tennis court, on Camp Foster at the tennis courts between the Foster Aquatic Center and Gunners Fitness Center as well as at the tennis courts on Camp Courtney near Ironworks Fitness Center. All of these courts are lined for both tennis and pickleball. Need gear? Equipment, including nets, paddles and pickleballs, are available to check-out for FREE at the aforementioned fitness centers.
Looking for a bit of friendly competition? Sign up for the Foster Open Pickleball Tournament! Taking place October 19–20 at the Camp Foster tennis courts, this tournament is open to players island wide 16 and older with awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. Be sure to register before October 14 (11:30 p.m.) via Eventbrite for $20 to secure your slot. For more information on the Foster Open Pickleball Tournament, call 645-4866, email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or visit okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/adultsports
Club Championship at Taiyo GC
The Most Competitive Tournament is Back
Taiyo Golf Club has its fair share of fun, competitive events such as the Home & Home Challenge and the Ham Scramble, but this October 19 and 20, its most competitive tournament of the year takes place—the 2024 Taiyo Golf Club Championship. At the championship, every stroke counts. Participants will have no team to fall back on; they will have to stand on the merit of their own skills to succeed in this 36-hole tournament.
In addition to competing in the tournament itself, the $100 entry fee includes lunch and a putting challenge on day one with an
awards banquet following play at the Butler Officers’ Club.
Open to all SOFA status personnel, the Taiyo Golf Club Championship is an individual stroke-play tournament with holeby-hole scores posted each day on the club’s scoreboard. Those up to the challenge must register at the Pro Shop before Wednesday, October 16. Keep in mind, however, registration will close when all slots fill up, so if you are interested, don’t wait until the last minute. For more information, visit www.okinawa. usmc-mccs.org/golf or call 622-2004.
Courtney Open Volleyball Tournament
It’s Time to Spike!
Whether you’ve been around the sport for a long time or you’re new to the game, you probably already know the best thing about volleyball—it can be played year-round, almost anywhere. For example, you can find yourself playing on a hot, summer day sliding and spiking in the sand while soaking up some Vitamin D, diving through the grass for an impressive save that helps win your team the game or a nice indoor game on cold, dreary days when the rain won’t let up. Oh, and speaking of playing indoors, MCCS Semper Fit is hosting the Camp Courtney Open Volleyball Tournament November 9–10 at the Ironworks Fitness Center.
Details about the tournament are as follows: Each team is limited to 10 players, including a coach—who will only count against your player limit if they decide to compete. And, most importantly, make sure you bring the heat because there will be awards for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams.
This event is open to participants island wide ages 16 and up, so rally your team and head over to www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/ adultsports to score your team’s spot before 1 p.m. on November 4 for $175. For more information about the tournament and more upcoming events, send an email to adultsports@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or call 622-7297.
Hansen Open Softball Tournament
Take Your Victory Lap!
Taking a lap around the diamond is a perfect way to work those hamstrings and get the blood pumping, but it’s even better when it’s after you’ve hit a game-winning home run! If this is something that you’ve always dreamed about, then it’s time to sign up for the Hansen Open Softball Tournament taking place at the Camp Hansen softball fields on Saturday and Sunday, October 19–20!
Team sizes are limited to 15 players, plus a coach. A coach who chooses to participate in the game counts against the 15-player roster. This tournament is open to participants island wide ages 16 and older. Players better bring their A-game, as awards will be given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams.
If batting a few dingers piques your interest, register your team online at www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/ adultsports by 1 p.m. on October 14 for $175. For more information and a comprehensive set of rules, email adultsports@usmc-mccs.org or call 623-5558.
Small Unit Leaders
Course
Looking to improve your overall performance and tactical readiness? Active-duty Marines and Sailors E4 and above (or equivalent) wishing to help improve their unit’s overall fitness are welcome to sign up for the upcoming High Intensity Tactical Training (HITT) Small Unit Leaders (SUL) Course. The HITT SUL course is a 5-day introduction to coaching for NCOs who are looking to lead safe and effective strength and conditioning workouts.
The next session will be from October 28 to November 1 on Camp Foster at both the Education Center and the HITT
Porch at Gunners Fitness Center. Prior registration is required to attend. Email to register; deadline is October 21.
We encourage and support the participation of individuals of all abilities. Please call 645-3910 / 098-970-3910 or email mccshealthpromotions@okinawa.usmc-mccs. org if accommodations are necessary. For more information on additional Small Unit Leaders HITT course dates, registration requirements and other MCCS Health Promotion offerings, visit www.okinawa. usmc-mccs.org/healthpromotion
Do You Have What It Takes?
The MCCS Health Promotion team is on a mission to find the most combat-fit and combat-ready warrior athletes on Okinawa. And to do this, they have put together a challenge that will test the endurance, strength, speed and cognitive skill, in order to find the very best of the best. If you’re an active-duty service member who thinks they have got what it takes, sign up to represent your branch and unit at the 2024 Warrior Athlete Competition.
Register for this FREE grueling test of mental and physical acuity via Eventbrite; registration closes October 14. All participants must be ready to meet the challenge at 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 19 wearing their military issued PT gear. Event is rain or shine (if there are dangerous weather conditions, event will be rescheduled to October 26).
We encourage and support the participation of individuals of all abilities. Please call 645-3910 / 098-970-3910 or email mccshealthpromotions@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org if accommodations are necessary. For more information on the 2024 Warrior Athlete Competition, visit www.okinawa. usmc-mccs.org/healthpromotion.
Foster Grappling Tournament
Conquer the Competition
What is your favorite finishing move? Is it the infamous guillotine? Do you prefer the more orthodox shoulder lock or the more exotic pace choke?
Or perhaps you prefer to shoot for the holy grail of submission moves— the Marcelo Garcia Back Crucifix Choke! Whichever method you choose, you better hurry before they turn the tables on you!
Go for the tap-out and prove that you’re the number one grappler around at the Foster Open Grappling Tournament on November 2 at the Foster Fieldhouse. Register by October 30 (11:30 p.m.) via Eventbrite for $50. This event is open to participants 18 and older island wide with medals awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each respective division. For more information, call 645-4866 or email adultsports@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
Warrior Athlete Competition
HITT
Know Your Numbers
For Your Health
We all know the importance of eating healthy, exercising and reducing stress and what all of these can do to improve our overall health, but do you know your numbers? The “numbers” we are referring to include, but are not limited to cholesterol, triglyceride levels, blood pressure and other key markers of the current state of your body. Being aware of what these metrics are—and at what levels they should be—can help you maintain a healthier and happier lifestyle.
If your numbers have gotten away from you, (for instance, if that blood pressure is ranging at or over 120–129 systolic) consider stopping smoking, following the DASH diet, getting active, reducing salt intake and limiting alcohol consumption. If your lipid panel came back telling you that your cholesterol or
triglyceride numbers aren’t where they need to be, maybe reduce the amount of saturated fats in your diet, add extra dietary fiber and try to be physically active most days of the week.
Remember though, everyone’s body is different, and your healthcare provider is there to be your partner in living a healthy lifestyle so don’t be afraid to ask them what your numbers are, and if you’re confused by them, what they mean. Spreadsheets filled with seemingly random numbers on Tricare Online can be confusing.
This month you can expect to find more information on knowing your numbers at Semper Fit facilities and on the MCCS Health Promotion Facebook page. Feel free to reach out to them via email at mccshealthpromotions@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or visit them online at www. okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/healthpromotion.
Dog Days of Summer
Pet Plunge
Calling all good bois and girls of the waggly tail kind. We’ve got some dog-gone good news…the MCCS Aquatics team is bringing back the Pet Plunge!
You may be asking yourself…what is a Pet Plunge? Well, it’s only the day your pooch has been waiting for all year. For one day, and one day only, the McTureous Aquatic Center will welcome pups of every shape and size for three hours of fun in the sun! There will
be a variety of pool games, with prizes being awarded for things like quickest fetch and farthest jump, at what promises to be a dog-day your pup won’t forget.
Pack up all of your doggy essentials and join us on Saturday, October 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Camp McTureous. For more information on the Pet Plunge, email mccsaquatics@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org, call 622-7397 or visit www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/aquatics.
The World Health Organization reports that breast cancer is now the most common form of cancer diagnosed throughout the world. While random events may lead to the development of cancer, genetic and environmental factors can impact a person’s risk. Factors which increase one’s risk of developing breast cancer include lack of exercise, poor diet, smoking and alcohol consumption. While both men and women can develop breast cancer, women are at a much higher risk of being affected (about 100 times more likely).
Even though the thought of cancer is worrisome, talking to your doctor and learning about resources available within your community can help alleviate some of that concern. Another great source of information is MCCS Health Promotion. October is both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. To raise awareness for both, Health Promotion is hosting Dance for a Cause—an evening combining exercise and education.
Stop by the Camp Foster Community Center Auditorium on Friday, October 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. to take part in a variety of FREE fitness classes and hear from speakers from the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa and MCCS Behavioral Health.
There will be plenty of informational pamphlets and handouts available in addition to staff members ready to help you discover health resources here on Okinawa. This event is open to SOFA ID card holders island wide; registration is not required to attend. Participants ages 12 to 17 may attend with a parent or legal guardian. To learn more about Breast Cancer Awareness, visit www. okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/healthpromotion. If you have any questions about Dance for a Cause, please call 645-3910.
Book a Spooky Sites Tour…
…If You Dare
It’s no surprise that Okinawa has its fair share of ghost stories…the island was in fact the site of one of the bloodiest battles of World War II, which resulted in the loss of over 240,000 lives. This makes Okinawa easily the most haunted duty station U.S. military members can be sent to.
Ask anyone who’s lived on island for a while and you’ll probably learn about the now demolished Bldg. 2283 on Kadena Air Base, considered the most haunted house in the entire military, as it is believed two separate families were murdered on the premises. But that’s not all, the area has various spectral apparitions including a woman, a samurai warrior on a horse and small children that have been seen and heard by passersby.
The folks over at MCCS Tours+ had a hard time narrowing down which locations to visit…but they have narrowed it down to Kadena Air Base, Kakazu Takadai (a memorial park in memory of the Battle of Kakazu Ridge) and Yara Park. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, why not get into the spirit of Halloween by joining MCCS Tours+ on one of their Spooky Sites Tours!
Feeling brave? Register to join us on October 23, 25, 26 and 27 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; tickets are available on Eventbrite. Leave the kiddos under 2 at home, pack your flashlight and hop on the bus at the Foster Bowling Center for a chilling excursion. For more information, visit www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/tours, email tours@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or call 646-3502.
Japanese Winter Wonderland
Sapporo
Snow Festival Tour
The Sapporo Snow Festival has a very interesting history as the first ever event took place back in 1950 when six local high school students used Sapporo’s abundant February snow and their imaginations to build six snow statues in Odori Park. Years later, members of the Japanese Self-Defense Force from a nearby base built the first massive snow sculpture and the rest is history!
The festival is held annually over seven days in February, with over 400 snow statues displayed at multiple sites scattered around the city. The primary venue is still Odori Park which features 1.5km of snow sculptures in various sizes with projection shows, activities including a snow slide and ice skating as well as food stalls. The subjects sculpted and carved in snow vary each year and are known for referencing trends from the previous year, so every year the
festival is different! Susukino (Japan’s largest entertainment district north of Tokyo) turns into an Ice World, with intricate ice sculptures lining the streets. Lastly, the Tsudome site is reserved for the kids at heart who are looking for snow-related activities like snowman building, tube sliding, snow rafting and more!
Interested in experiencing a Japanese winter wonderland? Join MCCS Tours+ on their Sapporo Snow Festival Tour from February 3 to 6, 2025. The 4-day itinerary includes round-trip airfare, transportation (to airport and hotel), hotel accommodations with breakfast and leisure time in Sapporo. For more information, including pricing, reservations and cancellation policies, call 646-3502, email tours@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org or visit www.okinawa.usmcmccs.org/tours.
Relax & Un(wine)d at
26th Annual Okinapa Wine Festival
Dust off your cocktail attire or treat yourself to a new fit and gather your friends for a girl’s night out or join your spouse on a unique date night because the Okinapa Wine Festival is back! On Friday, October 18, and Saturday, October 19, join us for a delightful evening of fabulous cuisine and fine wine tasting at the Butler Officers’ Club on Plaza Housing. The event will run both evenings from 5 to 10 p.m. Expect delicious foods that pair perfectly with your wine samples and mingle as you enjoy live entertainment. Past Okinapa menus have included carving stations, cheese wheels, risottos, pasta, crab cakes, an oyster bar and more!
There will be wine selections from around the globe to taste, including sparkling champagne and excellent vintages. Don’t forget to note your favorites as you make your way through the wine tasting selections, that way you can have a list ready to go once it’s time to shop the vendor booths.
If you’re looking for some keepsake items, Okinapa-themed apparel, totes, wine kits and cheeseboard sets will be available for purchase as well. Your ticket also includes a FREE souvenir tasting glass.
To allow all attendees to enjoy themselves while staying safe, there will be FREE shuttle transportation to and from multiple camp
locations. Make sure to keep an eye out online for shuttle locations and schedules. Daiko and taxi services will also be available throughout the evening.
Okinapa Wine Festival is a ticketed event, with sales limited to four tickets per purchase. Tickets are $60 per person and will be available until October 19 or until sold out at www. okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/boc. Okinapa is a very popular event, and has a history of selling out in advance. If this becomes the case, please keep checking the URL above for a waiting list for cancellations. For more information on this event, call 645-7530 / 098-970-7530 or email butlerofficersclub@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is a month where victim advocates, survivors of abuse and their loved ones come together to raise awareness about domestic violence, mourn the lives lost, celebrate the progress that has been made to end this epidemic and connect with others working to create change.
On Okinawa, those dealing with domestic abuse may call the Safeline at 098-970-SAFE (7233). Advocates are available 24/7, 365 days a year and when SOFA-status members speak with an advocate, they will be given information about available resources and options. They can request for the call to be restricted where law enforcement and command are not notified; however, they gain valuable information.
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Family Advocacy Program will be hosting a karaoke contest. Interested participants must submit a video via Eventbrite for the opportunity to compete at either The Palms on Camp Hansen (October 7) or Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster (October 16). The top five contestants from each event will compete at the grand finale event at Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster (October 22) for a chance to win a trophy and a new gaming system.
Not one for the spotlight? Don’t worry, audience members will also have the opportunity to win prizes as there will be Kahoot Trivia in between contestants. There also will be community partner tables set up during all events to provide information on protective factors and resources offered on island in order to spread awareness of domestic violence and intimate partner abuse. These events all start at 6 p.m. and are open to SOFA ID cardholders. For more information on the D’VAM Karaoke Jam, visit www.okinawa.usmc-mccs. org/fap, email fapprevention@usmc. mil or call 645-2915.
Weekday Breakfast at Ocean Breeze
Start your Workday on the Right Foot!
What reigns as the most important meal of the day, you ask? Well, breakfast, of course! Breaking that fast after a long night’s slumber is all about one thing—nourishing your body with the fuel to keep going throughout the day (or at least until lunch). Eating breakfast is associated with being in a better mood, as well as kick-starting your metabolism.
Looking for a breakfast spot to quiet your morning hunger pangs during the workweek without laboring over the stovetop to whip up a spread early in the morning? Head to Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster! Ocean Breeze offers à la carte breakfast Monday through Friday from 6 to 9 a.m. with all of your favorite classics.
Create your own omelet using farm-fresh eggs with your choice of peppers, onions, mushrooms, ham and either American or Swiss cheese. Your creation will be served with golden-fried breakfast potatoes, crispy bacon or sausage and toast for only $10! Or, go for the classic Sausage Gravy & Biscuits, served with two eggs any style and golden-fried breakfast potatoes also for only $10. Want to celebrate the start of the day the right way? Go for a grilled 8oz. New York strip steak cooked to your liking served with two eggs any style, golden-fried breakfast potatoes and toast for only $16. All these items, including a breakfast Chorizo Burrito, French Toast, Buttermilk Pancakes and more are available to make your morning bright—even if it’s a Monday!
For those wanting to relax and unwind don’t worry—Ocean Breeze is still serving their weekend breakfast buffet Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To find out more about breakfast offerings at Ocean Breeze, call 645-3666, or visit www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/oceanbreeze.
D'VAM Karaoke Jam
Taco Maria
LA-Style Mexican Street Eats
Inspired by frequent visits to California, the admiration of Chicano lifestyle and a penchant for lowriders— Taco Maria is the lovechild of Mexican cuisine and Chicano culture for restaurant owner Kota Shikanai.
As soon as you step foot inside the restaurant, the line between East LA and Okinawa is blurred. The graffiti mural inspired by Día de los Muertos and the Chicano-style framed art set the scene, along with speakers casually playing bangers, rotating between 90’s West Coast hip hop and Mexican music. Then there’s the contrast of the English/Japanese menu that awaits at your table and the local Japanese chefs cooking up your finger-lickin’ street tacos.
“I love lowrider car culture and tacos. I want to show the culture and express what I like,” Shikanaisan shared.
Taco Maria offers street tacos, nachos, ceviche, fries, quesadillas, rice bowls, elote in a cup, housemade drinks and desserts.
For the street tacos, all tortillas are made-to-order in house with organic masa (corn flour) that is kneaded, molded into a perfectly round ball then hand-pressed on a tortillera (tortilla press). The tortilla is a bit thicker than your average one, but the advantage is a sturdy base that allows sauces and protein to stay within the taco.
velvety rich texture ride as they sit on top of the soft tortilla garnished with fresh diced onion, cilantro and cottage cheese.
Looking for a spin on the classic street taco? The bulgogi taco is what you’ve been searching for. Pulling influences from the classic comfort Korean dish, the beef is marinated in savory-sweet soy-based sauce and topped with kimchi cabbage, sriracha and green onion. Notes of soy sauce are complemented with the acidity and crunch from the kimchi blending the best of two worldly consistencies.
If you’re shying away from red meat and pork, Taco Maria offers chicken, shrimp and Baja fish tacos. The chicken tacos are made from chicken breast offering a leaner meat with bold chipotle flavors topped with a vibrant slice of avocado, pico de gallo and tajín. As for the garlic flavored shrimp and beer-battered, deep-fried-and-crunchy fish tacos, both pescatarian selections are topped with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo and cilantro mayo.
Utilizing the meat from the street tacos, Taco Maria offers rice bowls with your choice of cilantro lime rice or Mexican rice, veggies and choice of protein from beef, chicken, bulgogi and shrimp.
Location
1F 2 Chome-20-5 Isa, Ginowan, Okinawa 901-2221
Hours of Operation
Open Daily
11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. (L.O. 9 p.m.)
Phone Number 098-975-5539
Now onto the meat of the tacos, the carne asada and carnitas are undoubtedly the most popular—and rightfully so. The carne asada is char-grilled, tender and perfectly seasoned. The combination of the steak topped with fresh cilantro, diced red onions as well as pickled onions to cleanse the palette is a home run. Although carnitas translates to “little meats” in Spanish, the dish is big on flavor; made from pork, the meat is decadent, succulent and oh-so satisfying as Taco Maria tops off the braised pork with salsa verde, fresh red onion and cilantro that cuts through the fattiness of the meat offering a balanced bite.
For a hearty taco, the chorizo & potato taco are the answer to your prayers—a blend of rich pork sausage and soft potatoes invite your tastebuds on a
If you’re wanting to munch and share, nacho lovers, rejoice! Choose from either chicken, beef or no meat nachos that sit atop crispy chips and topped with gooey cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo and jalapeños.
Wash it all down with house-made silky horchata bursting with comforting speckles of cinnamon. And last, but not least, the churros & ice cream are a hit—two large scoops of vanilla are sprinkled with a dash of tajín and drizzled with a caramel sauce sitting over crispy cereal, the perfect accompaniment to your Mexican eats. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try the sweet nachos as it comes with chocolate sauce and ice cream—a sweet spin on the usual nachos.
Whatever you choose, at Taco Maria your tastebuds will be transported to East LA, and you’ll leave with a 4-pump, FBSS bounce in your step!
Text by: Swetha Gogue | Photography by: Mia Cox | Translation by: Aimee Taira
The
Haunted Library Invites You to...
…Spooky Storytimes
Halloween Family Fun Nights
Scaring up a Good Time!
There’s more to Halloween than dressing up to go door to door asking for candy—it can be one of the best holidays to celebrate with the entire family. This year, MCCS Clubs and Restaurants will be treating families with a few opportunities to turn this spooktacular tradition into something more with their Halloween Family Fun Nights, spreading throughout the island like a thick, eerily lit fogbank starting October 17. Admission for all events is $12.95 for adults and teens, $6.95 for children 5–11 and FREE for kids under 5.
Spooky season is upon us and the Foster Library has a few tricks up their sleeves. They will be transforming into a Haunted Library this month and hosting a variety of Halloween-themed events to kick off the holiday.
On Wednesday, October 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. they will be offering two storytimes with Halloween-themed activities, crafts and light refreshments. Costumes are highly encouraged for patrons as there will be a costume contest open to all ages! The Spooky Storytime is geared towards kiddos ages 0–6 years old,
while the Scary Storytime is geared towards older children and tweens.
Can’t make it? Don’t worry. There are Spooky Storytimes scheduled at the Kinser Library on Friday, October 18 at 5 p.m. and the Courtney Library on Friday, October 25 at 4:30 p.m.; costumes are highly encouraged as well! For more information, visit www. okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/libraries. For the latest updates, follow MCCS Libraries at facebook. com/mccsokinawa.educationandlibraries.
Infant Massage Class
Connect with Your Baby
The bond between a parent and child may be one of the strongest and most important human connections, but it’s not always something that is easily felt. That is why nurturing a secure bond between you and your infant is essential. Creating moments where the two of you can feel safe and connected is crucial to the healthy development of your baby’s sense of self and security in the world. Infant massage involves the most important elements of bonding and teaches the ideal interaction to build trust and love.
During the New Parent Support Program Infant Massage Class, home visitors—who are counselors and nurses—will teach parents massage techniques that can have many
benefits such as relief of gas or colic symptoms, promotion of brain development for babies, reduction of postpartum depression for mothers as well as reduction in stress and improved sleep for all parties.
This is a four-part series offered once a week, on Thursdays, at the Westpac Inn on Camp Foster from 10 to 11 a.m. Registration is required and can be done by emailing npspokinawa@usmc.mil or by calling 645-0396.
Additional services offered by the New Parent Support Program team include home visits, the interactive group Play Mornings, Parents in Uniform and Baby Boot Camp classes. You can learn more about these offerings at www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/npsp.
Get into a spooky mood and get ready for the big day at the Kinser Surfside Spooktacular, taking place on October 17, from 5 to 9 p.m. Dress in your Halloween best and enter the costume contest, with prizes for most original, scariest and best overall. The Spooktacular will also feature themed games, crafts and a dance party. For more information on this event, call 637-3137.
Also happening October 17 from 5 to 9 p.m. on Camp Foster, the Family SkeleFun Night will occur at Ocean Breeze. Family Skele-Fun Night will also feature a costume contest for kids ages 2–4, 5–7 and 8–12 on top of assorted crafts for children and age-appropriate Halloween movies.
Then, on All Hallows’ Eve, instead of finishing your candy collecting expeditions at home counting loot, head to the Boo-tastic Family Fun Night at Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney to continue the evening of fun! The Boo-tastic Family Fun Night will take place on October 31 from 5 to 9 p.m. and their costume contest will also be split into 2–4, 5–7 and 8–12 age categories. The evening will be completed with spooky movies and Halloween-themed crafts.
Call Ocean Breeze at 645-3666 or Tengan Castle at 622-9413 for more information on their respective events. For more on upcoming events at MCCS Clubs and Restaurants, visit www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/clubs.
Mini Jeep Tour
Martial Arts for Kids
Sharpening Their Self-Discipline
All of us could benefit from learning the art of self-discipline—some of us more than others. Yes, we’re talking about our kids. Do you want to help your kiddos succeed at working towards and attaining specific goals while bolstering self-esteem and building confidence? All of this and much, much more (such as better overall physical fitness) can be gained by enrolling them in a youth martial arts class!
MCCS Fitness Centers offer several classes—many open to children—including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (a martial art form centered around grappling, submission holds and other leverage-based tech-
niques), Isshin-ryū (a traditional style of Okinawan karate focused on form and close-range techniques) and more. Karate is especially appealing as they can tell their friends back home that they learned the martial art where it was actually born!
Youth Martial Arts Classes are held at Gunners Fitness Center on Camp Foster, Ironworks Fitness Center on Camp Courtney and the Camp Kinser Fitness Center. Parents interested in signing up their kids for classes can find details, class times, fees as well as contact information at www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/recreation-fitness
The Foster Teen Center…
Has your teen been looking for a place to hang out after school? Then we’ve got great news for you! The Foster Teen Center has reopened, after being closed for construction for over a year. It is located inside The Spot (Bldg. 200) on Camp Foster, open Monday to Friday after school until 6 p.m., and noon to 6 p.m. on no-school days. It offers a variety of activities including arts and crafts, study areas, computer stations, a reading corner, games, snacks and more!
The Teen Centers offers a safe venue for teens to relax, spend time with friends, do homework and grab a bite to eat. MCCS is committed to offering an environment that promotes respect and celebrates diversity, where teens are comfortable to be wholehearted-
ly themselves without fear of judgment, ridicule or worry. The staff is responsible for creating programs driven by the needs and interests of teens to expose them to new adventures as well as help them build their self-esteem.
Teen Centers are open to all eligible teens 13–18 years of age. To register your teen, you must print and fill out the Youth & Teen Center Registration Packet available on www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/ cyp and submit it to your center of choice. Membership is $24 per teen per contract year. For more information on both Youth & Teen Programs, call 645-4117 / 098-970-4117 or email resourcereferral@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
Typhoon Motors
This month, Typhoon Motors is ready to help you trick your ride and treat your wallet with savings. Stop by your nearest Typhoon Motors location for sales sweeter than your kids’ Halloween loot.
First up, knock out some routine maintenance by removing and reducing unwanted gunk from your engine to keep it running as smooth as Count Dracula’s silk cape. All Typhoon Motors locations will be offering 20% OFF complete oil changes. It’s the perfect time to knock this off your never-ending to-do list before the holidays come around and kids are out of school.
Need a fully equipped garage with all the bells and whistles to do some DIY
October Sales
work? From October 13 to 15, Typhoon Motors on Camps Kinser, Courtney and Hansen will be offering the DIY enthusiasts savings they can’t say no to, with $1 Lift and Stall Rentals. Need to easily access your car’s undercarriage? Lift and stalls can come in handy if you need to realign your tires, fix your suspension, install a new muffler and much, much more!
Want everyone in the neighborhood to hear “Monster Mash” thumping from your ride like an approaching thunderstorm? Then you’ll want to check out the Kinser Typhoon Motors Halloween Car Audio Special October 26–31, offering 15% OFF subwoofers and amplifiers to dress up your
car’s existing audio system. You’ll love the improved bass range and newfound sound quality while you cruise around the island making sounds that will have others go BUMP in the night.
But wait there’s more! From October 14–21 save up to 50% OFF automotive goods at all Typhoon Motors locations. In addition to these sales, Typhoon Motors offers regular services for all of your carcare needs.
For more information about locations, service prices, phone numbers and hours, please visit www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/ typhoonmotors.
Sharing the Memories…
…with Family and Friends Back Home
How many times have you seen or experienced something on island that made you immediately think of someone you love? Instantly, you think to yourself, “Gosh, they’d really get a kick out of that.” Sure, you’ll tell them the story or DM a few photos you snapped, but that will only leave them with a faint memory of your conversation and a tiny image on their phone. Why not give them the closest thing to actually being here with you—their own copy of Omoide: Memories of Okinawa or The Best of Okinawa Living?
Omoide: Memories of Okinawa is filled with the most spectacular island views any camera lens could capture. It’s perfect for reminiscing about favorite places and beautiful scenes you’ve witnessed during your time on Okinawa.
If it’s insights about the island, historical tidbits and local artists’ perspectives you’re looking for, look no further than The Best of Okinawa Living, which shares comprehensive prose along with photos and is in its final printing—so the current stock is your last chance to pick up a copy.
With both books, sharing Okinawa is one of the best gifts you can give— especially when you’re already on the hunt for a special gift for family back home. Did any of the times you were out and about remind you of your mom and dad? Think about how happy they would be to see (and learn more about) your gorgeous homeaway-from-home. Now you have a gift they’re sure to appreciate.
So, go ahead, add one or both to your gift list and then complete your shopping at almost any Exchange retail facility on island that sells books.
For more information on The Best of Okinawa Living and Omoide: Memories of Okinawa, visit www.okinawa. usmc-mccs.org/publications.
MCCS Gift Cards
Show Them How Much You Care
Show them how much you care with an MCCS Gift Card for that special occasion! What can they use it for? We’re so glad you asked!
How about a relaxing massage from Semper Fit followed by an evening of fine dining at Taiyo Steakhouse? Or, how about immortalizing a child’s prized 3rd grade drawing with a frame from Foster Arts and Crafts? The MCCS Gift Card is the most versatile gift, made for everyone—good for logoed merchandise and performance apparel for golfers from the Taiyo Golf Club Pro Shop, a customized ball from the Camp Foster Bowling Pro Shop, an oil change for their ride from Typhoon Motors, snorkeling and diving gear from Tsunami Scuba for ocean fanatics or even branded gymnastics apparel from Excellence Gymnastic Academy for budding Olympians—the list is endless.
MCCS Gift Cards are available for purchase and redemption at all MCCS Clubs, Restaurants and Retail Operations including Taiyo Steakhouse, all fast-casual dining facilities (Bonsai Coffee, Bulldogs Burgers, Shisa Pizza, Sumo Burrito and La Cocina), Taiyo Golf Club (including the Pro Shop), all MCCS Bowling Centers (including the Camp Foster Pro Shop) and all Tours+, Tsunami Scuba, Typhoon Motors locations.
In addition, the MCCS Gift Card is usable at just about every MCCS facility—including Special Events Bouncers+ and Semper Fit Outdoor Recreation rentals, at 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! For more information about MCCS Gift Cards, call 645-5809 or visit www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/giftcards.
For those looking to buy a vehicle, but aren’t quite sure where or what exactly to purchase, goo-net-exchange.com has over 200,000 cars in stock. Browse and buy JDM brands, Euro cars, American classics and much, much more with the sweet relief of having it shipped straight to your door (if you live on base, the car will be delivered outside the gate).
“Most of the time, new users think that the website is just for a searching platform. However, that is not the case. We have fluent English-speaking staff and can support [translating] until delivery of the car from the whole of Japan. Anyone can send an inquiry (and get a quote) with your stationed base name,” Khemraj “Ken” Garbuja, Section Chief of Export Sales 2nd Section of Goonet Exchange stated.
JDM vehicles are highly sought after popular media such as Initial D, Fast & Furious and Need for Speed garnered global attention, exhibiting the top quality of motor vehicles the country produces. With the Japanese caliber in mind, key features that set apart JDM include long-lasting transmissions, affordability and reliability. According to Ken, the most popular automotive models are the Nissan Skyline, Toyota Supra, Nissan Silvia, Acura Integra, Toyota Land Cruiser/Prado and the Suzuki Jimny.
“All these JDMs have their own history in many categories. In terms of performances, low-cost maintenance fees, the old Japanese vibes, etc. For any cars used in Japan, it is very clean, low mileage compared to other countries and also, everybody trusts the Japanese engineering. And the last but not the least, the hospitality of Japanese people makes the purchase more interesting. So, it will be a lifetime experience getting a popular JDM by involving yourself directly to the Japanese car dealers and exporters like us,”
—Ken Garbuja
On average, it takes about 10–14 days to have your new-toyou ride shipped from Goonet to your home on Okinawa. For those living on mainland Japan, the suspense is even shorter as the wait time is cut in half to only 7 days!
Wondering how to ship out a vehicle from your duty station on Okinawa to the United States? The U.S. government will ship one vehicle that follows the Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988 (IVSCA) commonly known as the 25-year rule. IVSCA mandates that 25-year-old or older motor vehicles can legally be imported bypassing the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), which is issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
If a short tour to Korea is in the books for you, there is the option of putting your vehicle in storage and waiting until you arrive at your next permanent duty station to
receive your vehicle. Only one vehicle is granted for storage/ shipping per active-duty personnel; additional cars will be paid at owner’s expense along with finding a shipping company. Proper paperwork such as bill of sale, proof of non-military ID, Joint Service Vehicle Registration Office (JSVRO) title, car insurance, lien holder letter (applicable if you have a car loan), specific photos of vehicle, PCS orders, a valid Power of Attorney (if vehicle will not be shipped by owner), and clean interior/exterior free from loose items are the main bulk of the checklist needed to complete the shipment process. For more information, please refer to your affiliated military branch as requirements vary.
It seems half the population of cars on Okinawa are A/Y-plates registered to SOFA status individuals. The car scene is not just for hot rods, it is an expressive outlet that connects communities to conversate beyond the boundaries of language barriers and cultural differences. Car culture is a blanket term that involves subcultures formed around multi-layer common denominators such as car make, models and specific interests like drifting or drag racing.
Finding gearheads who are passionate for cars on Okinawa won’t take much time as the island is car-centric—where practically every family owns at least one vehicle. Customs Night, which happens every 4th Saturday night of the month, is located at the Rycom Mall parking
lot—here, you can experience both the military and local community showcase their rides as well as socialize.
For a more laid-back environment, Cars and Coffee is one of the few daytime events that happens every 1st Saturday morning of the month at the parking lot next to Starbucks in American Village. Similar to Customs Night, Cars and Coffee draws hundreds of car enthusiasts monthly to enjoy each other’s company, exchange ideas and scope out seriously sweet rides with a good ol’ cup of joe in hand.
Meetups aren’t limited to the aforementioned locations as it is quite common to see groups of automobiles meeting up at gas stations or large parking lots to roll out and leisurely stroll patrol.
Who knew the art of sliding cars sideways around the late 1980s in the deep forested tōge (mountain pass) of Japan would create the sport of drifting? Drifting is for the adrenaline junkies who enjoy the thrill of keeping a car controlled as it slides sideways. Not only is drifting fun for the daredevil, the sport is also entertainment for onlookers. A feint entry causes quite the scene as drifters show off technique around tight, curved
corners allowing for power control, stabilized speeds and a display of skills.
Okinawa has two drift tracks: Motorsport Multi Field Okinawa in Okinawa City and Yanbaru Circuit in Kunigami, the island’s northernmost village. Besides drift tracks on the main island, Izena Island hosts a drag strip for the prefecture.
The Motorsport Multi Field Okinawa offers private rental of the track where patrons can practice drifting, circuit racing, traffic safety education, host a diverse number of regional events, and companies can hold test car demonstrations.
For those looking to get a taste of drifting, autocross and circuit racing, the Motorsport Multi Field Okinawa draws thousands to different events such as Okinawa Car Fest, Koza Motor Sport Festival and Toyota Gazoo Racing Park and Rally Challenge (to name a few) where you can witness skilled drivers in exhilarating motor vehicle action as well as gnarly static displays.
All tracks are a safe haven for fellowship, blowing off steam as well as keeping illegal and reckless driving behavior off the streets. Luckily for everyone, it doesn’t snow on Okinawa—which means no shoveling the driveway and driving 365 days a year is pleasant.
The love of cars is a kinship; a universal language as the community is rooted in the extensive love individuals have over the bonding of motor vehicles. Okinawa has a large community for automotive aficionados with a zealous group of individuals both within the military and local population. So, go on and live your best JDM life—bask in your home-away-from-home as you explore one of the numerous exciting options Okinawa gifts island residents in the car realm.
Offering a sanctuary for those looking to slip n’ slide their chariot on wheels, the Yanbaru Circuit provides a different experience from Motorsport Multi Field Okinawa. The Yanbaru Circuit focuses more on the drifting aspect as the track is bigger, allowing for longer run times and tighter hairpins.
Although drag racing doesn’t exist on the main island of Okinawa, a ferry ride to Izena Island welcomes you to the world of the need for speed. Members of the Okinawa Drag Racing Association put together events where drag racers can come together and show off their impressively fast modified vehicles, legally. The drag strip is approximately 2,000 ft. long, allowing speed hunters to accelerate their cars to its maximum limit in order to prove who reigns the quickest.
Method of Preparation
1. Slice the duck breast diagonally into 1/4-inch thick portions.
2. Bring a l arge pot of water to a boil and cook the soba until al dente. Drain, and rinse with cold water. Rub together gently until noodles are cold and no longer starchy. Drain well and set aside.
3. Begin warming the kakejiru over low to medium heat.
4. Heat a l arge skillet over medium heat. Add the reserved duck fat, and sauté until oil covers the bottom of the skillet. Remove excess duck fat and add the duck breast and naganegi (cut into three-inch long strips). Cover the skillet, and cook until the surface of the duck turns whitish and the bottom is golden. Turn the duck and naganegi to cook all sides.
5. Add sake, a dash of soy sauce and brown sugar then
Okinawa Soba Day
After Okinawa was returned to mainland Japanese control during the year 1972, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (FTC) claimed that continuing to call the beloved Okinawa soba noodle “soba” was incorrect because more than 30 percent of the noodle must be made of buckwheat flour to be officially called soba (according to their standards). Soba noodles on Okinawa were made of wheat flour like Japanese kishimen and udon noodles.
The FTC ordered that manufacturers of Okinawa soba change its name to kishimen or udon but were—of course— met with strong disagreement from local residents. Members of the Okinawa Noodle Association provided the loudest protests, fighting unwaveringly to keep the name until finally, on October 17, 1978, Okinawa soba received the approval of the FTC due to the long heritage of the dish and its importance to the people of the prefecture.
To commemorate this day, many Okinawa soba restaurants throughout the archipelago offered specials to celebrate
Uchinâguchi Corner
English
That startled (scared) me!
Kyoto Kamonanban Soba
Serves 3
Ingredients
1 deboned duck breast half (with excess fat removed and reserved)
14 oz. dried Japanese soba noodles
6 cups kakejiru*
1 naganegi (Japanese long onion)
1/4 cup sake (rice wine)
1 bunch mitsuba, cut into two-inch strips
Shichimi-togarashi (Japanese seven-spice chili powder)
cook covered for 2 minutes.
6. Transfer the duck and naganegi to the pot of kakejiru. Add the noodles and reheat for a minute or two.
7. Divide the noodles among three bowls, and pour the hot broth over them. Top with the duck and naganegi. Divide the mitsuba among the bowls and sprinkle with shichimi togarashi (to taste).
*Kakejiru
Combine 1 1/2 quarts of dashi (made from boiling katsuobushi bonito flakes and konbu seaweed and straining), 1 1/2 Tbsp. sugar, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1 Tbsp. regular soy sauce and 1/2 Tbsp. of usukuchi shoyu (light-colored soy sauce) in a medium pot and bring all ingredients to a very slow boil over low to medium heat.
Japanese Bikkuri shita!
Okinawa Soba-no-Hi or “Okinawa Soba Day.” This special day is still joyfully celebrated on October 17. However, many agree that slurping up a bowlful of Okinawa soba is an almost everyday occurrence, which kind of makes every day of the year Okinawa Soba Day.
