Okinawa Living Magazine March 2022

SPRING TOURS : A CASTLE, A HOME AND A SHRINE March 2022 | Issue 289

HINA MATSURI

contents March 2022

8

TOP LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF III MEF BAND, COVER PHOTO BY MIA COX

16 56 out + about

features

8

16

Spring Tours: A Castle, A Home and A Shrine It’s the perfect time of year to explore. Take a tour and enjoy the warm weather as you discover Okinawa’s rich culture.

The Sound of Friendship Okinawa’s III MEF Band Connecting the community and banding us all together, Marine Corps musicians speak a universal language we all love to hear.

restaurant review 42 On the cover Meet Sgt. Chopper V, proud member of the USMC and the III MEF Band.

Red Barn Country Kitchen Head down to Red Barn inside Surfside on Camp Kinser and check out their refreshed menu— featuring Po’ Boy “Sammiches,” Crispy Cravings and more!

56 Hina Matsuri A Celebration of Girls’ Happiness Learn the rich history and traditions of hina dolls, the centuries-old festival tied to them and their link to parents’ love for their children.

contents March 2022

kids + parents 45 Tri, Tri & Tri Again With three races and three sports rolled into one, what more could you ask for? Perhaps an ice cream after you cross the finish line?!

47 Kids on the Move Are your kids (over) energized and always on the go? Time for some fun and structured physical activity to help them burn it off.

services 49 We Want You! Job searching? Look no further—MCCS offers a variety of challenging opportunities and we’re ready for you to join the team.

51 Stay Updated…

And never miss a thing when you subscribe to our weekly email newsletter.

extras

33

5 Mensôre

7 Feedback & Show Us!

fitness + fun 27 Swing for the Fences!

Why not slide into a different “home” for the weekend? Head for home plate at the Camp Foster Softball Tournament!

31 Serve It Up! Hit the court at Ironworks Fitness Center for two days of sliding and spiking at Camp Courtney’s Open Volleyball Tournament.

marines + families 33 Springtime “Frame” of Mind Preserve your favorite snapshots of Okinawa and learn a new skill at a DIY Framing class from Foster Arts and Crafts.

35 Celebrate National Pi Day Head to the MCCS Education Centers on Pi Day (3/14) for scholarship tips and plenty on S.T.E.M. career opportunities.

dining + entertainment 37 La Cocina What’s better than tacos? Tacos on wheels!

Check out MCCS’ new food truck.

39 Good Times…

Bulldogs Burgers & Shisa Pizza are ready to put the happy in all your hours this month with two limited-time offerings: the Bacon, Bourbon & Beer Cheese Burger and the Bacon ’N’ Beer Cheese Pizza.

69 Living on Okinawa

70 Marketplace Guide

MARCH 2022 | ISSUE 289 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

mensôre “Welcome” to Okinawa Living

Blooming Season!

Although spring starts a bit earlier here on Okinawa than in mainland Japan, March is still traditionally considered the beginning of the season—one synonymous with rebirth, renewal, revitalization and resurrection. It’s a time when barren branches sprout leaves and bleak fields become covered with colorful, verdant clovers and tiny springtime flowers. Time to head outside and celebrate the end of a dreary and cold winter!

In March, flowers are blooming throughout the island with azalea and bougainvillea brilliantly complementing the deep azure of Okinawa’s springtime skies.

Spring training will also be finishing up for the several Japanese professional baseball teams camped on the islands as they gear up for another season.

Okinawa offers many things to do, places to go and events to enjoy during the month of March—ranging from a festival on Schwab, a bike race, softball and volleyball tournaments hosted by Semper Fit to declaring the day a “cheat day” and heading over to Bulldogs Burgers and Shisa Pizza to try out their new limited-time-only offerings.

Cool weather and blue skies also make March a perfect time for hiking up north, learning more about the history and culture of your home-away-from-home with MCCS Tours+, or even just rolling all the way to the bottom of a grassy hill cushioned with clovers. Go ahead, you know you want to.

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! 

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 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)

Mike Daley Editor-In-Chief

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.

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feedback

from the ICE Program and Facebook

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

Thanks to all of the staff members and teachers at Chimugukuru CDC [Child Development Center] on Camp Foster—they are outstanding. During the recent closure due to the Omicron surge, the staff members were very proactive in providing parents with updates and helpful information. Additionally, they were equally responsive regarding questions and concerns. On top off all of that, the staff and teachers are always so positive and resilient in their interaction with the families. They have a hard enough job as it is, even without COVID concerns. Our family just wanted to give everyone a shout-out for a job well done. Thanks for taking such good care of all

@samayo_kitsune

The highlight of his day

of the children!

—via ICE. Your manager at Tengan Castle is awesome. A group of us had a special lunch thanks to her and the rest of the staff taking great care of us. The Mongolian BBQ was delicious.

—via ICE Coach Lee is an integral part to the fitness team at the Camp Hansen House of Pain Fitness Center and I am very grateful to have crossed his path. He never once made me feel like I was in any way lacking or lazy.

He understood and worked with my injury related limitations so well that I have now shaved four minutes off my run time in only two months of training. He made

@jennijoneal

me feel like a true Marine again—someone that excels

Cutest little smoothie bowls I ever did see to brighten up this gray day

and overcomes. I wish Coach Lee was teaching spin class again, but I guess we can’t spread him too thin.

Such a gem for the Hansen community.

—via ICE The Marines on Camp Schwab would be so stoked if you added Pokémon Legends: Arceus for Nintendo Switch to your library when it comes out on January 28 and Car Mechanic Simulator (for Switch), as well.

—via ICE Thank you for your suggestions! We have requested the purchase of these items for Camp Schwab Library as soon as they become available and appreciate your suggestions and patronage. Please let us know if there is anything else we can help you with. Thank you!

—Elan Birkeland, Camp Schwab Library Manager Both my son and daughter love the Foster Teen Center.

@viewsdeoki

Kakazu Takadai Park

My wife is still in the States, so it is always nice to hear the female staff members checking in on my daughter with me. My daughter really thrives when positive female role models are with her, so it is always reassuring knowing the staff are there to help her out with any questions—or just to chat about everyday things. My son also really enjoys going there and I am happy to see him staying out of trouble. We will continue utilizing this teen center as long as we are on island. Good work, and thank you for caring enough to take the time to get to know my kids!

—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.

MARCH 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 7

SPRING TOURS:

A CASTLE, A HOME & A SHRINE

T

he weather on Okinawa is warming and the sun is shining… it’s the perfect time of the year to explore your home away from home. This spring, how about booking an excursion with Tours+ to learn more about the island’s rich culture with the Castle, Home & Shrine tour?

Text by: Michael Daley | Design by: Mayar Mahmoud

OUT + ABOUT

MARCH 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 9

OUT + ABOUT

THE CASTLE A proud member of the “100 Famous Castles of Japan,” a list compiled by the Japanese Castle Foundation, Nakagusuku Castle was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Although it was thought to have been built during the 15th century

by Lord Gosamaru (a well-known warrior lord that called Nakagusuku Castle his home), recent excavations have unearthed artifacts that are much older (mid-14th century). It is said that Commodore Matthew C. Perry compared the castle’s construction to ancient Egyptian architecture during his 1853 expedition to the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Nakagusuku Castle ruins sits on a hill that rises 170 meters above sea level and straddles both Nakagusuku and Kitanakagusuku Villages. On a clear day, Nakagusuku Castle offers a beautiful panoramic view with Nakagusuku Bay and the Pacific Ocean visible to the east and Ginowan City and the East China Sea visible to the west. Both Katsuren Peninsula and Yomitan Village can be seen to the north, and Yonabaru Town and the Chinen Peninsula can be seen to the south.

MARCH 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 11

OUT + ABOUT

THE HOME Did you know that there’s a perfectly preserved example of traditional Ryukyu architecture tucked away below Nakagusuku Castle in the hills of Kitanakagusuku Village?

This edifice, home to the Nakamura family for 11 generations, is not only a treasure trove of history, but is also designated as a major cultural asset by the national government of Japan.

Best of all, visitors are welcome!

Built during the early 17th century based on designs from Mainland Japan popular during the Muromachi Period (1185–1572 A.D.), the Nakamura family residence housed a well-to-do farming family, originally descended from a vassal of Lord Gosamaru.

A testament to the durability of traditional architecture, the house remains unchanged and enduring.

Other than the relatively “recent” re-roofing with traditional ceramic tiles close to 300 years ago, the house has weathered centuries of Okinawa’s merciless heat and humidity, the driving wind and rain of countless typhoons and the invasion of Okinawa during WWII.

MARCH 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 13

OKUMA B E AC H Spring Break at Okuma!

25 March - 3 April Welcome the spring sunshine by heading over to Okuma Beach for some fun in the sun outdoor activities, camping under the stars and letting the good times roll!

Find our full list of Spring Break activities at facebook.com/theokumabeach

Color Run

Saturday, 26 March • 5:30 pm $ 13 • Per person (cash only) Experience a rainbow of tropi-color with a 1.5-mile color run through beautiful, tropical Okuma Beach! Register at the Okuma Outdoor Recreation Equipment Rental Parking Lot at 4 pm. Registration fee includes a free t-shirt!

Sweet Cabana Deal

Now - 25 March Save 20% on a two-night stay in any Okuma Suite, Suite Plus, Studio, or Studio Premier. Package includes two breakfast vouchers.

Sunday through Thursdays only, holidays not included. Restrictions may apply.

Contact our Reservation Desk at 098962-1991/1992 or 631-1991/1992 from 8 am - 5 pm to book your stay today!

Okuma Beach • 631-1990 Lodging Reservations • 631-1991 Surfside Grill & Bar • 098-962-1805 Okuma Outdoor Recreation • 631-1815 Located 51 miles north of Kadena Air Base

Okuma.KadenaFSS.com facebook.com/theokumabeach @okumabeach

Special

Saturday, 19 March 5 - 8:30 pm $ 9.95

Come over to Surfside Grill & Bar and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend with a delicious Shepherd’s Pie dinner!

OUT + ABOUT

THE SHRINE Futenma Shrine, one of eight major shrines in the Ryukyu Archipelago dedicated to Kumano Gongen, is known throughout the island as a place to pray for having healthy and strong children and is the largest shrine in central Okinawa. Jingu-Ji Buddhist Temple sits right next door, only a stone’s throw away. Futenma Shrine and Jingu-Ji are very popular with visiting service members due to their proximity to Camp Foster.

However, what some do not realize is what lies beneath the shrine—a very special cave.

Some caves on Okinawa are known as sacred places of power, where supplicants pray for success in life or a break in bad luck. These places of power are known as utaki— a kind of “portal” to the supernatural world. On auspicious days, this door opens and various deities communicate with the living.

The cave located behind Futenma Shrine is one such place. With a total length of 280 meters, this cave is made up of three open grottos. The largest of the three is 15-meters wide and its ceiling is 6 meters from the ground. Many Okinawans come to this chamber, which is known as the inner shrine and has two large stones representing fertility, to pray to be blessed with children.

If you’re interested and would like to participate in the Castle, Home & Shrine tour, contact Tours+ at 646-3502 for more information, pricing and upcoming dates. For additional tours to fill your spring days, visit mccsokinawa.com/tours or follow Tours+ on Facebook. 

MARCH 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 15

MARCH 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 17

PHOTOS COURTESY OF III MEF BAND

s ancient as war itself, the concept of using musical sounds as a way to signal commands during battle gave way for intertwining the roles of musicians and warfighters. Today’s U.S. military bands can trace their organizational influence back to the European military bands of the Ottoman Empire. Records from Colonial America show Virginia militia used drummers in their drills and maneuvers even prior to the Revolutionary War, and what's currently regarded as the oldest existing USMC Band (“The President’s Own”) was formed in 1798.

By the early 20th century, military music was moving away from the battlefield and marching toward ceremonial performances, concerts and community relations. While military band members were generally always recognized as non-combatants, it is important to note that many current U.S. military band units will configure to support combat operations during wartime.

But what is it like being both a Marine and a musician?

We chatted with MGySgt J. Michael Stanley (pictured top right), Bandmaster of the III MEF Band, to find out.

MARCH 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 19

PHOTO COURTESY OF III MEF BAND

Marine Corps musicians stand apart from other Marines even before enlisting. This is because after enlisting, service members are trained for specific skills required for their MOS (Military Occupational Specialty). However, when enlisting for a band unit, candidates already need to have acquired the ability to play an instrument (a specialty skill) in order to qualify during their audition.

For those receiving orders to the III MEF Band unit, their tour is generally 36 months, and many choose to extend. Currently, the III MEF Band is comprised of 57 enlisted Marines and one officer. Each member of the band is also part of a particular ensemble.

Members of the brass quintet have an impressive range of music to master, pulling selections from over 400 years’ worth of music. Instruments found within this group include the trumpet, trombone, French horn and tuba. Following the style of the “second line” brass bands of New Orleans’ street parades, the brass band is a bit more contemporary, and according to MGySgt Stanley is “the perfect musical morale booster, entertaining crowds at festivals and celebrations throughout the Pacific theater.” On the other hand, the ceremonial band serves “as the musical backbone of all fleet bands across the Marine Corps,” and handles events such as changes of command, retirement ceremonies and Marine Corps Birthday Balls. Within the jazz combo ensemble,

pianos, drums, bass, guitars and horns bring jazz standards, R&B, funk and top 40 songs to the show. Responsible for support at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates on Okinawa and numerous public concerts both within the Okinawa Prefecture and Pacific Islands, the wind ensemble has no problem keeping busy, and the woodwind quintet lays claim to being an elegant addition to formal USMC events and works on educational outreach and virtual performances. Finally, the popular music group includes all of the instruments you might find in a typical rock band and is a favored choice for diplomatic events in locations such as Guam, Korea, Thailand and other areas around the Pacific.

Band members are encouraged to participate in different ensembles throughout their career in order to develop a more well-rounded set of skills, which in turn strengthens the talent of the III MEF Band overall and grants plenty of experience to individual service members that will last long after their USMC days.

Performing both as individual ensembles and as a full band, Okinawa’s III MEF Band simply cannot be taken for granted as they are “on a mission to connect different people and cultures through music.” According to MGySgt Stanley, “Marine Corps musicians are often able to build bridges that aid the effort of forging alliances.”

MARCH 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 21

BOTTOM 3 PHOTOS COURTESY OF III MEF BAND, TOP PHOTO BY MIA COX

Even though Okinawa is a small location, the reach of III MEF Band’s performances is enormous. The band’s master program is fleshed out in the first few months of the year, and March actually holds the first big annual event: Music in our Schools Month, a program connecting the band with DoDEA educators and students.

During this mentoring experience, band members visit schools to perform, teach, play alongside and encourage DoDEA’s young musicians. For all those musically inclined and those with an interest in learning to play, MGySgt Stanley advises you not to wait. Along with sharing he’s never met anyone who didn’t like music, he also feels Okinawa is a fun place to learn because its home to the sanshin, which means you could even pick up a traditional Ryukyu instrument. He also wisely included, “You don’t have to be a prodigy to have fun.

There are plenty of great teachers and resources on island to help you get started.”

Even if you aren’t planning to be a musician yourself, music is a universal language so whether you’re speaking it or not, the III MEF Band can do the talking and you’re going to love what you hear. Some of their shows are so popular that the band members are sometimes even asked for autographs! So, what kind of performances can you catch?

On base, the band is often providing entertainment at festivals, seasonal concerts and traditional USMC events such as balls, parades and ceremonies. For the most unique on-base opportunity, MGySgt Stanley named MCCS Comic Con Okinawa, which provides some challenging and fun selections for band members to play and audiences to enjoy. Examples include music from popular anime shows like Attack on Titan and Cowboy Bebop; video game music from Halo and Final Fantasy; as well as music from Studio Ghibli and American movie favorites from the Marval Cinematic Universe, Superman and Back to the Future.

Heading off base, the band participates in joint concerts which MGySgt Stanley stated reinforces the strong alliance we have with Japan. Special performances include those with the 15th Brigade Band on Okinawa, playing with the Japan Ground Self Defense Force Band during the annual Reunion of Honor and last, but not least, participating in the Marching Festival, a four-day event in Tokyo which allows for connections between the III MEF Band and all of the Japan Self Defense Force Bands along with crowds that top 50,000. For an on-island show that not only wows but highlights our powerful cross-cultural connections, MGySgt Stanley suggests the “Friendship Through Music” concert, which traditionally happens at the beginning of September each year.

During the ongoing pandemic, some of these events have been put on hold or reworked as virtual performances, but MGySgt Stanley is hopeful and looking forward to the day when these events can safely recommence in person. In the meantime, one very special member of the III MEF Band is taking his duties of maintaining troop morale, greeting guests and standing watch very seriously.

MARCH 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 23

Pictured above, Chopper V (2012–present).

Pictured from left to right, Chopper II (1974–1989), Chopper III (1989–2002) and Chopper IV (2002–2013).

TOP LEFT AND BOTTOM 4 PHOTOS OF III MEF BAND, TOP RIGHT PHOTO BY MIA COX

Not pictured, Chopper I (1974).

Chopper is a Marine with an enlistment contract, service record book, uniforms, a Social Security number and, of course, his own dog tags. Plus, he is the III MEF Band’s mascot.

Following in the “paw-steps” of those before him (pictured above), the band’s current mascot, Sgt. Chopper V, serves faithfully. In 1974, before the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Band from Iwakuni merged with the 3rd Marine Division Band from Okinawa to form our present III MEF Band, a golden retriever puppy was presented by General Norman W. Gourley as an official mascot, and subsequently named Chopper I. This tradition has been kept ever since, and when each Chopper retires, a new and eager puppy rises to the occasion and enlists.

Recently promoted in December 2021 to sergeant, Chopper V is an absolute favorite “neighbor” to many on Okinawa.

Beginning his career as a private in 2012, Sgt. Chopper is proud of his progress, and he received hearty applause and enthusiastic oorahs at his promotion ceremony.

While some other military units have mascots, Chopper is the only living mascot of a Marine Corps Band, and we’re pretty sure he likes the extra attention he gets because of it.

MGySgt Stanley painted a colorful picture of what we can

only assume is Sgt. Chopper’s favorite part of the day—barreling through anything in his way to secure his morning biscuit from MGySgt Stanley himself. Once that first daily task is accomplished, he gets to work.

Although not a certified therapy dog, Chopper provides a lot of comfort to Marines, their families and generally, anyone he meets. He enjoys children, visitors and kind folks who stop by to offer belly rubs or treats. Sgt. Chopper is a pet with many owners as he’s chosen to adopt a wide community of humans to take care of, but he does have three designated handlers who make sure his dietary, fitness, medical and grooming needs are met.

To passersby spying him lounging in the sun on beautiful Okinawan days, Chopper is the perfect embodiment of what it means to embrace island life. He invites you to keep up with all of his missions through his personal hashtag #keepingupwithchopper and stay current on III MEF Band news, events and schedules through social media as well (facebook.com/iiimefband or @iiimefband on Instagram).

For many of us, the III MEF Band, Chopper V and all past and future Choppers will continue to be an instrumental and memorable tie to our time spent on Okinawa.  MARCH 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 25

FITNESS + FUN

Learn. To. Lift. … at the Olympic Weightlifting Clinic Sure, you can bench 225 and deadlift 500, but are you really maximizing your muscles and lifting to the best of your abilities? Competitive lifting is an art, a science and an Olympic sport that measures peak explosiveness and functional strength. Would you like to learn how an Olympian lifts?

Discover competitive lifting techniques—namely the Snatch and the Clean and Jerk—at The Olympic Weightlifting Clinic March 12 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Camp Courtney Ironworks HITT Center!

At this clinic, you’ll learn about Rate of Force Development or RFD (the ultimate measure of explosive strength), skill acquisition, body awareness and much more. Whether you’re a veteran lifter or someone that wants to develop proper techniques and habits at the beginning of their weightlifting career, this class will benefit you.

Interested? Register for $20 at the Courtney Ironworks Fitness Center

by March 9. This clinic is open to active-duty service members and SOFA ID card holders. For more information, call 645-3910 (DSN), 098-970-3910 from off base or a cellphone or visit mccsokinawa.com/ healthpromotion. 

Swing for the Fences!

Camp Foster Softball Tournament Ever spent the whole weekend cooped up in your house? In these past few years?! Of course you have! And then, when Monday rolls around, you wonder where the time went. Why not steal away and slide into a different “home” for the weekend? Home plate, that is! You’ll be the hero-of-the-diamond everyone will be talking about for weeks to come. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

Then it’s time to touch base with some of your favorite softball buddies and head to the Camp Foster Open Softball tournament on Saturday and Sunday, March 19 and 20. After gathering your team of 9 to 15 players, select your coach (and remember, if your coach is playing they count towards the 15-player limit) and log onto Eventbrite before 1 p.m. on March 14 to register. Registration is open to SOFA ID card holders ages 16 and older and costs $150 per team.

Team and individual awards will be given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers, so make sure to bring your ‘A’ game when competing in this double-elimination tournament. Games will have a 60-minute time limit, except for championship games which will have a 75-minute limit. All players should wear shoes without metal cleats (those are prohibited) and plan to arrive 30 minutes in advance of their team’s scheduled game times.

For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/adultsports. If you have any questions, feel free to email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.  MARCH 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 27

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FITNESS + FUN

Serve It Up! Camp Courtney Open Volleyball Tournament

Fit Camp The Fitness Program for You What are you looking for in your fitness program? If upping your cardiovascular endurance, boosting muscular strength and improving flexibility all come to mind, Fit Camp is for you.

In addition to these physical accomplishments, you’ll find accountability, encouragement and fitness guidance benefits, too. How so?

By joining Fit Camp, you’ll be participating in a small-group, six-week fitness program led by a personal trainer. Surrounded by other like-minded and motivated individuals, Fit Campers can hold each other accountable and provide encouragement and support while everyone gains confidence and strength. Each week during the program is progressive with continuous progress monitoring, so by the end of week six, you’ll have a great grasp of the strides you’ve made and knowledge of

how to keep moving forward with your fitness journey.

Fit Camp is a fee-based program, offered year-round with enrollment available every few months. The next Fit Camp sessions will be held from March 7 to April 22 (which includes spring break as an off week). Days, times and locations vary and are based on instructor schedules. Fit Camp is open to SOFA ID card holders ages 18 and older. To sign up, visit the front desk of the MCCS Fitness Center where you’d like to attend. Registration will be available until March 4.

For more information about Fit Camp, visit mccsokinawa.com/healthpromotion or follow facebook.com/mccsokinawa.semperfit. If you have any questions, please call 645-3910 (DSN) or 098-970-3910 from off base. 

Gear Up & Ride On Camp Hansen and Kinser Bike Races For all those who get their kicks from every klick, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to gear up and ride on during the 2022 MCCS Bike Race Series. This six-part series offers the chances for placement and awards during each race as well as series prizes for those participating in multiple races. For your shot at a series prize, you’ll collect points for each race you participate in.

First up is the Camp Kinser Bike Race on Sunday, March 13, with registration via Eventbrite closing on March 9. If you’ve missed that cutoff, don’t fret. You don’t have to participate in every race to be eligible for a series prize; simply opt to sign up for race two!

On Sunday, April 10, you’ll wind around the 32 kilometer course on Camp Hansen starting at 8:05 a.m. Check-ins are from

One of the best things about volleyball? It can be played year-round, almost anywhere. For example, you can find yourself playing on a hot, summer day setting, digging and spiking in the sand while soaking up some Vitamin D or diving through the grass for an impressive save that helps your team win the game. Even on cold, dreary days when the rain won’t let up, there’s always an indoor court, like the one at the Ironworks Fitness Center.

And rain or shine, that’s where MCCS Semper Fit is hosting the Camp Courtney Open Volleyball Tournament on Saturday and Sunday, April 2 and 3. Details about the tournament are as follows: Each team is limited to ten players, including a coach—who will only count against your player limit if they decide to compete. And, most importantly, make sure you bring the heat because there will be awards for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers.

This event is open to SOFA ID card holders ages 16 and up, so rally your team and head over to Eventbrite to score your team’s spot before 1 p.m. on March 28 for $150. For more information about the tournament, you can check out mccsokinawa.com/adultsports.

Any questions? Send a quick email to adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. 

6:30 to 7:30 a.m., with a mandatory brief following. SOFA ID card holders ages 15 and older may register through Eventbrite for $95 before 11:30 p.m. on April 6.

Race prizes will go to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in all gender and age categories and series participation points will be logged for all race finishers. Plus, a delicious victory meal will be provided by The Palms for all who are registered, and meal tickets for your fan club (non-race participates) are also available for purchase.

Looking for more information about the Camp Kinser, Camp Hansen or overall MCCS Bike Series races? Visit mccsokinawa.com/ adultsports. If you have any questions, please email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. 

MARCH 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 31

MARINES + FAMILIES

See-Ya-Later Season Personalized PCS Gifts

Springtime "Frame" of Mind DIY Framing Classes at Foster Arts and Crafts It’s a sunny March morning, not yet too hot outside, but warm enough to not need a jacket.

You leisurely hike up Mt. Yae soaking up the sights and capturing the moments with your camera. Ah, a perfect spring day on Okinawa and now you have wonderful digital memories.

The best way to preserve these moments is to encase and display them—for everyone to admire and enjoy. And, fortunately for you, Foster Arts and Crafts has DIY Framing classes at which you can learn how to cut and join wood frames, slice glass to the correct size, select matte boards and finally, put it all together to have your own framed masterpiece!

DIY Framing classes go from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a maximum of five people per

class. Additionally, it’s $25 for the class, not including the cost of materials and please make sure to bring your own 5x7 or 8x10 photo (A breathtaking landscape, perhaps?). The next class is being held Saturday, March 12. Once you’ve taken the class, you can come back any time (during hours of operation) to create more gorgeous frames for your home—the only downside, if this even counts, is you might run out of wall space.

For more information and future class dates, visit mccsokinawa.com/fosterartsandcrafts.

To sign up, please call 645-3674 or email artsandcrafts@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. 

Seasons are a unique part of military life. Sometimes your duty station allows for experiencing all four, and other times there,s only summer and a mild winter (like on Okinawa). However, there’s one season that never depends on climate: PCS season. This means the chances are high that someone you know is going to be on the move—and probably soon. Send them off with a special see-ya-later gift from the Foster Custom Shop.

Start with your recipient in mind to make choosing between plaques, trophies and many other gifts a breeze.

So, who are you shopping for—the reigning push-up champ from your unit? Someone from your weekly coffee crew? What about the all-star on your kickball team, the world’s best neighbor or the friends that became family?

Next, choose from various complete plaque sets and trophies (which come in many shapes, styles and sizes) or even items such as barbecue sets, portfolios, flasks, nameplates, coasters and much more! Add personal touches with embellishments, engravings and even custom-designed logos.

Soon enough, you might even receive your own one-of-a-kind “Best Gift Giver Ever” medal in return! (Did we mention we’ve got medals, too?)

Each custom item takes a minimum of five days to complete and you can preview selections before you get started at mccsokinawa.com/customshop or by stopping by the Camp Foster Community Center (Bldg. 5908). The Custom Shop is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and all orders should be placed in person at the store. If you have any questions, call 645-0126 (DSN) or 098-970-0126 from off base or a cellphone.  MARCH 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 33

MARINES + FAMILIES

National Nutrition Month Put Your Best Fork Forward March is National Nutrition Month, which means it’s the perfect time to learn how to develop healthy eating habits. Yes, we get it, that’s easier said than done, as the path to a healthier lifestyle can be a rocky road littered with pitfalls like baskets of crispy fried chicken, double cheeseburgers oozing with melted cheese and hearty chili, double scoops of chocolate ice cream…but we digress.

Seeking aid and support to get back on track—especially when feeling overwhelmed or frustrated—is not only normal, it’s something that can help us all! And, lucky for us, this assistance doesn’t necessarily need to entail hiring a nutritionist or a personal trainer charging stateside fees; just seek out the nearest MCCS Health Promotion specialist for FREE helpful resources and much more.

Join MCCS Health Promotion in taking control of your nutrition in celebration of National Nutrition Month all March long.

Valuable info will be available at Health Promotion’s offices on Camp Foster. Also, if you head to mccsokinawa.com/healthpromotion, you’ll find links to even more resources to help you on your journey towards a healthier lifestyle, including group fitness class descriptions and schedules, the lowdown on the High Intensity Tactical Training (HITT) Program and available services such as nutrition education, stress management, heart health and much more.

To top things off, Health Promotion is also planning FREE awareness and outreach events at locations throughout the island during March (depending on HPCON conditions). Visit MCCS Semper Fit’s Facebook page for the most up-to-date information on these events, or call Health Promotion directly at 645-3910. 

Celebrate National Pi Day …at an MCCS Education Center You’re probably wondering where something like Pi (π) Day came from. While you may already know that pi is one of the most recognized mathematical constants (3.1415926535897932384626433…etc.), Pi Day itself came courtesy of a museum curator named Larry Shaw.

It all began in 1988 when Shaw thought it would be funny to link the beginning digits (3.14) of pi to March 14, which also happened to be the birthday of the great scientist and mathematician Albert Einstein. To celebrate, he and some of his coworkers began to use it as an excuse to enjoy pizza (pie), but it eventually became a popular event at the museum where visitors would take a sign with one of the pi digits and parade around in the correct order of the occasion’s namesake.

Here on Okinawa, every day is pizza day, so MCCS Education Centers celebrate Pi Day with scholarship tips and S.T.E.M. This year, on March 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., all education centers on island will be serving light refreshments in honor of this eminent mathematical constant that is not only the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, but also an incredibly lengthy number—it was successfully computed to 31.4 trillion decimal places (and that was in 2019)!

If that piques your interest, then perhaps a career relating to S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) may interest you. Well, during Pi Day you can learn more about diving into this fascinating world as well.

Learn more about Pi Day at MCCS Education Centers by contacting your nearest center, calling 645-7160 or visiting mccsokinawa.com/education.  MARCH 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 35

DINING + ENTERTAINMENT

Sweet and Sentimental Cereal Milk Latte at Bonsai Coffee

As a child, the best breakfasts were the ones which involved a little bit of a race. A competition where you would eat fast enough that your cereal wouldn’t get too soggy, but slowly enough that you were rewarded a coveted prize—the leftover milk. Of course, you knew the prize wasn't ordinary milk, it was the kind that you savored and slurped because it had been sweetened with sugary magic.

At Bonsai Coffee they take their job seriously, and they’re always looking for ways to seriously improve your morning, because let’s face it, we all have days where we just don’t want to adult anymore and would love to go back to simpler times when our biggest worry was finishing cereal milk and watching Saturday morning cartoons.

Knowing this, that’s when Bonsai Coffee had their “Aha!” moment—a Cereal Milk Latte. They’ve combined the childhood comforts of cereal milk with the grown up succor of espresso. And, guess what? It just keeps getting better! If you don’t want the Cereal Milk Latte, you can request cereal milk as a replacement milk option in any Bonsai drink. Because as an adult, you make the decisions.

The Cereal Milk Latte will make its delicious debut starting March 7, which just so happens to be National Cereal Day, so come enjoy your pick-me-up with a sweet, sentimental twist. Don’t forget to pick up your stamp card to work your way towards your FREE drink! To find Bonsai’s locations, hours of operation and full menu, visit mccsokinawa. com/bonsaicoffee. 

La Cocina Simplemente Deliciosa!

What could be better than great Mexican cuisine? Authentic and delicious street tacos, burritos, chips and salsa on wheels, of course!

This spring, the new MCCS La Cocina food truck is bringing the goodness to you, and it’ll be leaving with tons of smiles and satiated sighs in its wake.

La Cocina’s menu showcases authentic street tacos and burritos that are sure to satisfy. Tacos include the Carnitas (braised pork), the Chicken Cantina (grilled chicken) and the La Cocina Steak (char-grilled steak). Street tacos come with onions, fresh cilantro, your choice of salsa verde or roja and are $3 each for the Carnitas or Chicken Cantina and $4 for the La Cocina Steak.

For Burritos, you can also choose between the Carnitas or Chicken Cantina for $8 and the flagship La Cocina Steak Burrito for $10. La Cocina’s burritos are hearty and hefty—each loaded with

cilantro rice, borracho beans, pico de gallo, cheese, fresh cilantro and salsa (verde or roja).

Two combo packages are available for an additional $2—Combo #1 will give you a side of borracho beans & rice with a drink; and Combo #2 will add chips and salsa with a drink.

Sides—such as the aforementioned borracho beans & rice and chips with salsa—and extras such as guacamole, sour cream, jalapeños or salsa as well as drinks including canned soda and bottled water are also available à la carte.

So, where can La Cocina be found, you ask? Check mccsokinawa. com/lacocina or call MCCS Food & Hospitality on Camp Foster at 645-5809 or 098-970-5809 (Mon–Fri, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) for the latest schedule and more information on how you can make your day simply delicious.  MARCH 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 37

DINING + ENTERTAINMENT

Good Times...

At Bulldogs & Shisa

You live in paradise and your carnivorous habits have struck. Time to find out what Jimmy Buffet’s been singing about all these years, and Bulldogs Burgers has got what you need. Yes, this very American creation is makin’ the best of every virtue and vice—Bacon? Check!

Bourbon and beer for flavor? Check! Cheese? Check, double check and yes, please!

The Bacon, Bourbon & Beer Cheese Burger boasts a bold flavor profile: a beef patty with smoky hints of caramel and vanilla from the bourbon braise, sharp and tangy cheddar from the beer cheese sauce and crispy bacon.

Complete with lettuce, tomato and onion and sandwiched between freshly toasted buns and optionally accompanied by your favorite side,

it’s one to put the happy in all of your hours, which means it’s definitely burger o’clock, friends. If a beefy tune isn’t your heaven on Earth, you know which way to steer—opt for a 100 percent plant-based Beyond Burger® patty instead.

If pizza’s more your jam, Shisa Pizza is rockin’ a new delight as well: the Bacon ’N’ Beer Pizza. Freshly baked and ready to wow with the same beer cheese sauce and bacon, it might just steal the whole show.

The Bacon, Bourbon & Beer Cheese Burger and the Bacon ’N’ Beer Pizza are both limited-time offers and are available from March 1 to 31. For the full menus, locations and hours of operation, please visit mccsokinawa.com/bulldogs or mccsokinawa.com/shisa. 

Schwab Festival Springtime Fun The best time to enjoy the gorgeous, subtropical weather on Okinawa is in the spring. So, before the heavy humidity and blazing heat arrive, get out and enjoy the pleasant temperatures. That said, if you’re looking for an excuse to bask in the sweet, springtime breeze, travel to Okinawa’s northernmost camp and stop by the Schwab Festival for two full days of spectacular festivities on Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27 from 1 to 9 p.m. both days.

Open to SOFA ID card holders, Japanese and American citizens island-wide, the festivities will be held at the BeachHead parking lot.

Rock out to FREE live music and entertainment, while the kids marvel at MCCS’ Fun Land carnival rides and military static displays.

Once a hankering for food and drink develops, chow down on your favorites from local vendors such as succulent smoked pork shoulder

and BBQ brisket from Hickory House or authentic street tacos from La Cocina. Alternatively, you can take your taste buds on a journey with Miami-inspired cuisine from 305 Latin Bistro or grab your go-to order from Bulldogs Burgers or Sumo Burrito (nothin’ like the comfort of tried-and-true food) inside BeachHead. Adults can go ahead and wash it all down with thirst-quenching refreshments from Kanpai Lounge.

Please leave your pets, glass bottles, alcohol and coolers at home, as they are not permitted at this event. Furthermore, non-SOFA may access the event via Gate 5, where a FREE shuttle bus is available to and from the festival area. Please be prepared to show photo ID. Visit mccsokinawa.com/festivals for information regarding the festival and entertainment schedule as well as the latest HPCON guidance. 

MARCH 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 39

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Red Barn Country Kitchen Refreshed and Ready to Impress Text by Kiara Klein | Photography by Mia Cox

When I tell you that first impressions are everything, I mean it. So, when I heard that Red Barn Country Kitchen on Camp Kinser had refreshed their menu, I had to go and check it out. Upon arriving, I was greeted by a spacious, homey vibe, leading me to believe that I was in the right place for no-fuss, downright delicious food. And I can tell you from personal experience, that’s exactly what you’re going to get.

After getting a rundown of the revamped menu from Jacob Shell, Red Barn’s manager, I ordered the Cobb Salad. I know what you’re thinking...“A salad? Isn’t lettuce going to be the star of the show?” Oh, but let me tell you, this Cobb Salad is different. Here, the crisp, refreshing romaine and iceberg lettuce are best supporting thespians to the real stars: crispy bacon and juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken—a hefty six ounces of it at that—coated in a homemade rub and roasted in-house. Accompanying the meats are crumbly bleu cheese, diced tomatoes, chunks of avocado and a sliced boiled egg to complete this refreshing and filling salad.

Another menu item I found to be impressive was the Chicken Tenders. And please don’t expect these tenders to be like the little nuggets found at other establishments, these tenders are going places, and doing big things. They’re jumbo, hand-breaded and fried to golden, crunchy perfection. Even better, they’re served with your choice of sauce—a creamy remoulade, smoky BBQ or tangy buffalo.

In addition, you can make them a combo, creating a meal that appeals to your inner child, but satiates your adult-sized appetite. That being said, nearly every item under the menu’s “Crispy Cravings” section looked as if it would satisfy my innate need for that serotonininducing “crunch” sound.

If you’re not a salad lover, you’ll be excited to know that all of Red Barn’s proteins—Fried Shrimp, Southern Catfish, Fried Chicken and Roasted Chicken—can be ordered as Po’boy Sammiches (which I found to be a charming name that matches the quaint atmosphere).

Your choice of protein is sandwiched between a warm toasted sub roll, and (optionally) topped with lettuce, tomato, red onion and drizzled with sauce. Additionally, you can choose to add bacon, avocado or both to heighten your po’boy experience. Or, if you’re trying to cut carbs, you can make it a wrap.

I asked Jacob what his favorite items on the menu were, and he told me that he enjoys the Roasted Chicken as a wrap with bacon, avocado and buffalo sauce with a side of Red Beans & Rice. But, not only are the Red Beans & Rice the perfect Southern side to go with your sammich; I’ll let you in on a secret—they’re vegan. Or, of course, you could opt for one of their other classic sides—French Fries, Potato Wedges, Mac & Cheese or Coleslaw.

I definitely couldn’t leave without having dessert, so I ordered a slice of the Key Lime Pie, which was simply sublime. It slayed my sugar craving while the tartness cut through the sweetness creating a harmony that my taste buds danced to. I can tell you with full confidence that the classic comfort foods served at Red Barn will keep you cozier than your favorite pair of sweatpants.

For those that want to change back into those sweatpants as quickly as possible and dine at home—all of these belly-stuffin’, soul warmin’ dishes are available to go! Red Barn is located on Camp Kinser, inside Surfside, and is open Monday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. For their complete menu and contact information visit, mccsokinawa.com/redbarn. 

MARCH 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 43

KIDS + PARENTS

Anger Management YOU Control the Response According to Dr. Anthony Fiore and Dr. Ari Novick, authors of Anger Management for the Twenty-First Century, “Anger management IS NOT about never getting angry.” It is actually about finding more positive ways to communicate or behave so that you become a more effective and satisfied person—one who has better relationships with other people. This includes, of course, relationships with your preteen or teenage children.

Learn strategies to effectively manage anger and build conflict resolution skills in the Century Anger Management (CAM) Class—a four-consecutive-week psychoeducational workshop

taught by MCCS Behavioral Health Family Advocacy Program’s Prevention & Education Team.

CAM Classes, which teach you how to properly manage stress, cope with feelings of anger and communicate effectively, can be taken either on Wednesdays on Camp Foster or Thursdays on Camp Hansen. Both classes will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Those interested must register to attend. To register, email FAPPrevention@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org or call 645-2915. For more information, including locations, visit mccsokinawa.com/behavioralhealth. 

Tri, Tri & Tri Again Yearly Aquatics Fun On Saturday, March 26 at the Camp Foster Aquatic Center, women and children are invited to participate in the 19th Annual TriKids, MiniKids and Women’s Only Foster Triathlon which brings three times the fun with a triathlon for each group, and of course, three athletic feats rolled into one.

Women (ages 13 and older) and TriKids (ages 7 to 14) will swim 200 meters, bike five kilometers and run one kilometer. MiniKids (ages 9 and younger) will swim 25 meters, bike 200 meters and run 100 meters. As a non-competitive offering, awards will not be given,

but participants will love celebrating after the races with ice cream courtesy of Foremost Blue Seal!

Check-in times for all race groups are from 6 to 6:30 a.m. For more information, including bike requirements and swim-safety guidelines, please visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics. Registration for this FREE event is available via Eventbrite until March 20 at 11 p.m.

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

MARCH 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 45

KIDS + PARENTS

Crochet, Craft & Chat Weave New Friendships

Youth Swim Team Tryouts Join the Dolphins After learning about cetaceans in last month’s Okinawa Living Magazine, now is your chance to join some of the most famous ones on island: the Okinawa Dolphins Swim Team (ODST)! This fabulous “pod” of competitive swimmers routinely practices during weekdays and makes waves at monthly swim meets.

Interested participants may stop by the Camp Foster Aquatic Center between 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Monday, March 14 to try out. Open to SOFA swimmers ages 7 to 18, each tryout should last about ten minutes and is com-

prised of three parts: a 50m freestyle, a 25m breaststroke and a 25m backstroke. A short rest is permitted between the breaststroke and backstroke, but otherwise all swims should be completed with non-stop efforts and without parental involvement.

For more information about ODST, visit mccsokinawa.com/swimteam or follow facebook. com/mccsokinawa.aquatics. If you have any questions about tryouts or the team in general, please email mccsaquatics@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. 

Kids on the Move

Crafting in all forms has been solace to many this year, as restrictions have ebbed and flowed; thread has been sewn and yarn woven into rows. Let’s face it, crafting has been a way to get through the pandemic. Why? Because crafting is making art, and art brings people together (even when we’re physically apart).

So, in honor of National Craft Month, MCCS Libraries invite you to connect with other crafters at Crochet, Craft & Chat. Join in at Futenma Library on March 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Courtney Library on March 9 at 5 p.m. or the Foster Library on March 9 starting at 6 p.m.

Thankfully, this event isn’t BYOY (bring your own yarn); while you’re more than welcome to bring your supplies, the library will be providing yarn, macramé materials and other craft supplies!

For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/libraries. If you have any questions, call DSN 6457178 or 098-970-7178 (off base) or email libraryprogram@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org. 

(Over) Energized and Ready to Exercise If we could take the energy that young children have, bottle it and sell it—caffeine would be obsolete and some parents would be billionaires. In all seriousness, all children seem to do is go, go, go. If you’re a parent, you may be secretly dreading spring break this month and desperately looking for ways to help your kids burn off that energy.

MCCS Health Promotion to the rescue!

Kids on the Move is a FREE event where your energized kiddos ages 7 to 12 can engage in fun, structured physical activity to not only

temper their energy levels but possibly save your sanity! Kids on the Move sessions will take place Tuesday, March 29 through Thursday, March 31 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Camps Foster, Courtney and Kinser Fitness Centers.

To have your kids attend, register at your closest MCCS Fitness Center.

For more information about Kids on the Move, visit, mccsokinawa.com/ healthpromotion and if you have questions, please call 645-3910 from a DSN or 098-9703910 from off base or cellphone.  MARCH 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 47

SERVICES

We Want YOU! Join the MCCS Team MCCS offers a variety of challenging, career-building opportunities with the priority on hiring qualified family members of active-duty military and civilian employees stationed on Okinawa. Jobs are available in entertainment, sports, accounting, marketing, wellness, child development, maintenance, IT, counseling and much, much more.

In addition to career building, MCCS also provides many benefits for employees. On top of medical and dental insurance, options such as a NAF Pension Plan, 401(k) with employer matching, Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and a Tuition Assistance Program (which provides up to $10,000 per year for certifications, licenses and college degrees up to a professional level) are also available to advance your career while stationed on island. And, that’s not all—a Leave Dona-

tion Program, the Family Friendly Leave Act, Family Medical Leave Act, Employee Assistance Program and many more policies are in place for qualified MCCS employees, as well.

To start your job search, head to mccsokinawa.com/jobs or keep up with the weekly “hot jobs” announcements sent directly to your inbox when you subscribe to our newsletter (mccsokinawa.com/ newsletter). For those currently without internet access, visit one of your local MCCS Libraries or the MCCS Human Resources Office (HRO), located on the second floor of building 5966 on Camp Foster. For more information on becoming a member of the MCCS team, call 645-3052 (DSN) or 098-970-3052 from off base or a cellphone. 

Right at Your Fingertips The MCCS Okinawa Liberty App Have you ever browsed the travel section of a bookstore? Just peeking at these books can cause you to start imagining all of the adventures you’ll have. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was somewhere to find the same type of info about military duty stations? Well, wish no more! The MCCS Okinawa Liberty App is like having a whole shelf of informational books about being stationed on Okinawa—and right at your fingertips no less.

You’ll have access to command information (including PCS details and base policies), liberty tools (including important phone numbers), transportation options, COVID-19 updates and much more to keep you in the know.

There are also icons to help you find events galore. Multiple program calendars are included under “Events,” and, in addition, you can

find where to shop, eat, visit and stay—both on and off base—if you tap the “Things to Do” icon.

The app even includes a yen rate calculator, heat flag and sea conditions, typhoon readiness information (TCORR) and English to Japanese translations of some common phrases. And, last but not least, a total fitness tool is included to help you find wellness resources and track your health when it comes to four fitness factors: mind, body, spirit and social.

Best of all? The MCCS Okinawa Liberty App is FREE! Visit mccsokinawa.com/liberty for details, or download yours from either the App Store or Google Play.  MARCH 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 49

SERVICES

MCCS Gift Cards The Most Versatile Gift!

Show them how much you care with an MCCS Gift Card for that special occasion! What can they use it for? We’re so glad you asked!

How about a relaxing massage from Semper Fit followed by an evening of fine dining at Taiyo Steakhouse? Or, how about immortalizing a child’s prized 3rd grade drawing with a frame from Foster Arts and Crafts? The MCCS Gift Card is the most versatile gift, made for everyone—good for logoed merchandise and performance apparel for golfers from the Taiyo Golf Club Pro Shop, a customized ball from the Camp Foster Bowling Pro Shop, an oil change or auto-detailing for their ride from Typhoon Motors, snorkeling and diving gear from Tsunami Scuba for ocean fanatics or even branded gymnastics apparel from Excellence Gymnastic Academy for budding Olympians—the list is endless.

MCCS Gift Cards are available for purchase and redemption at all MCCS Clubs and Restaurants including Taiyo Steakhouse, all

fast-casual dining facilities (Bonsai Coffee Company, Bulldogs Burgers, Shisa Pizza, Sumo Burrito and Red Barn), as well as all Retail Operations including Taiyo Golf Club (including the Pro Shop), all Bowling Centers (including the Camp Foster Pro Shop) and all Arts and Craft Centers, Tours+, Tsunami Scuba and Typhoon Motors locations.

In addition, the MCCS Gift Card is redeemable at just about every MCCS facility—including Special Events bouncers and Semper Fit Outdoor Recreation rentals, at all staffed Semper Fit Fitness Centers (including retail and LifeJuice purchases, martial arts and other classes as well as event and athletic tournament fees) and much, much more! For more information about MCCS Gift Cards, call (DSN) 645-5809 or 098-970-5809 from off base or a cellphone. 

Stay Updated…

With the MCCS Newsletter Do you feel a bit behind the times? Are you often the last among your friends to hear about a festival or fun event? It might be because you haven’t subscribed to the MCCS newsletter yet! MCCS has hundreds of events per year, and with such a constant flow of dates, times and locations, it’s nice to have all of this event information organized in one convenient location so you can stay up-to-date.

Head to mccsokinawa.com/newsletter and sign up to gain access to events and activities offered by MCCS Okinawa—from FREE workshops and classes, special sales, giveaways and holiday events to updates about festivals, entertainment, sporting events and more.

By the way, in the previous list, did the word “giveaways” catch your eye? That’s right, we frequently have FREE giveaways tucked into our newsletters. Why? The more you read our newsletter, the more aware you will be of what’s going on, which increases the chances of you coming to MCCS events. The more events you come to, the more a part of the community you become, which can directly improve your quality of life.

As it is MCCS’ mission to enhance the quality of life of Marines, Sailors and their families, this newsletter is a stepping-stone towards making you a happier (and more informed) camper, and us completing our mission. So sign up today! 

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In Japan, the word for doll is ningyo and it literally translates to “human form.” Since ancient times, ningyo have been thought to possess powerful properties, some believed capable of warding off evil spirits and others used in religious ceremonies. The oldest known dolls originated during the Jōmon period (approximately 14,000–400 BC); these Neolithic dolls called dogu—crafted from stone and clay—were shaped into both humanoids and animals. Experts say their purpose remains unclear, but many agree they were talismans for good health or safe childbirth.

The Kofun period (300–600 AD) brought the haniwa—hollow, terra-cotta clay human figurines that were also constructed in the likeness of animals and other architectural artifacts—which were crafted to be used as funerary objects and a part of grave offerings. History agrees that dolls served many purposes in pre-modern Japan; in the Nara (710–784 AD) and early Heian period (794–1185 AD) effigies known as hitogata or katashiro were seen as scapegoats and used in Shinto rituals, as a purification vessel. These paper figures are believed to absorb one’s sins, capable

of reversing defilement and consuming bad luck. Once the transfer was believed to be complete, the dolls were then disposed of, either washed away or burned up—allowing the person they were standing in for to reap auspicious prosperity.

However, not all dolls were used in religious ceremonies or thought to be talismanic figures. Small wooden dolls exhumed in Nara from the ruins of Heijōkyō (the ancient capital of Japan from 710–784 AD) provide evidence that they were used as children’s toys.

This is also supported by much of the Hein-era literature, which states that royal children would play with beautifully bedizened dolls: hina ningyo.

It wasn’t until the Edo period (1603–1867) when doll production was commercialized and quickly began to flourish.

The number of doll makers increased as more and more wealthy individuals sought dolls to display or give as commemorative gifts.

With the surge in demand, doll making got competitive, which resulted in each doll being even more beautiful and elaborate than the last. Eventually, people began using the hina dolls as the focal point of elaborate displays during Momo no Sekku (or Peach Blossom Festival)—one of five seasonal festivals celebrated during the year.

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Sekku is a Shinto word that translates to “seasonal festival.” The festivals, which originated in China, were held based on the equinoxes of the lunar calendar and named after the seasonal harvests that coincided.

During the Edo period Tokugawa Shogunate declared these events as official sekku (gosekku because there are five): Nanakusa no Sekku, or Seven Herb Festival ( January 7); Momo no Sekku, Peach Blossom Festival (March 3); Shobu no Sekku, or Iris Festival (May 5); Tanabata, or the Star Festival ( July 7); and Kikuno Sekku, or Chrysanthemum Festival (September 9). While traditions have changed over the years, many of these festivals are still celebrated today, only now with new names and different customs.

Originally, Momo no Sekku was the celebration of the spring equinox and the festivities were a family affair. Since many believed that human-shaped figurines could absorb misfortune and bad luck, it was customary to create hinagata—effigies constructed of straw and paper—to transfer all of their negative energy in a purification ritual.

Once complete, families would trek to the nearest river to cast the dolls away. Even royal families would participate in this event, except they would use the elaborate, expensive hina dolls that were associated with the Heian era. This tradition continued until either the young royal girls talked their elders out of discarding the dolls or the custom became too expensive. Shifting their customs, people instead began

celebrating the sekku by setting up elaborate hina ningyo displays which became associated with the protection of daughters in the family.

The festival became what it is now: Hina Matsuri—sometimes called Girls’ Day (or Doll Festival). Festivities include lovingly displaying Hina dolls, and enjoying meticulously prepared seasonal delicacies. Diamond-shaped hishi-mochi—which historically represented fertility—dyed in the colors pink, white and green that are associated with the festival, as is hina arare a puffed, bite-sized rice cake that’s an iconic sweet and salty seasonal snack shared among young girls. Other dishes include ushio-jiru, a clear soup made from seasonal hamaguri clams—it is said that since the two clam shells fit perfectly together, the clam represents a marriage—and chirashizushi or “scattered sushi,” which contains a variety of ingredients, each having a purpose such as the prawns representing longevity and the lotus root symbolizing positive fortuity.

Hina dolls come in a variety of styles—some modern sets have even incorporated anime characters. However, many people still prefer the traditional look inspired by the Edo period. The traditional seven-tiered display is called dankazari and showcases a full court of 15 dolls (at least), resplendent in intricate kimonos modeled after traditional Heian-era regalia.

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The dolls are arranged according to set patterns on a series of platforms called a hina-dan and decorated with a crimson cloth called a dandake. In addition to the dolls, these displays also feature luxurious, baroque accessories.

In every display, the top tier is reserved for the imperial dolls, O-Dairi-sama and O-Hina-Sama—or emperor and empress. Usually they are the most intricate in craftsmanship, making them the most expensive part of the display. On the far ends are the essential bonbori, silk or paper lanterns which light the top level.

The second tier houses the san-nin kanjo, or three court ladies, who are at the service of the emperor and empress. Two of them are depicted as standing with serving utensils, one with a short-handled utensil and the other holding a long-handled one. The third and middle doll holds a small table and, depending on style, can either be standing or keeling. Accessories on this platform are takatsuki (small stands) designed to hold seasonal treats.

The third tier displays five musicians, or gonin bayashi. There’s a seated drummer with a small taiko (drum), two standing drummers one with a ōtsuzumi (large drum) and the other with a kotsuzumi (small drum), a seated flute (fue) player and a standing singer holding a sensu (fan)—instead of an instrument.

For the fourth tier, there are two daijin, or ministers included.

Often referred to as the emperor’s bodyguards and administrators,

they are equipped with a bow and arrows. One is depicted as young, and the other old (the older one in the more senior position). Between the two are covered-bowl tables and diamond-shaped stands that bear hishi-mochi.

On the fifth tier, seated between foliage, are the emperor and empress’ three helpers (shichō), or protectors (eji). They are commonly referred to as the nakijōgo, okorijōgo and waraijōgo (crying drinker, angry drinker and laughing drinker). The sixth and seventh tiers contain a variety of miniatures such as furniture, small tools (like a sewing kit), carriages and other adornments.

Since these dolls can get expensive, the sets are usually an heirloom, passed down through generations, or in some cases purchased by the daughters’ parents or grandparents in preparation for their first Hina Matsuri. They’re typically erected between February 4 and the middle of the month and prominently displayed in the largest room of the house. The day after the festival, the display is dismantled and carefully repackaged for the next year.

Superstition makes procrastination improbable—it was and is still believed that if the display sits too long, it may bring misfortune to the daughters. However, regardless of the era, hina doll displays reflect the parents’ love and desire for their daughters to have a good upbringing, which is a sentiment that is shared around the world.  MARCH 2022 | OKINAWA LIVING 65

LIVING ON OKINAWA

Bulgogi (BBQ Grilled Beef) Serves four Ingredients 2 lbs. bone-in beef short ribs, sliced 1/4 cup yellow onion, thinly sliced 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 cup green peppers, sliced into strips 1/4 cup bean sprouts 2 Tbsp. garlic, minced 3 Tbsp. ginger root, minced 1 Tbsp. brown sugar 1/4 cup soy sauce 2 Tbsp. peanut oil 1 Tbsp. sesame oil 1 cup burgundy wine 2 Tbsp. sesame seeds Flour Method of Preparation 1. Place ribs in a plastic storage container and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except for sesame seeds and flour, and mix well.

3. Pour sauce over beef slices and—using your hands—rub the seasoning into the meat.

4. Cover and chill several hours or overnight.

5. Remove meat from marinade. Set marinade aside.

6. Grill or broil beef over medium-high heat, turning once during cooking (about 2-3 minutes for each side).

7. Sprinkle sesame seeds over cooked beef.

8. In a separate saucepan, bring leftover marinade to a boil. Add a little flour; whisk until consistency is smooth and slightly thickened. Ladle sauce over meat.

Mejiro: The Tiny Japanese Herald of Spring While strolling under the cherry blossoms this spring, did you notice the beautiful chirping sounds that made you feel that spring had truly arrived? It was most likely the tiny Japanese herald of spring known as the mejiro.

The mejiro, also known as the Japanese white-eye, (me means “eye” and jiro is a derivative of shiro which means “white”) is a tiny bird—only about four to four-and-a-half-inches tall. Although it has an olive or dusky green coat of feathers, the white-eye is named for the silky white ring of feathers around its eyes that stand out starkly on its cute-as-a-button face. The mejiro’s underside, neck and forehead are a brilliant yellow.

The mejiro’s small stature and blazingly fast movement make them difficult to spot, but listen closely and they can be found. Their melodic bell-like chirps can be heard at great distances—especially in the springtime.

Despite their flighty and energetic nature, mejiro are very sociable—travelling in flocks of 5 to 20 tiny, feathered bolts of green lightning. Feisty in nature, mejiro have been observed teaming up with each other and even other species to scare off larger birds of prey.

Once spotted, mejiro are fun to watch as they acrobatically hang upside-down (or sideways) when making a meal of insects or fruit nectar. They consume large quantities of bothersome insects such as

gnats, fly larvae and spiders, and they are also good pollinators, darting from tree to shrub in search of a sweet treat, like cherry blossoms in bloom.

One word of caution when bird watching: be careful when standing underneath them—for obvious reasons. 

Uchinâguchi Corner English

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