April 27, 2017 · mccsokinawa.com
Thomas Alan Smilie
G
olden Week is a string of holidays celebrated on April 29, May 3, 4 and 5. It is the longest vacation period for most Japanese workers and many Japanese companies shut down during these holidays. The phrase “Golden Week” originated in the film industry in 1948. After record ticket sales in late April and early May during that first official year of the holidays, film companies said it had been a “golden time.” Golden time was radio-speak for high listener ratings. The holiday period eventually came to be known as Golden Week. This celebratory season begins with Showa-noHi, or Showa Day on April 29, dedicated to the late
inside
Emperor Hirohito's birthday. After his death in 1989, the holiday became known as Midori-no-Hi, or Nature Day, which celebrates the environment because of Hirohito’s expertise in biology and love of nature. In 2007, the two holidays were separated, with Midori-no-Hi celebrated on May 4. May 3 is dedicated to Kenpo Kinen-bi, or Constitution Day. On that day in 1947, the new postwar constitution was put into effect, replacing the Meiji Constitution of 1889. The holiday is similar in concept to America’s celebration of July 4 as Independence Day. Kodomo-no-Hi, or Children’s Day, follows Midori-no-Hi on May 5. On this day, time is set
Youth Baseball & Softball Registration | 3 Mother's Day Breakfast & Brunch Buffets | 3 Culture Corner: Koinobori | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5
aside to pray for the health, happiness, success and prosperity of Japan’s children. Observed since ancient times as a festival for boys (Girls Festival, or Hina Matsuri, is celebrated in March), Kodomo-no-Hi became a national holiday in 1948. Families will fly brilliantly colored streamers called koinobori and carp windsocks—the fish are a symbol of strength. Homes may also be decorated with warrior dolls called mushaningyō and helmets called kabuto. For more information on koinobori, flip to page 5. For more on local culture, stop by your nearest MFP-R Center or visit mccsokinawa.com/mfpr.
Pick of the Week: Dragon Boats | 7 Cinco de Mayo | 9 Off-Base Events | 11 Semper Fit Events | 11
2 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | April 27, 2017
3 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | April 27, 2017
livingatlarge Youth Baseball & Softball Registration
R
egister now for youth baseball and softball at mccsokinawa.com/youthsports or at any MCCS Fitness Center between May 1 and June 30. You can grow as a parent, your child can grow as a person and you can all have a blast while doing so! Participating in sports at a young age has a proven healthy developmental impact on children. Not only do sports promote cooperative play, teamwork and sportsmanship, they help improve motor skills and boost self-esteem. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, parents can play a big role in raising a child who knows how to be a good sport by attending games, talking to their children about their experiences and providing positive feedback afterwards. MCCS Youth Sports is also looking for volunteer coaches for
the upcoming baseball and softball season. Coaching is a great way to meet new people and share your skills with children who share a passion for sports and an active life-
style. For details about becoming a volunteer coach, please call 6453533/3534 or e-mail youthsports@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
Chief Marketing Officer | Jim Kassebaum Managing Editor | Ryan Anastoplus Art Director | Catherine Newquist Cultural Research Specialist | Ayako Kawamitsu Graphic Arts Manager | Henry Ortega Graphic Designers | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Hector Nieves, Jongeun Spencer Editor-in-Chief | Mike Daley WRITER/EDITORS | Ashley Snipes, Shelbie Thilmony Digital marketing manager | Thomas Alan Smilie Photographer | Sarah Head Ad/Sponsorship Manager | Roy Forster Ad Sales | Yoshihiro Shinzato, Aya Chilcote, Yoriko Yamashiro, Carina Fils-Julien Distribution | Kelli Kreider, Desiree Adams Marketing Accounts Manager | Andrew Menges Accounts & Research | Marissa DeSmet, Ashley Herring, Kristen Wong, Katherine Melrose, Allison Dixon Broadcast | Kathlene Millette, Gabriel Archer, Emi Komiya INTERNS | Chloé Stevens, Valeria Solorzano
Questions? Comments? Please e-mail OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
events&happenings
From top to bottom: Xanya69/bigstock.com, Stu99/bigstock.com
Mother’s Day Breakfast & Brunch Buffets
T
reat mom to a special meal on her special day! On May 14, Taiyo Steakhouse is offering an a la carte brunch menu from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 622-2020. The Butler Officers’ Club is hosting a scrumptious Mother’s Day brunch buffet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reserva-
tions are highly recommended for this holiday treat. Kinser Surfside is also hosting a Mother’s Day brunch buffet from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Adults can enjoy an exquisite brunch for $17. Children ages 5 through 11 are $8.50 and children 4 and under are FREE. Treat mom to a delicious Mother’s Day breakfast buffet at the Veranda at Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster
from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Habu Pit on MCAS Futenma is also hosting a special buffet for Mother’s Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At all breakfast buffets, adults are $9.95, children ages 5 through 11 are $4.95, and children 4 and under are FREE. Go to mccsokinawa.com/clubs for more information. Offerings subject to change.
To advertise in Okinawa Living Weekly, call 645-2245, fax 645-0975, or email sales@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. MCCS is not responsible for designing and editing outside ads. No Department of Defense, U.S. Marine Corps or Marine Corps Community Services endorsement of commercial advertisers or sponsors implied.
This publication printed with
4 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | April 27, 2017
5 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | April 27, 2017
japanese phrase
culturecorner Koinobori
of the week
E
Kakkowarui Uncool
Clockwise: dead drobot/bigstock.com, akiyoko49/bigstock.com
For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs-Resources at 645-2104/2106.
very year in Japan, spring is welcomed by koinobori, or “carp streamers.” The skies fill with colorful carp swimming through the wind—adorning bridges, streets, overpasses and homes throughout the nation. Hanging the koinobori starts in early spring, but the season truly begins April 29—the first day of Golden Week. Koinobori are scaled in a distinctive carp-skin pattern often in red, blue, black or gold. Outside homes, the traditional koinobori hanging begins with a multi-colored streamer with a family crest. Underneath flies a large dark-colored carp representing the father. Just below is a slightly smaller, lighter colored carp representing the mother. A small, bright carp, or several, represent the children. The carp was chosen for its strength and determination fighting
against the river’s current as a symbol for strength. Golden Week is a celebration of many different festivals—and a many revolve around children. These festivals encourage kids to commune with nature and society. Younger children make their own streamers. You may see them flown around public places like government offices, banks, post offices and police stations.
This upcoming Children’s Day on May 5, turn towards the sky and enjoy the colorful swim of koinobori and the bright futures they signify. MCCS offers a variety of workshops, classes and tours to immerse you in the rich culture of Okinawa. For more information, visit mccsokinawa. com/culturalawareness.
Visit mccsokinawa.com/culturalawareness for more on the local culture.
7 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | April 27, 2017
more info
pickoftheweek
I
May 5 Adults $23 Children (3–11) $16 Children (under 3) FREE Visit mccsokinawa.com/tours or call 646-3502 for details!
Dragon Boats
t is said that dragon boat races commemorate the death of Qu Yuan, a Chinese statesman and poet, who rather than accept the corrupt governmental practices of his time, threw himself into the sea as a final protest. Legend has it the local fishermen raced out in their boats to save Qu Yuan, beating the water with their oars to frighten away the fish to prevent them from eating their hero. Today on Okinawa, dragon boat races are annual events held in various fishing communities beginning in the late spring and lasting into the summer months. The largest of these festivals is Naha Hârî which is held during Golden Week—the five days of holiday between April 29 and May 5. The Naha dragon boat races pit multi-colored boats against each other, decorated with ferociouslooking dragon heads, scaled arms with sharp talons and elaborate tails,
powered by 32-rower teams. Teams hail from Tomari, Kume and other Naha district, as well as different nations (including contingents from U.S. military installations such as the MCCS Semper Fit Single Marine Program). The three-day
Clockwise: MCCS photos, Thomas Alan Smilie
photooftheweek
In Asia, the dragon is a symbol of power, strength and good luck.
Naha Hârî Festival draws hundreds of thousands of spectators and incorporates food booths, live music performances, and nightly firework displays. Tours + will be offering a tour to experience these races. See "more info" on the left.
8 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | April 27, 2017
9 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | April 27, 2017
spotlight
more
information
C For more information, about the Cinco de Mayo Family Fun Night, contact the Ocean Breeze at 6453666. You can also look them up at mccsokinawa.com/oceanbreeze. For more information about Cinco de Mayo Celebrations at the clubs, visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs.
Clockwise: sveta_zarzamora/bigstock.com, ingimage.com
Dates, times & pricing subject to change
Cinco de Mayo
elebrate Mexican-American heritage at your local MCCS Clubs and Restaurants this Cinco de Mayo! On Wednesday, May 3, grab your sombrero and head to the Cinco de Mayo Family Fun Night at the Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster from 5 to 9 p.m. Families can enjoy Mexican-themed food, activities for kids and a raffle. One of our generous sponsors has provided some great prizes for the kids. Enter the raffle for your chance to win a Hot Wheels BMW 100th Anniversary Car, “Despicable Me” Mega Bloks kits, or a limited edition Barbie Fashion Model Doll. Adult meal pricing will be $7.95, children 5 through 11 will be $3.95 and “taquitos” under 5 are FREE. On Friday, May 5, the BeachHead on Camp Schwab will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and The Palms on
Camp Hansen will be open from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for a $9.95 Cinco de Mayo Lunch Buffet. Legends Officers’ Club on Camp Courtney is hosting a Cinco de Mayo party from 6 p.m. to midnight. Hashmarks SNCO Club will be open from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Bayview Enlisted Club will be open from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Chesty’s SNCO Lounge at Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster will have their Semper First Friday Cinco de
Mayo celebration from 4 p.m. to closing, and the Globe & Anchor will be open from 6 p.m. to closing for E-5s and below. Come to the fiestas on MCAS Futenma at the Habu Pit from 5 p.m. to midnight, or Thirsty’s Enlisted Club from 6 to 10 p.m. Camp Kinser Enlisted Club & SNCO Lounge will be open from 6 to 10 p.m. for their Cinco de Mayo celebration.
10 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | April 27, 2017
11 | OKINAWA LIVING WEEKLY | April 27, 2017
tours+
adventure begins here Battles Sites Tour April 29, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $28, Children (3–11) $18 (under 3) FREE Visit Kakazu and Hacksaw Ridges, explore the Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters and end the day at Peace Memorial Park. Shrines and Gardens April 29 & May 5, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (under 3) FREE Explore Shikina-en, the royal summer home and garden for the Okinawan kings. Also visit Fukushuen, a garden built by the city of Fuzhou, Naha’s sister city in China. Then explore Futenma Shrine, one of the most significant Shinto shrines in the Ginowan area.
Fun Day at Hotel Nikko Alivila & Zanpa Point Adults $45; Children (7–12) $30, (4–6) $22;(under 3) FREE Start the day at Cape Zanpa Lighthouse. Break for lunch at Hotel Nikko Alivila, and then finish the day relaxing on the beach. Watch as flamenco dancers grace the hotel’s lush floral courtyard or shop at the Yachimun Marche (Pottery Market). Pizza in the Sky and Nakijin Castle May 6, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $23, Children (3–11) $16 (under 3) FREE Visit the famous “Pizza in the Sky” restaurant and enjoy the beautiful ocean view. Afterwards, stop by Nakijin Castle to learn the history of the Ryukyu Islands.
*Bring yen for additional food, drinks and/or purchases. For more information, contact MCCS Tours+: Camp Foster 646-3502 | Camp Hansen 623-6344 | Camp Kinser 637-2744
off-baseevents get out and explore
Ie Island Lily Festival April 27–May 7, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Lily Field Park, Ie Island Contact Tours+ for details.
Athletics/Adult Sports
From top to bottom: Thomas Alan Smilie, Image licensed by Ingram Image
645-3521/3522
Aquatics 645-3180 Courtney Ironworks 622-9261/7297 Futenma Semper Fit 636-2672 Gunners Fitness Center 645-3985/2235 Hansen House of Pain 623-5558/4831 Health Promotion 645-3484/3910 Kinser Fitness Center 637-1869/1114 Schwab Power Dome 625-2654/2442 Taiyo Golf Club 622-2004 Tsunami SCUBA 645-9500 Youth Sports 645-3533/3534
Hija River Carp Streamer Festival April 30, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Hija River, Kadena Town FREE
B League Basketball Tournament Ryukyu Golden Kings vs. Kyoto Hannaryz April 29, 7 p.m. & April 30, 6 p.m. Okinawa City Gym, Okinawa City Call Tours+ at 646-3502 for tickets.
upcoming semperfitevents Softball Tournament May 5–7 Courtney Exchange Softball Field Register at any MCCS Fitness Center by May 1 at 1 p.m. for $120. This event is open to teams island-wide. By-Laws and tournament schedule will be emailed. Top three teams will receive awards. Details: 622-7297.
Basketball Tournament May 5–7 Camp Foster Fieldhouse Register at any MCCS Fitness Center by on May at 1 p.m. for $120. This event is open to teams island-wide. By-Laws and tournament schedule will be emailed. Top three teams will receive awards. Details: 645-4866/3003.
classof theweek Yin Yoga Yin Yoga targets the connective tissues of the hips, pelvis and lower spine in an active style of asana practice. Camps Courtney & Foster For a full schedule and class descriptions, visit mccsokinawa. com/groupfitness.