Pfc. Antwain J. Graham
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (July 25, 2008) -- Communicating in a foreign language can be difficult, however, several resources are available to make the process easier for Status of Forces Agreement personnel on Okinawa desiring to learn the Japanese language and customs.
Learning the Japanese language and culture allows personnel to better communicate with locals, allowing for a richer understanding and more enjoyable experience in Japan, according to officials with the Marine Corps Community Services Personal Services Center.
Personal Services Centers on Okinawa, located on Camps Foster and Hansen, and Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, offer free monthly courses that teach the basics of the Japanese language and culture.
Students who have taken the course are thankful for the opportunity, said Erika Vaughan, PSC operational readiness support program coordinator.
"Feedback is always positive, people really appreciate the classes," she said.
Students first attend "Survival Japanese," a one-hour class focused on basic day-to-day dialogue, before moving on to more advanced classes.
With Japanese levels two and three, students are given a more detailed look into the structure of the language, the culture, as well as the history and geography of Japan, said Vaughan.
Another resource available for SOFA personnel to learn Japanese is the Lifelong Learning Program offered at the University of Maryland University College.
The university offers intermediate to advanced language courses at the Education Center on Foster.
The course is $585 plus the cost of books, according to Bob Stenard, supervisory guidance counselor for the Lifelong Learning Program. However, service members may use tuition assistance to cover the cost, he added.
One student currently attending the course said he is surprised at the quick progress he has made in the class.
"The class is great," said Master Sgt. Miroslaw Zuczkeiwicz. "I have learned more here in the past month and a half than I have in the past five years."
2008-07-25
Learning Japanese key to enjoying Okinawan culture
Prefectural museum presents island history, art
The historical museum hosts an array of artifacts from ancient Okinawa dating back 18,000 years. The art museum showcases the pre and postwar era art by Okinawan artists.
The Okinawa Prefectural Art Museum is the first prefecture-run art museum on Okinawa, according to the museum's Web site, and it displays the influence World War II had on many Okinawan artists.
Some of the art displays show the chaos and destruction during the battles of World War II. In other displays, modern artists use their work to display their thoughts and feelings on modern day life, Okinawa's culture, and the trends in Okinawan art over the years.
There are also English- and Japanese-language newspapers from the World War II era as well as exhibits where visitors can learn about Okinawa's ecosystem or about the Okinawan culture from its beginning.
"The museum was the first one on Okinawa I had ever been to," he said, "and I didn't know Okinawa had so much rich, art history. The staff was very accommodating, and I recommend the museum to anyone who is new to Okinawa."
To get to the museum from Gate 1 on Camp Kinser, take Route 58 south seven stoplights and turn left. Go to the second stoplight and the museum is on the left-hand side.
For more information, visit the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum Web site at http://www.museums.pref.okinawa.jp/.
2008-07-08
Pets
Having a pet on Okinawa comes with certain responsibilities.
Finding a Fuzzy Friend On Okinawa
Whether visitors to Okinawa are longing for a four-logged, feathered, or fishy friend of thoir very own or they just want to know where to go to pamper their pal, the island has pet stores aplenty. From the ubiquitous and comprehensive Makeman stores to more traditional pet shops such as Pet Box and the Okinawa Pet Feed (OFF) stores, just about any critter (as well as an astounding assortment of feeds and snacks, grooming items and services, toys, and more) are available—for a price. Local shelters and adoption agencies are filled with fuzzy and furry friends waiting for a family as well.
Okinawa has a terrible problem with pets that have been dumped on the streets by heartless owners. Please do net adopt a petit you are unable or unwilling to deal with the responsiblity and expense of cering for one. Do the right thing.
OAARS is a local organization that assists in placing pets up for adoption, helps with PCS information, rescues abandoned, homeless animals, aids local no-kill shelters, and educates the public on spaying/neutering, pet care, and the problems with abandonment. Anyone interested in volunteering can visit wwvv.oaars.com or send an email to oaars_cares@yahoo.com.
PCSing with Pets
Air Mobility Command (AMC) and most commercial airlines compute how much you pay in pet travel tees based on your pet’s weight plus the weight et its kennel. On AMC charter flights, if this totals 70 lbs or less, the tee is $90. If it’s more than 70 lbs. the fee is $180. Pets and containers 141—1 50 lbs are $270 and containers over 150 lbs are unauthorized. Commercial shipping tees vary depending on airline, the type of travel, the weight ot the animal, and the destination. During summer months, connecting commercial airlines may have heat embargoes on shipping pets. Once you receive your orders from Okinawa, contact your Traffic Management Office (IMO) right away. At that time TMO will need to knew you pet’s weight as well as the kennels weight and dimensions. AMC accepts pets on a first-come first-served basis.
Before your pet is allowed on an AMC charter mission flight, it must have current rabies and distemper vaccinations. Current means net more than ene year, but not less than 30 days betore your departure date, For more information, call the Kadena Air Base Veterinary Clinic at 634-1362 or AMC Pet Moving Policies, Kadena Air Base (632- 6487).
Keep in mind that during the winter or summer months, it may be too hot or too cold to transport your pet, and you may need to make arrangements to bring your pet back to the states earlier or later than your PCS date. Cal the vet for more information.
2008-07-03
Checking In
You now live in a foreign country with different views, customs, currency and rules. Remember, you are a guest of Japan and an ambassador of the U.S.
Check In
Report to your duty station.
Okinawa Living
Pick up a FREE copy of Okinawa Living magazine, a monthly guide to culture, food, tours, and entertainment on island. They are available at MCCS facilities, base exchanges, and commissaries.
Newcomers’ Orientation
All new accompanied and unaccompanied (E6 and above) arrivals are required to attend Newcomers’ Orientation. The program runs every Wednesday from 8a.m. to 12:30p.m. and includes cultural briefings and presentations by a multitude of organizations on facilities and activities around Okinawa. Newcomers’ Orientation attendance is mandatory prior to issuance of a POV license. The Children, Youth, & Teen Program offers free child care during the orientation on a space available basis. You must have the child’s current shot record and pre-register by calling 645-4117. To sign up or make reservations for bus transportation to Newcomers’ Orientation, call the Personal Services Center at 645-8395.
Driver’s License and Car
Pick up a driving manual at Bldg. 5831 on Camp Foster at 645-3369. Study the manual, then take your driver’s license test. Japanese Compulsory Insurance (JCI and American Insurance) is available from ACE and AIU.
Shoppette and Commissary
Have your sponsor show you to the shoppettes. commissaries, and exchanges.
Housing
All off-base housing is inspected by the Military Housing Office on Kadena Air Base. When renting off-base houses or apartments, you will need to pay one month’s rent as a deposit as well as the first month’s rent. You will also be charged a finder’s fee by the agency. Try to find housing with a phone line included in the rental. Make sure there is a place to park your cars off the street, and check with your housing office to be sure extra fees aren’t involved. Electricity is expensive, and Okinawa gets very hot in the summer, so be sure to check the air conditioning.
Medical
The U.S. Naval Hospital is located on Camp Lester. Medical and dental clinics are located on Camps Courtney, Foster, Kinser, MCAS Futenma, and Kadena Air Base.
Loan Locker
Call your base Personal Services Center to find out what household items are available from the Loan Locker. Goods may be borrowed with a copy of your orders.
Banking
Camps Foster, Kinser, Courtney, Hansen and Schwab have Navy Federal Credit Union and Community Bank branch offices. Kadena AB has a Community Bank and a Pentagon Federal Credit Union. You can exchange yen at Community Bank, Japanese banks, and at select Jusco and San A department stores equipped with exchange machines, The primary Japanese banks are: Okinawa Ginko, Bank of the Ryukyus, and Kaiho Bank.
Post Office Box
If you are accompanied and your sponsor did not get a P.O. box, bring a copy of your orders to your camp’s post office.
Schools
The active-duty parent must register children in school. If children are going to ride the bus, a parent must register for bus duty at the Bus Registration Office on Camp Foster.
Consulate General
The mission of the United States Consulate General Naha is to promote and protect American interests in the Prefecture of Okinawa. The consulate provides a variety of passport services, including renewal, replacement, and change of name. Other services include visas and birth records. The consulate website (http://naha. usconsulate.gov) provides guidance on services, important notices, local news regarding U.S. policies and issues, and a comprehensive guide on voting absentee.
The Wish List
Here’s a list of the top ten things you must do while you’re on Okinawa.
1) Learn to Dive
Get scuba certified at a Tsunami Gear SCUBA Center and then dive every chance you get. Pick up a copy of Okinawa Outdoors magazine.
2) Participate in or support The Single Marine Program
If you’re an unaccompanied Marine or Sailor between the ages of 18 and 25, take part in the Single Marine Program. You can get your quality- of-life issues addressed and recommend new or improved programs, services, or events offered by MCCS, AAFES, and the USO. Call 645-3681 for details.
3) Participate in a Sports Tournament
Compete in MCCS athletic tournaments, which are offered in almost every sport. Schedules appear in the Source.
4) Get Educated
MCCS Lifelong Learning centers offer classes that count toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree from one of five universities, as well as various certification programs. You can also take classes via distance learning.
5) Get in Shape
Get fit using the MCCS fitness centers and athletic programs. Fitness centers are located on each base, and various athletic programs are also available. Free group fitness classes are held at each of the camps, and personal trainers can assist you in achieving your fitness goals.
6) Learn the Local Language and Culture
MCCS Personal Services Centers offer a variety of Japanese language and culture classes, including Japanese calligraphy, washi (Japanese paper art(, and cooking. Classes are free to all SOFA personnel.
7) Tour Asia
Take a tour of Okinawa and nearby destinations. MCCS Tours+ not only shows you the island, but also offers travel to exotic destinations such as Hong Kong, China, Australia, and Thailand. Call 645-3502 for details.
8) Learn Karate
Okinawa is the birthplace of karate, so where better to learn martial arts? Contact your local fitness center for details.
9) Sample Local Foods
Sample Asian foods at your MCCS clubs and restaurants. Menus include a variety of local favorites. Also, check out the monthly restaurant review in Okinawa Living magazine, which features off-base dining and the restaurant coupons in the Source.
10) Have Fun!
MCCS takes pride in helping to Make Okinawa Home” for those stationed here. However, to truly make the best of your stay here on Okinawa, go outside the gates and experience the island’s fascinating culture and meet the friendly local population.
East-West Montessori School
Looking for a school,
NOT a day-care?
That’s GREAT because
we’re a real school!
• Member of the International Montessori Council
• Montessori Certified and intern teachers
• Progress reports & Parent/Teacher conferences
• Real self-paced Montessori curriculum
Celebrating 21 Years of Excellence!
Montessori Curriculum Encompasses:
Science, Math, Language, Art, Culture, Geography, Practical Life, Music, & More!
Come and See Our Large Sports Field and our Covered Play Area!
Extra Features:
• Japanese Language & Culture
• Field Trips
• Kindermusik Program
• Extended Day Program
• Lunch Vendor Service
• Parent Lending Library
• Professional Gym Sports Club
• Convenient Payment System
• English Language Classes (ESL)
AGES: 2-6 years old
Year-round Registration & Open House
Mon.-Fri. School Hours: 8:30-2:30
& EDP Hours: 6:30-8:30 & 2:30-5:30
098-983-7303 newms@tontonme.ne.jp • www.east-west-montessori.co.jp
2008-06-26
2008-06-25
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!
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.
2008-06-19
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
2008-05-26
Foster Library - Baby Time
10 & 11:30a.m.
Foster Library
Baby Time is for parents and their babies (ages 4—9 months).
Network with other parents who are also experiencing sleepless nights, fussy afternoons, and joyful periods between.
2008-05-10
Courtney Arts & Crafts - Mother's Day Ikebana
May 10 - 3 p.m.Fee: $20
Courtney Arts & Crafts, 622-7492
2008-05-09
Education officials: Time to hit the books
Summer term college registration begins May 19
Lance Cpl. Joseph A. Cabrera
OKINAWA MARINE STAFF
CAMP FOSTER — As registration for summer college classes approaches. Marine Corps Community Services Lifelong Learning Center officials are encouraging people to take advantage of the wide variety of courses available on Okinawa.
Registration for classes is May 19 through May 30, and classes for the summer term begin June 2 and end July 26.
Classes are generally two nights a week for eight weeks. Lunchtime and weekend classes are also available, according to Bob Stenard, the supervisory guidance counselor with the Lifelong Learning Center on Camp Foster.
Lifelong Learning Centers are located on all Marine Corps installations and are open to everyone with base access.
Centers have various resources available to help students choose the right education program. whether it be classroom instruction or online courses.
“It can be easier to get into a school here rather than waiting until you get out of the military because there are so many education opportunities available.” said Keena Morris, an education services specialist with the Camp Foster center.
Stenard said education counselors help students set goals that match their careers, and getting an education here gives service members an advantage if they plan on continuing their education when they leave the military.
“Plan ahead.” Stenard said. “You’re in the driver’s seat, if you want to be.”
Many colleges accept the College Level Examination Program. Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support Subject Standardized Tests and Excelsior College Examinations, which allow individuals to earn college credits through testing without having to take the course.
Acceptance of the CLEP, DANTES and ECE credits varies from college to college.
“Servicemember Opportunity Colleges are more familiar with these exams and how they relate to their degree programs.” said Morris.
Stenard added that another benefit of being in the military is the Tuition Assistance program, which allows service members to attend courses while the military pays up to $250 per credit hour of tuition.
Tuition assistance covers up to $4.500 a year of tuition for undergraduate and graduate programs. Students are responsible for the cost of books, applicable enrollment fees and must repay tuition assistance for courses failed, said Morris.
Officers and enlisted personnel receive the same dollar amount of tuition assistance; however, an officer must complete the last class with two years of commissioned military service remaining on their contract, or reimburse tuition.
Prospective students wanting to use the TA program, must contact the Lifelong Learning Center to schedule the College 101 Tuition Assistance brief.
Service members also have the Montgomery GI Bill college fund available to them.
“GI Bill questions are about 15 percent of what we handle,” said Stenard. “A lot of people come in with misunderstandings about what the GI Bill is about and how to use it.”
Military spouses also have an advantage with scholarship and grant options available from the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Navy Officers’ Spouses Club and Marine Corps Offices’ Spouses Club, Stenard said.
For more information about continuing education, scholarships. grants and tuition assistance. contact any Lifelong Learning Center.
MCCS seeks to grow lifeguard staff to meet summer demands at base pools
Lance Cpl. Joseph A. Cabrera
OKINAWA MARINE STAFF
CAMP FOSTER — Marine Corps Community Services Semper Fit Aquatics recently began free monthly lifeguard certification classes on Camp Hansen and Camp Foster to help meet the approaching summer demand for lifeguards.
The courses are scheduled to take place Friday through Sunday for two consecutive weeks. The current course began May 2 and is scheduled to end May 11.
Many students currently in the course said they plan to apply for jobs at one of the 12 MCCS pool facilities on Okinawa once they get certified.
Students in the program will receive a lifeguard and first aid certification from the American Red Cross, valid for three years. Students will also receive American Red Cross certifications for CPR, use of the automated external defibrillator and blood borne pathogen prevention, valid for one year.
The course covers injury prevention, patron surveillance, emergency preparation, rescue skills and respiratory and cardiac emergency treatment. The course also covers first aid for muscle, bone, joint, head, neck and back injuries.
“Lifeguards are professionals trained to save lives.” said Scott Burton, head lifeguard instructor and Camp Hansen pool manger. The most important part of the course is learning rescue skills, he said. “If the lifeguard can react sooner, there is less of a need for CPR.”
The course also covers the legal issues of consent, Good Samaritan laws, negligence and how those topics affect decision making poolside, said Ashley Leeper, lifeguard instructor and Camp Courtney pool manager.
“Not a lot of people realize what a lifeguard actually does,” said Leeper
To create a safe environment for pool patrons, lifeguards are also responsible for checking safety and rescue equipment, pump rooms. floor tiles, and anything that could jeopardize patron safety in and around the pool area.
Burton said the skills the students learn in this course are not Okinawa specific and can be used at MCCS swimming facilities worldwide.
Also, students in the course may be preparing for other occupations that require a background as a lifeguard, such as swim coaches and camp counselors. Burton said. Some people may use life guarding as a stepping stone to become an emergency medical technician.
Most state parks and beaches accept the American Red Cross certification, depending on the type of waterfront, he said.
For more information about upcoming lifeguard courses and locations, visit the MCCS Okinawa Web site at http://www.mccsokinawa.com.
2008-05-05
hey, mike: Dragon boat races
I’ve been hearing about how they have dragon boat races here on Okinawa. Can you tell me a little bit about them? Are they the same as the ones in Hong Kong?
There are several popular Chinese legends that depict water dragons as quasi-demigods that govern the rivers, seas, and oceans. And every year, during the spring and summer months, these legends come to life in the waters surrounding the island of Okinawa.
Most agree that dragon boat races originated in China, and were either brought to the island as a form of entertainment for visiting Chinese envoys, or were transferred to the Ryukyu Kingdom by islanders who saw the spectacle while visiting or studying in China. One of the most popular legends about the beginning of dragon boat racing is the story of Chu Yuan—a faithful member of a 278 B.C. Chinese emperor’s court.
ChuYuan was a poet and philosopher, and while many in the government respected Yuan (and usually heeded his sage counsel), they adored playing their political court games too much. Yuan worked long and hard for reforms to save the ailing empire. However, it wasn’t long before the emperor was beguiled by silver-tongued sycophants and ChuYuan was banished from the court.
While in exile, Chu Yuan composed poetry about his fervent love for his country, and his deep concern for his homeland’s future. He made friends among the rural populace, especially with the fishermen.
However, upon learning of the devastation of the court at the hands of a rival kingdom, Chu Yuan fell into a bleak depression. And, because he felt somehow responsible, he leaped into the Mi Lo River holding a great rock.
Many fishermen raced out in their boats in an attempt to save Chu Yuan while beating on drums and splashing their oars in the water to keep the water dragons away from his body. Although many boats were dispatched to save him, none were fast enough, It is said that the dragon boat races throughout Asia were originally held in honor of this statesman.
Today, dragon boat races are held in fishing communities throughout Okinawa beginning in the late spring and lasting through late summer. The largest of these festivals is the Naha HárI (also known as Harii) which is held during Golden Week, five days of holiday between April 29 and May 5. Naha’s dragon boat races, which will take place May 3 to 5, pit large multi-colored boats against each other in breathless sprints. Each vessel is powered by a 32-rower team and decorated with ferocious- looking dragon heads, scaled arms with sharp talons, and elaborate tails.
Teams range from those made up of district residents, groups comprised of company employees, and rowers from different countries (including teams from U.S. military installations). The three-day Naha Hâri Festival often draws hundreds of thousands of spectators and incorporates food booths, live band performances, and nightly firework displays.
Regardless of origin, dragon boat races remain immensely popular on Okinawa. The races have changed considerably over the centuries: today many of the ancient symbolic rituals of veneration are overshadowed by the entertaining spectacle. However, almost everyone who has witnessed or participated in a race will probably attest to this—during hâri season, water dragons do indeed rule the seas of Okinawa.
Got questions for Mike? E-mail editor@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
2008-05-03
mccs TV: GUSUKU
GUSUKU
Tuesday. 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.
Gususku means "castle” or “fortress” in the Okinawan language and on this small island there are two standing gusukus and almost one dozen gusuku ruins to visit. Some of them are so important to the culture and history of the Ryukyu Islands that UNESCO has listed them as World Heritage Sites. In this episode of Okinawa Guide find out why these cultural treasures are being preserved.
Don Purdy, Kathy Millette, Shelley Merrell
Counseling & Advocacy Program - Teen Process Group
Join other teens ages 13 through 16 to address topics such as social and life skills, coping mechanisms for stress and anger, healthy relationships, self-esteem development, and many others.
2008-05-02
Ocean Expo Park offers rare peek at aquatic life
** NOTE: The captions for the photos in this article incorrectly identify the false killer whale (pseudorca crassidens) in the Okichan Theatre performance (NOT a pilot whale) & the fossil jaws of the megalodon shark (NOT of a great white).
Lance Cpl. Richard Blumenstein
okinawa marine staff
Averaging 25 feet in length, weighing up to 15 tons, with huge mouths that can open up to 4-feet wide, whale sharks are the largest fish on earth.
They are also a key attraction at Okinawa’s Ocean Expo Park, and the giant fish made a lasting impression on a group of people who visited the park during a trip to the park hosted by Marine Corps Community Services April 11.
Cpl. Matthew J. Vasquez and his wife Wilikinia both said the giant fish were the park’s most awe-inspiring attractions, and most in the group echoed their sentiment.
Ocean Expo Park, located on the western edge of Okinawa’s Motobu peninsula, is a major tourist attraction on Okinawa and is home to several subsections, including the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.
One of the aquarium’s main displays, the Kuroshio (Black Current) Sea tank, is massive. It is 10 meters deep (about 33 feet), 35 meters wide (about 115 feet) and 27 meters long (about 89 feet). Aside from the whale sharks, the tank contains a number of aquatic animals native to the Kuroshio (the warm undersea ocean current that supports the Okinawa underwater ecosystem) depth region including manta rays, sea turtles and countless schools of tropical fish.
The tank is constructed with a transparent wall, 35 meters wide (about 115 feet) and 60 centimeters thick (about two feet), that allows visitors see an amazing view of the ocean life.
“The whale sharks made me seem like an ant,” said 12-year old Jariah Tolbert. “They were amazing.”
Ocean Expo Park was the site of the Okinawa International Ocean Exposition, a 1975 event concerning oceanographic cultures, technology, and marine life. The park features several areas of interest, each containing distinctive themes focused on aquatic life, history and nature. The vast park has many exhibits and shows that can keep patrons busy all day.
On the MCCS tour, visitors all started with a trip through the aquarium but then went their separate ways. Some continued to explore the aquarium in depth while others ventured off into other areas including the Oceanic Culture Museum, the Native Okinawan Village, Emerald Beach, the Tropical Dream Center and the Tropical & Subtropical Arboretum.
For most of the children, and a few others on the tour, the comical antics of dolphin species, such as the pilot whale, at the aquarium’s Okichan Theater proved to be another favorite.
“It was pretty cool when the dolphin actually came on stage and stuck his tongue out,” Army Capt. Jeremy B. Robert said. “I’d never seen anything like that before.”
Elsewhere in the park, close encounters with in the Shark Research Lab was the highlight for 6-year old Daniel Locke III.
The lab houses an aquatic tank full of various kinds of sharks and is full of shark skeletons, including the jaw of a great white shark.
“I’d never been that close to a shark before,” Daniel said. “It was cool.”
In the Okinawan Village, the Vasquezes got hands-on experience in mastering one of their favorite lullabies on a Sanshin, a traditional Okinawan instrument similar to a banjo.
“We spent most of our time in the Okinawan Village,” Wilikinia said. “They taught us how to play ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’.”
The village replicates Ryukyuan dwellings found on Okinawa during the 17th and 18th centuries and presents visitors with a chance to experience ancient Okinawan culture and explore the ancient homes.
There is no fee to enter Ocean Expo Park, but aquarium tickets are ¥1,800 for adults and ¥1,200 for high-school students. A few other attractions in the park also have admission
fees. A complete list of attractions, show times and admission fees are available on the park’s
Web site at http://www.kaiyouhaku.com/en/index.html.
To get to the park, take the Okinawa Expressway north to its final exit near Nago City. Exit on Highway 58 and follow the signs to the park.
fashion: Think Pink
Fashion tends to attune itself in the hues of the season. Winter brings out white and glitter (ala snow), and fall takes its cue from trees busy shedding leaves of burnt red and orange. So what does the color palette hold for spring? Take a jaunt through any popular fashion haven this time of year and you’re going to notice a common trend: pink.
For a short time during spring, Japan is veiled in pink buds of sakura, the beloved cherry blossom. While traditionally sakura is deeply symbolic of the beauty and frailty of human life, fashion leaves the metaphor and steals the flower. One would be hard-pressed not to find an overabundance of pink in stores right now. Spring clothing is sprinkled with pink of all forms, from flowers and stripes to animals. And like the blossoms themselves that range from a clear coral to a florid fuchsia, this springy trend applies the entire pink spectrum to its duds.
Pink wear is by no means limited to clothing. Nearly every accessory from mobile phones to puppy finery shows the pink hue. While the West traditionally looks at pink with more feminine undertones, this does not hold true in Japan: pink has found its way into male ensembles as well.
So the time has come to expel the winter drudgery and dive into pink. Pick up some sakura-inspired threads and enjoy the warmer weather while rejoicing in springtime.
2008-04-30
SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH LUNCHEON
APRIL 30 11 A.M.—1 P.M.
BUTLER O'CLUB
TICKETS $11
THIS LUNCHEON WILL HIGHLIGHT THE EFFORTS OF DoD AND MILITARY SERVICES IN COMBATING AND PPEVENTING SEXUAL ASSAULT CRIMES.
TO REGiSTER, EMAIL JOEANNA GREEN AT joe.green@usmc.mil. PAYMENT WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE DOOR.
2008-04-25
mccs TV: Okinawan Art
Thursday, 2 p.m.
From woodblock paintings to fine sculptures, Okinawa has had a long history of creating unique and inviting pieces of art. At the end of World War II most of the island’s artwork changed to reflect the emotional needs of its people. This episode of Okinawa Guide features the phases of Okinawa’s fine arts in the post-war era, including a Section devoted entirely to Peace Prayer Park.
