Spend the summer with Tama Hills

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FRI–SUN • NOW–28 AUG 4–8 P.M.

Spend the summer evenings sipping on craft beer and trying our food specials.

HONORING

OBON

Every country around the world has different traditions and beliefs. Being part of a military community gives us the opportunity to experience the diversity of different cultures. Come along with us on this journey and immerse yourself in the Japanese tradition of Obon season. Obon has been celebrated across Japan for hundreds of years and it is typically observed from 13–16 August every year, although in some areas it is observed in July. The tradition of this spiritual Buddhist celebration is to commemorate ancestors. Japanese nationals believe that during this time, spirits of loved ones and ancestors return to earth to visit family members. For most Japanese, Obon is one of the most meaningful, spiritual and important days of the year. Families come together and celebrate this special time by partaking in different traditions. On the first day of Obon, known as “Kamabuta Tsuitachi,” families meticulously clean the graves of those they want to honor, leaving food offerings there and at home altars. During Kamabuta Tsuitachi, it is believed that the spirits will start making their way to earth and that these offerings will guide them as they reunite with the loved ones they left behind. Families also light up small fires known as “Mukaebi” that serve as a light for the spirits to follow when they are here to visit. Bon Odori Festivals are organized specifically to celebrate and commemorate Obon season. The carnival-like events feature special dances where performers wear “yukatas” and dance to traditional Japanese music, while attendees enjoy a variety of food selections available at the stalls around the event. During the celebration, participants ensure that their enthusiasm for the return of the spirits is reflected in their festivity. Singing, dancing and lots of laughter can be observed during this special celebration where Japanese come together to honor the spirits of their deceased loved ones. They also take the time to create Shoryo-Uma, which are small spirit horses and cows that can help the spirits travel more comfortably during their journey. These unique creations are made by inserting four toothpicks into a cucumber and eggplant to resemble the animal’s legs. After the excitement of welcoming the spirits home, there are also unique traditions for guiding them back. To wrap up the celebration, okuri (which means “firewall” in English) are lit up to assist the spirits on their journey when traveling back to the great unknown. Additionally, people gather at rivers to send off lanterns with messages for the spirits they would like to honor. These messages convey a little piece of their heart, letting them know how special it was to celebrate such a meaningful season.

INTERESTED IN TAKING PART IN THE OBON CELEBRATIONS? KYOTO’S GOZAN NO OKURIBI FESTIVAL

Kyoto • Tue • 16 Aug • 8 p.m. One of the most popular and biggest Obon festivals in Kyoto where numerous bonfires are lit on top of mountains resembling Chinese characters, serving as a guide for deceased loved ones. It is definitely an Obon celebration you don’t want to miss.

The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a bronze statue of Buddha, which stands on the grounds of Kotokuin Temple. With a height of 37 feet, it has long been one of the tallest bronze Buddha statues in Japan, surpassed only by the statue in Nara’s Todai Temple and some recent creations. The statue was cast in 1252 and originally located inside a large wooden temple hall. However, the temple buildings were destroyed multiple times by typhoons and tsunamis in the 14th and 15th centuries. Since then, the Buddha has been standing in the open. Hase temple is famous for its eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The 30 feet tall, gilded wooden statue is regarded as one of the largest wooden sculptures of Kannon in Japan and can be viewed in the Kannon-do Hall. The temple’s main buildings stand halfway up the slope on a terrace, which allows for a beautiful view of the Kamakura shoreline. Along the stairs leading up the slope stands the Jizo-do Hall, home to hundreds of small stone statues of the Jizo Bodhisattva. The temple is a tranquil place with a beautiful garden and ponds that welcome visitors as they enter the temple grounds. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is the most important Shinto shrine in Kamakura. The shrine is a cultural center of the city of Kamakura and still serves as the venue for many of its most important festivals. It was founded by the Minamoto clan in 1063 and moved to its current location in the early 1180s. The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the patron god of the Minamoto family and of the samurai in general. The deified spirits of the ancient Emperor Ojin, who has been identified with Hachiman, Hime-gami and Empress Jingu are enshrined at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

COST BY AGE GROUP:

$50 (12 & Up) $40 (6–11) $30 (4–5) $30 (3 & Under if a Seat is Needed)

ITINERARY:

Depart 7 a.m. Buddha & Temple 9:30–11:30 a.m. Shrine & Lunch 12–3 p.m. Return 6 p.m.

Tour cost includes bus transportation. For updates on all things ITT, visit /YokotaITT.

Coming soon!

Sep tour sign up starts 10 a.m. on Sat, 13 Aug. Shiraito Waterfall & Mt.Fuji, Grand Sumo Tournament, Fukiware Falls, Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, Matsumoto Castle, Baseball Game, Ancient Japanese Village and Fuji Flower Park and much more… For detailed information on ITT’s upcoming tours, visit YokotaFSS.com/ITT.

227-7083 • Bldg. 327

21HORIZONS AUGUST 2022

LIFE & LEISURE

AIRMAN & FAMILY READINESS CENTER (A&FRC)

225-8725 • Bldg. 535 /Yokota.AFRC1

CULTURAL COURSES

TIPS FOR TEACHING ENGLISH

Mon • 1 Aug • 1:30–2:30 p.m. Ages 18 & Up Learn how to teach English to Japanese speakers. Registration required.

WALKING IMMERSION TOUR

Thu • 25 Aug • 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Learn about Japanese history and culture by exploring parks, shrines, shopping and more.

JAPANESE CUSTOMS & COURTESIES

Mon • Aug 22 • 1:30–3 p.m. Learn Japanese etiquette so you can feel more at ease exploring off base. Registration required.

JAPANESE COOKING CLASS

Tue • Aug 30 • 12–1:30 p.m. Learn how to make local Japanese recipes.

SURVIVAL JAPANESE

Tuesdays • 6–7 p.m. Learn basic Japanese words and phrases to navigate on your own off base.

MILITARY WORKSHOPS

TAP TALK

Wed • 3 Aug • 7:30–8:30 a.m. Join A&FRC for free coffee and donuts while networking as you learn to navigate the civilian sector with other transitioning service members.

SPONSORSHIP TRAINING

Fri • 5 Aug • 9–10 a.m. Sponsoring a newcomer to Yokota Air Base? Learn essential tools to help newcomers successfully transition into the Yokota community. This workshop is open to all individuals stationed at Yokota. Newly appointed active duty sponsors must complete the eSAT online training prior to attending the Sponsorship Training Workshop. Registration is required. Call the A&FRC or email 374FSSFSFR@us.af.mil to register.

22 HORIZONS AUGUST 2022

NEWCOMERS ORIENTATION

Wednesdays • 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Newcomers Orientation is a mandatory program for all active duty personnel new to Yokota. DoD civilians and spouses are highly encouraged to attend. Call the A&FRC or email 374FSSFSFR@us.af.mil to register. Call Pass & Registration at 225–8333 to register for the Thursday Driver’s Course.

PRE-DEPLOYMENT BRIEFING

Thursdays • 10–11 a.m. A mandatory briefing for those deploying or going TDY for more than 30 days. Spouses are highly encouraged to attend to learn about the different challenges they may experience and the resources available to ease deployment related stress. Registration is required.

REINTEGRATION BRIEFING

Thursdays • 11 a.m.–12 p.m. A mandatory briefing for those returning from deployment. Spouses are highly encouraged to attend to understand the five stages of reintegration and how to best cope with the new normal. Registration is required.

TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

In compliance with NDAA 19, all service members are required to complete initial counseling and pre-separation counseling no later than 365 days prior to the end of their contract. Come ready for the bird’s eye view of employment assistance, relocation entitlements, education resources, health care options and veteran’s benefits. Registration is required. Call the A&FRC or email 374FSSFSFR@us.af.mil.

PERSONAL & WORK LIFE EFMP SENSORY PLAY GROUP

Thu • 4 Aug • 9–10 a.m. Learn about resiliency as you create crafts with your child.

HEART LINK

Tue • 23 Aug • 8 a.m.–1:30 p.m. AFAS Sponsored program for new spouses to Yokota. All spouses welcome to attend for a day of fun and learning. Lunch is included for active duty Air Force spouses, there will be a small charge for others. Registration is required. Please call DSN 225-8725 or email 374FSSFSFR@us.af.mil to register.

KEY SPOUSE WELCOMING

Tue • 30 Aug • 5:30–7 p.m. Key Spouses and Key Spouse Mentors are invited to kick off the season with a social hour and annual training.

EFMP EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP

Mon • 1 & 8 Aug • 10–11 a.m. Come listen to the experts speak on various educational topics.

PLAN MY MOVE

Fri • 19 Aug • 9–10 a.m. PCSing out of Yokota? Learn essential tools and information to ensure a smooth transition to your next duty station. Registration required. Call the A&FRC or email 374FSSFSFR@us.af.mil to register.

PRIVATE SECTOR RESUME WORKSHOP

Fri • 5 Aug • 9–10 a.m. Looking for a job in the private sector? This workshop will give you the tips and tricks needed to build a basic civilian resume. Open to all ID card holders on Yokota.

FEDERAL RESUME APPLICATION & WRITING WORKSHOP

Tue • 9 Aug • 9–10 a.m. This workshop will follow Kathryn Troutman’s 10 Steps to Federal Employment, including tips on how to obtain federal employment through USAJobs. Please call 225-8725 or email 374FSSFSFR@us.af.mil to register.

BACK 2 SCHOOL EXPO

Thu • 18 Aug • 11 a.m.– 1 p.m. Come and meet the organizations and helping agencies at Yokota Air Base! The Fire Department and Security Forces Squadron will be joining DODEA Schools for safety presentations, with activities and clubs for all ages.

FINANCIAL READINESS

ONE-ON-ONE WITH PFR

Meet with our Professional Financial Readiness Manager to discuss budgeting, emergency funds, debt reduction strategies and investments. Call the A&FRC to schedule an appointment.

FINANCIAL UNIT VISITS

Wednesdays • 2–3 p.m. Help your unit set a strong financial foundation. Learn about TSP, FICO, debt reduction, investments, budgeting and more through a unit financial briefing. Call the A&FRC to schedule a briefing.

EDUCATION & TRAINING CENTER

225-4207 • Bldg. 316 MILITARY TA BRIEFING

Required for members using Tuition Assistance for the first time, and for members who received an Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC) notification that a refresher briefing is required. Pre-registration is required, to register or for questions email 374fss.fsde@us.af.mil.

MILITARY TESTING

Bldg. 316 • Room 232,233 & 239 Testing for AFCT/ AFOQT/ DLAB/ EDPT/ TAPAS/TBAS. Current testing information can be found at the Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC) under Education Center News.

CDC TESTING & AIR FORCE DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES

Bldg. 316 • Room 239 Contact your Unit Training Manager (UTM) for questions.

YOKOTA NATIONAL TEST CENTER

Bldg. 316 • Room 230 & 250 Testing for CLEP/ DSST/ No-Military Testing. To register or for questions email yokota-ntc-asia@umgc.edu.

PROMOTION TESTING

Bldg. 316 • Room 232 & 233 Please contact your units Weighted Airmen Promotion System (WAPS) monitor for questions.

23HORIZONS AUGUST 2022