Okinawa Living Magazine August 2022

August 2022 | Issue 294

contents August 2022

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URASHIMA PHOTOS BY MIA COX, RYUKYU GLASS PHOTO BY RODERICA MATHIS

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On the cover Many fascinating and mesmerizing facets of traditional Okinawan dance can be experienced at Urashima Dinner Theater.

out + about

features

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Urashima Dinner Theater Soothe your soul with the sights and sounds of Ryukyu buyo—traditional Okinawan dance originating from the Ryukyu Kingdom Era (18th century)—while you fill your belly with sumptuous classic local cuisine at Urashima Dinner Theater.

Learn to Swim + Learn to Dive Take a two-part journey to unlocking the underwater treasure trove that surrounds the island on all sides, by first learning to swim with MCCS’ Learn to Swim Program and then learning to dive with Tsunami Scuba.

56 A Burning Passion Ryukyu Glass Reflect on the history of Ryukyu glass and how these objects of lasting beauty were crafted as a way of eking out an existence after the decimation of WWII.

contents August 2022

39 ROCK OUT At Camp Hansen Captivating performances, both on- and off-base food vendors, carnival rides and more—there’s something to suit everyone at the two-day Hansen Palooza!

kids + parents 45 Youth Basketball & Cheerleading Registration Participation in a team sport provides a lasting positive impact on both physical and emotional health and is a great way to make new friends!

Sign your kids up for Youth Sports 2022–2023 Winter Basketball and Cheerleading season!

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39 fitness + fun

marines + families

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Fit Camp Much-Needed Motivation Looking for that little extra push to jump-start your workout regimen and get you consistently into the gym? Then sign up for Semper Fit’s Fit Camp this fall.

Art Supply Swap Hey, you—yes you, the creative with the overflowing art bins. Connect with other creatives while swapping some of those gently used/unwanted materials at the Foster Library’s Art Supply Swap

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2022 Semper Fit Bike Race Series Stage 4: Camp Hansen Saddle up, racers—the fourth leg of the 2022 Semper Fit Bike Race is getting ready to ride around Camp Hansen. Earn your Bike Race Series points and vie for all the great prizes!

Dive-in Movies Soak up the remainder of the cool summer evenings at one of MCCS’ Dive-in Movies. There are three happening this month, and even better, you can skip dinner plans because there’s FREE food and drinks (while supplies last).

31 Courtney Open 6v6 Soccer Tournament Don thy trusty shin guards and cleats, gather your body of soccer-playing buddies and prepare for kickoff at the Camp Courtney Bowl.

Summer Youth Water Polo Camp If your kid is a strong swimmer with an insatiable appetite for some competitive fun, register them for this year’s Youth Water Polo Camp happening at the Camp Foster Aquatic Center.

services 51 Typhoon Motors Summer Sales Did someone say sales? We sure did! Ensure your ride is blasting ice-cold air and sweet tunes with Typhoon Motors’ AC Special and Hot Summer Nights Audio Sale.

extras 5 Mensôre

7 Feedback & Show Us!

69 Living on Okinawa

dining + entertainment

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Marketplace Guide

2022 Food Truck Fair & Car Show Car, bike and truck enthusiasts, here’s an event you don’t want to miss: the 2022 Food Truck Fair & Car Show. This event will be packed with so much fun it could burst—namely, delectable fodder for foodies, the island’s coolest rides, carrelated contests and more.

71 MCCS News

AUGUST 2022 | ISSUE 294 COMMANDING GENERAL, MCIPAC Major General Stephen E. Liszewski ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, MCCS, MCIPAC Edward S. Hutsell DEPUTY ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, MCCS DIRECTOR, MCCS, MCB CAMP BUTLER Michael S. Gieseck DEPUTY MCCS DIRECTOR MARINE & FAMILY PROGRAMS Carlos J. Saldaña DEPUTY MCCS DIRECTOR BUSINESS & SUPPORT Hyun Woo Chang CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER Jim Kassebaum EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mike Daley MCCS ART DIRECTOR Henry C. Ortega OKINAWA LIVING ART DIRECTORS Margie Shimabukuro, Emeline Toole GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Tiffany Kim DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Thomas Alan Smilie PHOTOGRAPHERS/VIDEOGRAPHERS Kathlene Millette, Mia Cox, Kirstin Spanu EDITORIAL Kiara Klein DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA Roxine Ami, Jaci Mullally CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST Ayako Kawamitsu ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP MANAGER Roy Forster ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP Yoshihiro Shinzato, Hiromitsu Horikawa Terumi Nagai, Ronshanda Perkins, Tsutomu McCoy MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER Andrew Menges MARKETING ACCOUNTS Bethany Ramirez Latoya Cardona, Deanna Berg

We welcome your comments.

Please send letters to editor@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org

mensôre “Welcome” to Okinawa Living

Fair Winds and Following Seas Time has a curious way of running away from us when we’re not paying attention <blink> and 2022 is somehow almost twothirds over. All good things come to an end, but sometimes they signify new beginnings.

This month we bid a fond farewell to Mr. Roy Forster, who after 23 years of faithful service to service members and their families stationed on Okinawa, will retire and begin living a more relaxing lifestyle on Okinawa-time (vice meeting monthly, weekly and daily deadlines). Roysan’s time with us will be cherished by all at MCCS Marketing, as he has imparted vast amounts of knowledge on subjects ranging from commercial sponsorship and best practices for ad placement, to chili recipes and local Okinawan vegetables.

Being on a beautiful island—whether you are a visitor or permanent resident— offers plenty of ways to generate precious moments (not to mention copious content to share with family and friends back home via social media).

The list of things to do on Okinawa is as long as it is worthwhile. Life is just too precious to be counting down the days to PCS back to the familiarity of home.

Being on Okinawa offers a myriad of opportunities to grow and a million more moments to savor, each one more magical than the last.

This month’s issue will give you a small “taste” of what the island has to offer, beginning with a delicious meal while enjoying traditional Okinawan dance at Urashima Dinner Theater. Next, silence the mantra of “you should get certified to dive while you’re on Okinawa” from your diver friends by learning to swim and getting your PADI Open Water Diver card—you won’t regret it! And rounding out the features is a treatise on the beautiful art of Ryukyu glass.

As always, we thank you for picking up this issue of Okinawa Living Magazine.

Now, time to turn the page and let your journey begin!

For advertising | 広告掲載のお問い合わせ (日本語可) 098-970-2245 (phone) | 098-970-0975 (fax) sales@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org (email) See our advertising rates at mccsokinawa.com MCCS MARKETING BRANCH MCB Camp S.D. Butler. Unit 35023, FPO AP 96378-5023

Mike Daley Editor-In-Chief

Okinawa Living is published by MCCS Marketing. Its purpose is to inform the military and civilian community about events and programs offered by MCCS or available in the local market. Dates and times may change. Copyright ©2022

by MCCS. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transferred in any form, by any means, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without written permission of the copyright owner. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement of advertisers and sponsors. MCCS is not responsible for editing content of non-MCCS ads.

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feedback

from the ICE Program and Facebook During our stay at the Inns of the Corps Camp Foster, the staff at TERRA next door was phenomenal! Overall, their breakfast is far above any that we have had in the states. I would also like to mention the following staff members for their customer service and friendliness: Matthew [Schipper], the manager, is not only extremely accommodating, but he goes out of his way to help the staff and ensure all patrons are well taken care of. Kazu [Kazuki Miyazato] is not only friendly and approachable but extremely prompt when taking care of his customers.

Unfortunately, we only remember the names of these two; however, every person that served us was amazing!

We would also like to say that the kitchen staff is outstanding—every meal we have eaten at TERRA has been fantastic in both presentation and taste.

—via ICE

@okilivingmag Show us your island adventures and favorite food finds!

@milandwerlen

Delicious all you can eat buffet at Yuinchi Hotel Nanjo!

The environment at the Foster Aquatic Center was very calm and relaxing, and the lifeguards were very kind and had great attitudes all day long. When I entered, the two lifeguards at the front desk, Masato [Nagahama] and Kala [Matuszak], were very welcoming and professional.

Even when they had to close the pool for chemical imbalance for some time, everyone handled their jobs well and stayed alert at all times. For sure, satisfied with the service.

—via ICE Thank you for contacting us about the Foster Aquatic Center.

It delights us to hear that your interactions at the facility were welcoming and professional. We will pass along your generous comments to the staff as they are happy to hear when their hard work is noticed. Thank you again for sharing your feedback.

—Paul Honnold, MCCS Athletics & Aquatics Program Manager

@acevedoadventure Only 1,500 feet high

Just wanted to say “thanks” for the great experience with MCCS NAF Human Resources. The process was efficient and organized, and the staff is very professional, helpful and kind. I was always able to get an answer for any questions I had. I would like to give a specific shout-out to Rimiko Tamaki, who was fantastic. Thanks again!

—via ICE I had just arrived on island and needed some assistance for a family member that is currently enrolled in EFMP [Exceptional Family Member Program]. I met with Melanie Sanmateo, and she was outstanding—answering all my questions and concerns. Her expert knowledge of the program allowed me to gather all the information needed. The overall experience was great, and I am very satisfied and thankful that people like Mrs. Sanmateo are on the staff with EFMP on Okinawa. I left the facility with immense confidence that all the items we discussed would be handled in a timely manner. I want to thank her and the entire EFMP staff for a job well done.

—via ICE

@the_great_family_odyssey

Love the many photo ops on this island

Domo arigatou gozaimashita and thank you for your posts! We can’t wait to see what else you love about Okinawa!

—The Okinawa Living Staff Give MCCS Feedback—ICE Program & Facebook Let us know how we can better serve you or thank us for a job well-done. Go to mccsokinawa.com and click on the ICE link at the bottom of the homepage or find us on Facebook to share feedback. Comments on this page may be edited for clarity or length.

AUGUST 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 7

Text by: Kiara Klein Design by: Tiffany Kim Photography and Translation by: Mia Cox

R

esonating twangs of the sanshin, soulful sounds of Uchināguchi lyrics, sizzling hot plates of mouthwatering goodness such as steak and lobster accompanied by a variety of beautifully prepared cultural fare as well as the graceful, precise—and sometimes powerful—movements of dancers will fill one’s heart with an ardent passion for the island’s culture and content one’s tummy with luxurious foods. Welcome to an evening of majesty and splendor at Urashima Dinner Theater.

OUT + ABOUT

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OUT + ABOUT

RYUKYU BUYO Ryukyu buyo, or Ryukyu dance, was cultivated from the variety of cultures from surrounding Asian countries as an exceptional and unique court culture during the Ryukyu Kingdom (1429–1879). The traditional dance was incorporated into diplomatic protocol as a welcome performance to entertain Chinese envoys. Original performers were elite men from noble families, and it was during this time that the style of the dance was artistically refined.

However, after the collapse of the Ryukyu Kingdom in 1879, the men who bore the tradition continued to perform at small commercial theaters that started popping up all over the island, and with the birth of commercial theaters, the flame of Ryukyu buyo was carried on by the lives of ordinary people. But with this, the dance saw a shift from the classical dance forms to Zo odori— which was characterized by more spontaneous and rhythmic movements.

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OUT + ABOUT

PREPARING FOR A PERFORMANCE Tucked backstage left there’s an unpretentious dressing room with a trio of performers sitting crosslegged on the floor smoothing their hair, silently and deftly winding it into the traditional styles for the evening’s performance. Breezing through their hair, the deafening silence of the room is broken only by the opening and closing of makeup containers.

Keshō or makeup, unanimously, is their favorite part of the preparation process; after bedaubing layer after layer of creamy foundations on their face, neck and arms, they set it all down with powder. And wielding their handheld mirrors, they studiously add the details that complete the look—prominent eyebrows, winged eyeliner and a ruby lip.

Movable racks on the far wall of the dressing room house the brilliant garments that are worn during the performance; the kimono feature hues of crimson, yellow, green and every shade in between, with the most elegant featuring glittery designs and traditional Okinawan bingata patterns. The dancers don the first regalia of the night and get ready to step into the glow of the warm stage lights.

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OUT + ABOUT

FANNING THE FLAME Besides the promenade of fine, brocaded textiles, the dancers use an assortment of impressive props to aid with storytelling; some of the props that can be seen are higasa or parasols, sensu and uchiwa (both the folding and flat fans), shishi (lion-dog puppet), bamboo castanets, wooden oars and more.

Urashima’s show is broken into two performances, with each one featuring five songs, and every song illustrating the island’s history, its people and a way of life that may no longer exist, but has remained steadfast in the hearts and minds of the Okinawan people. The dancers’ distinctive techniques in the movement of their feet, the motion of their hands and command of their vocal prowess captivate the audience. The refined and measured movements of the traditional dance convey intense internal emotions, creating an ancient ambiance as radiant as each fully-clad dancer. It is through these beautiful displays of movement that performers can continue to fan the flames of Ryukyu buyo by passing on their culture and traditional dance which keeps the stories of their people alive and in the hearts of anyone lucky enough to be a bystander.

For an evening of grandeur, sumptuous fare and resplendent cultural performances, contact Tours+ to be a part of one of their Urashima Dinner Theater tours. Stop by any of their offices or reach out to their Camp Foster location by calling DSN 646-3502 or 098-971-3502. You can also check out upcoming local tours at mccs okinawa.com/tours. 

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AUGUST 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 17

surrounded by water. Hopefully this isn’t news to anyone, but if it is, they can consider themselves duly informed.

All jokes aside, there’s no better way to truly enjoy your stay on this beautiful subtropical island than to literally jump off of it—and enjoy the breathtaking seascapes and sea creatures that call the waters surrounding Okinawa home.

Not comfortable in the water you say? Or, maybe you just get the heebie-jeebies when swimming through seaweed? Not a problem!

MCCS Aquatics and Tsunami Scuba are here to help you on your two-stage journey—learning to swim then learning to dive!

Okinawa is touted as a diver’s paradise throughout Japan and the rest of the world, and travelers flock to the island to take advantage of the pristine waters and extensive aquatic ecosystem. However, for someone who has troubles mastering the doggy-paddle, the thought of exploring underwater Okinawa may sound like an insurmountable challenge. Well, it’s not!

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If this isn’t your first time picking up Okinawa Living Magazine you’ve most likely seen a “Learn to Swim” ad promoting a service provided by MCCS Semper Fit Aquatics (if not, feel free to turn to p. 43). Learn to Swim, or “LTS” for short, offers classes for all ages. That’s right—whether you’re two-and-a-half or hanging onto your 30s by your fingernails, Semper Fit Aquatics staff members will help you learn everything from bubble-blowing basics all the way to refining strokes for advanced or competitive swimmers.

All the information needed to register and pay for LTS is available at mccsokinawa.com/learntoswim. The Swim Level Placement guide is the place to start to help gauge your current swim level.

The overall goal for LTS is to help swimmers to become more comfortable—and therefore safer—in an aquatic environment.

Step one is based on age, with subsequent steps asking questions such as “can the swimmer enter the water independently…travel at least five yards, submerge their mouth and blow bubbles for at least three seconds then safely exit the water…” with yes/no answers determining the recommended class.

There is even a Parent and Child Aquatics course designed to make water safety and swimming introduction a family event for moms or dads with kids 6 months or older. Children 4 years and up can take the Preschool Aquatics lessons. Instruction categories include water entry and exit procedures, breath control and submerging, buoyancy on front and back, swimming on front and back and more. Each task and level have an exit skill assessment to ensure the participant has achieved a certain level of proficiency to move up.

Parents of children around six years and up should evaluate their child’s abilities under the Learn to Swim categories. There are six levels to choose from, but Levels 3 and up are for swimmers who have already demonstrated the basics in Levels 1 and 2.

For example, if the child cannot tread water for 15 seconds, they may not be ready for Level 3, per the placement guide. MCCS Aquatics is more than happy to help you select the right level for your child. Call 645-2787 to get placement guidance from an instructor at Camp Foster Aquatics.

Adults wanting to learn how to swim should sign up under the Adult Lessons category. Rather than having specific levels with lesson categories, the adult lessons are structured around what the swimmer wants to learn. Even for those initially uncomfortable in the water, many can comfortably dive down at least eight feet to retrieve an object, blow bubbles like a dolphin and understand the basic mechanics of the simpler swim strokes after completing their first 2-week session. In addition, FREE lessons for activeduty personnel are available via the Active Duty Swim Instruction (ADSI) program. As with Adult Lessons, skills covered are based on student needs.

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Open water dive certification is the entry level course for diving—a golden ticket to the astounding underwater world of scuba. Through online learning work, basic skills instruction in the pool and training dives in the open water, students learn to safely dive to depths of up to 60 feet with a certified diver.

Classes available at Tsunami scuba certify divers via PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Tsunami Scuba’s instructors are all PADI certified, and the center is a 5-star PADI training facility.

The Open Water Diver Course is split into three parts: knowledge development, confined water and open water. Knowledge development is the “classroom” portion in which students learn the principles of diving through reading, videos and quizzes.

Currently the most popular form of knowledge development is Tsunami Scuba eLearning, which allows students to complete the academic requirements from the comfort of their own home.

After completing the academic requirements, it’s off to the pool for confined water training which typically takes two evenings at an MCCS Aquatic Center to complete. In this portion, students become acquainted with dive equipment, practice fundamentals, take their first breath underwater and develop safe diving habits. After successfully completing the confined water training, students will then head out to the ocean and participate in four training dives over the span of a weekend, applying and demonstrating newfound skills to earn their PADI Open Water Diver certification.

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OKUMA BE ACH Summer Special Program

Saturday, 13 August 5 - 8:30 pm Bask in the gentle tropical breeze while you enjoy live entertainment and festive music. Savor the wide array of delectable island food dishes at your fingertips such as Kalua Pork, Garlic Shrimp, Island BBQ Chicken, and so much more!

Afterward, party in the lounge from 9 pm to midnight.

Surfside Grill & Bar: 098-962-1805.

Saturday, 6 August 9 am • Water Balloon Toss 10:30 am • Beach Volleyball Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Saturday, 13 August 10:30 am • Amazing Race $ 8 per person (includes T-shirt) Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Friday, 19 August 7:30 pm • Outdoor Movie Night Saturday, 20 August 10:30 am • Dodge Ball Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place

Surfside August Special

BBQ Chicken Pizza • $15.95 Zesty marinated chicken with thinly sliced onions covered with mozzarella cheese and a drizzle of smoky BBQ sauce!

BOUNCE!!

Saturday, 3 September • 10 am - 5 pm Open to children ages 13 & under • Free!

Calling all kiddos! Come join us outside at Okuma Beach for a fun kidsonly event. Take a ride down inflatable water slides and jump as freely as you want on our bouncy castles! Also, join us for a massive water balloon fight! Customers are encouraged to bring their own water guns.

Afterward, enjoy free entertainment from 5 - 8:30 pm on the Surfside Grill & Bar patio with delicious backyard BBQ specials by our talented chefs (available for purchase)!

Sponsored in part by:

Okuma.KadenaFSS.com facebook.com/theokumabeach @okumabeach Okuma Beach • 631-1990 Lodging Reservations • 631-1991 Surfside Grill & Bar • 098-962-1805 Okuma Outdoor Recreation • 631-1815 Massage Reservations • 090-3795-8688

No federal endorsement of sponsors intended.

Located 51 miles north of Kadena Air Base

The PADI Open Water Diver course doesn’t, of course, come along with a certified Aquaman trident—only more diving under the guidance of instructors will make a more experienced diver.

The next step to take after receiving an Open Water Diver card is Advanced Open Water Diver certification, through which pupils pick three adventure dives (in addition to a deep dive and underwater navigation dive) that will sharpen diving competency.

Adventure dives may include night diving, peak performance buoyancy, boat diving, fish identification, underwater photography and more.

After the Advanced Open Water Diver certification, divers are trained to depths of 100 feet and are eligible take the next step: PADI Rescue Diver. Rescue Diver teaches divers how to assist a buddy (and themselves) if things go south on a dive and is highly recommended to boost one’s safety and confidence in the water.

After this course, those that are interested in a career in diving can climb the professional certification ladder from Divemaster to Instructor all the way up to Master Instructor.

There are also plenty of specialty certifications to pick up along the way. Deep Diver allows divers to explore down to 130 feet, Tec 40 transitions from recreational scuba diving to more technical diving, and Search and Recovery Diver trains divers to locate and retrieve items from the ocean. These courses—and many more— are all available at Tsunami Scuba.

While this may sound like a bit much—especially for those that feel more comfortable poolside with a piña colada in hand— remember this journey is worthwhile. It’ll not only open the doors to an astoundingly beautiful new world, it’s also the closest many will get to gliding weightless over coral gardens like Peter Pan and feeling like a total astronaut during a night dive.

And, it’s only a matter of time before someone says “you’re going to regret not getting dive certified while you’re on Okinawa”… yet again.

For more information on LTS, visit mccsokinawa.com/ learntoswim. And, for more about getting certified to dive on Okinawa, visit mccsokinawa.com/scuba. 

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FITNESS + FUN

Fit Camp Much-Needed Motivation Looking for a long-life elixir? Unfortunately, it’s unavailable online or in stores, and anyone pushing product with such claims is nothing but a grade-A prevaricating peddler. So yes, sadly, long-life elixirs only exist in fairytales, but there is some good news—you can live a longer and healthier life if you incorporate plenty of physical activity.

The benefits of an active lifestyle are numerous: it helps with weight management, reduces risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes along with other metabolic syndromes. It also protects bone, joint and muscle health, which can help stave off the declination of strength and muscle mass as you age. In addition, routine exercise has the added benefit of improving mood and mental state. Highly aware of the advantages of a routine workout regimen, some still need that little extra push in order to stay consistent.

If you’re someone that needs that extra push, Fit Camp is for you! Surround yourself with like-minded folks who are also work-

ing towards self-improvement. And better yet, there’s a personal trainer who’s ready to lead the whole group, help with accountability and focus on each individual’s progress. Fit Camp’s six-week format (based on circuit-style workouts) will have you reaping all the physical and mental benefits that come with a rigorous workout, and you’ll quickly pick up new exercises to incorporate into long-term routines. Fit Camps run year-round, but there’s no time like the present to get started.

If you’re ready to accept the challenge and get that little push you need, the next Fit Camp is September 7 through October 19 and will be held on multiple Marine Corps installations. Register before September 2 by visiting the front desk of the Semper Fit Fitness Center where you’d like to attend. SOFA ID card holders ages 18 and older are eligible to participate. For more information, please visit mccsokinawa.com/healthpromotion or call 645-3910 from a DSN or 098-970-3910 from off base.  AUGUST 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 27

FITNESS + FUN

Own the Diamond MCAS Futenma Softball Tournament Do we have Semper Fit designed T-shirts photo?

2022 Semper Fit Bike Race Series

To say softball is enormously popular is an understatement. It’s played by over 30 million people worldwide, after all.

Whether you’re in it for the total body conditioning, the camaraderie amongst players, fierce competition, or plain old fun, it’s time to hit the diamond.

So, strike up that conversation with your teammates and fill in your rosters for the MCAS Futenma Open Softball Tournament on August 27 and 28. Each team may have between 9 and 15 players and a coach, but if your coach plans on playing, he or she will count towards your 15-player limit. Open to all participants (ages 16 and older) island-wide, this double-elimination tournament will send 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams home with awards and serious bragging rights.

Register via Eventbrite for $150 per team before August 22 (1 p.m.). For more information, visit mccsokinawa. com/adultsports. For any questions, call 636-2672 or send an email to adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. 

Stage 4: Camp Hansen Saddle up for the fourth leg of the 2022 Semper Fit Bike Race Series on Sunday, August 14 starting at 8:05 a.m. on Camp Hansen. Check-ins are from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. with a mandatory brief following. All participants ages 15 and older may register for $95 before August 14 to compete.

Earn Bike Race Series points and vie for great prizes such as bike-related gear and apparel, a road bike valued at over $1,000 courtesy of Vincent’s Bike Shop and more. ALL competitors will receive race-specific t-shirts, a special interlocking completion medal and a food voucher. Meal tickets for spectators are also available for purchase via Eventbrite.

For more information on this race, as well as more upcoming races in the series, visit mccsokinawa.com/adultsports or facebook.com/mccsokinawa.semperfit. Questions regarding the upcoming Hansen leg can be directed to 645-3521 or adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org via email.  AUGUST 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 29

FITNESS + FUN

Hey Coach!

Volunteer as a Coach and Shape a Child’s Future Many of us have had one—that one person that made a lasting impact in our lives during our younger years. Whether it was a teacher that showed us the joy of reading that blossomed into a love of writing, the music instructor that taught us the beauty of music or that basketball coach that taught us a defeat wasn’t the end of the world…it was something that made us stronger and better in the long run.

With the right coach, kids feel more confident, well-prepared and inspired both participating in their chosen sport as well as in everyday life. Participating in sports at a young age can have a healthy developmental influence on children. Not only do sports promote cooperative play, teamwork and sportsmanship, the physical activity also has a positive impact on improving motor skills and boosting self-esteem.

If you are ready to make a positive impact in both the community as well as in a child’s life, MCCS Semper Fit Youth Sports has

the opportunity for you. Semper Fit is looking for fun, dedicated individuals who want to make a difference in a child’s life and teach life lessons that they’ll carry into adulthood. To coach is to play an active role in a child’s future. You are not just a coach; you are a mentor, a hero and a friend. In addition, coaching a team is a great way to meet new people and share your skills with children who share a passion for sports and an active lifestyle. Volunteer opportunities for head coaches (18+) and assistant coaches (16+) are available for the 2022–2023 cheerleading and basketball season that begins October 17. Spots are open until October 10 (or until all are filled), so don’t wait!

For more information about becoming a volunteer coach, please stop by any staffed MCCS Fitness Center, call 645-3533/3534 or email youthsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. 

The Greatest Game Courtney Open 6v6 Soccer Tournament Lace up those cleats and sliding tackle-proof those shins with your trusty shin guards because the Courtney Open 6v6 Soccer Tournament is coming to town! On Saturday and Sunday, August 20 and 21, join Semper Fit at the Camp Courtney Bowl and see how your squad stacks up against the rest.

All participants ages 16 and older may join in on the action and must register via Eventbrite by August 15 (1 p.m.) for $150 per team. You may have between 6 and 12 players on your team plus a coach, with six players allowed on the field at any given moment (you are allowed unlimited substitutions). If your coach is also playing, that counts towards your 12-player limit.

At the conclusion of the tournament, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams will receive awards.

For more information, please visit mccsokinawa.com/adultsports or facebook.com/mccsokinawa.semperfit. If you have any questions, please email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or call 636-2672. 

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MARINES + FAMILIES

Endless Possibilities 3D Model Printing & Painting The future is now—3D printing is an ever-evolving and expanding field that can make virtual ideas a reality. Its vast application allows the creation of items ranging from customized masks and headphone stands to home décor and more! With access to a 3D printer, you can create anything you can imagine.

If you’re itching to try your hand at 3D printing, MCCS Libraries’ Innovation Labs have everything you need to get started! This month, MCCS Libraries are holding several 3D Model Printing and 3D Model Painting events, where patrons can attend to learn how to use the 3D printers, submit print requests and familiarize themselves with the Innovation Lab while painting a pre-printed model.

These events will be hosted at Schwab and Hansen Libraries.

Schwab’s is happening August 10 at 5 p.m. while Hansen will host two, the first one on August 3 and the second on August 17, both beginning at 5 p.m. In addition, 3D Model Painting events will be held at Schwab and Futenma Libraries. You can stop by Schwab Library on August 17, at 5 p.m. or Futenma Library on August 23 from noon to 2 p.m. (models will be Studio Ghibli themed).

Questions regarding 3D Model Printing and 3D Model Painting events can be directed to the respective libraries. Head to mccsokinawa.com/libraries for their contact information and more event details. 

Foster Library Art Supply Swap Reduce, Reuse & Create!

Hey, creatives, do you have lightly used or brand-new arts and crafts supplies sitting around, collecting dust? If so, you can clear out those art bins of gently used or unwanted materials by stopping by the Foster Library on August 12 for an Art Supply Swap! Supplies can range from unused canvases, crayons, markers, beads, paints and brushes to anything that’s in good enough condition to donate (please don’t bring any trash).

Besides boosting creativity by decluttering your space, an art supply swap provides the chance for unused or gently used products to find a second life, keeping them out of the landfill and fulfilling their full artistic potential! It’s also a great chance to connect with other artists, crafters and creatives in the

community through common interest. And don’t forget the added bonus of either saving yourself or someone else a buck or two.

So, stop by the Foster Library any time throughout the day (during their hours of operation) on August 12 to drop off supplies and connect with others in the community.

And while you’re there, you can take your creativity to new heights with the library’s Innovation Lab by exploring the endless possibilites of 3D Printing. For the latest library happenings head to mccsokinawa.com/ libraries, or if you have questions about the Art Supply Swap, email the Foster Library at fosterlibrary@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or call them at 098-970-7178. 

AUGUST 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 33

MARINES + FAMILIES

Dive-in Movies Light up Your Nights Like a moth to a flame, the cool evening air and lingering twilight beckon even the most reclusive out of their homes and into the warm embrace of summer evenings. While there are plenty of fun and interesting things to do during a scorching-hot day, nighttime happens to be the best time to enjoy Okinawa’s sub-tropical breeze. Looking for a way to enjoy the breeze and the dwindling light? How about a refreshing dip in the pool while watching a family friendly movie.

Sounds nice, right?

Luckily, MCCS Aquatic Centers are in the business of making lofty summertime goals a reality with their Dive-in Movies. You

can drop by Plaza Housing Aquatic Center on August 5, Camp McTureous Aquatic Center on August 12 or make your way to Camp Schwab Aquatic Center on August 19 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

So, what are you waiting for? Soak up the remainder of the cool summer evenings with your family by hopping on in the water, floating under the stars and catching a flick. To make the deal even sweeter, there will be FREE food and drinks while supplies last!

For movie schedules and to find more MCCS Aquatic Centers’ happenings, head to mccsokinawa.com/aquatics. 

Japanese on the Go Learn How to Speak the Language!

Is this your first time on Okinawa? You may be a bit unsure (and possibly apprehensive) about what’s in store outside the gates. Maybe this is your second or third time on Okinawa and you want to learn more about the Okinawan and Japanese cultures. Whether you’re an island-neophyte or weathered veteran, it is important to learn more about Okinawa and Japan and better understand the local etiquette, culture and traditions to make us better ambassadors and guests on this tropical paradise. And, there’s no better place to start than learning how to speak to our hosts in their own language!

Well you’re in luck; MCCS Libraries on Camps Kinser, Foster, Courtney and Hansen will be offering Japanese on the Go! This FREE offering will provide opportunities to learn basic Japanese words and phrases as well as an introduction to Mango Languages—a FREE app that will not only help you along on your journey to Japanese proficiency, but also open doors to learning other languages as well! Bonus: as you are in the library, take advantage of their vast resources and tools to educate and entertain yourself!

Japanese on the Go will be offered August 13 at 3 p.m. at the Kinser Library, August 25 at 5 p.m. at the Courtney Library, August 24 at 6 p.m. at the Foster Library and every Monday at 5 p.m. at the Hansen Library. For more info on Japanese on the Go, and other offerings, contact your nearest library. Visit mccsokinawa.com/libraryhours for hours, location and contact information. 

AUGUST 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 35

DINING + ENTERTAINMENT

2022 Food Truck Fair & Car Show Good Food & Hot Rides Lovers of beautiful cars, bikes and trucks rejoice! On Sunday, August 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Camp Foster Flea Market parking lot, you can check out the coolest rides on the island at the 2022 Food Truck Fair & Car Show. For participants, awards will be given to Best of Show, Hardest Parker, and Best Audio.

This event will also feature delectable fodder for foodies—with food trucks galore including the Hawaiian Poke Truck, TOP RANK hot dogs, Brazilian fare from Paraiso and many more. Authentic street tacos and burritos from La Cocina and succulent sandwiches from Chef Shack will also be available. There will also be music and a DJ battle to add some spice to the festivities.

So, what’s the best part of this show compared to one back home in the states? This being Japan, you may get to encounter some Japanese classics that were never exported to the US. And one you definitely want to keep an eye out for is one that is well-known to most car enthusiasts today—the Nissan Skyline.

Originally produced by Prince Motor Company, the Skyline officially became a Nissan in 1966 when Nissan merged with Prince,

just as Toyota merged with Hino and Daihatsu. In 1964, Prince took an ordinary four-door sedan Skyline, extended the wheelbase and replaced the smaller 4-cylinder engine with the G7 engine—a 1988cc inline-six. The resulting car was called the S54 series or the famed Skyline 2000GT. A Skyline GT-B finished second in its first race in 1964—almost victorious against the Porsche 904GTS. This was an incredible achievement considering that the Skyline was a boxy 4-door sedan, and the Porsche was…a Porsche.

Keep your eyes peeled and your cameras ready to take photos of Skylines, Fairlady Z’s, Toyota Corolla Levins, Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha bikes and many, many more examples of art-onwheels at the 2022 Food Truck Fair & Car Show!

This event will be open to all SOFA ID card holders, Japanese and American citizens. Do not bring pets, outside alcohol, glass bottles or coolers. As always, MCCS encourages everyone to drink responsibly; don't drink and drive! Daiko and taxi services will be available. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/events or call 098-970-5828. 

AUGUST 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 37

DINING + ENTERTAINMENT

ROCK OUT At Camp Hansen Although the word “palooza” hasn’t made it into Merriam-Webster, you can, however, find its origin word, lollapalooza, and to save you the trouble of looking it up, its definition is “something that is extraordinarily impressive.”

Which is exactly what you can expect from Hansen Palooza. Rock out at this two-day party which starts on Saturday, August 13 from 1 to 9 p.m. and will kick off again on Sunday, August 14 from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday’s festivities will take place right after Stage 4 of the 2022 Semper Fit Bike Race Series (which you can read about on p. 29).

Make sure you come hungry because La Cocina will be serving up simplemente deliciosa authentic street tacos and burritos while Chef Shack slings succulent sandwiches. In addition to MCCS food trucks, there will be a variety of off-base vendors such as Minami-no-Yatai,

Ramen Hachiren and more! Wash all that street fare down with an ice-cold adult beverage from Kanpai Lounge.

And what’s a palooza without live entertainment and carnival rides? The Hansen Palooza will feature live performances consisting of street performers, martial arts performances, Okinawan dance and drum, rock, reggae/island music and more! In addition to captivating performances, MCCS Fun Land will be present and selling ridetill-your-heart’s-content wrist bands for unlimited access to the fun!

Hansen Palooza is open to all SOFA ID card holders, Japanese and American citizens; access to Hansen Palooza will be through gates 1 and 2 (for both SOFA and non-SOFA). To find more information and the entertainment schedule, visit mccsokinawa.com/festivals. 

HURRAH! Kinser Festival Summer is festival season, and we couldn’t let the fun end at Hansen Palooza, hence we’re packing it up and bringing it down south to Camp Kinser with Kinser Festival! Come out Saturday, September 10, and Sunday, September 11 from 1 to 9 p.m. both days to help us celebrate with one last hurrah as summer comes to a close.

Festivalgoers can feast on savory, smoked meats including BBQ pork shoulder and brisket from Hickory House, freshly grilled American-style burgers from Bulldogs Burgers, cheesy pizzas from MCCS’ pizza trailer and Miami-style inspired fare from 305 Latin Bistro. In addition, MCCS food trucks—La Cocina and Chef Shack—will be on hand, serving delectable street tacos and burritos and luscious sandwiches, respectively. Patrons 20 years of age and older can enjoy refreshing adult beverages from Kanpai Lounge.

There will, of course, be live entertainment and performances from talented local bands and groups—including street performers, martial arts performances, Okinawan dance and drum, classic rock, reggae/island music and many more! There will be military-static displays and don’t forget to grab the kids (and yourself ) a wristband for MCCS Fun Land, which can be purchased for either $5 or ¥600. Kinser Festival is open to SOFA ID card holders, Japanese and American citizens; access to Kinser Festival will be through Gates 1 and 2 (for both SOFA and non-SOFA).

To find more information and the entertainment schedule, visit mccsokinawa.com/festivals. 

AUGUST 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 39

KIDS + PARENTS

Big Brother/ Big Sister Monthly Program Studies have shown that children with mentors usually earn better grades in school, turn in higher-quality class work and perform better academically than their peers without mentors.

Beyond schoolwork and grades, other benefits of mentorship include stronger relationships with parents, teachers and classmates, improved mood and behavior, enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence as well as improved interpersonal skills.

With that said, it’s easy to see the importance of letting children connect with a positive role model and have someone other than their parental unit to look up to. And guess what? the Courtney Library provides a perfect chance for children to find someone to fill the role of mentor at their Big Brother/Big Sister Program—a monthly program where the youngest members of the community are paired with a Marine or Sailor and engage in a fun group activity together. The Big Brother/Big Sister Program is open to children of all ages, and activities from previous months have consisted of airplane flying contests, bad art nights, Lego builders and many more.

If you would like to provide your child with the opportunity to engage with other well-rounded adults that look forward to connecting and encouraging the youngest members of our community, register for this month’s Big Brother/Big Sister event happening on August 17 at 5 p.m.

You can register by contacting the Courtney Library at 098-954-9280 or by emailing them at courtneylibrary@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. To keep up with future happenings, you can follow MCCS Libraries on Facebook at MCCS Education and Libraries. 

Basketball & Cheerleading Registration The Season is Right around the Corner!

Participating in team sports at a young age has lasting positive impacts—both physically and emotionally. For starters, it promotes cooperative play, teamwork and sportsmanship. It also helps improve motor skills and self-esteem. And, of course, it’s also a great and fun way to make new friends.

Registration for the Youth Sports 2022–2023 Winter Basketball and Cheerleading season is here! Your last chance to sign up your athlete is August 31, so make sure to head to your nearest staffed MCCS Fitness Center or visit mccsokinawa.com/youthsports.

All basketball players and cheerleaders ages 5 to 18 are welcome to join. Children 4 years of age are also welcome, but only as long as they turn 5 prior to the final day of the season.

Registration will be accepted via Eventbrite August 1–31. Practices begin October 17, and the official season runs from October 28 to January 28, 2023.

If you’re an athlete that would like to pass your knowledge on to the next generation, or you’re a parent who would love to spend more time with their child, MCCS Youth Sports is looking for fun and dedicated individuals to coach. Make a positive impact in both the community and in a child’s life as well as teach life lessons they’ll carry into adulthood.

So, challenge yourself and motivate kids with this rewarding undertaking. Youth Sports recruits coaches all-year-round—not just during registration period. If you’re interested, download an application from mccsokinawa.com/coachescorner and turn it in at the Youth Sports office located in Bldg. 5952 on Camp Foster.

For more information, visit the MCCS Youth Sports website, call 645-3533/3534 or email youthsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.  AUGUST 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 45

KIDS + PARENTS

Learn to Swim Program Early Fall 1 & 2 Sessions

Youth Swim Team Tryouts Lifelong Passion While it’s true that taking your little one for a dip in the pool is a great way to beat the heat this summer, why not help turn their love for swimming into a lifelong passion at Okinawa Dolphins Swim Team (ODST) Youth Swim Team Tryouts? Who knows, they may be a budding (12-time Olympic medalist) Ryan Lochte or (7-time Olympic champion and 15-time world champion) Katie Ledecky in the making! Tryouts for the early fall season are slotted for Monday, August 22, at the Camp Foster Aquatic Center from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Tryouts are for swimmers ages seven or older who have not been part of previous ODST seasons. And participants can expect

to swim three competitive strokes for the tryout itself: The first swim is a 50m freestyle (front crawl). Next is a 25m breaststroke, followed by a 25m backstroke. A brief rest between the two 25m swims is permitted (must be less than 20 seconds). Besides the short rest, each swim must be non-stop with swimmers displaying proper breathing and stroke techniques. The tryouts take approximately 5–10 minutes, and parental interaction is discouraged for the duration of the tryout.

Visit mccsokinawa.com/swimteam for more information about ODST’s tryouts.

If you have any questions, please email mccsaquatics@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. 

Did you know that drowning is the fifth most common cause of death by unintentional injury and the second most common in ages 1–14? Although a terrifying statistic, there is some good news—unintentional drowning is preventable through formal training. If you or your child would like to learn to swim this summer, you can register for swim lessons through MCCS’ Learn to Swim program!

Lessons will be held at the Aquatic Center on Camp Foster, and when you register, you can choose the time and level you’d like to attend during registration. Early Fall Session 1 takes place during weekdays from August 22 to 31 with a signup deadline of August 17, and Session 2 takes place from September 6 to 15 with a signup deadline of September 1.

Head to mccsokinawa.com/learntoswim for more registration information and lesson times. 

Youth Water Polo Camp Become a Water Gladiator!

After water polo’s initial introduction to the world in the 1870s as a sort of “water rugby,” the popularity of this grueling full-contact sport has risen and spread throughout the world. Water polo was one of the first team sports introduced into the Olympics in 1900 and today, the US women’s water polo team is notably strong, winning gold in the past three Olympic Games.

Water polo athletes must be in excellent shape to say the least—as seven-person teams (six swimmers + a goalkeeper) race almost non-stop from each end of the pool to the other frantically passing and shooting (similar to handball) the ball past the opponent’s goalie.

Is your kid a strong swimmer with a competitive edge? They too can join this sport by going to Youth Water Polo Camp at the Camp Foster Aquatic Center from August 15 to 19.

The focus of this camp is to introduce water polo and water polo skills to children ages 9 to 17. On the first day of camp, participants must be able to complete a swim of 100 meters, non-stop, using freestyle in 3 minutes or less. Each day will start at 8 a.m. and last until 10 a.m. and will cost $75. For details and to register, visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics. 

AUGUST 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 47

SERVICES

Typhoon Motors Summer Sales!

Driving on Okinawa in the summertime can either be heaven or the polar opposite—with the performance of your air conditioner providing the defining difference between cruising along a seaside road in either cool comfort or drenched discomposure.

To ensure that you’re feeling more like a polar bear than a steamed vegetable, head over to your nearest MCCS Typhoon Motors this month for their AC Special—which offers 10% off all AC service and repair for the month of August.

Once you’ve got your car running smoothly inside and out, washed, waxed and buffed to a mirror sheen, you’re almost ready for the summer cruising season. How are your tunes?

Still stock, you say?!

Listening to your favorite track and feeling it as much as hearing it is not only stress relieving, but it’ll also give you a bounce in your step throughout the summer season. And it doesn’t take a fortune to make a difference—a few simple upgrades to your current audio system can lead to significant improvements in sound clarity, quality and power. Give your car a gift that will make both of you thump happily down the road. Waiting for a sale to happen before you upgrade?

Well, wait no longer! Foster Typhoon Motors will be offering 10% off all Kenwood products at their Hot Summer Nights Audio Sale August 27–31.

For more information on upcoming sales and offerings from Typhoon Motors, call the nearest center or visit them online at mccokinawa.com/ typhoonmotors. 

Have a Party... at Courtney Arts and Crafts Getting ready to throw a party, but horrified by the thought of having to host it at your place?

Totally understandable—parties are way less stressful when you have a dedicated space.

Luckily, Courtney Arts and Crafts has party rooms available to rent that are perfect for all ages and occasions!

Okay, so now that you have a location, what about decorations? You can breathe easy because they’ve got you covered on that front too! They offer special party packages (which include paper plates, cups, napkins, etc.) with themes ranging from Mario and Pokémon to The Little Mermaid and more! Drop by in person to meet with a helpful staff member and plan your next event. Rooms are available Thursdays through Sundays.

For more information, head to mccsokinawa.com/courtneyartsandcrafts. If you have any questions, please email artsandcrafts@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or call 622-7492 from a DSN or 098-954-7492 from off base. 

Pizzazz and Style Frame of the Month Add pizzazz and style to your home by encapsulating your summer snapshots in well-built custom frames from Foster Arts and Crafts. If you’d like, you can stop by to check out their “frame of the month”—a frame moulding, liner and fillet combination hand-selected by Foster Arts and Crafts staff that showcases their favorite combinations. You never know, it could be just the one to highlight your cherished summer adventure.

However, it’s okay if the frame of the month doesn’t quite match your gallery wall’s vibe, Foster Arts and Crafts has plenty of frame mouldings to choose from in a variety of home décor styles. In addition, they offer stretched canvases, framed guidons and more! Or, if you already have something in mind—stop by to make your vision a reality.

Foster Arts and Crafts is located inside the Community Center (Bldg. 5908). To find their hours of operation and more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/fosterartsandcrafts.  AUGUST 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 51

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A BURNING

PASSION

AUGUST 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 57

T

he colors of modern Ryukyu glass are a direct reflection of the profound love local artisans have for the island that continues to sustain them.

Although early on, sustenance took precedence as these objects of lasting beauty were crafted as a way to eke out an existence after the destruction and devastation of WW II. Today, beauty takes center stage as craftsmen carefully shape the molten glass to showcase the azure blues of the glimmering oceans that provide a bounty of sustenance; they highlight the warm ambers and greens of the soil and verdant fields that are abundant with delicious blessings; and the vermilions capture the brilliancy of the blazing sunsets that signal another successful day of island living.

AUGUST 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 59

REFLECTING ON

HISTORY

Glass existed in Japan as early as the Yayoi Era (300 BC–300 AD); however, it was not an ordinary commodity, as it was mostly used for prayer beads and other religious talismans.

The importance of glass began to change when Japan had its first encounters with the western world in the late 15th century, which brought the ideologies of a new religion and missionary activity, as well as the gamut of European crafts.

It’s recorded that Francis Xavier, a Christian missionary from Portugal, introduced foreign items such as mirrors and telescopes to daimyō (feudal lord) Ōuchi Yoshitaka.

Once infused with Portuguese and Dutch influences, glasswork made during the Edo Period (1600–1868) took new, unique forms.

One example is the Edo Kiriko or “cut glass from Edo” —distinguished by its straight lines, angular diamond-like designs etched into bases and brilliant red, blue and green hues.

Yet, glass production didn’t begin on Okinawa until the middle of the Meiji Period (1868–1912). Before then, the island depended upon mainland Japan for glass and imported it via ship, but unfortunately, the pitching and rolling of vessels often caused damage to the fragile and expensive cargo. The situation, deemed unfair and unacceptable to both glassmakers and customers, eventually led to an invitation of craftsmen from Nagasaki and Osaka to establish a glass factory on the island. And even more unfortunate, the infant factory, like most other places on the island, ended up among the rubble after the Battle of Okinawa.

AUGUST 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 61

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SHATTERED

REMAINS

After the decimation of the war, Okinawa was under the threat of severe supply shortages, so many turned to creating utilitarian glass products which were made by recycling discarded bottles. Initially crude and dangerous, drinking glasses were made by chopping off the necks of beer bottles. As time went on, Okinawan glassmakers quickly learned the craft and were soon producing semi-decent work. However, with the burden of limited resources, many still found themselves in a post-war crisis that eventually led many to ruin.

Most attribute the rebirth of Ryukyu glass to the droves of service members that arrived on the island during the late 1950s. The influx of military installations provided a new and plentiful source of raw materials—discarded beer, soda and liquor bottles. Before this time, transparent glass was the primary medium; however, these new material sources allowed local glass makers to experiment with colored glass.

The use of recycled soda bottles allowed the creation of pale blue and green glassware, while the beer and liquor bottles provided brown and warm amber tones. The rudimentary recycling process also created tiny air bubbles inside the glassware, which eventually became distinct and familiar techniques associated with earlier Ryukyu glass pieces. (Many pieces still feature tiny air bubbles, but nowadays, they are created with more intention).

The demand and popularity of locally produced glass soared throughout the 1960s, as many service members and some tourists (mostly from mainland Japan) began purchasing it as tableware or souvenirs to take back home.

To support the increasing demand, glass factories such as Machinato Glass Factory, Ryukyu Glass Factory and Kokusai Glass Craft, Inc. were established in quick succession.

By the 1980s, Okinawa had become a focal point of tourist activity and a popular hotspot for the affluent from mainland Japan. In 1982, six of the island’s most predominate factories—the Okuhara Glass Factory, Ryukyu Glass Factory, Kokusai Glass Craft, Inc., Giyaman Kan, Okinawa Kotobuki Glass Craft, Inc. and Oyafuso Folk Craft Glass—were established and formed the Ryukyu Glass Craft Association. They are now known collectively as the Ryukyu Glass Craft Cooperative.

And by 1998, the craft was officially designated as a Traditional Craftwork of the Okinawa Prefecture.

AUGUST 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 63

CONTEMPORARY

GLASS

Today, the hues presented in Ryukyu glass are materialized from one of three sources—the continual use of recycled colored bottles, recycled clear glass paired with coloring agents (like copper, copper oxide, magnesium oxide, etc.), and mixing raw glass materials with the same colorants.

While all three methods are used on Okinawa, the addition of coloring agents (both natural and synthetic) is particularly responsible for elevating blown glass into the realm of fine art. Although, there are craftsmen who stick to using the more “traditional method” of sourcing and crushing castaway bottles from eating establishments and private homes. One of these artisans, Matsumoto Sakae, has dedicated a majority of his life to the practice, striving to create practical, sustainable housewares meant to be cherished and used for years to come.

There are several venues where one can witness modern glassmaking on Okinawa. From south to north, there’s the Ryukyu Glass Village in Itoman, Mid-Air Glass Blowing Studio Niji (Rainbow) in Yomitan, Ryukyu Glass Tiida Koubo (Sun Glass Studio) in Onna and the Glass House in the Forest in Nago (to name a few). In the case of some, visitors can try their hand at the craft.

Owned and operated by the Ryukyu Glass Craft Cooperative, the Ryukyu Glass Village (and gallery) and the Glass House in the Forest allow visitors to create their own crystalline keepsake.

Creating a treasure out of glass may seem difficult and intimidating at first. There’s the necessary coordination of movements between the

blowpipe and hefty metal tools used to shape the glass; it takes a healthy measure of dexterity (and very healthy lungs), but with a little determination, it can be accomplished. And, as the glassmaking novice’s task comes to completion, they are sure to glow with a sense of achievement, one as radiant as the red-hot liquid glass they used to create their tumbler.

While they don’t provide the same opportunity for novices, Contemporary Master Craftsman Seikichi Inamie’s studio, shop and gallery/ museum are worth a trip to Yomitan. Located in Yachimun-no-Sato, Yomitan’s pottery village, Mid-Air Glass Blowing Studio Niji is highly touted because of Mr. Inamine’s instantly recognizable and effervescent glasswork. He is most famous for his bubble glass and experimentation with all sorts of organic materials such as curry powder, coffee grounds, rice bran, potters clay and others with their unique textures and vivid colors. Now retired, Mr. Inamine still occasionally stops by his workshop to visit Seiichiro Inamine, his son, who assumed responsibility for the family craft.

The senior Mr. Inamine strives to help break the post-war mindset of the mass production of expensive trinkets made for collectors as an easy cash-grab. His dedication to the craft has also set the bar for future generations of artisans.

Ryukyu glass craft is still relatively in its infancy since it has not been around for nearly as long as other art forms (take pottery, for example), so this is only the first chapter. 

AUGUST 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 65

LIVING ON OKINAWA

Oyako Don

(Chicken and Eggs Rice Bowl) Serves 4 Ingredients 7.5 oz. chicken (preferably dark meat) cut into bite-sized pieces 1 onion sliced into thin strips 4 eggs, beaten 1 mitsuba (Japanese parsley) or watercress leaf per bowl 2 cups rice, steamed Sauce 2 cups dashi (made from bonito flakes) 5 tbsp. sugar 10 tbsp. soy sauce 5 tbsp. mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine) Method of Preparation 1. Bring all sauce ingredients to a rolling boil in a saucepan.

2. Add chicken and sliced onions and heat for 2–3 minutes.

3. Lower heat and add eggs while stirring slowly.

4. Add mitsuba (or watercress) leaves, turn off heat and cover until eggs have solidified to desired consistency.

5. Divide rice into deep bowls (one per person) and cover the rice with mixture.

6. Serve and enjoy!

Summer Icons With summer in full swing on the island, you’ve probably already run into one or both of these two perennial summer evening Okinawan icons—the yārū and the tōbira (their Uchinâguchi names).

And while we’re not talking about giant bats or slithering reptiles, the level of trepidation (and for some, sheer terror) these two island residents can generate is on the same level.

While the name may sound endearing, the tōbira is everything but— namely because we’re talking about the large, disgusting and almost indestructible Okinawan cockroach. Hardened veterans of the tōbira wars often swap stories of their epic battles with specimens “the size of Rodan” (the flying monster from the Godzilla movies) and lament that defeating them is a near impossible task.

Although this point may be argued by some, yārū, or house geckoes, are the far more agreeable member of this iconic pair (except for their disturbing habit of falling from the top of door sills almost surgically onto the back of your neck). The gecko’s name in the Japanese language, yamori, translates into “protector of the home” and it is possible that this moniker stems from the tiny creature’s habit of controlling household pests...such as smaller versions of the aforementioned roaches. 

Uchinâguchi Corner English

Japanese

Uchinâguchi

Summer

Natsu

Nachi!

AUGUST 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 69

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MCCS NEWS

Photographed from left are Semper Fit Chief Bob Johnston with the Blue H Award-winning Health Promotion team: Cait Frandsen, Evan Govea, Gregory Hammond, Thomas Nadeau, Winford “Lee” Haynes, Shane Gallagher and Zoey Powell.

Congratulations to the MCCS Semper Fit Health Promotion Team Winners of the Navy Surgeon General’s Health Promotion and Wellness Blue H Award The MCCS Semper Fit Health Promotion team on Okinawa was once again named among the winners of the 2021 ‘Blue H’—the Navy Surgeon General’s Health Promotion and Wellness Award managed by the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC).

This prestigious award recognizes excellence in workplace health promotion policies, activities and outcomes. The medical treatment facility category recognizes excellence in clinical primary prevention services, community health promotion and medical staff health. Health-related criteria includes responsible drinking, violence- and injury free living, healthy eating, active living, psychological health, sexual health, tobacco-free living and weight management. Awards are presented at three levels: the Gold Star, Silver Eagle and Bronze Anchor.

There was a total of 382 Navy and Marine Corps awardees which covered performance in 2021—including 203 Bronze Anchors, 110 Silver Eagles and 69 Gold Star award winners. Among those lauded were a total of 54 award winners among Marine Corps commands— including a total of seven Gold Stars, 23 Silver Eagles and 24 Bronze Anchors. The MCCS Semper Fit Health Promotion team on Okinawa, headed by Health Promotion and Fitness Programs Manager Ms. Zoey Powell, was awarded a Gold Star for the 12th consecutive year—a considerable achievement.

The MCCS Semper Fit Health Promotion team, which includes Wellness Director Gregory Hammond, Fitness/HITT Director Thomas Nadeau, Group Fitness Director Evan Govea and Fitness Coordinators Shane Gallagher, Winford Lee Haynes and Cait Frandsen, was recognized for excellence in collaborative partnerships, program effectiveness, health promotion tools and resources, Semper Fit elements (which include nutrition and weight management, tobacco use prevention and cessation, physical activity, sexual health, chronic disease prevention and injury prevention), community outreach and staff training.

The Commanding General of Marine Corps Installations Pacific (MCIPAC), Major General Stephen Liszewski, sent this congratulatory missive: “Only seven Marine Corps Commands achieved the Gold Star level award in 2021; we are exceedingly proud that three of them belong to the MCIPAC Region. The MCCS Semper Fit Health Promotion Programs across the MCIPAC Region are constantly collaborating and creating new programs to promote healthy living to our military communities, and your individual dedication to the health, wellness and fitness of our Marines, Sailors and families help to keep us at the forefront of this initiative. Thank you for your commitment to excellence!”

Please join us as we congratulate the MCCS Semper Fit Health Promotion team for a job well done.  AUGUST 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 71