Okinawa Living Magazine April 2022

OSAKA ADVENTURE April 2022 | Issue 290

BRING EARTH DAY TO OKINAWA

contents April 2022

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56 16

44 out + about

kids + parents

dining + entertainment

Osaka Adventure For an off-island excursion, venture to delightful and earthy Osaka. Explore Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Castle, the Dotonbori Bridge and restaurants galore as you eat until you drop!

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Month of the Military Child Celebrate our resilient unsung little heroes with activities throughout this special month.

Easter Sunday Brunch Hop on over to an MCCS Club or Restaurant to celebrate Easter with us! Reserve your spot for a delicious breakfast or brunch before they all fill up.

features

L.I.N.K.S. Craft & Chat Join in to create one-of-a-kind flower pots. Adults and children are welcome to celebrate a “Bloom Where You’re Planted” theme.

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44 Bring Earth Day to Okinawa Enjoying this island paradise includes preserving it for future residents and visitors alike. Do your part to protect Okinawa’s natural beauty, this Earth Day and always.

56 Sabani Learn about Okinawan and uminchū culture through the art of sabani—traditional fishing boats which are handmade from start to finish.

restaurant review 38 Fish Shop TSUNA Be transported to a place with warm and friendly service, island ambiance and some of the freshest and most delicious poke bowls around.

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fitness + fun 25

37 Smooth Rewards What’s better than a refreshing LifeJuice smoothie? One that’s FREE! Find out how to get yours with the new LifeJuice Stamp Card.

services

Okinawa’s Strongest Do you go to the gym for standard conditioning or to become the strongest human around? For all those in the latter category, head to Camp Foster to go up against the strongest of the strong!

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Underwater Eggstravaganza Little cottontails have left an assortment of colorful eggs at the Camp Foster Aquatic Center. Hop by and splash around to see how many you can collect!

Avoid Cookout Calamities!

Get a set of BBQ utensils—as unique as your favorite grill master’s secret seasoning— personalized and engraved at the Camp Foster Custom Shop.

marines + families

extras

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5

Virtual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony Tune in to celebrate the many folks who contributed over 23,000 volunteer hours this past year.

Mensôre

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What’s Up, Peeps?

Brilliantly colored marshmallow treats are taking over the Hansen Library during this fun Peeps Diorama Contest!

Living on Okinawa

Stay Cool for Less Your car’s A/C performance provides the defining difference between cool comfort and sweaty discomposure. Is your car ready for summer?

7 Feedback & Show Us!

70 Marketplace Guide

APRIL 2022 | ISSUE 290 COMMANDING GENERAL, MCIPAC Major General William J. Bowers 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 Giulia Pulvirenti, Mayar Mahmoud, Rebecca Lambertsen DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Thomas Alan Smilie PHOTOGRAPHER Mia Cox EDITORIAL Angie Andrews, Kiara Klein DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA Kathlene Millette, Roxine Ami, Jaci Mullally, Kirstin Spanu CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST Ayako Kawamitsu ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP MANAGER Roy Forster ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP Yoshihiro Shinzato, Hiromitsu Horikawa Terumi Nagai, Crystal Rivas, Ronshanda Perkins MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER Andrew Menges MARKETING ACCOUNTS Leah Scrybalo, Bethany Ramirez Latoya Cardona, Deanna Berg DISTRIBUTION Brian Jones

We welcome your comments.

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

mensôre “Welcome” to Okinawa Living

The Most Magical Time of the Year April showers bring May flowers…this old English proverb may hold true in the United Kingdom, but on the beautiful island of Okinawa, April customarily heralds the opening of beach season with many already open and others fully prepped for swimming and water sports. Although the situation slowly seems to be returning to a more “normal” new normal, this year still promises to be a bit more sedate, a contrast to the typical stampede of beachgoers slathered in sunscreen during pre-COVID days.

Some islanders (and veteran residents) ruefully state that springtime on Okinawa—with its mild and pleasant temperature and cool breezes—only lasts for a blink of an eye before the rain and humidity begin in May, followed by the hammer-strikes of the summer sun starting in June. While this is not far from the truth, it does make this magical time of the year even more special and appreciated.

Urizun, which means “spring” in Uchinâguchi (the native language of Okinawa), is traditionally when many locals flock outdoors to enjoy the pleasant spring weather before the first big rush of tourists hits Okinawa’s shores. This rush is thanks to Golden Week, which begins at the end of the month and, again, will most definitely be more sedate this year.

Make sure that you also take this opportunity to get out and about to enjoy Okinawa before the rainy season begins. Have kids? Start by flipping to our special “Month of the Military Child” edition of Kids + Parents for upcoming events. There’s also plenty in store in April for those looking for a bit of recreation, exercise and healthy competition—including beach yoga, triathlons, powerlifting, a book club and much, much more. In addition, if you’re longing for a bit of springtime in a place with four “true” seasons, book a trip with Tours+ to visit Osaka and its sakura which ordinarily bloom this month (as well as Universal Studios Japan, which is a blast for adults and children alike).

With so much to do in April—compared to the last two years, at least—it’s almost enough to give one a joyful affliction of spring fever (the kind of fever you want to get)!

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

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.

Okinawa Living Magazine is printed with

Mike Daley Editor-In-Chief

Take us on the road Enjoy Okinawa Living Magazine on your favorite mobile device!

Visit mccsokinawa.com/ol for the latest issue. Also, visit issuu.com/mccsokinawa to see back issues of the magazine.

feedback

from the ICE Program and Facebook

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

Is it possible to get more than one Olympic weightlifting bar at the Courtney Fit Park for females? In addition, the broken rowing machines are a safety hazard—will these be replaced soon?

—via ICE Thank you for contacting us at Courtney Ironworks Fitness Center with your input regarding the equipment located at Courtney Fit Park. Our Fit Park equipment has a shorter lifecycle due to the being outdoors. Although we are in the process of repairing current equipment, we also have an order submitted for brand-new 15 kg bars specifically for females as

@mari_the_uchinaanchu Sunflowers

well as new rowing machines. Unfortunately, as these items are shipped from the United States, they take approximately 2 to 3 months to arrive. If you have any additional comments, questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 6227297 or via email at fitnesscenters@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

Thanks again for sharing your feedback.

—Ever Wong, Athletic Director, Courtney Ironworks Fitness Center I called Foster Typhoon Motors to have my car towed because it would not start. Nori-san, the driver who came to my aid, was not only super fast, professional and knowledgeable about everything automotive—he was also very friendly! He made a stressful situation much smoother for me and he is awesome!

@angelbriley

—via ICE

Cream puff for your thoughts?

I LOVED the poetry contest that was held at the Camp Foster Library recently. It was fun, not too difficult and so interesting to see what others submitted! The prizes were so nice and we even got a lovely personalized note!

How wonderful is that!? Once again, Foster Library offers something nice for our community!

—via ICE As we are PCSing, I would like to take the time to express how happy I have been with this center [the Ashibina Child Development Center on Camp Foster]. The caregivers, technicians and management team were amazing.

Everyone was always friendly; they made sure my child was well taken care of and always gave me updates on him—sometimes throughout the day when it was warranted. I’m so glad my child was happy to be at school and always smiling when I picked him up. Thank you.

—via ICE

@amypauleon

Such an awesome day-date paragliding

Mr. Rodriguez at Courtney EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program) is very helpful and knowledgeable in the EFMP field and made many recommendations that are sure to make my PCS go smoother. Not only did he aid and assist me to ensure I understood everything that I need to PCS with an EFMP member, he even continues to follow up and make himself available with timely responses to any further questions I have. His assistance is invaluable and greatly appreciated.

—via ICE

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.

APRIL 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 7

Osa

OUT + ABOUT

aka Adventure TEXT BY: MIKE DALEY DESIGN BY: EMELINE TOOLE

APRIL 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 9

OUT + ABOUT

Although many consider being stationed on Okinawa a kind of vacation in itself, living in a subtropical paradise for an extended period of time can have families longing for a vacation from their vacation.

Big cities have an allure all of their own— with multitudes of shopping and dining options and an exciting high-paced lifestyle that’s easy to get caught up in. And although Tokyo is most likely on the top of many travelers’ lists as the must-visit metropolis in Japan, it cannot compare to the delightful earthiness of Osaka.

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OUT + ABOUT

Level up When many visitors think of Osaka, USJ is probably the top of the heap on most bucket lists. Appealing to both children and adults alike, USJ mixes healthy doses of Hollywood magic with Japanese pop culture. While there, you can mingle with Minions, enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, run from dinosaurs in Jurassic Park and even enjoy an ice cream cone in Amity Village (which was terrorized by an alltoo-famous carnivorous sea creature) and much more. On the other hand, at USJ you can also meet Kitty-chan (as in Hello Kitty) and team up with friends and “level up” in Super Nintendo World. And yes, they absolutely do have Mario Kart and it’s a blast!

Kuidaore is not a place in Osaka—it’s an activity which roughly translates to “eat until you drop.”

And in this city, it’s quite easy to do so because the food is as down-to-earth as it is delicious.

Osaka is famous throughout Japan for many of its traditional street foods—especially okonomiyaki and takoyaki. Okonomiyaki is a thick “pancake” filled with shredded cabbage, fried eggs, seafood and other ingredients (which vary depending on the restaurant). Most establishments cook it for you on a hot plate before your eyes, while others leave the cooking to the patrons. Takoyaki are small balls of batter-coated octopus, which are cooked on special grills that give them their spherical shape. Before serving, they’re covered in a savory sauce, mayonnaise and bonito flakes (katsuobushi). Takoyaki are the quintessential snack—good for a quick refuel while exploring the city—bon appétit!

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OUT + ABOUT

Tip of the iceberg Places to Visit Osaka Castle remains as one of Japan’s most famous landmarks and is a welcome addition to the site-seeing list. Built in the late 15th century by Shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi as a glorious symbol of his power, it was destroyed by his chief rival Tokugawa Ieyasu.

The “indestructible” castle was then rebuilt only to be struck by lightning and destroyed again. The present Osaka Castle is a 1931 concrete reproduction, but has fared much better than ones from previous generations.

During WWII, when nearly all of Osaka was destroyed, the castle managed to remain intact. Today, cherry trees line the peaceful paths of the park that surround the castle.

During April, when the branches are covered in blossoms, thousands of people come here to picnic.

Another photogenic place to visit while in Osaka is Dōtonbori Bridge in central Namba.

A popular meeting place, and one of Osaka’s most famous landmarks, it features a smorgasbord of sights, such as the gargantuan neon 35-meter tall Glico man, billboards for Suntory Whiskey and Asahi Beer, a giant mechanical crab beckoning customers into the sushi shop below and much more.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things to see and experiences to enjoy while in Osaka. For more information on how to book a visit, stop by your nearest Tours+ location or give them a call at 6463502. For more upcoming tours—both onand off-island—visit mccsokinawa.com/tours. 

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KIDS + PARENTS

Children of military families didn’t volunteer for service—but that doesn’t mean they aren’t troopers like their parents. This month, MCCS recognizes this fact with events for our littlest heroes.

This year marks the 36th anniversary of the designation of April as the Month of the Military Child. In 1986, then-Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger set the month aside to honor children for their significant roles in military families. Since then, U.S. military facilities throughout the world have sponsored activities for the multitudes of military children—including for Marine Corps families here on Okinawa.

It’s often said that being a Marine spouse is one of the toughest jobs in the Corps—but being a Marine son or daughter can be equally as challenging. Hardships are part of the service of military kids. They rarely (if ever) get to choose where they will live and are

frequently uprooted by PCS moves. Extended separations from mom or dad due to deployments also make life difficult to say the least. Not only is the family left without a vital member, daily routines are upset and vital family traditions are frequently altered.

It’s no secret among military families that kids serve alongside their parents. Although their services aren’t rendered on the flight line (unless it’s a summer hire job mowing grass alongside), the battlefield or aboard ships at sea, kids provide immeasurable support for parents whose job is to defend our nation. Giving daily hugs at home, making heartfelt handmade cards and drafting letters of love for a deployed parent are all ways that kids keep their moms and dads motivated to accomplish their missions. Despite all the hardships, kids still offer up their unconditional love and support.

On April 22 from 4 to 5:30 p.m., McTureous School Age Care (SAC) will be holding a Month of the Military Child Talent Show for our unsung little heroes. At this red carpet event, kids are welcome to showcase their talents in the form of dance, song, art, spoken word, instrumental recital and more. Parents and family members are also invited to cheer their talented military child on. In addition, on April 29 from 4 to 5:30 p.m., McTureous SAC will also host a ball APRIL 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 17

KIDS SECTION + PARENTS NAME

for children and their families with dancing, activities and light refreshments in honor of the Month of the Military Child. For more information on how to register and participate in either of these events, call 622-9049/9051. For more information on happenings at all the SACs, as well as MCCS Youth & Teen Centers island-wide, visit mccsokinawa.com/cyp.

MCCS Clubs and Restaurants will honor our little heroes with a special Month of the Military Child Camo Family Fun Night.

On Thursday, April 21 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster, Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney and Surfside on Camp Kinser, children and their parents are invited for an evening of food, prizes, themed crafts and face painting. Kids are also invited to wear their favorite camo outfit, uniform (for JROTC members) or other military kiddie gear. Prices for adults are $12.95; children 5–11 eat for $6.95 and kids under 5 eat for FREE. For more information, call Ocean Breeze at 645-3666, Tengan Castle at 622-9413 or Kinser Surfside at 637-3137.

From April 1 to the 22nd, the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) will be collaborating with the Sexual Assault Prevention Response (SAPR) Program to organize the Autism Acceptance Virtual Run—an event to honor another group of our little heroes. Join in this community wide event on your own time at your own pace to show your support. For more information on this event, send an email to efmp@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

Parents that wish to give their little heroes a gift that’ll really make them flip can opt for a trip to Universal Studios Japan with MCCS Tours+! This tour runs from May 26 to 30 and includes roundtrip airfare, connecting transportation, hotel stays and admittance to the park. The sign-up deadline for this tour is April 26. For more information on this offering, contact MCCS Tours+ on Camp Foster at 646-3502.

This month, join in as the USMC and MCCS recognize the commitment of military children. While these special youngsters might sometimes feel that they’re overlooked, it’s important to let them know that they are never underappreciated.  APRIL 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 19

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KIDS + PARENTS

…in Recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and empower people to play positive roles in children’s lives. This cause has always been important, of course, and April is just a time to refocus and reengage in this effort.

In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and to help address the need for increased positivity in children’s lives, MCCS Behavioral Health FAP Prevention and Education and New Parent Support Program’s Ages and Stages will host Kids Have the Power Day on April 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Camp Foster Community Center. This interactive and educational awareness event for children of all ages (birth–18) will feature superhero games, activities and various resource tables inside with an egg hunt,

bounce house, food truck and additional resource sharing activities happening outside.

For more information regarding Child Abuse Prevention Month and Kids Have the Power Day, visit mccsokinawa.com/familyadvocacy.

And remember, resources are available to support our military community. Please call the Family Advocacy Program at 645-2915 from a DSN or 098-970-2915 from off base to inquire about available services to include prevention, education and victim advocacy as well as to report domestic violence and child abuse and/or neglect.

You may reach a victim advocate via the 24/7 Victim Advocates Help Line by calling 645-SAFE (7233) from a DSN or 098-970-7233 from off base. 

Kids Bowl Free Program The air’s thumping with music and you hear the distant clatter of wooden pins followed by joyous shouts and a round of high-fives. This can only mean one thing: the Kids Bowl Free (KBF) Program is back in action from April 1 to September 6.

Available at Camps Foster, Kinser and Courtney Bowling Centers, the Kids Bowl Free Program allows all children ages 15 and under to bowl two FREE games per child during the KBF program hours. What are the hours? We’re glad you asked. The program hours for Camp Foster Bowling Center are Sunday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The hours for Camp Courtney’s Bowling Center are Sunday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. And last, but certainly not least, the hours for Camp Kinser Bowling Center are Thursdays and Fridays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For additional details and to qualify for your FREE games, sign up online at kidsbowlfree.com! But before you go leaving your wallet at home, shoe rental costs still apply. Additionally, this promotion cannot be stacked with any other promotion or discount. Spare (sorry, we had to) yourself the trouble of making plans this weekend, and head to the bowling alley for some FREE family fun.

Check out mccsokinawa.com/bowling to see what other events we have going on. If you have any questions, call the Camps Foster, Courtney or Kinser Bowling Centers at 645-7205, 622-7364 and 637-1643, respectively. 

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KIDS + PARENTS

MCCS Libraries’ Innovation Lab In Maurice Sendak’s beloved children’s book Where the Wild Things Are, we encounter a boy named Max at his home and in a jungleesque setting. We soon learn, however, that the jungle—and the wild things which inhabit it—actually live in Max’s imagination. Similarly, you don’t have to look very far to find “the wild things” on Okinawa.

Let your imagination run wild at the MCCS Libraries’ Innovation Lab, which has over 30 tools to inspire you.

Whether you are feeling musical, artsy or tech-savvy—this inventive wonderland is yours to explore. Strike a chord in your soul with the help of acoustic guitars, electronic drum sets, digital pianos and recording software. Craft your heart out with the help of vinyl cutting machines, Adobe Suite creative software, an embroidery machine and large-capacity printers and laminators. Bring your

designs to life with 3D printers and modeling software. Learn to code with Kano computers, Jimu and Ozobots robots or Makey Makey STEM packs. The possibilities are virtually endless and even include VR sets and a view of mixed reality through the Microsoft HoloLens headset.

In addition, if you’re looking to test your creative limits outside of the library, you can check out an iPad or GoPro for wherever your island adventures take you. For a full list of specific products available through our libraries’ Innovation Lab, visit mccsokinawa.com/libraries and click on the “Innovation Lab” tab. Items available at each library location may vary. For any questions, please contact your library directly or email libraryprogram@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. 

Flower Pot Painting Military kids are some of the most admirable members of our community. At each new duty station they manage to put down roots and branch out to make new friends, only to repeat the process a few short years later. Our kids live a lifestyle that they didn’t ask or sign up for—filled with constant changes. From dealing with deployments and TADs, adjusting to new schools, living in foreign lands to saying the hardest goodbyes; they meet each unique challenge with resiliency, strength and adaptability.

Since April is the Month of the Military Child, Marine Corps Family Team Building L.I.N.K.S. is celebrating by hosting their first kid-friendly Craft & Chat event—a flower pot painting workshop taking place Wednesday, April 20 from 9 a.m. to noon at Bldg.

455 on Camp Foster. This Craft & Chat session is perfectly in line with this year’s theme of “Bloom Where You’re Planted.” You and your child can design a one-of-kind flower pot to take home while learning about building networks. Once you bring your pot home, plant something together and watch it grow, the same way you have watched your own tough little dandelion grow.

If you want to celebrate your military kid by attending this Craft and Chat, sign up via Eventbrite by 6 p.m. on April 15. To find more information on this event, and to see other workshops available, you can visit mccsokinawa.com/mcftb. For questions, please email mcftbokinawa@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. 

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FITNESS + FUN

Swim, Bike, Run TriKids & Women’s Only Courtney Triathlon Make a splash, pedal fast and dash for the finish line! Second in the 2022 TriKids Triathlon series, the TriKids & Women’s Only Courtney Triathlon features an ocean swim and lots of fun in the early morning sun.

Open to children ages 7 to 14 and females ages 13 and older, this non-competitive race is happening at the Camp Courtney Beach Center on Saturday, April 30. All triathletes will complete the same course: swim 50 meters, bike two kilometers and run one kilometer.

Check-ins are from 6 to 6:30 a.m. and the race will start at 7 a.m.

Event day sea conditions may require the race to convert to a duathlon (run-bike-run) format.

Registration for this FREE event is available via Eventbrite until April 27 at 11 p.m. For more information, including swim safety and bike requirements, visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics. If you have any questions about the race, please email mccsaquatics@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. 

Okinawa's Strongest A Spectacle of Strength There are those that go to the gym for conditioning, to improve their overall flexibility, endurance and strength. And then, there are those who go for one reason and one reason alone— to become the strongest human around.

They’re a different breed that spend hours upon hours of lifting astonishingly heavy objects set after set. And although some may picture hulking behemoths, this is not always the case as they come in all shapes, sizes, ages and walks of life. The traits that do unify them are their dedication and the insatiable need to push themselves beyond what they previously thought they were humanly capable of. Finally there is an event to exhibit the fruits of this arduous labor—Okinawa’s Strongest.

Okinawa’s Strongest, which will be held Saturday, April 23 starting at 8:30 a.m. on

Camp Foster’s Field #6, will feature the strongest of the strong on island. Awards will be given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each weight category. Participants will compete in a variety of events—the log clean and press, Atlas stone, deadlift, sled pull, wheelbarrow, farmer's carry and tire flip. It’s sure to be a spectacle that you won’t want to miss!

Interested in participating? Registration will be accepted until 11:30 p.m. on April 20 for $40 via Eventbrite and between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. the day of the event at Gunners Fitness Center for $50. For more information about Okinawa’s Strongest, call 645-4866.

For more on upcoming events and happenings visit mccsokinawa.com/adultsports or facebook.com/mccsokinawa.semperfit. 

Open Powerlifting Competition Raise the Bar on Camp Hansen Acing the competition at Okinawa’s Strongest just wasn’t enough for you? Then it’s time to show off your superior strength again and prove pound-for-pound who’s the best around at picking up heavy things and putting them down (over and over again) at the Camp Hansen Open Powerlifting Competition!

This meet will be held on Sunday, May 1 at 9 a.m. inside The Palms. Those interested can register for $40 by April 27 at 11:30 p.m. via Eventbrite. Same-day registration will also be available at the event site from 7 to 8 a.m. for $50. Weigh-ins will take place from 7 to 8 a.m. on the day of the competition. Participants must also attend a brief at 8:15 a.m.

The Hansen Open Powerlifting Competition is open to all lifters island-wide. Individual awards will be given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each weight class. Masters’ divisions, as well as overall male and female, will be determined using the Wilkes Coefficient.

For additional details, call 623-5558/645-3521 or email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

For more on upcoming events and happenings visit mccsokinawa.com/adultsports or facebook. com/mccsokinawa.semperfit.  APRIL 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 25

APRIL 23

FIELD #61 GU NNERS FITNESS CENTER 18:30 A.M. $40 i Register by April 20 (11 :30 p.m.) via Eventbrite.

mccsokinawa.comladultsports 645-3521 098-970-3521

I

✓ FARMER'S WALK ✓ DEADLIFT ✓ LOG CLEAN & PRESS ✓ SLED PULL ✓ WHEELBARROW ✓ TIRE FLIP ✓ STONE LIFT ✓ YOKE CARRY

MC,CS SEMPER FIT

FITNESS + FUN

Hoppin’ & Splashin’ Underwater Eggstravaganza

Sand, Sun & Competitive Fun Camp Schwab Beach Volleyball Tournament Volleyball was invented in Massachusetts, but the first beach volleyball game was played in California. From coast to coast and place to place, one thing is clear: volleyball is a great way to have your competitive fun, especially when it comes along with a dose of sand and sun.

On Saturday and Sunday, May 7 and 8, at the Camp Schwab Open Beach Volleyball Tournament, teams of four will take turns serving not just the ball, but their ‘A’ game, as

well, because awards will go to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams.

This tournament is open to SOFA ID card holders ages 16 and up. If this event spikes—whoops, make that strikes—your interest, set yourself up for a good weekend and bump on over to Eventbrite before 1 p.m. on May 2 to register ($100 per team). For more information, visit mcccsokinawa.com/ adultsports. If you have any questions, please email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. 

Word is there have been sightings of little cottontails hopping and bopping about, leaving a large and colorful assortment of eggs along the way. The really curious part, though? They’ve also been splashing around at the Foster Aquatic Center, making it an eggcellent location for an Easter egg hunt!

SOFA children ages 3 to 15 are invited to participate at the Underwater Eggstravaganza on April 16. Beginning at 11 a.m., the search is on with egg seekers (grouped by age) all having a chance to see how many eggs they can collect.

But, egg hunters beware—the bunnies have left these holiday treasures both in and out of the pool, so whether you’re stoked or soaked, there’s plenty of fun for everyone. And of course, in keeping with traditional egg hunt festivities, there will be prizes too! For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics, or email mccsaquatics@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org if you have any questions. 

Beach Yoga At Ease, Marines and Sailors Fitness is often associated with working harder and pushing yourself to your limits…maybe even feeling accomplished after a strenuous workout. But don’t forget, an important part of fitness and wellness is knowing when to give your body a much needed break. There’s absolutely a time, place and need to focus on calmer, rejuvenating workouts. How about the beach, in the cooler evening hours and some soothing yoga?

Marines and Sailors, ease into your weekend with a stress-busting beach yoga session on Friday, April 15 from 5 to 6 p.m. at Oura Wan Beach on Camp Schwab. This FREE event is a great way to unwind and recharge while practicing a more calming warrior pose than your usual one.

This event is open to single and unaccompanied Marines and Sailors island-wide. Registration is required and available through the Camp Schwab SMP Center. For more information, please contact MCCS Health Promotion at 645-3910 or mccshealthpromotions@okinawa.usmcmccs.org.  APRIL 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 27

MARINES + FAMILIES

Thank You, Volunteers!

Virtual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony One of the most admirable aspirations a person can have is to leave a place better than how they found it. Here on Okinawa, volunteers who support MCB Butler certainly take this goal to heart, and our community simply would not be the same without them.

If you’ve ever attended a large event such as an athletic race or camp festival, much of the set-up and breakdown for the event was made possible by volunteers. Have you shopped at or donated to the Marine Thrift Shop and OESC Thrift Store? Wound up in ROM and thanked your lucky stars for grocery delivery provided by the U-Shop Camp Foster program? Enjoyed scouting events, youth sports leagues or attended one the Pacific Okinawa Players (POPS) theater productions? All of these events, activities, services and many, many

more are powered by Navy and Marine Corps volunteers, and their efforts do not go unnoticed!

To recognize, celebrate and present well-deserved awards to the many folks who contributed over 23,000 volunteer hours during the 2021 year, a virtual ceremony will be held and published on MCCS Okinawa’s Vimeo channel. With a tentative publish date of April 15, be sure to catch this ceremony as we celebrate and show appreciation for our volunteers.

For more information about the ceremony video or the volunteer program, please visit mccsokinawa.com/volunteer. If you have any questions, please email volunteernow@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. 

Sexual Health Awareness Help Fight the Stigma Believe it or not, over one million sexually active adults contract STIs every day. Yeah, and unfortunately, many of these STIs can go completely undetected because they can cause very little to no symptoms at all.

Thankfully, there are ways to prevent STIs and STDs—besides abstinence. One of the most effective methods of protection against infection is through consistent and correct condom use. However, the only way to protect your sexual health and know for sure is through regular STD testing.

Many of these infections are easily curable with early intervention and proper treatment. However, if left untreated some can lead to serious health problems. So, please don’t wait! The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can protect your (and potentially your partner’s) health.

Bringing awareness to this topic is crucial to fighting the stigmas that surround sexual health and STD testing. And the first place to start is through proper education, which is why MCCS Health Promotion is shedding light on this topic the entire month of April by hosting FREE awareness and outreach events at locations throughout the island (depending on HPCON conditions).

If you can’t make it to one of the outreach events, you can stop by Health Promotion’s main office on Camp Foster to get some valuable information on sexual health. Additionally, you can visit Semper Fit’s Facebook page to find the most up-to-date information on the outreach event, wellness information, group fitness events and more! If you have any questions, you can call Health Promotion directly at 645-3910.  APRIL 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 29

MARINES + FAMILIES

Being Bullish Saving & Investing Financial Management Class

What’s Up, Peeps?

Find out at the Hansen Library!

For the uninitiated—Peeps are basically brilliantly colored marshmallow treats shaped like chicks, bunnies or other animals.

A traditional Easter basket staple produced

by Just Born (a confectionary founded in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania), Peeps have long since branched out to other holidays and have permeated everyday life. This being said, there are, of course, competitions associated with Peeps—including an eating contest (the current world record is 255 Peeps in five minutes, if you’re looking to compete in that arena) as well as tournaments that ask participants to create dioramas using the Peeps.

This April, the Hansen Library will be holding the latter—a Peeps Diorama Contest!

Developing good spending habits is only overshadowed by the importance of polishing up good saving and investing habits. But with bills, loan payments, mortgages and more, this can be easier said than done. The Personal & Financial Management Office (PFMO) team is here to help!

The PFMO team will be facilitating financial management courses each month with April’s offering being held on the 13th at the MCAS Futenma Library from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. April’s theme is saving and investing and in this course, participants will explore how to use the themed material to achieve financial security. They’ll also learn about basic investing techniques, taking advantage of compounded interest and time, along with exploring various saving and investing tools and uses to help them reach their financial goals—and achieve quite a bit of peace of mind in the process.

For more information on this offering, as well as how to sign up, call the Futenma Library at 636-3937 or send them an email at futenmalibrary@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. 

Competitors will dig into their Peep supply and produce a scene from their favorite book.

What will it be? Chick-elves battling it out with orc-bunnies for mastery of Helm’s Deep from Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers? Perhaps you prefer the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland? Whatever tableau you choose, may the best Peep-wielder win!

Registration for the Hansen Library Peeps Diorama Contest isn’t necessary. Contestants only need to submit their finished dioramas

by April 30. For more information about this competition, contact the Hansen Library at 623-7372 or via email at hansenlibrary@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.  APRIL 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 31

MARINES + FAMILIES

Celebrate Rhymes!

National Poetry Month Established in April 1996 by the Academy of American Poets, National Poetry Month aims to remind everyone that poetry matters and that the art of the written and spoken word plays an integral role in culture. In an effort to encourage everyone to celebrate poetry this month, MCCS Libraries are hosting a variety of events that showcase the beauty of poetry.

All day long on April 19, you can stop by the MCAS Futenma Library to learn about traditional Japanese haiku, write your own, and create a beautiful watercolor painting to pair with it.

Camps Foster, Hansen and Kinser Libraries are hosting a month-long blackout poetry program. You can stop by anytime in April and create poetry using blackout techniques and hang it in a community display.

For more information about National Poetry Month events, library contact information and many of the other events the libraries offer, visit mccsokinawa.com/libraries or send an email to libraryprogram@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org. 

Plant Yourself…

In the Book Club Attention book lovers! The Camp Foster Library has selected April’s novel for their monthly book—The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson.

The Seed Keeper is an incredibly moving and thought-provoking story told in a non-linear way, through the perspectives of character Rosalie Iron Wing and three other women in her family—all indigenous women from the Dakota Tribe. This literary fiction delicately balances generational trauma with the interweaving of strong themes such as growing food and caring for the earth.

Being a tale that’s centered on nature, The Seed Keeper is a perfect read to celebrate Earth Day this month. So, if you’re interested in planting yourself in the book club, members meet at the Camp Foster Library every third Thursday of the month—this month’s meeting takes place April 21 at 6 p.m.

For more information visit mccsokinawa.com/libraries or send an email to libraryprogram @okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. 

Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month Show Your Support with Teal Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month (SAAPM) is recognized in April by both military and civilian communities. Although it’s important to focus on preventing this heinous offense year-round, raising public awareness about sexual violence, generates attention during the month and this fuels opportunities to expand prevention and education efforts throughout the whole year. This month is a good time to re-examine our knowledge and beliefs about sexual assault and rally support for sexual assault prevention as well as those who have fallen victim to these crimes—both men and women.

Teal is the official color of Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month, so show your support of prevention efforts by wearing it all month long. You can also stop by The Palms on Camp Hansen, Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney, TERRA and Ocean Breeze (inside the Globe & Anchor) on Camp Foster as well as Habu Pit on MCAS Futenma for a complimentary pitcher of their specially themed Teal-icious Lemonade. For more information on this offering, contact a participating facility.

For more on how you too can play a part in the prevention of sexual assault, contact the Installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator at 645-2134.

For those who are aware of a case or are in need of assistance themselves, the 24/7 Sexual Assault Support Line is 645-HOPE (4673) and the DoD Safe Helpline is 1-811-995-5247.  APRIL 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 33

DINING + ENTERTAINMENT

Hop on Over!

Easter Sunday Brunch at the Clubs On Sunday, April 17, after the kids have hunted down every last dip-dyed egg and collected their weight in marshmallow Peeps and chocolate bunnies, load up the whole family and hop on over to your nearest MCCS Club or Restaurant for a delightful Easter Sunday buffet, brunch or an à la carte breakfast!

Taiyo Steakhouse, located at Taiyo Golf Club, will be offering an à la carte brunch menu from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Springtime is upon us, so seating will be available on the balcony where you can enjoy your meal in the beautiful Okinawan outdoors (weather permitting, of course). Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 622-2020.

Butler Officers’ Club in the Plaza Housing area will be hosting a scrumptious Easter Brunch with the Bunny from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Adults can enjoy a delicious meal for $19, children ages 5 to 11 for $9.50 and children under 5 eat for FREE. Reservations for this event are required and can be made through Eventbrite.

Surfside on Camp Kinser and Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney will also be serving up an Easter feast. These buffets are both open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The prices are $19 for adults, $9.50 for children ages 5 to 11 and FREE for all children under 5. Reservations should be made through Eventbrite.

Last but not least, the Habu Pit on MCAS Futenma will be hosting their breakfast buffet from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meals are $9.95 for adults, $4.95 for children ages 5 to 11 and FREE for children under 5. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 636-3081.

The Easter scene is guaranteed to be hoppin’ this year, so don’t miss out! Even the Easter Bunny will be hopping over and dropping in on many of these venues for a meet-and-greet and selfie-session for the children (and young-at-heart). Gather your family and friends, and start your Easter Sunday on a joyous note with brunch at an MCCS Club! For more information on these events, call a participating club or visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs. 

Light and Fluffy Layers Berries & Cream at LifeJuice Spring is in the air and LifeJuice is here to put some pep in your step! You’ll be on cloud nine with their fluffy and dreamy Berries & Cream limited-time offering—a smoothie that’s barely blended and light as can be.

This simple blend is as pretty as it is powerful. Swirled with layers of familiar favorites (blueberries, raspberries, almond milk and yogurt), every sip is full of delicious nutrition. Both the almond milk and berries contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and the yogurt brings probiotics, protein and calcium to the mix.

Breaking it down even further, blueberries are a top food choice to help maintain heart-healthy levels of cholesterol and blood pressure, and raspberries are good source of omega-3 fatty acids which also help stave off heart disease. Almond milk

is packed with vitamin E to help fight off inflammation and protect your skeletal system, and the yogurt brings benefits to your digestive health and immune system.

Simply put, this smoothie is a great choice layer-after-layer.

Available at LifeJuice locations island-wide while supplies last (beginning March 28), the Berries & Cream smoothie is giving you plenty of chances to snag a healthy pick-me-up. For more information, including locations, hours of operation and the full menu, visit mccsokinawa.com/lifejuice.

And when you stop by for your first of many Berries & Creams, ask for a new LifeJuice Stamp Card, too! That way you’ll be well on your way to earning a FREE smoothie in no time. (Check out p. 37 for more info.) 

APRIL 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 35

DINING + ENTERTAINMENT

Smooth Rewards LifeJuice Stamp Card What’s better than a refreshing LifeJuice smoothie? One that’s FREE! LifeJuice fans rejoice: now’s your chance to start earning free and delicious smoothies. Wondering how you can get one? Much like the newly released Bonsai Stamp Card (have you gotten yours yet?!), this is a program to reward you—our loyal LifeJuice customers.

Next time you stop by for a smoothie, ask for a stamp card and start collecting stamps for each smoothie you purchase. After six smoothies, you’ll earn one that’s on us. What a smooth deal!

Which smoothie will you pick to redeem your reward? Maybe a Deep Blue or Pineapple Paradise will suit your mood. Looking for an energy boost? Try a Mucho Matcha or an Energy Lift. And for those times you’re not quite hungry enough for a whole meal but still want something filling, you can opt for a smoothie that includes whole grain oats like the Morning Break or a Wellness Warrior which also adds in chia seeds. Plus, don’t forget to up your protein with some peanut butter, found in both the Peanut Punch and the Peanut Butter and Jelly smoothies.

With all of these choices and more, if you still can’t decide, then it’s time to create your own smoothie! LifeJuice also offers Build Your Own Smoothies which allow you to pick two fruits or a fruit and a protein of your liking. For the full menu, locations and hours of operation, visit mccsokinawa.com/lifejuice. 

Better Than Buns Bulldogs Patty Melt Attention all Bulldogs fans, diner aficionados and sandwich fiends! It’s true that you can never have too much of a good thing, and with that, this month’s limited-time offering from Bulldogs is a classic diner-style favorite making its second appearance.

Returning by popular demand, we present to you the almighty Patty Melt. Featuring thick slices of freshly baked rye bread, a beef patty, Swiss cheese, sautéed onions and Bulldogs’ signature Devil Dog Sauce, this hearty sandwich is big and bold twice over: in flavor and nutrition. Part burger, part sandwich and completely delicious, each component enhances the whole.

This grilled sandwich argues that burgers can be better on toast than buns, and we’re here for it as the star of this sandwich is the rye. Why, you ask? Besides the deep and earthy taste, rye packs quite a nutritional punch, too. When compared with some other breads, rye has a lower glycemic index, a decent amount of fiber and plenty of B vitamins.

Add in the Swiss cheese (which is generally one of the lower-sodium cheeses), sautéed onions providing juicy satisfaction and antioxidants with each bite and the burger patty itself for your protein intake, and you’ve got one filling meal.

The Patty Melt is available at all Bulldogs Burgers locations during the month of April.

Pair it with your favorite side, make it a combo or grab one to go. For locations, hours of operation and the full menu, visit mccsokinawa.com/bulldogs. 

APRIL 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 37

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Fish Shop TSUNA Hawaiian Poke Bowls Text by Kiara Klein | Photography by Kirstin Spanu and Mia Cox Location Fish Shop 純 TSUNA 263-1 Kishaba Kitanakagusuku, Nakagami District, Okinawa

Contact Information Fisherman’s kitchen (Facebook) @fish.shop_tsuna (Instagram)

Hours of Operation Wednesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Sunday, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Monday & Tuesday, Closed

Payment Yen and Card

Although bittersweet—because I love going to every new shop I hear about—my search for the island’s best poke bowl place came to a satisfyingly delicious end when I stumbled upon a takeout shop located just outside of Camp Foster. Yasutsuna Tanaka (also known as Tsuna), and his wife Saki, warmly welcomed us into the slender, but cozy interior and we were instantly transported. The shop’s mele chants of Hawaiian music, a variety of Pacific shells and faux plumeria blossoms dotting the counters and windowsills enveloped us in an aloha spirit. And the overhang jutting out over the counter adorned in the red roof tiles of traditional Okinawan architecture as well as the pair of shisā dutifully guarding Fish Shop 純 TSUNA completed the ambiance—gracefully marrying the two islands’ unique styles to create a relaxed unpretentious atmosphere.

Pictures of the poke bowls were displayed on the front of the curved glass counter, each looking even more enticing than the last—Original Poke, Spicy Poke, Sweet Soy Sauce Poke and Salt Poke. The cubed freshly caught tuna is folded into four distinct umami-packed marinades which penetrate the fish, graciously seasoning each succulent morsel. Torn over which poke bowl to choose, we resolved that we’d try all of them!

When I asked Tsuna-san which one he recommended, he beamed and replied that the Salt Poke is the flavor they recommend—so, of course, that’s where we started. In the Salt Poke, the tuna and sweet onions have soaked up ‘alaea salt from the marinade which gave the dish a kiss of an ever so

slight, salty earthiness and the local sea lettuce (asa) made me feel like this was the kind of poke you’d find along the streets of Honolulu.

The Spicy Poke, my personal favorite, presented the supple tuna in a creamy medley of Japanese mayo and Sriracha sauce with small, salty bursts provided by the tobiko (fish roe) and a slight nutty flavor from the black and white sesame seeds that garnished the mixture.

In the Sweet Soy Sauce Poke, hunks of tuna and sliced onions are steeped in a special sweetened soy sauce balancing the savory punch of soy with the sweet, molasses notes of palm sugar. The Sweet Soy Poke is garnished with scallions, which gave a sharp, somewhat peppery addition to the dish.

And of course, the Original Poke, flavored with the fan favorite—shoyu (soy sauce) bringing the chunks of tuna and the familiar, comforting taste of Japan’s beloved flavor-enhancer together with onions providing the dish a slight crunch. Each are placed atop warm, steamed white rice, which is a wonderful complement to the chilled poke mixtures.

While the poke filled us to the brim and had phenomenal flavor, my favorite fact about Fish Shop 純 TSUNA is that Tsuna-san personally catches all of the seafood used in the shop. If that’s not fresh poke, I don’t know what is. Before you swim on over and start feasting on poke bowls orca-style, you should know that parking is limited. So, place your order ahead of time by messaging Tsuna-san on his Facebook page (Fisherman’s kitchen), or find him on Instagram (@fish.shop_tsuna).  APRIL 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 39

SERVICES

Stay Cool for Less Is Your Ride Ready for the Summer?

Summer will be here before you know it with its incessant sledgehammer sunshine and almost unbearable humidity. It’ll be hot to say the least; fiery hot…burning, sunny and swelteringly hot.

Driving on Okinawa in the summertime can either be heaven or the alternative— with the performance of your air conditioner providing the defining difference between cruising along a seaside road in cool comfort or sweat-drenched discomposure. Is your car ready?

During the month of April, head over to your nearest MCCS Typhoon Motors as they’ll be offering 25 percent off all A/C tuneups—which include cleaning, drying and recharging Freon to factory specs. This’ll ensure your summer driving is cool and comfortable (and you won’t need a spatula to remove your pants from the car seat every time you get out). For more information, call your nearest Typhoon Motors or visit them online at mccsokinawa.com/ typhoonmotors. 

Inspired by Art International Sculpture Day The last Saturday in April is International Sculpture Day—a day to celebrate and appreciate unique 3D creations and their impact on the world. Think of some of the most famous sculptures from your history books. How many people have marveled at Michelangelo’s David, Rodin’s The Thinker or China’s collection of Terracotta Warriors?

On Okinawa, you’ll also discover several noteworthy sculptures to admire. There’s the mermaid in Nakagusuku Bay, glass sculptures in Itoman’s Ryukyu Glass Village and, of course, shisā aplenty of all shapes and sizes, including the Shisā Sculpture Garden on Ishigaki Island. As you explore, you can celebrate International Sculpture Day by visiting museums, art galleries or even posting images of sculptures you’ve found on social media with the hashtag #ISDay.

After appreciating the artwork of others, you could find yourself inspired to create your own! Courtney Arts and Crafts offers just such an opportunity with their ceramics offerings.

You can select an already sculpted piece, add the perfect paint and design touches and have your own home décor treasure. And best of all? The ceramics shop is available as a walk-in activity, which means whenever creativity strikes, you know where to go!

The Courtney Arts and Crafts Center is open Thursday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and welcomes artists of all ages. Children under age 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in ceramics painting.

For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/ courtneyartsandcrafts. 

Typhoon Motors Easter Car Audio Sale Put some “Hop” into Your Car Stereo Sure, many drivers will tell you that the two front-door speakers and factory-stock head unit are perfectly fine for their needs. But what about what these drivers want? One thing’s for sure, listening to your favorite track and feeling it as much as hearing it is not only stress relieving, it will put a “hop” into your step for the rest of the day.

Although some factory-installed automotive audio systems are quite impressive with their 14-speaker surround, what about your car with its microscopic sound? All is not lost—you too can breathe new life (think Frankenstein) into your ride’s audio system by taking it over to Camp Foster Typhoon Motors to save up to 10 percent on all stereo head units throughout the month of April in honor of Easter.

Camp Foster Typhoon Motors is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. For more information, visit Typhoon Motors online at mccsokinawa.com/typhoonmotors.  APRIL 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 41

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World Arts Day Art Nurtures Creativity The UNESCO states that, “Art nurtures creativity, innovation and cultural diversity for all peoples across the globe and plays an important role in sharing knowledge and encouraging curiosity and dialogue.” To encourage everyone to recognize these benefits and to participate in various activities, World Arts Day is held every year on April 15.

The beautiful thing about art is that it’s encompassing and has no boundaries. You’re engaging in art when you dance, sculpt, write, draw, paint, do calligraphy, sing… yes, that solo shower concert is definitely considered art. You get the idea, art exists in all kinds of forms, and isn’t limited to physical items hung on walls in museums.

So whether you are working on your latest DIY, following Bob Ross videos to learn wet-on-wet paint techniques or continuing to

sing in the shower—we hope you find a creative outlet that boosts your mood and brings you joy this month!

But, did you read this far only to feel like you’ve always wanted an artsy hobby, but have no clue where to start? If that’s the case, MCCS Arts and Crafts provide a variety of programs to help spark the creative in you! Come channel your inner da Vinci at a sketching class, or get hands on and tap into the local culture at an ikebana ( Japanese flower arranging) class.

To find these classes and many more, visit mccsokinawa.com/ fosterartsandcrafts or mccsokinawa.com/courtneyartsandcrafts. If you have questions please call 645-3674 or 622-7492, or send an email to artsandcrafts@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. 

Okinawa’s Grill Masters: Avoid Cookout Calamities!

Summer is approaching and you know what that means: cookouts, cookouts and more cookouts! Nothing compares to stepping out onto your patio (or balcony) and enjoying the savory scents floating in the evening air—smoked meats, sizzling burgers and good ol' grilled hot dogs.

The grill master in your life—be it your spouse, a friendly neighbor who lives down the street or… even better, you—is peeling off the cover, firing it up and getting ready to throw some beautiful bone-in ribeyes on

the grill. Oh no, the summertime festivities come to a screeching halt, when what is this? The grill utensils are covered in Oki rust rendering them unsafe for BBQ duty.

Do you cancel your cookout? Nah, that’s not happening. What to do? Well, you could go online and order a set, waiting weeks or potentially months for them to arrive. Or you could get a set now at the Camp Foster Custom Shop! So, before this cookout calamity happens at your summertime soiree, get the grill master in your life an engraved

BBQ set, making it as unique as the secret seasoning blend that leaves your BBQ buddies asking for another helping.

The Custom Shop is located inside the Camp Foster Community Center (Bldg.

5908), next to Bonsai Coffee. Engravings have a typical turnaround of five days, so place your order only a few days before you pick up your proteins. To see the BBQ set and other available gift options, visit mccsokinawa.com/customshop and click on the “Gifts” tab.  APRIL 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 43

Bring

to Okinawa TEXT BY: MIKE DALEY DESIGN BY: MARGIE SHIMABUKURO

APRIL 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 45

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On the surface, Okinawa looks like a typical island paradise—a postcard worthy picture of beautiful beaches, verdant green forests and an abundance of natural life. For the most part, this is still a true statement. Tourism is a major source of income to islanders, and the coasts of Okinawa are speckled with resort hotels filled with visitors that flock to the island to immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty.

The surrounding seas are carpeted by coral gardens and an extraordinary assortment of sea life—fish of every variety, turtles, dolphins and even whales that visit once a year in the winter to spring months. The subtropical forests of the Ryukyu Islands may be small in comparison to their counterparts in the Amazon, but these forests are populated with a multitude of life-forms, especially in the areas of Yanbaru—the mountainous, heavily forested lands of northern Okinawa. The trees and dense jungle canopy are home to many types of birds, and the areas below host countless other bugs, lizards, frogs and small mammals living in the nooks and crannies of roots as well as in ponds, streams and the dense forest undergrowth. The Ryukyu Islands boast the highest biodiversity in Japan, and are home to many endangered species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

However beautiful this may sound, if you were to peer at this picture-perfect island more carefully, you would notice that the pristine sands of picturesque

beaches are marred by half-buried aluminum cans and empty plastic bottles. Also, on many beaches you may trip over fly-ridden fast food remains in moldy plastic bags rotting alongside the dead carcass of a sea turtle that ingested too many of the selfsame plastic bags thinking they were jellyfish.

If you were to look a little deeper into Okinawa’s forests, you would see the over-grown corpse of an abandoned car leaking hazardous fluids, hiding among the trees. The car is stuffed to the gills with broken kitchen appliances, shattered television screens and bags of garbage that someone was too lazy to sort and recycle.

As many here are quick to point out, space is at a premium on Okinawa. The tendency toward development—such as leveling forests to build hotels for tourists who want to be “closer to nature” and filling in shallow parts of the ocean to “create” land for housing and shopping centers—sometimes overpowers the more sensible doctrine of using what is available more wisely. Tragically, many island residents also ignore this doctrine when it comes to matters of trash.

Waste and refuse is a worldwide problem. People of the world produce enough trash every year to fill a line of garbage trucks that would almost reach the moon. Most of this trash is either burned (often polluting the air with toxic fumes) or buried (causing unknown long-term damage). Today, the residents of this tiny island paradise also share this dilemma.

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SO, WHAT CAN WE DO AS TEMPORARY RESIDENTS? FIRST, RECYCLE. Separate cans, PET bottles, burnable and non-burnable waste in appropriate containers so that recyclable materials never reach the dump. Ensure caps and labels are removed from PET bottles and rinse any remaining fluid out before discarding.

DRIVE LESS OFTEN. As inconvenient as this sounds, it’s worth it when it comes to reducing your carbon footprint.

If it’s five minutes or less on foot, then walk the distance instead of driving it. Also, designate one day of the week as a “no car day” and use public transportation or a bike—both you and the atmosphere will be healthier for it.

AVOID EXCESS PURCHASES. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), most people don’t realize how much food they throw away every day— from uneaten leftovers to spoiled produce. Planning ahead and making a list of weekly meals (and purchasing only for them) will not only reduce waste, it’ll also save you money and help you and your family eat healthier.

SAY NO TO PLASTIC. By now, everyone has seen the image of the poor sea turtle with a plastic straw painfully lodged in its nose. What they do not see are the many hundreds that die due to ingesting plastics alongside the many other ocean residents negatively impacted by trash. Most plastics (and Styrofoam products) do not deteriorate; they become microplastics that affect all levels of the food chain—including ourselves.

TAKE PART IN CLEAN-UPS. Many groups on island welcome volunteers to help clean up Okinawa—including the beaches and oceans. Many local organizations stage and execute beach clean up events—many coinciding with Earth Day. In addition, the Single Marine Program (SMP) also does their part in cleaning up areas both on and off base all-year-round.

Do your part—let’s bring Earth Day to this beautiful island, every day. 

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Okinawa’s Maritime Treasure Text by: Kiara Klein Design by: Rebecca Lambertsen Photography by: Mia Cox

Sail hoisted and filled with wind, a sabani adroitly slices through the cerulean sea above vibrant coral reefs, hardly creating a wake, leaving the waters undisturbed.

An original star in seafaring, sabani are traditional boats that were used by uminchū—or fisherman in Uchinâguchi—for many years, and fittingly, its name derives from the combination of two words: saba which means shark, and nni which translates to “boat.”

Records from the Meiji period state that uminchū sailed the entire length of the island, with some voyages reaching as far as Yaeyama Islands, Kyushu, Taiwan and beyond. Their purpose was to catch tuna, squid, sea cucumbers and—you guessed it—sharks to export to China. Surprisingly, the expansion continued even further, as fishermen hoped to gain wealth and success by extending their range to waters near the South Sea Islands, Philippines and even Singapore.

These long voyages are testaments to the sabani’s durability and ingenious design.

Our efforts to learn more about the sabani’s history, unique design and how this vessel plays an integral role in preserving Okinawan and uminchū culture led us to Ōgimi, a small hamlet north of Nago, to talk to boatbuilder and owner of Hentona Sabani, Mr. Teppei Hentona.

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What a beautiful ship, I want to spend my whole life working on sabani

The Boatbuilder Mr. Hentona hasn’t always been a sabani carpenter, he had a very successful career in the hospitality and tourism industry, spending nine years working at a hotel in Kyushu and Okinawa. At the age of 30, he made his way to Vancouver to work and improve his English and after a year of living there, he took a position at a travel agency on Ishigaki Island. While he was working at the agency, he met Mr. Tomoatsu Yoshida, the owner of Yoshida Sabani Ship Yard, in the northern part of Ishigaki Island.

It was a cloudless afternoon in 2016 on a white sand beach when Mr. Hentona laid eyes on one of Mr. Yoshida’s vessels, drifting in the water; awestruck, he thought “what a beautiful ship, I want to spend my whole life working on sabani.”

He described the urge as intuitive. Determined to not let the uminchū culture fizzle out and wanting to do something that gave him purpose, he spent the next year and a half as Mr. Yoshida’s apprentice mastering the craft, learning sailing techniques and poring over sabani history.

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R IGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF TEPPEI HENTONA

Each sabani carpenter has their own individuality

The Origins of Sabani The kuribune, or dugout, were the precursors to sabani.

Kuribune were made from massive pine and acorn trees from the northern forests of Okinawa that were cut down and hollowed out. However, due to a scarcity of large trees in Okinawa’s forests in 1737, the government put a ban on the construction of kuribune, so builders turned to making boats out of planks.

Around 1877, obisugi (cedar) was imported from what is now Miyazaki Prefecture and was deemed as the best lumber for boat building. Using planks of cedar, boat builders began to create a small wooden vessel in the same shape as the kuribune, thus the sabani was formed. Today, Mr. Hentona uses the same obisugi in the construction of his boats.

Sabani are a type of hagibune, which are small boats constructed using planks, however; they still retain the souls of their kuribune ancestors as the base of the boat bottoms

(as well as the sides) are still hollowed out. There are two styles of sabani: the nanyohagi—built using a simplified process where thinner boards were joined together making the nanyohagi distinct from traditional sabani—and the more traditional honhagi, which are the type of boats Mr. Hentona builds. “Although the construction method and finished shape are almost the same, each sabani carpenter has their own individuality, and there are slight differences,” Mr. Hentona explained.

WWII brought the introduction of engines and once introduced, the stunning sails were replaced with loud, gasoline-powered motors and wake inducing rudders, and eventually fiber-reinforced plastics were added, almost causing the knowledge of sabani carpentry and uminchū culture to wither away.

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Sailboat without Screws Before construction can start, two things must happen: first the obisugi must dry for a minimum of one year and second a ceremony. Once the inside of the wood is bone dry, the building materials are placed with the bow side facing east and the ceremony involving sake, salt, rice and a carpentry tool—the chouna—commences. The builder sits on the timber, pours a cup of sake and closes his eyes to pray. Then the salt and rice are sprinkled onto the planks and the sake is poured over it and then imbibed. Next the wood is struck with the chouna three times and finally, salt and rice are sprinkled from the bow to the stern. The purpose of the ceremony is to pray for safe and successful shipbuilding.

Each boat is not only a labor of love, but a work of art Work begins with the sides of the boat, and planks are cut according to the size specifications. Mr. Hentona’s current project measures 8.2 meters in length. However, sabani can range anywhere from 5 to 9 meters long. With the planks cut, a technique called suriwase—in which builders use saws to slowly shave between the edges of the planks—is used to create a perfect fit and watertight seal.

To create the shape of the boat, the two side pieces are turned upside down, clamped together and using boiling water, a series of turnbuckles and a lot of patience, the sides are slowly and carefully bent into the correct shape. One person pours the boiling water over the timber to keep it from cracking, while someone else slowly turns the turnbuckles. With the sides complete, it’s time to work on the bottom. After the timber used for the bottom is shaped and hollowed out, it’s ready to be attached to the sides. Instead of metal screws or rivets, everything is fastened together using chigiri (wooden butterfly joints) and bamboo nails. Using wood fasteners instead of metal prolongs the life of the boat because it keeps it from rusting. With the body of the boat finished, the bow and stern are shaped into sankaku, or triangles, and affixed to the front and rear of the boat. The ushikaki (the board that stabilizes the mast) as well as seats are installed, and the mast is crafted and then installed on the fittings that are on the base of the boat.

The entire process takes Mr. Hentona three months and get this—it’s done without any sort of blueprints or written plans. After Mr. Hentona explained the shipbuilding process with the sabani he’s working on, we went down to the water to see one of his finished boats, the one that he uses for his sailing tours! Once I set eyes on the finished sabani, it was clear: each boat is not only a labor of love, but a work of art.

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BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF TEPPEI HENTONA

I thought such a wonderful culture should not be extinguished

Preservation of UminchU Culture When I asked Mr. Hentona what inspired him to build sabani, he was very clear in his answer, “I thought such a wonderful culture should not be extinguished.” While he has a passion for sailing and a delightful, fun-loving spirit, it’s quite apparent that he feels his calling is to give back to his community by passing his craft down to the next generation, and by helping people enjoy the beauty and simplicity of the sabani by taking them on a sabani tour. Outside of sharing this culture with the community, Mr. Hentona has plans of his own, “I also want to regularly make island-crossing voyages, as our predecessors used to do,” he said, as he pointed off in the distance to one of the islands visible on the horizon.

What can you do to help preserve Okinawan and uminchū culture? Immerse yourself! If you head down south, you can visit the Itoman Uminchū Koubou (Art & Craft Center) or up north there is the Oceanic Culture Museum at the Ocean Expo Park. Both places have illuminating displays, hundreds of artifacts and informational videos of oceanic culture, Pacific life and Okinawan culture. If museums aren’t your thing, that’s okay—on your next trip up to Okuma, you can stop by Hentona Sabani and experience it yourself!

On a tour captained by Mr. Hentona, you can enjoy the sounds of the waves, soak up Ōgimi’s stunning scenery and hopefully spot some of Okinawa’s migratory birds, if you keep your eyes peeled. You can try your hand at paddling the sabani and in the summer, you can hop out and snorkel the crystal waters. And who knows, if you’re lucky, you might even see a sea turtle. To find out more about his tours visit, hentonasabani.jp. If you have any questions or you want to schedule a tour, you can call Mr. Hentona at 090-9787-7926.  APRIL 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 65

Okuma Beach Mother’s Day Weekend

Easter Egg Hunt Sunday, 17 April

Surfside Grill & Bar Patio Open to Ages 15 & Under Hop on over to Okuma Beach for some Easter fun! Join in on egg coloring contests, Easter egg hunts and chances to win prizes!

Crafts for Kids Saturday, 7 May

Let the kids create a special handmade card just for mom!

Special Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet Sunday, 8 May • 8 am - 2 pm $

14.95 • Ages 13 & over | $7.95 • Ages 4 - 12 Free • Ages 3 & under Surfside Grill & Bar Spend the day celebrating your amazing mom with a delicious brunch at Surfside Grill & Bar!

Cinco de Mayo Buffet Thursday, 5 May • 11 am - 2 pm Surfside Grill & Bar $9.95 • Ages 13 & over $3.95 • Ages 4 - 12 Free • Ages 3 & under Soft or hard-shell tacos, taco rice and so much more.

Surrounded by beautiful views of the East China Sea, Okuma Beach has everything you need and more to get away and relax.

Okuma Beach • 631-1990 | Surfside Grill & Bar • 631-1805 | Reservations • 631-1991 | Located 51 miles north of Kadena Air Base Okuma.KadenaFSS.com

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LIVING ON OKINAWA

Okonomiyaki Originating in Osaka, the word “okonomiyaki” basically means “what you like, grilled.” Although there are as many recipes as there are chefs that make okonomiyaki, the following is a basic version that includes many of the more popular ingredients.

Serves 3 Ingredients • 100 g flour • 1 egg, beaten • 1 tsp. salt • 2 tsp. baking powder • 150 mL water • 8 leaves of cabbage, shredded • 100 g lean pork, cut slightly larger than bite-sized • 2 Tbsp. ketchup • 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce • Thinly shaved dried bonito flakes (katsuobushi) • Green laver • Vegetable oil • Mayonnaise Method of Preparation 1. Mix flour, salt, baking powder, egg and water thoroughly until smooth.

2. Gently fold cabbage and pork into the flour mixture.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan.

4. Pour the mixture into the pan in the shape of a pancake.

5. Cook until underside is golden brown; flip over.

6. Spread mixture of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce over the top surface.

7. Drizzle mayonnaise lightly over the sauced pancake.

8. Continue cooking until the underside is golden brown.

9. Sprinkle with green laver and bonito flakes and serve.

Shīmī During the month of April, many new to the island might see a perplexing sight—families gathering at tombs for what appears to be picnics. And while the number of people gathering at graves during this time of year is frequently large, this doesn’t necessarily mean that these locales are the Okinawan picnic site of choice.

These families are gathered for Shīmī—an annual ceremonial visit to the family ancestral tomb. Although formally held on Higan, or the spring equinox (April 5 this year according to the Lunar Calendar), Shīmī is often held on an April weekend convenient for all members of the extended family.

Unlike those found in mainland Japan, Okinawan tombs are strongly influenced by Chinese counterparts. These tombs, which are mostly above ground, tend to be a lot larger because urns containing the cremated remains of all of the kindred from the father’s side of the family are placed inside. Tombs also include an open (and sometimes covered) area in front, so that the entire clan can gather.

On the day of Shīmī, after cleaning up the surrounding area, blankets or tarps (depending on weather) are laid on the open space

in front of the tomb. Sweets, fruits and gochisō (a traditional feast inside ceremonial containers called jyūbako) are brought from each family. Although the variety of food inside the jyūbako varies from family to family, they always come in odd-numbered quantities as even numbers are inauspicious (these rules also vary depending on which part of Okinawa the clan originates). After placing the feast in front of the ancestors’ tomb and praying for them, the “tomb picnic” begins, when families enjoy food, drink and conversation with living relatives. 

Uchinâguchi Corner English

Japanese

Uchinâguchi

Farmer

Nouka

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