Check out http://www.japanupdate.com/?p=topic&topic=even for current upcoming event info

Japan Update Event Schedule

Jun 26 – Shinya Mayonaka “Toshibii Live” – 7 p.m. at Kaze-wa Minami Kara, Itoman City, tickets ¥1,000
Jun 26 – Toururunten – 8 p.m. at Taurus, Koza Music Town, Okinawa City, tickets ¥1,500
Jun 26 – Atsuto Takara – 9 p.m. at Gibson, Kume, Naha City, tickets ¥1,500
Jun 26 – NID-DEI – 9 p.m. at Groove, Urasoe City, tickets ¥1,000
Jun 26 – Kino (jazz vo.) – 8 p.m. at Kam’s House, Kokusai Street, Naha City, tickets ¥1,000
Jun 26 – Mari Miyagi – 8 p.m. at Live House MODs, Mihama, tickets ¥1,000
Jun 26 – Mihanagumi – 7 & 9 p.m. at Kalahai, Mihama, tickets ¥1,500
Jun 26 – Open Stage – 7 p.m. at Bantar House, Okiei Street, admission free
Jun 26 – Keiko Mizukoshi – 7 p.m. at Hotel Nikko Naha Grand Castle, Shuri, Naha City, tickets ¥6,000 include food and drinks
Jun 26 – Amateur Jazz Session Day – 8 p.m. at Green Ants, Izumizaki, Naha City, tickets ¥1,000
Jun 26 – Machu “Solo Piano Jazz Live” – 20:30 p.m. Aria Cara Lounge at Nikko Alivila Hotel, Yomitan Village, admission free
Jun 26 – Eru Jahana (jazz) – 7, 8 & 9 p.m. at Poolside BBQ & Beer Garden, Laguna Garden Hotel, Ginowan City, admission free (barbeque & all drinks set ¥5,000)
Jun 26 – Song Day Week Party – 8 p.m. at Seikatsu-no Gara, Sakaemachi, Naha City, admission free
Jun 26 – Madhura – 8 p.m. at Coconut Moon, Onna Village, tickets ¥1,500
Jun 26 – Ryukyu Dance – 6 p.m. at Tembus Hall, Kokusai Street, Naha City, tickets ¥1,260
Jun 27 – “Rain of Love Songs” Concert – 7 p.m. at Ashibinaa Theater, Korinza Mall, Okinawa City, tickets ¥2,000 in advance, ¥2,500 at door
Jun 27 – Nicotine – 7 p.m. at Sakurazaka Central, Naha City, tickets ¥1,500 in advance, ¥2,000 at door
Jun 27 – Jupiter – 8 p.m. at Taurus, Koza Music Town, tickets ¥1,500
Jun 27 – Kadena Carnivals – 9 p.m. at Gibson, Kume, Naha City, tickets ¥1,500
Jun 27 – Song Day Eve Party – 8 p.m. at Groove, Urasoe City, admission free
Jun 27 – Tom Inagawa (pf)/ Etsu (dr)/ Hideki Takao (b)/ Sawako – 9 p.m. at Jazz Jungle, Park Avenue, Okinawa City, tickets ¥1,500 in advance, ¥2,000 at door
Jun 27 – Sorami/Hidefumi Komura/Tsuyoki Ito/Katsuya Ikehara (jazz) – 8 p.m. at Kam’s House, Kokusai Street, Naha City, tickets ¥1,000
Jun 27 – Keiko Mizukoshi – 8 p.m. at M frog, Goya, Okinawa City, tickets ¥2,000 in advance, ¥2,500 at door
Jun 27 – Yukihiro – 8 p.m. at Live House MODs, Mihama, tickets ¥2,000 in advance, ¥2,300 at door
Jun 27 – Okinawa Southern Band – 8 p.m. at Top Note, Omoromachi, Naha City, tickets ¥2,000 in advance, ¥2,300 at door
Jun 27 – Tink Tink – 7 & 9 p.m. at Kalahai, Mihama, tickets ¥1,500
Jun 27 – Koza Music Town 1st Anniversary Friendship Concert – 7 p.m. at Koza Music Town, Goya, Okinawa City, tickets ¥3,500 in advance, ¥4,000 at door
Jun 27 – Soprano Concert – 7 p.m. at Nago City Civic Hall, tickets ¥500
Jun 27 – Evening Folk – 8 p.m. at K-mind, Nagata, Ginowan City, tickets ¥1,000 in advance, ¥1,300 at door
Jun 27 – Joketta (Masako Oshiro) with Element of the Moment – 8 p.m. at Green Ants, Izumizaki, Naha City, ticets ¥1,500
Jun 27 – Lua Cheia “Guitar & Vocal Jazz Live” – 20:30 p.m. Aria Cara Lounge at Nikko Alivila Hotel, Yomitan Village, admission free
Jun 27 – Asia Sun Rise – 9 p.m. at Kotobuki Diner, Makishi, Naha City, tickets ¥2,000
Jun 27 – The Jammers – 7, 8 & 9 p.m. at Poolside BBQ & Beer Garden, Laguna Garden Hotel, Ginowan City, admission free (barbeque & all drinks set ¥5,000)
Jun 27 – Free Mie – 9 p.m. at Sound Café B-up, Nago City, tickets ¥1,000
Jun 27 – “Kariyushi” Okinawan Entertainment – 7 p.m. at Prefecture Hometown Theater, Higashimachi, Naha City, tickets ¥2,000 in advance, ¥2,500 at door
Jun 27 – Ryukyu Minyo Concert – 1-8 p.m. at Nishihara Central Community Hall, admission free
Jun 28 – 80’s Rock Band Live 2008 – 8:30 p.m. at Rock in Okinawa, Kokusai Street, naha City, tickets ¥2,000
Jun 28 – FM Okinawa & Tower Records Presents SOFFet New Standard Tour 2008 – 6 p.m. at Sakurazaka Central, Naha City, tickets ¥2,000 in advance, ¥2,500 at door
Jun 28 – Song Day Carnival 2008 – 4 p.m. at Nishihara Marine Park Stage, Yonabaru, admission free
Jun 28 – Taisho Koto Student Concert – 2 p.m. at Uruma City Theater Akashi Hall, Gushikawa, admission free
Jun 28 – Kaguyahimo – 9 p.m. at D-set Café, Kokusai Street, Naha City, tickets ¥2,000
Jun 28 – Sunokichi Matsuda – 7, 8:30 & 10 p.m. at Live House Shimauta, Kokusai Street, Naha City, tickets ¥2,000
Jun 28 – 2side1Brain – 6 p.m. at 7th Heaven Koza, Goya, Okinawa City, tickets ¥1,500 in advance, ¥2,000 at door
Jun 28 – Dear Prudence – 9 p.m. at Gibson, Kume, Naha City, tickets ¥1,500
Jun 28 – Fleur Saxophone Ensemble – 9 p.m. at Green Ants, Kumoji, Naha City, tickets ¥2,000 in advance, ¥2,500 at door
Jun 28 – Club Groove & Okinawa Pop Underground – 8 p.m. at Groove, Urasoe City, admission free
Jun 28 – Sommersault Kick 126 – 6:30 p.m. at Human Stage, Ginowan City, tickets ¥1,500 in advance, ¥2,000 at door
Jun 28 – Guitar Panda – 9 p.m. at Jazz Jungle, Park Avenue, Okinawa City, tickets ¥2,000
Jun 28 – Yuko Kamazawa – 8 p.m. at Kam’s House, Kokusai Street, Naha City, tickets ¥1,000
Jun 28 – Madhula – 8 p.m. at Live House MODs, Mihama, tickets ¥2,000
Jun 28 – Keiko Mizukoshi – 9 p.m. at Musica, Nishimachi, Naha City, tickets ¥2,500 in advance, ¥3,000 at door
Jun 28 – Tink Tink – 7 & 9 p.m. at Kalahai, Mihama, tickets ¥1,500
Jun 28 – Acoustic Mind – 8 p.m. at Bantar House, Okiei Street, Naha City, tickets ¥1,000 in advance, ¥1,300 at door
Jun 28 – Piano & DEKO Harmony – 2 p.m. at Okinawa City Civic Hall, tickets ¥2,000
Jun 28 – Meiji University Mandoline OB Concert – 2 & 6 p.m. at Progress Center Hall, admission free
Jun 28 – Ajisai Music Summer Festival – 11 a.m. (12:30-1:30 p.m. Cleaning Campaign) at Shiokawa Beach, Motobu Town, tickets ¥3,000
Jun 28 – Kazue Kohama – 8:30, 9:40 & 10:50 p.m. at Aria Cara Lounge, Hotel Nikko Alivila, Yomitan, admission free
Jun 28 – Asia Sunrise – 9 p.m. at Juhachiban Yokojo, Yomitan, tickets ¥2,000
Jun 28 – Sir Demon Kogure’s Ryukyu-Yamato Music Summit – 7 p.m. at Izena Industry Support Center, Izena Island, tickets ¥4,000 in advance, ¥5,000 at door
Jun 28 – Sunconscious – 8 p.m. at Ondoh, Okinawa City, tickets ¥1,000
Jun 28 – Summer Garden – 7:30 p.m. at Kazeno Sato, Sashiki, Nanjo City, tickets ¥2,000
Jun 28 – Mami Yonetake – 7, 8 & 9 p.m. at Poolside BBQ & Beer Garden, Laguna Garden Hotel, Ginowan City, admission free (barbeque & all drinks set ¥5,000)
Jun 28 – Hawaiian Paradise Show – 7:30, 8:30 & 9:30 at Paraiso, Kumoji, Naha City, admission free
Jun 28 – Takumi Solo Live – 9 p.m. at Favorite Café, Paradise Street, Naha City, tickets ¥1,000
Jun 28 – Building Blocks – 3 & 5 p.m. at Okinawa Outlet Mall Ashibinaa, Toyozaki, Tomigusuku City, admission free
Jun 28 – I Scream – 9 p.m. at Club Ando, Chatan, tickets ¥2,500
Jun 28 – Yatai Festival – 4 p.m. at Sakaemachi Ichiba, Naha City, admission free
Jun 28 – Chidy Asian Night (Balinese music) – 7:30 p.m. at Restaurant Chidy, Oroku, Naha City, admission free
Jun 28 – Seisuke Shimabukuro (Okinawan Folk Music) Concert – 6 p.m. at Tedako Hall, Urasoe City, tickets ¥1,999
Jun 28 – Yaeyama Folk Dance – 6:30 p.m. at Okinawa Hometown Theater, Higashimachi, Naha City, tickets ¥2,000 in advance, ¥2,500 at door
Jun 28 – Okinawan Classic Music – 2 p.m. at Okinawa National Theater, Urasoe City, admission free
Jun 28 – Taiko Festival – 2 p.m. at Naha City Civic Hall, Yorimiya, tickets ¥1,000
Jun 28 – Ginowan Marina-Zamami Yacht Race – 8 a.m. start off Ginowan Marina
Jun 28 – Soccer: FC Ryukyu vs. Tochigi SC – 3 p.m. at Chatan Sports Park, Mihama, tickets adults ¥800, school students ¥600 in advance, add ¥200 at gate
Jun 28-29 – Bitina Piano Competition – 10:30 a.m. at Sugar Hall, Sashiki, Nanjo City, admission free
Jun 28-29 – Koza ZIBA Old Book Market – 10 a.m.-8 p.m. at Plaza House Shopping Center Fair Mall, Okinawa City, admission free
Jun 28-29 – Flea Market – 7-10 a.m. at Camp Courtney Commissary Area, admission free
Jun 28-29 – Ryukyu Folk Song (Minyo) Contest – 10 a.m. at Nishihara Central Community Hall, admission free
Jun 29 – Asian Kung-Fu Generation – 6:30 p.m. at Koza Music Town, Goya, Okinawa City, tickets ¥4,000
Jun 29 – Kazumasa Oda Tour 2008 – 5:30 p.m. at Ginowan Kaihin Park Outdoor Stage, Ginowan City, tickets ¥8,400
Jun 29 – Namiko – 8 p.m. at Koza Music Town, Goya, Okinawa City, tickets ¥2,000
Jun 29 – Sommersault Kick – 5:30 p.m. at Cyber Box, Kume, Naha City, tickets ¥1,500 in advance, ¥2,000 at door
Jun 29 – Free Evening – 9 p.m. at Groove, Urasoe City, tickets ¥1,000
Jun 29 – Asarato – 8 p.m. at K-mind, Nagata, Ginowan City, tickets ¥500 in advance, ¥700 at door
Jun 29 – Yukiko (Jazz Singer) – 8 p.m. at Kam’s House, Kokusai Street, Naha City, tickets ¥1,000
Jun 29 – Soluna – 8 p.m. at Live House MODs, Mihama, tickets ¥1,500 in advance, ¥2,000 at door
Jun 29 – Tink Tink – 7 & 9 p.m. at Kalahai, Mihama, tickets ¥1,500
Jun 29 – Dream of Heart Concert – 4 p.m. at Palette Kumoji Theater, Naha City, admission free
Jun 29 – Guitar Panda – 8 p.m. at Bantar House, Okiei Street, Naha City, tickets ¥2,000 in advance, ¥2,300 at door
Jun 29 – Ryukyu University Philharmonic Orchestra Concert – 12:30 at Tedako Hall, Urasoe City, tickets ¥800 in advance, ¥1,000 at door
Jun 29 – G&B Jazz Live – 20:30 p.m. Aria Cara Lounge at Nikko Alivila Hotel, Yomitan Village, admission free
Jun 29 – Asia Sunrise – 4 p.m. at Café Yabuhachi, Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, tickets ¥1,000
Jun 29 – Asia Sunrise – 9 p.m. at Hormon Yaki Sakura, Futenma, admission free
Jun 29 – Sunconscious – 8 p.m. at Ondoh, Okinawa City, tickets ¥1,000
Jun 29 – Garden of Summer – 5 p.m. at Leaf Moon, Onna Village, tickets ¥1,500
Jun 29 – Keiko Higa & Chubeez – 7, 8 & 9 p.m. at Poolside BBQ & Beer Garden, Laguna Garden Hotel, Ginowan City, admission free (barbeque & all drinks set ¥5,000)
Jun 29 – Akidas – 3 & 5 p.m. at Okinawa Outlet Mall Ashibinaa, Toyozaki, Tomigusuku City, admission free
Jun 29 – Sheepish Boy – 5:30 p.m. at Rock in Okinawa，Kokusai Street, Naha City, tickets ¥300 in advance, ¥500 at door
Jun 29 – Irie Camp 2008 Okinawa Reggae Festa – 2 p.m. at Zampa Misaki Outdoor Stage, Yomitan Village, tickets ¥3,500 in advance, ¥4,000 at door
Jun 29 – Glean Piece – 6 p.m. at Tsutaya Ginowan Uehara Shop, admission free
Jun 29 – 2008 Hagoromo Cup Harbor Friendship Festival – 10 a.m. at Ginowan Fishing Port, admission free
Jun 29 – Sabani Sailing Race – 8 a.m. from Furuzamami Beach to Naha Port Breakwater
Jun 29 – Bullfighting – 1 p.m. at Motobu Bullfighting Ring, tickets ¥2,500
Jun 30 – Session Night – 8 p.m. at Taurus, Koza Music Town, Okinawa City, admission free
Jun 30 – Chiaki (jazz) – 8 p.m. at Kam’s House, Kokusai Street, Naha City, tickets ¥1,000
Jun 30 – G.S.G – 9 p.m. at Live House MODs, Mihama, tickets ¥1,000 in advance, ¥1,300 at door
Jun 30 – Tink Tink – 7 & 9 p.m. at Kalahai, Mihama, tickets ¥1,500
Jun 30 – Kachimba 1551 – 8 p.m. at Partida, Ginowan City, tickets ¥800
Jun 30 – Kousuke Shiroma “Jazz Guitar Night” – 8 p.m. at Green Ants, Kumoji, Naha City, tickets ¥1,000
Jun 30 – Sketch (Guitar, Piano) Jazz Live – 20:30 p.m. Aria Cara Lounge at Nikko Alivila Hotel, Yomitan Village, admission free
Jun 30 – Eru Jahana (jazz) – 7, 8 & 9 p.m. at Poolside BBQ & Beer Garden, Laguna Garden Hotel, Ginowan City, admission free (barbeque & all drinks set ¥5,000)
Jun 30 – Yoko Shimizu – 8 p.m. at Kam’s House, Kokusai Street, Naha City, tickets ¥1,000
Jun 30 – Emi Eleonora & Maltese Rock – 8:30 p.m. at Rock in Okinawa, Kokusai Street, Naha City, tickets ¥2,000 in advance, ¥2,500 at door
Jun 30 – Shunichi Irei & Akira Kawabata – 6:30 p.m. at Carnical Park, Mihama, admission free
Jul 1 – Shimauta Jinka – 7, 8:30 & 10 p.m. at Live House Shimauta, Kokusai Street, Naha City, tickets ¥2,000
Jul 1 – Asia Sunrise – 9 p.m. at Antorbo, Chatan, tickets ¥1,500
Jul 1 – Bantar To The Future – 8 p.m. at Bantar House, Okiei Street, Naha City, tickets ¥800 in advance, ¥1,000 at door
Jul 1 – The Jammers – 7, 8 & 9 p.m. at Poolside BBQ & Beer Garden, Laguna Garden Hotel, Ginowan City, admission free (barbeque & all drinks set ¥5,000)
Jul 1 – Mihanagumi – 7 & 9 p.m. at Kalahai, Mihama, tickets ¥1,500
Jul 1 – Take Iha – 9 p.m. at D-Set Café, Kokusai Street, Naha City, tickets ¥1,000
Jul 1 – Let’s Jam Session – 9 p.m. at Groove, Urasoe City, admission free
Jul 1 –Hidefumi Komura/Gandhi Nishigaki/Masaru Shimabukuro/Koichiro Kami (jazz) – 8 p.m. at Kam’s House, Kokusai Street, Naha City, tickets ¥1,000
Jul 1 – Glean Piece – 7 p.m. at Carnival Park, Mihama, amission free
Jul 1 – Kazue Kohama – 8:30, 9:40 & 10:50 p.m. at Aria Cara Lounge, Hotel Nikko Alivila, Yomitan, admission free
Jul 1-3 – Sound Festival – 8 p.m. at Live House MODs, Mihama, tickets ¥1,000 in advance, ¥1,300 at door
Jul 2 – Sadahito China – 7, 8:30 & 10 p.m. at Live House Shimauta, Kokusai Street, Naha City, tickets ¥2,000
Jul 2 – wiz-us – 7, 8 & 9 p.m. at Poolside BBQ & Beer Garden, Laguna Garden Hotel, Ginowan City, admission free (barbeque & all drinks set ¥5,000)
Jul 2 – Tink Tink – 7 & 9 p.m. at Kalahai, Mihama, tickets ¥1,500
Jul 2 – Aria Asia – 5 p.m. at Carnival Park, Mihama, admission free
Jul 2 – Groove Jazz Session – 9 p.m. at Groove, Urasoe City, admission free
Jul 2 – Kino (jazz vo.) – 8 p.m. at Kam’s House, Kokusai Street, Naha City, tickets ¥1,000
Jul 2 – Tsukayama Ventures with Johnny Ginowan – 9 p.m. at Bb, Haebaru Town, tickets ¥1,000
Jul 2 – Lua Cheia “Guitar & Vocal Jazz Live” – 20:30 p.m. Aria Cara Lounge at Nikko Alivila Hotel, Yomitan Village, admission free
Jul 2 – Osamu Aka “One-man Show” – 7 p.m. at Ashibinaa Theater, Korinza Mall, Okinawa City, tickets ¥3,000 in advance, ¥3,500 at door

H.I.S. Okinawa - 27 June

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IN MEMORIAM: Ceremony marks anniversary of Battle of Okinawa’s conclusion

Lance Cpl. Aaron D. Hostutler
OKINAWA MARINE STAFF

More than 5,000 people attended a ceremony at Okinawa Prefecture Peace Memorial Park June 23 to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa.

The annual ceremony attracted civilians and U.S. service members who came to remember and pay respects to those who were killed during the battle.

“It is a great honor to be here,” said III Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general Lt. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer, “It’s important to remember not only those fighting on either side, but also the non-combatants who lost their lives.”

During the ceremony, Heiwa Kohshin-dan, peace marchers from mainland Japan, marched to the sound of drums around the park while thousands of attendees toured sections of the park such as Peace Memorial Museum, Peace Memorial Hall and the Cornerstone of Peace.

The Cornerstone of Peace is made of hundreds of upright marble slabs displaying the names of those who died during the battle. Some visitors placed flowers and gifts on the ground under the names of deceased relatives or friends.

“We gather this day...to respectfully and fervently mourn for all of the souls who died in the second World War,” said Toshinobu Nakazato, a speaker from the Okinawan Prefectural Assembly.

During the ceremony, Hirokazu Nakaima, governor of the Okinawa Prefecture stepped in front of thousands of listeners, both Japanese and American, and talked about peace between the nations.

“In the second World War, the people of Okinawa endured absurdity and utter brutality in extreme conditions that can hardly be described in words,” he said. “Through this miserable experience, we have learned a lesson, one that is universal to all humanity we realized just how precious peace really is.”

After the speeches, officials placed flowers on the ground as a sign of respect to the fallen.

“There are a lot of lessons to be learned from the battle of Okinawa,” said Kevin Maher, the U.S. Consulate General in Okinawa. “The importance of today is that this is not the time to debate the war, but it’s the time to remember those who died and those who suffered on both sides.”

hey, mike: Star sand

While I was emptying my boots of sand after filling sandbags at work I noticed that some of the sand seemed different—shaped like tiny stars. Is this sand native to Okinawa? Are there beaches filled with this kind of sand?

— Reggie Valdez

Grains of sand, like many other aspects of the environment, are often taken for granted until you’re given an opportunity to take a closer look. While sand collecting in the bottom of your boots can be irritating (not to mention the particles that get into cars, beds, sandwiches, and Speedo LZR Racers), some sand can actually be quite beautiful when studied closely. Sand can be made of many different materials: from the Hawaiian black sand of volcanic origin, to brilliant quartz sand, to sand made up of particles of coral, sea urchin spines, and other sea organisms. Incidentally, the sand in your boots was probably star sand, or hoshi-zuna.

On the Southern Ryukyu Island of Taketomi, located between the Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands, a folk story told by Toru Uesedo insists that star sand are all that remains of the children of the North Star and Southern Cross—infant stars that were born in the warm, gentle currents of the seas surrounding the island. In their parental bliss, the Southern Cross and the North Star had regrettably forgotten to garner the sea god’s permission to use the area. In a fit of petty anger, the temperamental deity had the celestial offspring dispatched. After the conflagration, the tiny skeletons of the stars washing up on the shores of Taketomi island were all that remained. Fortunately for the infant stars, a kind goddess lived on the beaches of the beautiful island. She took pity on the star children and gently gathered their remains. She instructed all of her followers to place the star sand in their incense burners so that the sand could follow the smoke back to their parents in the heavens. Many islanders still follow this custom today.

All legends aside, scientists state that star sand is actually made up of the exoskeletons (shells), of millions of aquatic creatures called foraminifera. These infinitesimal organisms are among the smallest of the marine protozoa—a kind of minuscule amoeba with a tiny shell. Foraminifera are found in most marine environments, from the relatively shallow inter-tidal regions to the deepest ocean trenches, from the tropics to the poles. Foraminifera are a vital link in the world’s marine food chain. On any given continental shelf there can be tens of thousands of living creatures per square meter of ocean bottom. And, many larger animals such as snails, sand dollars, fish and others depend on foraminifera for sustenance.

Although plentiful in the oceans, star sand is rare, especially on mainland Okinawa. It is sometimes sold in tiny jars to tourists because the sand almost universally brings fond feelings for the islands’ beautiful beaches. In other words, don’t throw away the contents of your boots; while they may not be baby stars with celestial parents, you never know...

—Mike Daley

Got questions for Mike? E-mail editor@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

Ryukyuan Island Style

If rising humidity, suffocating heat, and rapidly increasing bug count mean anything, summer has officially arrived on Okinawa. While most would rather beat the heat the heat by worshipping central air, going outside is unavoidable. Enter Okinawa’s answer to staying cool and style-savvy— kariyushi wear.

Translating roughly to “happy abundance,” kariyushi is Okinawa’s version of the Hawaiian shirt. Created to entice tourists to purchase local goods during vacation, kariyushi began picking up steam as a local product that combines both fashion and functionality. Anyone who has spent a
summer in Okinawa knows it is impossible to survive outside in thick attire, much less draped in heavy work garments.

Kariyushi employs the same basic look as Hawaiian shirts, but the design, fabric, and colors make this style unique to Okinawa. With details ranging from clown fish to ripened goya to jumping shisa, these gorgeous garments combine vibrant colors and bold patterns to achieve a look that exudes Okinawan chic.

So when you must venture from your climate-controlled oasis, why not sport your own bit of Okinawan style? Local shops have shelves stocked with such garments including those made by the popula brand Mango House. But be forwarned - just because you purchased a tropical shirt on Okinawa, you’re not guaranteed true kariyushi wear. To fall within that exclusive category, the shirt must be created entirely on Okinawa, show local imagery, and have a certified seal. Only then are you clad in true Ryukyuan island style.

—Lauren Bradfield

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? E-mail thesource@okinawa.usmc.org

Navy MWR Highlights and Upcoming Events, 20-26 June 2008

Kadena Services Weekly Highlights: 18-25 June

When the smiles returned
"From the Ashes...Courage and
Determination: The Battle of Okinawa and Its Aftermath" the photo exhibit.
Take a compelling look at how Okinawa was able to
smile again after the war.
Kadena Base Library
20 - 30 June

Easy reading

Check out Chili's Too menu online
complete with food descriptions!

click here

Into the wild

Super Ladies Night @ Rocker NCO presents: Safari
21 June • 10 pm
Come dressed in your wildest animal prints.

"Wooo-sa!"
Check out Power Yoga
Risner Fitness Center
Monday & Wednesday • 11:30 am
Saturday • 8:30 am
$2 per class

Log on to www.kadenaservices.com for complete
details on all Kadena Services events, programs, and activities.

Army MWR Events, 13 June - 19 June

Army MWR Events

13 June – 19 June

Torii Beach Jazz & Wine Festival
5 July • 16:00-24:00
The Jazz concert is FREE and open to everyone.

Wine tasting tickets are available
@ Army MWR locations & Kadena USO
Advance ticket • $20

Torii Arts & Craft Center Summer Special

Wood shop (May-August)

Handmade wooden rocking crib or

Handmade doll house for $95

Summer Kids & Parents Program (May-August)

(Age 8 & up)

Mold and create a unique pottery tray with your

Child for $5.00 each.

Create a beautiful “European flower arrangement”

with you child for $5.00 each.

Call 644-4303 to schedule a lesson

Scuba Locker

Summer SALE Campaign 2008

From Memorial Day until 1 Sep

June Special:

14-15 June ABYSMAL/HIGHLAND

21-22 June XS SCUBA

28-29 June UWATEC

644-4290

YOGA CLASS

Mondays 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Wednesdays 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Thursdays 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

At Torii Station Gymnasium Bldg 267

$5 per lesson/10 clay pass $45

Call 644-4334 for more information

Torii Beach Outdoor Turtle Theater
Every Friday – Weather permitting

Curtain Time – At Sunset

Free Movie

13 June Spongebob Square Pants the Movie (G)

Call 644-4659 for latest information

Torii Swimming Pool Hours of Operation

June 5 - September 2

Open: Thursday - Tuesday

Closed: Wednesday

Time: 10:00 - 19:00

Torii Beach Waterslide Hours of Operation

April 26 - October 13

Open Daily 10:00 - 18:00

CJ's Bar & Grill is open EVERY DAY on Torii Beach

Monday - Saturday 10:00 - 21:00

Sunday 10:00 - 18:00

ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE

AFTB Level I Course

17, 18 June 2008

Coral Cove Club, Torii Station, 0800-1400 each day

644-4743

English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes

For foreign-born Spouses/Family Members open to Spouses/

Family Members from all U.S. military services.

Mondays: 0930-1100 (Intermediate Class)

Wednesdays: 0900-1030 (Beginner Class)

Building 236, ACS Classroom Torii Station

644-4743

Fiscal Fitness Class

13 June 0900-1100

Thrift Savings Plan Course

20 June 0900-1100

644-4942

Traveling etiquette

Story and photo by Keith T. Graff

If the weather allows you to get out of the house and see a little more of Okinawa, pack the tribe into the car. Wherever you go, there are a few things you should know from the start. Knowing where to stop can also make a journey memorable.

Driving can be a pleasure or a pain. Sooner or later, one of your passengers will either get hungry or have to use the rest facilities.

Convenience stores are easily found everywhere you go. It’s not uncommon to see more than one on opposite sides of the same intersection. But unlike in America, you shouldn’t just pop in to make a pit stop and go. In Japan, when you need to use the facilities, it is much appreciated if you make a purchase.

Another option for folks is to stop at a “Michi-no-eki” or road station. Virtually every town and village across the island has one. If you plan on traveling in Okinawa for any length of time, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with their locations.

Most Michi-no-eki’s are known for their cleanliness and spacious parking areas. You can also get a great deal on some cheap eats. Not only are the prices reasonable, often times the local cuisine is quite tasty.

Two stops to keep in mind along the Okinawa expressway is Nakagusuku village and Igei in Kin town. Look for the rest stops at Nakadomari in southern Onna village, Kyoda in southern Nago City, the Yui-Yui Kunigami located near the Okuma resort and Hiji Falls among others. The next time you go for a drive, look for the eki, but don’t get in a wreck!

culture corner: Ramune

After a long day of playing under the searing summer sun, it’s an American childhood tradition to sit on the porch gulping down icy glass after glass of sweet lemonade and munch on homemade cookies. For Japanese children the way to cool off with friends is to go to the nearest okashi-ya (candy shop) and sit under any available shade sipping a cold bottle of ramune.

Ramune, a name supposedly derived from the English word “lemonade" is a popular summer beverage recognized by its simple yet unusual blue glass bottle and its popularity as a candy flavor. Surprisingly, the inventor of the popular soda was a Scottish pharmacist named Alexander Cameron Sim who lived much of his life in Japan. Ramune’s claim to fame was not in an extraordinary flavor but rather the bottle in which it came. While some are made of plastic, many of the unusual Codd-neck bottles are traditionally made of heavy blue glass. The bottle is shaped like a snowman; the “head” of the bottle is a small hollow separated from the body by two dimples in the bottle’s neck. At the mouth of the bottle blocking the flow of the bubbly liquid is a glass marble held in place by the carbon dioxide pressure inside. The first Ramune bottles used cork, but no one knows the real reason or origin of the marble. In order to get the first refreshing sip, the marble has to be pushed down into the hollow of the bottle using a small device that comes with the drink. The small pop-kachink of the falling marble is instantly followed by an eruption of sticky white foam. The marble then stays in its little chamber where it rattles and clinks around as the drinker quenches his or her thirst.

The soda inside is usually clear and akin to club soda, but with a subtle citrus taste, similar to Sprite. Though the original “lemon-lime” flavor of Ramune is the most popular, pineapple, melon, orange, Blue Hawaii, lychee, kiwi, strawberry, and even wasabi and curry flavors are also available.

Removing the marble from the bottle made Ramune both a popular children’s puzzle and drink. Breaking the glass served as a simple solution, and so did melting down the plastic ones. It took a real master to retrieve the marble without breaking the bottle. Today, however, many of the plastic bottles come with detachable mouths so that the marble can easily be removed.

The Ramune version of a cereal box toy, the marble can be played with once it is removed. Marble playing in Japan supposedly began in the 1800s when children began removing the marbles from Ramune bottles to use as toys. The glass bottles are often saved by tourists and foreigners as souvenirs and even kept by recyclers as pretty makeshift vases. Children typically collect the marbles, though some keep the bottles as summer mementos. So on a steamy summer afternoon in Japan, instead of settling for that cup of lemonade, remember that cloudless sky-blue bottle of Ramune.

—Mine Furusho