CULTURAL CONNECTION

HIMEJI CASTLE & KOBE CITY WITH NARUTO WHIRLPOOLS

April

Spring Break

Cultural Connection

From a distance, spectators strain their necks to gawk at Himeji Castle’s immense size and brilliant white facade. The impressive fortress — also known as “Shirasagi-Jo,” or White Heron Castle — is considered the finest example of a Japanese castle. The estate is one of only three still in original condition, alongside Matsumoto and Kumamoto Castle and recently underwent extensive renovation to restore the stark white color. Explore the massive grounds’ winding alleys to discover well-preserved fortresses and immaculate gardens. Enter the main donjon’s interior and walk up numerous stairs to reach the highest floor to get an upclose look at the intricate roof and an aerial view of the estate. Then, wander through Kobe, — one of Japan’s most alluring and historical cities. Located between Osaka Bay and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is often described as pleasant and laid back despite the massive skyscrapers and colorful city lights. Kobe has been an important port city for many centuries and was among the first Japanese ports open to foreign trade. Stop by one of the many Kobe beef restaurants to taste the renowned meat in its place of origin. Witness the city’s famous whirlpools that occur in the Naruto Strait during high and low tide when large volumes of water move between the Seto Inland Sea and Pacific Ocean — an extraordinary, natural phenomenon you’ll have to see with your own eyes.

March tour sign-ups start Saturday, 20 February. For updates on all things ITT, visit Facebook/YokotaITT. For detailed information on ITT’s upcoming tours, visit YokotaFSS.com/ITT. 227-7083 • Bldg. 327

LIFE & LEISURE

AIRMAN & FAMILY READINESS CENTER (A&FRC)

225-8725 • Bldg. 535 /Yokota.AFRC1

CULTURAL COURSES

SURVIVAL JAPANESE

Tuesdays • 11 a.m.–12 p.m. All Ages Learning the local language is one of the best ways to show respect towards our host nation. A&FRC’s Japanese language class is for beginner-and intermediate-level speakers. Each week focuses on a different theme so you can start at any time. Registration is recommended but not required.

SHUMI SAYS

Thursdays • 9–10 a.m. AFN Eagle 810 Tune into AFN Tokyo as A&FRC’s Cultural Consultant, Shumi Kudo shares cultural skills.

JAPANESE CUSTOMS & COURTESIES

Mon • 22 Feb • 1:30–3 p.m. Ages 18 & Up Learn Japanese etiquette so you can feel more at ease exploring off base. Registration is required.

TIPS FOR TEACHING ENGLISH

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

JAPANESE COOKING CLASS

Tue • 23 Feb • 12–1:30 p.m. Ages 18 & Up Learn a new recipe and meet new people. Registration is required.

MILITARY WORKSHOPS SPONSORSHIP TRAINING

Fri • 5 Feb • 9–10:30 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.

NEWCOMERS ORIENTATION

Wednesdays • 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Thursdays • 8–11 a.m. • Driver’s Course Newcomers Orientation is a mandatory program for all active duty personnel new to Yokota. DoD civilians and spouses are highly encouraged to attend. Call 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 learn about the different challenges they may experience and the resources available to ease deployment related stress. 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 a bird’s eye view of employment assistance, relocation entitlements, education resources, health care options and veterans’ benefits. Registration is required. To register or for more information, call A&FRC or email 374FSSFSFR@us.af.mil.

FINANCIAL READINESS

WEALTH BUILDING WEDNESDAY

Wednesdays • 2–3:30 p.m. Learn simple tips to secure a strong financial future. This class will cover Financial Readiness Touchpoint’s and teach saving and investing options to build wealth throughout your career. Call 225-8726 to register.

PERSONAL & WORK LIFE

KEY SPOUSE CONTINUING EDUCATION

Tue • 24 Feb • 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. or 5–6 p.m. Learn simple tips to secure a strong financial future. This class will cover Financial Readiness Touchpoint’s and teach saving and investing options to build wealth throughout your career. Call 225-8726 to register.

HEARTLINK: NEW SPOUSE ORIENTATION

Tue • 9 Feb • 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Increase your awareness of the Air Force mission, customs and protocol. This workshop, sponsored by the Air Force Aid Society, is specifically designated for spouses and is highly encouraged for all Yokota key spouses. Email 374FSSFSFR@us.af.mil to register. 225-7490 • Bldg. 617 /YokotaLibrary VIRTUAL STORY TIME

Tuesday • 10:30 a.m. Visit the Library’s Facebook page for a weekly story time video.

MAKER’S CLUB TO-GO

Tue • 2 Feb* Learn the joys of science, technology, engineering, art and math with the Library’s Maker’s Club To-Go kit. Available for pickup at the Library. Check out their Facebook page for instructions and more resources related to the activity’s theme.

DIGITAL ESCAPE ROOMS

1–28 Feb. Challenge your observation and deductive skills in a Digital Escape Room. Visit the Library’s Facebook page for more details. *Or while supplies last.

AERO CLUB

In recognition of outstanding safety acts, achievements and sustained performance in support of mishap prevention.

225-7623 • Bldg. 4086 /YokotaAutoHobbyShop WINTERIZE SPECIAL

Now–28 Feb 2021 $82/4-Quart Engine Oil Service Includes: • Engine Oil & Filter Change* • Radiator Flush • New Radiator Cap • Fluids Check & Top Off • Belts & Hoses Check • Charging System • Vehicle Undercarriage Check • Tire Air Pressure Check Bring proof of your club membership and get 10% off! Call Auto Hobby Shop for more information. *Oil filter cost not included. $3.50 per additional quart.

VEHICLE OPERATIONS

225-7720 • Bldg. 1290