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January 22, 2015 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly Nago Cherry Blossom Festival
Clockwise from the top right: Thomas Alan Smilie, Space-Heater/bigstock.com
Big Game, Big Breakfast
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kinawa hosts the earliest hanami (flower viewing) in all of Japan; it is an event that represents the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Their short-lived beauty is representative of the concept of mono no aware (the pathos of things), a Japanese term describing the transient nature of beauty and the bittersweet sadness of their passing. The cherry blossoms, which bloom for no more than two weeks per year, is said to represent mortality and is a common symbol in Japanese art. It is also an icon of love, affection, good fortune. The tradition of hanami is a centuries-old tradition in Japan. It is believed to have started in the Nara Period (710–794) where people gathered for the viewing of ume (plum) blossoms. By the Heian Period
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(794–1185), sakura, or cherry blossoms, began to attract more attention and the term hanami became synonymous with a festival to celebrate cherry blossoms exclusively. Today, thousands of people flock to the flowering trees to feast under the cotton candy like foliage to watch eisa dancers and taiko drummers march through the dreamy scenery. On January 31 and February 1, let MCCS Tours+ take you on a tour of this year’s Nago Cherry Blossom Festival. Come and enjoy family fun with food, cultural dances, parades and the beautiful view of the cherry blossom. The tour will run from 11:30 a.m.– 7:30 p.m., $23 for adults, $16 for children 3–11 and FREE for children under three.
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uper Bowl Sunday is approaching, but that does not mean that Okinawa is going to miss out on the festivities. The big game isn’t complete without a giant spread of food and watching the show with other football fanatics. Look no further because the MCCS Clubs have arranged all the necessities for this year’s match-up including food, drinks, snacks and big-screen TVs. On Monday, February 2 at 7 a.m., have a pregame breakfast and watch The Super Bowl at one of the MCCS Clubs with complimentary snacks, giveaways and prizes throughout the game for only $9.95. Kickoff will be approximately at 8:30 a.m. Participating MCCS Clubs include the Butler Officers’ Club, Ocean Breeze, Bayview, Hashmarks, Legends Officers’ Club, Thirsty’s, Habu Pit, BeachHead, The Palms and Surfside. Mark your calendars now for the sporting event of the season. For details, please visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs or call your local participating club.
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