PORT OF CALL CLUB: White Beach

Stop by the Port of Call Club Food Court for a quick healthy sandwich by Smash Hit Subs or satisfy your taste buds with some awesome burgers and pizza at Mean Gene’s Burgers and Mean Gene’s Pizza. The game room features a wide range of video games, pool tables and plenty of tv’s for all the sports fans.

• Sports Bar
• Pool Tables
• Air Hockey
• Fooseball
• Video Games
• Darts

GAMEROOM

DAILY

8:00 AM - 11:00 PM

BAR/CHECK CASHING

MONDAY - THURSDAY

4:00 PM - 11:00 PM

FRIDAY

4:00 PM - 1:00 AM

SATURDAY

NOON - 1:00 AM

SUNDAY

NOON - 11:00 PM

PHONE# 622-1880

FOOD COURT
PHONE # 622-1888

Featuring Mean Gene’s Burger, Mean Gene’s Pizza and Smash Hit Subs

OPEN DAILY

BREAKFAST ITEMS

6:30AM- 11:00AM

MEAN GENE’S BURGER

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

MEAN GENE’S PIZZA

10:00 AM- 10:00 PM

SMASH HIT SUBS

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

mccs TV: Awamori

July 8, 11 am. & 6 p.m.

Drink it straight, on ice, or as the base of your favorite cocktail mix. Awamori is to Okinawa like vodka is to Russia and it is quickly growing in popularity around the world. Learn all about the distilled liquors history and the best ways to enoy it in your own home in this episode of Okinawa Guide.

MCCS Broadcast Team: Joe Andes, Victor Mercado, Samy Fineman, Don Purdy, Kathy Millette, Shelley Merrell, Chrissy Barnett Miller

culture corner: Spam Onigiri

Spam probably isn’t the first food that pops into most minds when craving a delicious snack. Many people do not find Spam very appetizing and often refer to it as “mystery meat” or simply dislike it because it is not exactly nutritious. However, one may be pleasantly surprised after tasting Spam onigiri which happens to be sold all over Okinawa in places such as local Family Mart or Lawson convenience stores.

Onigiri is boiled rice that is molded into a triangle, cylinder or circle that is wrapped in nori (dried seaweed) and usually has some type of filling inside. Although this may sound similar to sushi, it differs because the rice is not treated with vinegar beforehand. It is also about three times larger. All kinds of onigiri can be found, most of them triangular-shaped, with fillings such as salmon, miso (fermented soybeans), umeboshi (pickled ume fruits), tuna, and more.

Spam onigiri, also known as Spam musubi in Hawaii and poku-tamago locally, resembles a sandwich as it is rectangular-shaped and is a little larger than the triangular onigiri. It consists of rice wrapped in nori and contains a slice of fried Spam and scrambled egg placed in the middle. Okinawan Spam onigiri often has tuna or miso inside as well.

Spam is made of ham, pork, sugar, salt, water, potato starch, and sodium nitrate, which helps it retain its pretty pink color. It is produced by Hormel Foods and has sold over six billion cans since 1937. Spam has become a part of Okinawan culture and cuisine and can even be purchased in gift sets as souvenirs at local gift shops.

Spam was introduced to Okinawa during World War II and has been popular ever since. The U.S. military brought it to the island when food was being rationed. Fresh meat was scarce so Spam was served as a convenient alternative because of its high calorie count and long shelf life. It didn’t take long for the Okinawans to take a liking to it, and they soon began incorporating the “mystery meat” into many local dishes, such as champuru and of course, Spam onigiri.

Spam onigiri is a surprisingly tasty snack that- can be identified by an Okinawan-themed plastic wrapper with pictures of shisa, a red hibiscus flower, and Shuri Castle on the front. It tastes great at any time of day, and can even puts a twist on a typical breakfast. It can be consumed cold, straight out of the refrigerator, or can be heated up in the microwave for about thirty seconds. The cashier at Family Mart or Lawson will even heat it up for you when you purchase it. A cold Spam onigiri tastes great on a hot summer day. It costs about 200 yen and will offer you a taste of Okinawan cuisine that you may have never experienced or dared to try.

—Rebekah Davenport

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.

fenutin okinawa restaurant & Kalahai okinawan music

fenutin okinawa restaurant
Open daily from 5:00 pm - 12:00am
(Last order 11:30pm)

A traditional Okinawan themed restaurant serving an array of freshly prepared sushi, sashimi, tempura, traditional Okinawan foods, and much more.

Pair your foods with the local beer Orion. Or, enjoy some of Okinawa’s finest awamori

For reservations, call 098-926-3008
fenutin@rinken.gr.jp

start your evening dining at Fenutin.

continue your evening at Kalahai, our original Okinawa live house.

Kalahai okinawan music

For reservations, call 098-982-7077
kalahaai@rinken.gr.jp

Open daily from 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
1st performance 7:00 p.m.-7:45 p.m.
2nd performance 9:00 p.m.-9:45 p.m.

Daily program:
music charges- adult\Yen 1,500 - child\Yen 700
Rinken Band special live:
from 8 p.m. (last order 7:30 p.m.)
music charges- adult\Yen 3,500 - child\ Yen 1,500

Kalahai featuring the energetic performances by Okinawa’s own Rinken Band. Rinken Band has entertained millions of fans since 1987. Rinken Band has also recorded several CD’s.

Don’t miss this unique and energetic show.

Remember, if you drink, don’t drive.
We want you to return for more fun and excitement!

We accept US$ and Visa/Mastercard

w w w . r i n k e n . g r . j p

Kadena ITT

634-4322

Vineyard Grape Picking Tour
6 July • 9 am - 3 pm
$28 • Adults
$20 • Children ages 6 - 12
$5 • Infants ages 0 - 5

Did you know Okinawa has a vineyard? Experience one of the unique highlights of Okinawa this summer by participating in this grape vineyard tour. Not only will you be able to witness how grapes are grown, but you will be allowed to sample a few. Come with us and enjoy your very own grapes included in this delicious tour! Don’t forget your sunscreen, water and yen for lunch and purchases. Grapes are not included in the infant price.


Emerald Beach & Fireworks Festival at Expo Park
19 July • 2 pm - 12 am
$27 • Adults
$15 • Children ages 6 - 12
$5 • Infants ages 0 - 5

Enjoy this popular annual festival, featuring 10,000 fireworks displayed over beautiful Emerald Beach! You can also enjoy listening to artists from Okinawa and other regions during their live performances or just relax at the park. Come celebrate the arrival of high summer with us! Churaumi Aquarium entrance fee is not included in the tour price.


*New Tours in July!*
11 July - Fun Day atYYY
24 July - Beaches & Beyond (Marine Park Beach)
26 July - Aka Island Day Tour

Stop by Kadena ITT and pick up the monthly local tours calendar or log on to www.kadenaservices.com. Tours and itineraries are subject to cancellation or change without notice. For more information, e-mail kadenaitt@18services.com.

Show your Air Force club card and we’ll give you 10% off local hotels, discount tickets, private and local tours!

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

MOTHER’S DAY SUNDAY BRUNCH

MAY 11, 10 A.M.-2 P.M.

It’s Mom’s day to relax, so take her to an MCCS restaurant for Sunday brunch! Marine Corps ID card holders receive $3 off adult brunch and $1 off children’s brunch.

KINSER SURFSIDE
Adult $13.50, Children $5.50

BUTLER O’CLUB
Adult $15.50. Children $7.75

THIRSTY’S
Adult $10.95, Children $5.50

AWASE MEADOWS
Adult $12.95, Children $6.95

Mother’s Day Brunch

It’s recognized the world over that there’s really no way to fully thank our mothers for the lifetime of love, support, and guidance they provide. And it’s just as impossible to conceive of all the things for which they deserve to be thanked. However, treating your mom to a special Mother’s Day brunch at an MCCS club on May 11 is one very pleasant way to express the thanks that often go unspoken for both small deeds and large.

At the Butler Officers’ Club your mom can enjoy a scrumptious brunch of breakfast fare, fresh fruit, baked ham, roast turkey, and superb house-made desserts. Adults eat for $15.50 and children for $7.75. At Kinser Surfside a similarly delicious meal will be served for $13.50 for adults and $5.50 for children.

At the Awase Meadows Restaurant adults can dine for $12.95 and children for $6.95. Special Mother’s Day cuisine will be available, including made-to- order eggs and omelets, a platter of bacon, ham, and sausage, country potatoes with homemade gravy, biscuits, grits, pancakes, breads, oatmeal, and fresh fruit.

At Thirsty’s Enlisted Club a lavish spread will include chicken, beef, and fish entrees. Eggs Benedict and omelets will also be available. Tasty desserts will include crepes, Danish pastries, and cakes. Adults can enjoy this brunch for $10.94 and children for $5.50.

Brunches are open to all ranks and services. Marine Corps ID card holders can receive $3 off adult and $1 off children’s brunch prices.

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For more information, contact a participating club or restaurant.

Unlocking the spirits of rice: Secrets of making awamori

Story and photos by Reggie Cantu

A casual excursion through an Okinawan neighborhood can lead to new discoveries — including the time-honored tradition of making the potent local liquor known as “awamori.”

One day while strolling the hills of Chatan just north of the Camp Foster fire station I noticed a bank of gleaming stainless steel vats through the gaping doors of a nondescript building. Curious, I stepped inside. Yutaka Tamanaha, the comptroller, explained that I was in a "shuzosho,” or awamori distillery named Chatan Choro Shuzo.

About 600 years ago, a crafty traveler sailed from Thailand to Okinawa. He brought a batch of long-grain rice and the secrets of distilling that rice into what Tokyo University’s Kinichiro Sakaguchi declared to be “one of the best spirits in the world.” Sakaguchi is an authority in the field of zymurgy, the study of fermentation in brewing and distilling. Awamori is brewed much like beer except with rice.

The rice used in creating awamori is the indica genus of Thailand. Forty-seven distillers in the Ryukyus make awamori and they all have their own particular way of blending the final product. The proportions are kept as trade secrets and rely on the abilities of professional tasters to produce the desired formulas.

According to Tamanaha, the process in use is the same basic one discovered centuries ago. The rice is first washed and steamed in vats for at least 24 hours. It is then dried and kept at a constant warm temperature. It is then introduced to another interesting specimen, a black mold or “koji.” Black koji is also indigenous to Okinawa. As the koji permeates to the core of the heated rice, it creates enzymes which break down starch molecules into sugar, which can then be fermented.

After a day or two, water and yeast are added to the koji rice in other vats which are covered and left for a few weeks. The mash is known as “moromi.” Next comes the distillation where the moromi is heated and the water extracted. What remains is raw liquor. The new spirits are stored, initially in underground tanks to cool, then in the large steel tuns that first caught my eye. The awamori ages for at least three years before it is blended either with older spirits or water to reach the desired strength. Awamori, like most distilled liquor, mellows with age and the price rises.

Tamanaha’s brother, Hitoshi, is the master taster. He is in charge of creating the end product of the business, which has been in the same family and location for over a century.

I learned much about the liquid in those bottles I see in nearly every store from my little jaunt. Now I’m eager as a puppy when my much better half holds up the leash and asks, “Ready for a walk?”

FOUR SEASONS

VOTED AMERICANS # 1 CHOICE FOR TEPPANYAKI STEAK ON OKINAWA!!

Our Hamby Location is moving to Mihama to serve you better!
Our Mihama Grand Opening will be Tuesday, May 20th!
Our new location will have 30 parking spaces plus small and large private party rooms.

Please call for private dining room reservations.

Full Course Steak Lunch - 1200 yen
Full Course Steak Dinner - 1835 yen

LUNCH 11:00-14:00
DINNER 14:00-11:00

We accept U.S. $ and Yen

FOUR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU
Okinawa City (Koza) 098-933-5731 Urasoe (Kinser) 098-877-0429
Okinawa City (Awase) 098-937-0029 Chatan (Mihama) 098-926-1329

okinawa noodle

New Style Okinawa Noodle

okinawa noodle
www.okinawanoodle.com

"Okinawa Noodle" OPEN at Chatan Araha Beach!

Sunset Bldg. Seaside 2F
2-15-1 Chatan, Chatan—cho
Nakagami—gun, Okinawa
904-0116
TEL: 098-936-6072
open 11:00—22:00

Big 500 yen Small 350 yen only!

I am free to make limit topping once free, beside!!

The other menus are advantageous, too!
•Juicy Inari 150 yen
•Inaril 50 yen
•Juicy inari 150 yen
•Rice 100 yen
•Beer 250 yen
•ice cream 150 yen
•Shaved Ice 200 yen
•Sweet adzuki 25O yen
•Soft drink 100 yen

topping (ood) !
meet•tebichi•soki•deep-fried shrimp•
deep-fried squld•deep-fried mozuku•
takoyaki • chinese-style dumpling• hamburger
stake•boiled egg•corn•curry ••••etc !

* All takeout OK ! Topping (ood) !

Opening Campaign

Skin is beautifull?
Collagen Soup "Chura Noodle" big 550 yen•small 400 yen !

Bring it in the shop ! ---->

okinawa noodle
www.okinawanoodle.com
•Only for taking Okinawa Noodle or Chura Noodle
Soft Drink FREE TICKET

Kadena Services Weekly Highlights - 2 May

We’re live!
Check out Okuma’s new and improved website.
Virtual tours, room reservations and more!
http://www.kadenaservices.com/okuma/index.html




This one’s gonna make you BIG!
Get Fit Casting Call
Military, get into your PT gear and civilians into your workout gear and
show us your best moves. We wanna put you on TV.
3 May • 9 am – 11 am
Risner Fitness Center




Five forks, four spoons and a fab night
Gourmet Night
8 May • 6 pm
Delight in a five course meal and a fine dining experience.
Kadena Officers’ Club • 634-3663




Shots of luv
Monthly Vaccination Clinic
3 May • 8 am – 12 pm
Vet Clinic • 634-1362




Like to Superman?
BMO Music Fest
1 June
Okinawa Ginowan Outdoor Theater
Featuring: A-Team, Get Money Boys, Fabo
Hurricane Chris, Bobby Valentino, Ginuwine
Soulja Boy and more...
Purchase your tickets from ITT
Call 634-4322.

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

culture corner: Fugu for the Daring

Among the epicurean pleasures of the world, eating fugu is something unique. Fugu, the blowfish or globefish, offers taste, health, and adventure in every bite. To enthusiasts, the paper-thin slices of fugu flesh, eaten raw, have a matchless delicate flavor. They are high in protein and low in calories—a weight-watchers dream. But it is the third aspect, the thrill-seeker’s adventure, that makes fugu truly distinctive, for fugu is among the most toxic of marine creatures.

A single fugu contains enough poison to kill 30 adults and there is no known antidote, although people often survive the milder cases of fugu poisoning. The deadly toxin in fugu is tetradotoxin, a neurotoxin. In Japan, the long and impressive list of fugu martyrs includes several hulking Sumo wrestlers and other notables. Each year, a few dozen fugu eaters in Japan are poisoned, some fatally. However, the death toll has shrunk in recent years. Most deaths involve fishermen who catch fugu, prepare the fish themselves, and never live long enough to regret it.

There is an old Japanese folk song that goes, “I want to eat fugu, but I don’t want to die.” These days, there’s less of a reason to worry. Indeed, eating fugu prepared by a licensed fugu chef is completely safe; the testing and licensing of fugu chefs is handled at local government level.

To qualify, applicants must first serve an apprenticeship of at least two years under a licensed fugu chef. Next, they take a two-hour written examination. Then, within three minutes, they must identify five species of the dozen or so fugu that are marketed. Finally, in 20 minutes, they must prepare the fugu, separating the poisonous organs from those that are edible. About 35 percent of applicants pass.

In the tora fugu, or tiger blowfish, which is the most popular and most expensive type, the meat and skin are safe to eat. All other organs of that species are dangerous, particularly the liver and ovaries.

Even so, if the chef in a restaurant knows a particular customer well, he may ask him quietly if he would like a tiny piece of the toxic organs. Some people like the faint numbing sensation that eating a small quantity of the fugu toxin produces.

Fugu is not unique to Japan; nearly 100 species inhabit the warm waters of the world. Yet it is in Japan that preparing and eating fugu is a common ritual. Why fugu? Anthony Bourdain, the gastronomic Indiana Jones from Discovery Channel, sums it up: “The lure of fugu is the sensation that though you know it won’t happen, it just might be you this time."

—Amar Bhuyan

off-base events (May 2)

May 2, 7 p.m.
Okinawan Classical Dance Performance
Okinawa Folk Theater, Naha City
Tickets: 2,500 yen

May 3—5
Naha Hari (Dragon Boat Race)
Naha Shinko Port, Naha City

May 3—6, 9:30 a.m.—6 p.m
Okinawa Kodomo-no-Kuni Festival
Okinawa Zoo, Okinawa City

May 3—11, 9 a.m.—5 p.m.
Nago Orchid Festival
Neo Park Okinawa, Nago City

island tours - May 2

EXPLORE OKINAWA
WITH MCCS TOURS+

Battle Sites Tour
May 3, 9 a.m.—5 p.m.
Adults, $23.50; Children (3—11), $13; Children (under 3), $5
Visit the Battle of Okinawa Historical Collection on Camp Kinser. Then relive the battle with a history lesson. Explore the Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters and end the day at Peace Prayer Park. Bring dollars for lunch and yen for admission fees.

Sweet and Salty Tour
May 3, 9 a.m.—2 p.m.
Adults, $15; Children (3—11), $9; Children (under 3), $5
See the processes behind two of Okinawa’s traditional trades. Visit a sugarcane factory to learn how Okinawa’s brown sugar is made, then head to a sea salt refinery to find out how salt is produced. Bring yen for lunch and purchases.

Northern Highlights
May 4, 9 a.m.—5 p.m.
Adults, $35; Children (3—11), $19; Children (under 3), $5
Visit Nago Pineapple Winery, Nago Glass Factory, and the Orion Beer Factory. Then enjoy
a yakiniku-style lunch (included) at Fruits Land Garden. Bring yen for purchases.

Southern Hills Ice Skating
May 9, 11 a.m.—4p.m.
Adults, $33.25; Children (12—17), $30; Children (7—11), $21; Children (3—6), $18; Children (under 3), $5
More than just an ice skating rink, Southern Hill offers batting cages, a bowling alley, video games, and more. Bring yen for food and activities. Note: hats and gloves are required for skating.

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For more information, contact MCCS Tours+: Camp Foster, 646-3502 | Camp Hansen, 623-6344 | Camp Kinser, 637-2744