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October 8, 2015 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly The Great Tug-of-War
Family Care Plan
Thomas Alan Smilie
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e a part of one of Okinawa’s oldest and largest traditions—the annual Naha Tug-of-War. The world-record breaking event will take place this year on October 11. The Okinawan tradition will enters its 42nd year and is open to anyone with a free hand to pull with. The tug-of-war, or tsunahiki, is traditionally a ritual performed in hopes of bringing lively crops. These rituals were once performed year-round all over Okinawa but now they are offered more to entertain than to bring a rich harvest. The Naha Great Tug-of-War in particular is a tradition that dates back to a competition between two rulers in Naha in the 17th century. Today, the
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competition simulates the same battle between east and west, taking place on Highway 58 with a rope that is 200 meters long and weighs 40 metric tons. With a rope that size, it requires over 25,000 people to engage in the world-record breaking battle. Whichever team pulls 15 meters over 30 minutes is declared the winner. The rope will be laid out on Kumoji Intersection, which will be blocked-off from any traffic during the event. Prior to the tug-of-war there will be a parade and other festivities. Afterwards, the rope is cut into small pieces to take home for good luck. For more information and to be part of the action, see the Off-Base Events listing on page 7.
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any families have their calendars marked-up with the next BBQ, vacations, appointments and family reunions, but planning for emergencies often gets lost in the daily shuffle. Every Marine with a dependent is required to have a family care plan. Though most of us would rather not think about needing to put one into action, instead of feeling helpless if a situation arises, you will know what to do. What’s even more intimidating than thinking about these grave circumstances is determining the details of the plan alone. That is where Marine Corps Family Team Building comes in to help. MCFTB is hosting Family Care Plan Workshops to assist you in completing the family care plan. The next Family Care Plan workshop will be on October 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at MCFTB on Camp Foster (Bldg. 5677). Be sure to bring your own lunch. Register online at mccsokinawa. com/mcftb
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