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July 17, 2014 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly Matsuri Season
Fall Session One
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Eisa dancers performing.
atsuri, or festivals, are an important cultural tradition on Okinawa. While they are held throughout the year to celebrate various holidays and seasons, there is no better time to experience an Okinawan matsuri than the long days of summer. As the temperature heats up, so too does the matsuri calendar. Cities, local municipalities and even small neighborhoods host matsuri around the island. Matsuri are marked by food-stalls, games, traditional entertainment and live music. It’s a great place to sample food favorites like yakisoba (fried noodles), taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes) or yakitori (grilled chicken). Large-scale matsuri also often conclude with a fireworks display. Festival-goers also get a chance to experience eisa dancing. Eisa is a traditional Okinawa
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folk dance that includes men and women dressed in traditional costumes singing, chanting and drumming, often accompanied by sanshin (a three-stringed instrument). To many, eisa is the sound of Okinawa. One of the biggest eisa events on Okinawa is the annual 10,000 Eisa Dance Parade on Kokusai Street in Naha where Eisa dancers cover a mile-long stretch of the street for an impressive display. The 2014 event will be held on Sunday, August 3 and is open to the public free of charge. To learn more about Okinawa matsuri, check out the upcoming photo essay in the August edition of Okinawa Living Magazine or contact MCCS Tours+ for details on upcoming matsuri tours.
Living at Large: The Best of Okinawa Living | 3 Culture Corner: Maneki-Neko | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5 Off Base Events: Get Out and Explore | 7
hether you’re a recent high school graduate or a college senior who is just a few classes away from your degree, enroll now for the fall session. According to the Institute for Higher Education, college graduates enjoy benefits beyond increased income, like increased professional mobility and improved quality of life. Fall session 1 will run from August 18 to October 12, with registration ending on August 15. For those of you who have been putting off enrolling for your next class or are begrudgingly switching gears from summervacation-mode to study-mode, the fall session is a great opportunity to get back on track. All Marines new to Okinawa must attend a College 101/Tuition Assistance brief prior to receiving Tuition Assistance for the first time. Your local MCCS Education & Career Services Center is also here to provide guidance, education counseling and to issue tuition assistance. For any help or guidance on your college path, contact your local MCCS Education Center: Camp Foster 645-7160, Camp Hansen 623-4376, Camp Kinser 637-1821, Camp Schwab 625-2046, Camp Courtney 622-9694, MCAS Futenma 636-3036.
Photo of the Week | 7 Spotlight: Vacation for your Taste Buds | 9 Movie Schedule | 11 SMP Events | 11
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livingatlarge
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The Best of Okinawa Living
he Best of Okinawa Living is over 300 pages of professional photography and in-depth articles brought to you by the staff of Okinawa Living Magazine. The book introduces readers to the miraculous islands of Japan’s southernmost Prefecture. The Brief History of Okinawa touches on the islands gusuku, or castles, and chronicles a few historical highlights. The Places chapter takes readers on a virtual tour of southern, central, and northern Okinawa as well as surrounding isles and islets. Okinawan Icons, which personify the region, the prefecture’s people, and many aspects of the islands’ unique culture, covers various subjects that represent the Ryukyu Islands.
The Ryukyu Archipelago is known for its beauty. The Nature section takes readers on a sightseeing expedition to Okinawa’s northern forests called Yanbaru, the island’s many caves, beautiful beaches and more. The archipelago’s greatest treasures are the people that live in this sub-
tropical paradise. The People of Okinawa chapter shows a day in the life of a few Okinawans—their trades, philosophies, and thoughts. To read about all this and more, pick up a copy of The Best of Okinawa Living at select Exchange BookMark locations for $37.95.
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | Jim Kassebaum MANAGING EDITOR | Ryan Anastoplus ART DIRECTORS | Hector Nieves, Karie Morton GRAPHIC ARTS MANAGER | Henry Ortega GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Kelli Davis EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Mike Daley EDITORS | Courtney Rick PHOTOGRAPHER | Thomas Alan Smilie AD/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER | Roy Forster AD SALES | Aya Chilcote, Yoshihiro Shinzato, Yoriko Yamashiro, Jessica Wagner, Lola Cardenas, Kalyn Albers DISTRIBUTION | Gideon Juko, Joe Fincher MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Andrew Menges ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH | Amy Schultz, Nicole Taylor, Allison McCarley, Kelly Longo, Phylicia Callahan CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALISTS | Ayako Kawamitsu, Rie Shinjo Questions? Comments? Please e-mail OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org To advertise in Okinawa Living Weekly, call 645-2245, fax 645-0975, or email sales@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. MCCS is not responsible for designing and editing outside ads. No Department of Defense, U.S. Marine Corps or Marine Corps Community Services endorsement of commercial advertisers or sponsors implied.
mccsevents&happenings Survival Japanese July 21, 5 p.m. Library, Camp Foster 645-7178 FREE
Coupon 101 Workshop July 22, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Kinser 645-2104 FREE
Federal Resume Writing Workshop July 23, 8:30–11:30 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Foster 645-3151 FREE
Basic Origami July 22, 5:30 p.m. Library, Camp Hansen 623-7372 FREE
Conflict Management Workshop July 23, 10 a.m.–noon Bldg. 5677, Camp Foster 645-3749 FREE
Credit Report & Credit Score Analysis July 25, 1:30–3:30 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Courtney 645-2014 FREE
Adult Book Club July 22, 5:30 p.m. Library, Camp Schwab 625-2518 FREE
Resume Writing Workshop July 23, 8:30–11:30 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Hansen 645-3151 FREE
Nacho Average Wednesday Wednesdays Thirsty's Lounge, MCAS Futenma 636-3046
We Make Okinawa Home
Other FREE Media:
Channel 15 & 118
This publication printed with
Camp Kinser
Camps Foster, Kinser & McTureous
July 19 & 20 Noon Turn unwanted items into ca$h. For a full schedule, visit mccsokinawa.com/fleamarket. Special Events 645-5829
Now until August 15 Kids ages 6 to 12 can participate in arts and crafts, sports club, photography club, cooking club, dancing and more, plus field trips to local fun spots. CY&TP 645-4117/4062
Flea Market
Camp Adventure
Camp Foster
Taiyo Golf Club
Wednesdays, 5:30–6:30 p.m. Share your experiences as a military dad and build lasting bonds with your children from pregnancy through early childhood. Registration required. New Parent Support Program 645-0396
July 22–25 & August 5–8 From ages 5 to 18, these clinics will teach rules and etiquette, fundamentals of putting, chipping and full swing application. Taiyo Golf Club 622-2004/2006
Dads in Gear
Summer Junior Golf Clinics
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japanese phrase
culturecorner
of the week
Maneki-Neko
N Oshigoto wa nandesu ka? What do you do for a living? For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs–Resources at 645-2104/2106.
eed some extra luck in your life? Get a maneki-neko, a well-known Japanese charm believed to bring good luck to its owner. Translated, manekineko means “beckoning cat” but is also called “lucky cat,” “welcoming cat” or “money cat.” The figurine is most commonly seen in its traditional form of a ceramic calico cat with its left paw raised. Maneki-neko can be found in most businesses on Okinawa, Japan and throughout Asia. Many westerners mistakenly assume that the cat is waving, not beckoning. However, Japanese people call others over by holding up
their arm, fanning their palm and fingers downward towards them in a repeated motion. It is this same motion that the maneki-neko mimics, hence the title beckoning cat. There are several types of manekineko, each having its own meaning and purpose. The one most seen has its left paw raised to invite customers into the shop. A raised right paw attracts money and good fortune in. Cats with both paws up are used to protect a home or business. Sometimes the statuette will be wearing a bib, bell or coin that symbol-
izes wealth and material abundance, thereby bringing both to its owner. Though the true origins of manekineko are unknown, we do know that they have been found in Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines for centuries, and that the cat plays an integral part of Japanese folklore and myth. There are several variations of how the manekineko started, but they all involve someone seeing a cat who beckons them away from danger. After being saved, the person makes a statue of the cat in thanks, which brings them luck for the rest of their life.
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off-base events get out and explore.
Urasoe Tedako Festival July 19–20, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Urasoe City Athletics Field Park Urasoe City FREE Ocean Expo Summer Festival 2014 July 19, noon–9 p.m. Ocean Expo Park, Motobu Town FREE Eisa Night 2014 July 19, 7:30 p.m. Southeast Botanical Garden Chibana Okinawa City FREE
tours+
adventure begins here. Japanese Tea Ceremony July 25, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Adults $35, Children (3–11) $28 (under 3) FREE Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at a beautiful private Okinawan home. After tea, head to Kokusai Street for lunch and shopping.*
Farm and Fish Market Tour July 26, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Adults $20, Children (4–11) $13 (under 4) FREE Shop the freshest foods on Okinawa at the JA Farmers’ Market, Vege Vege store, Mini Mini Doubutusen and the Payao Fish Market. *
Kerama Snorkeling Tour July 26, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $81, Children (4–11) $47 Grab your fins and get ready for some fun! Tour includes transportation to port, boat ride to two snorkeling spots and tour guide. Please bring your own lunch, hydration, snorkeling set and wet suit (if desired).
Northern Highlights Tour July 27, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $41, Children (3–11) $27 (under 3) FREE Visit Nago Pineapple Winery, Nago Glass Factory and the Orion Beer Factory. Then enjoy a yakiniku-style lunch at Yanbaru Ikoi no Mura.*
Shuri Castle and Naha Tour July 27, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Adults $23, Children (3–11) $16 (under 3) FREE See Shuri Castle and spend the afternoon at Fukushu-en Chinese Garden and Naminoue Shinto Shrine.* Sunset BBQ Dinner Cruise August 1, 4–8:30 p.m. Adults $63, Children (6–12) $56 (3–5) $31, (under 3) FREE Enjoy a beautiful Okinawan sunset and a delicious BBQ dinner (yakiniku style) from the open-air upper deck.*
*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 | U.S. Naval Hospital 646-7013
photooftheweek Thomas Alan Smilie
What better way to cool off this summer than to take a dip in the largest pool on Okinawa? The garden pool at the Marriot is as refreshing as it is beautiful. To get there, take the Okinawa Expressway to Nago and get off at Kyoda. Continue north for about 10 minutes and Marriot Resort will be on your right.
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spotlight Vacation for your Taste Buds
T
he Hawaiian Luau Dinner Show is the perfect mini-vacation with Polynesian dishes and a traditional hula show. There will be more than enough food and entertainment to transport the whole family to the Hawaiian tropics for one night. The feast will begin with appetizers including Lomi Lomi salmon, spicy kimchee, fresh tropical fruits, chicken katsu and tender char siu pork. Entrées will include whole charcoal roasted Kalua pig, smoky Huli Huli chicken and pan fried mahi mahi served with a citrus banana salsa. A true Hawaiian
feast wouldn’t be complete without desserts like pineapple upside down cake, haupia and chocolate macadamia mousse pie. Take advantage of the Hawaiian getaway without the airfare on August 30 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults, $17.50 for children (5–11) and $8.75 for children under five and available at Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney and the Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster. For more information, call 6229413 or visit us online at mccsokinawa.com/clubs.
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upcoming semperfitevents movieschedule Proud sponsor of MCCS Youth Sports Athletics/Adult Sports 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
Open 6-on-6 Soccer Tournament July 25–27 Camp Kinser DoDDS Field #4 Register by 1 p.m. on July 21 at any MCCS fitness center for $80 per team. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. Tournament brackets and bylaws will be e-mailed to each player. For details, call 637-1869. Open Midnight Madness Softball July 25–27 Camp Hansen Sports Complex Register by 1 p.m. on July 21 at any MCCS fitness center for $95 per team. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. Tournament brackets and bylaws will be e-mailed to each player. For details, call 623-5569/5558. Open Flag Football Tournament July 25–27 Camp Foster BK Field & Field 4 Register by 1 p.m. on July 21 at any MCCS fitness center for $95 per team. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. Tournament brackets and bylaws will be e-mailed to each player. For details, call 645-4866/3985. Open 11 on 11 Soccer Tournament August 1–3 Camp Hansen Parade Deck Register by 1 p.m. on July 28 at any MCCS fitness center for $95 per team. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. Tournament brackets and bylaws will be e-mailed to each player. For details, call 623-5569/5558. *Attendance is required for participation.
classof theweek Prenatal Yoga
Perfect for moms-to-be, this class focuses on yoga poses designed for pre and postnatal women. Poses range from basic to advanced in order to build strength and flexibility throughout your pregnancy. Gunners Fitness Center Tuesday and Thursday, 10–11 a.m.
For a full class schedule, visit schedule mccsokinawa.com/wellness.
singlemarineprogram Golf Clinics at Taiyo 1st and 3rd Fridays of every month 9 a.m.–11 a.m. Taiyo Golf Club 645-3681 FREE
CAMP KINSER | 637-2177
CAMP COURTNEY | 622-6101
Thursday, July 17 Deliver us from Evil (R) 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 17 CLOSED
Friday, July 18 The Purge: Anarchy (R) 6:30 p.m.
Friday, July 18 Planes: Fire and Rescue 3D (PG) 6 p.m. The Purge: Anarchy (R) 9 p.m.
Saturday, July 19 Planes: Fire and Rescue 3D (PG) 3 p.m. The Purge: Anarchy (R) 6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 20 Planes: Fire and Rescue (PG) 1 p.m. Planes: Fire and Rescue 3D (PG) 3:30 p.m. The Purge: Anarchy (R) 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 21 CLOSED Tuesday, July 22 CLOSED
Saturday, July 19 Planes: Fire and Rescue 3D (PG) 3 p.m. The Purge: Anarchy (R) 6 p.m. Sunday, July 20 Planes: Fire and Rescue 3D (PG) 3 p.m. The Purge: Anarchy (R) 6 p.m. Monday, July 21 X-Men: Days of Future Past (PG 13) 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 22 CLOSED
Wednesday, July 23 The Purge: Anarchy (R) 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 23 Planes: Fire and Rescue (PG) 2 p.m. A Million Ways to Die in the West (R) 7 p.m.
MCAS FUTENMA | 636-3890
CAMP HANSEN | 623-4564
Thursday, July 17 CLOSED
Thursday, July 17 Deliver us from Evil (R) 7 p.m.
Friday, July 18 Tammy (R) 6:30 p.m.
Friday, July 18 The Purge: Anarchy (R) 6:30 p.m. The Purge: Anarchy (R) 10 p.m.
Saturday, July 19 The Purge: Anarchy (R) 4 p.m. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes 3D (PG 13) 7 p.m. Sunday, July 20 The Purge: Anarchy (R) 4 p.m. Transformers: Age of Extinction 3D (PG 13) 7 p.m. Monday, July 21 The Purge: Anarchy (R) 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 22 CLOSED
Saturday, July 19 The Purge: Anarchy (R) 6 p.m. The Purge: Anarchy (R) 9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 20 Dawn of the Planet of the Apes 3D (PG 13) 2:30 p.m. The Purge: Anarchy (R) 6 p.m. Monday, July 21 Tammy (R) 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 22 Transformers: Age of Extinction (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Wednesday, July 23
CLOSED
Wednesday, July 23 Deliver us from Evil (R) 7 p.m.
CAMP FOSTER | 645-3465
CAMP SCHWAB | 625-2338
Thursday, July 17 Earth To Echo (PG) 3 p.m. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes 3D (PG) 7 p.m.
Thursday, July 17 CLOSED
Friday, July 18 Planes: Fire and Rescue 3D (PG) 3 p.m. Planes: Fire and Rescue (PG) 6 p.m. The Purge: Anarchy (R) 9 p.m. Saturday, July 19 Planes: Fire and Rescue (PG) noon Planes: Fire and Rescue 3D (PG) 3 p.m. 22 Jump Street (R) 6 p.m. The Purge: Anarchy (R) 9 p.m. Sunday, July 20 Planes: Fire and Rescue 3D (PG) 1 p.m. Planes: Fire and Rescue (PG) 4 p.m. The Purge: Anarchy (R) 7 p.m. Monday, July 21 Planes: Fire and Rescue (PG) 3 p.m. X-Men: Days of Future Past (PG 13) 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 22 Planes: Fire and Rescue (PG) 3 p.m. The Purge: Anarchy (R) 7 p.m.
Friday, July 18 The Purge: Anarchy (R) 6 p.m. The Purge: Anarchy (R) 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 19 The Purge: Anarchy (R) 6 p.m. Transformers: Age Of Extinction (PG 13) 9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 20 The Purge: Anarchy (R) 4 p.m. 22 Jump Street (R) 7 p.m. Monday, July 21 Deliver us from Evil (R) 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 22 Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes (PG 13) 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 23 CLOSED
Wednesday, July 23 X-Men: Days of Future Past (PG 13) 3 p.m. The Purge: Anarchy (R) 7 p.m.
Movie schedule is subject to change. For the latest updates visit shopmyexchange.com/reeltimetheatres/reeltime-landing.htm.