Official getaway spot offers recreational services for SOFA personnel

Jet ski rentals are among the many popular activities at the Okuma Joint Services Recreation Center. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Corey A. Blodgett).

Lance Cpl. Corey A. Blodgett

OKUMA, Okinawa (July 11, 2008) -- Whether planning a day or a week of fun in the sun or simply some rest and relaxation, one place to consider is the Okuma Joint Services Recreation Center.

"We provide a necessary getaway for military members and their families during their stay on Okinawa," said David Harris, the deputy commander of Okuma. "They deserve any breaks they can get, and Okuma is the perfect place with all the activities and opportunities we have to offer."

Situated in the northern part of Okinawa on the tip of the Okuma peninsula, the 135-acre military recreation facility is equipped for fun, and is open to all Status of Forces Agreement personnel.

"You are never bored at Okuma, there are a lot of things to do," said Cpl. Mwenya Mundende, the Camp Kinser Single Marine Program president, who visited Okuma with a group of Marines and sailors June 20-22.

With beaches on both sides of the facility, guests can enjoy a number of water activities including jet skiing, kayaking, wake boarding and banana boat rides.

"The jet skis were the biggest hit," said Mundende, speaking for the group he was with.

Guests can also enjoy underwater fun while scuba diving or snorkeling in the reefs surrounding Okuma. If needed, gear can be rented on site for a daily fee.

In addition to the water activities, the center also boasts the Speedway Go Kart Racetrack which is open daily during the summer. There are tennis and basketball courts, batting cages, a nine-hole executive golf course, and a putt-putt golf course.

When not having fun in the sun, the Surfside Restaurant and Wave Runner Lounge offers a chance to come indoors to relax for a meal or socialize at the bar.

"With so many activities it's almost impossible to do everything in a single day," Mundende said. "The best bet for everyone is to stay for at least one night."

The facility offers a variety of sleeping quarters for patrons, including camp sites, log cabins, bungalows, even suites and a brand new private beach cottage.

The sleeping accommodations are catered to all budgets; ranging from $10-a-night campsites to the $165-a-night private cottage with convenient beach access.

With all the center has to offer, Okuma is "definitely worth going to and worth every penny," Mundende said.

For more information and directions to the Okuma Joint Services Recreation Center, call 632-4386 or visit http://www.kadenaservices.com/okuma/indexopen.html.

The Okuma Joint Services Recreation Center is located at the tip of the Okuma peninsula that stretches into the clear, blue East China Sea. With beaches on either side of the facility, guests can enjoy a number of activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, wake boarding and banana boat rides; or just relax under a beach umbrella. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Corey A. Blodgett).

hey, mike: Okinawan cockroach

I have recently arrived on Okina wa and am looking forward to participating in the many spring and summer activities. However, an island veteran told me to be careful of some of the bugs because they’re gigantic. I live in a very old apartment off base, and am beginning to get worried. Is he pulling my leg?

-New to the Island

As winter ends, and the weather warms on Okinawa people begin to jump when they hear the word habu. Others dread entering the seas surrounding the island because they think a 30-foot shark will immediately eat them when they step into a foot of water While snakes and sharks can be dangerous, encounters aren’t as common as many believe, and a healthy dose of caution can lessen your chances of being injured. However, the return of warm weather brings a terror that is all too real—the large, disgusting, and almost indestructible Okinawan cockroach.

Imagine, it’s four a.m. and you’re suddenly startled from sleep by the sound of your better half’s screams punctuated by sounds of mayhem. Fearing the worst, you grab the nearest heavy object and dash frantically to the clamor emanating from the kitchen with visions of burglars and Hannibal Lecter racing through your bead. As you reach the kitchen doorway, you see an object flying like a harrier jump jet make a hard 90-degree turn around the refrigerator, then accelerate towards your face like a radar-guided missile. Milliseconds before impact your brain registers the fact that the object is a flying cockroach—larger than any roach you have ever seen in your life. Immediately your own screams of terror drown out the pitiful noises coming from your spouse.

If you have lived through “the warm season” on Okinawa (usually from early March to late November), it’s possible that you have beard or even experienced a situation like this one, Hardened veterans of the tôbira (cockroach in the local dialect) wars often swap stories of their epic battles with roaches the size of Rodan (a flying monster from the Godzilla movies) and lament that defeating them is an impossible task, However, although it can seem like a hopeless undertaking, victory is attainable. Battles can be won one can of Raid at a time, but the key weapon in the war on bugs is persistence. Sprays, pellets, and roach traps (the ones roaches check into, but don’t check out of) are effective, but the methods often only succeed in giving you momentary peace of mind if used by themselves. The only true way to eliminate cockroaches from your home is diligence.

Keeping kitchen areas clear by immediately cleaning up spills and crumbs, keeping foodstuffs in sealed containers, and cleaning kitchen grease on a regular basis is a significant step (roaches also love the smell of stale coke and beer—rinse out containers before recycling them). Denying the roaches access into your home by caulking up cracks and checking door and window seals also helps. These methods, when used in combination with pest sprays that contain pyethrin and permethrin (or if pets and/or children are present, boric acid) will lead to victory in the war on bugs. However, always remember to exercise caution when using these or any other types of chemical.

If the combination of these methods doesn’t eliminate the problem, or you have a run-in with a giant wasp, the centipede that ate the Humvee, or the yellow- and-black-striped spider that ate them both, call a real professional... from a safe distance of course.

- Mike Daley

OKINAWA DIVE SPOTS - map

Sunabe Seawall, Maeda Point, Onna Point, Sunabe Seawall Ark Dive, Sunabe Seawall Junk Yard\

Dive Site Difficulty Factor

Ratings are progressive, from 1 (easy dive) to 5 (very difficult dive). The ratings apply specifically to the site, not to the level of experience of the diver. They take into account ease of entry, depths, hazards, currents, and how the weather affects the site. The ratings are also based on ideal conditions, which include calm seas, mild winds, and little current. During periods of less than ideal conditions, the difficulty factor increases and assessing the true level of difficulty requires diving experience at the site. Until a diver is familiar with a site, a site orientation from a trained professional is strongly recommended.

Horseshoe Pavilion, Kadena Steps North, Kadena Steps South

Sunabe Seawall Curry House, Sunabe Seawall South, Toilet Bowl, Maeda Flats, Bolo Point, Kin Red

Photos by Charles Thomas

B. Y. O. B.

Bring Your Own Buddy

Tsunami SCUBA is promoting safe diving practices with
FREE Open Water SCUBA Classes

Just bring a buddy, purchase learning materials from any MCCS Tsunami SCUBA facility, and attend all classes together.

* When two people sign up for classes together, one receives FREE tuition.

April 1 - May 26
For complete requirements and details visit www.mccsokinawa.com, or call 645—4206.

It's a Family Affair - FREE Open Water SCUBA classes

Tsunami SCUBA is promoting safe diving practices with FREE Open Water SCUBA classes for children (age 10 & over) when both parents sign up at regular price.

Just bring your family, purchase learning materials from any MCCS Tsunami SCUBA facility, and attend all classes together.

For complete requirements and details visit www.mccsokinawa.com, or call 645—4206.

April 1 - May 26

COURTNEY ARTS & CRAFTS - Mother's Day Ikebana Class

May 10 • 3p.m. FEE: $20*

THIS YEAR, MAKE YOUR OWN FLOWER ARRANGEMENT FOR MOM. KIDS 12 YEARS AND OLDER CAN SIGN UP. YOUNGER CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT TO PARTICIPATE. SEATING IS LIMITED. SO SIGN UP BY SUNDAY, MAY 4.

*PRICE INCLUDES FLOWERS, EQUIPMENT, AND INSTRUCTION.

To sign up of for more information, call 622-7492

Far northern vistas

Story and photos by Keith T. Graff

Almost everyone stationed on Okinawa eventually makes the weekend drive to the northern reaches of the Yanbaru region. For avid photographers and others keen on ogling gorgeous landscapes, however, this popular tourist destination offers even more than meets the eye.

For vista hounds who have yet to visit Cape Hedo, or Hedo Misaki as its sometimes called, it’s a must. On clear days you’ll appreciate the fantastic views of the islands beyond the rock formations and the cobalt blue ocean below. What many people don’t realize is that there are two other nearby spots which offer equally spectacular vistas.

One of these areas is the giant “Yanbaru Kuina" that can be seen from Cape Hedo. This is a three-story replica of the Okinawa rail, a bird native to Okinawa but currently in danger of becoming extinct. It is worth the short drive to see the replica and to enjoy the view, which offers a great backdrop of the cape and the surrounding islands for taking photographs of family and friends.

Be warned, however, getting there can be tricky. As you make your way back from Cape Hedo to the main highway along the access road, you’ll notice an odd angled intersection on your left. Turn left here but go slow because you’ll need to make another immediate left turn. This narrow road will take you down to the beach. Go past the parking area and make a right turn up another hill. Shortly after ascending, get ready for a sharp left turn up another short steep hill into a small parking area.

Most people, when leaving the Yanbaru Kuina area just get back on the main highway and drive down the west coast to save time or take the longer scenic drive down the east coast. However, if you go straight ahead and stay on the road for less than a kilometer, you will find one of the most scenic points on Okinawa. (You will know you have gone too far if you lose the center line on the pavement and start going down the hill.)

The name of the place is called Kayauchibanta, which when translated from the original Hogen means, “If you scatter straw to the winds it will scatter everywhere.” This is another outstanding scenic point that sits high on the cliffs above the East China Sea side. It overlooks the sleepy little village of Ginama.

If possible, I recommend visiting this spot early in the morning to avoid the sun in your face and to get the best photos. On a clear day, you can see all the way down the coast past Okuma recreation center and down to the Motobu Peninsula.

When you leave, I suggest adding one last adventure and continue on down this scenic and narrow mountain road to Ginama, the village below. Once, this road was old Highway 58 and the only road to Hedo Misaki and the village beyond that bears its name.

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

Event: Gallery Showing at Cafe Nirai

Cafe Nirai will showcase the photography of John R. Burgreen III from April 17 through 22. Though well known for his award—winning artistic layouts and HDR Photography, this is the first exclusive viewing of John’s work.

A native of Virginia. John joined the United States Marine Corps shortly after high school and was assigned duties as a graphic designer. He expanded his artistic training at the Defense Information School at Ft. Meade, Maryland in 1998 and later served two years on Okinawa and another year in South Carolina.

Large and small photographic prints showcasing the beauty of Okinawa and Japan will be on display. Photographers and art enthusiasts are encouraged to stop by to view the pieces. All 16x20 and 20x30 prints will be signed and numbered “1” since it is the first time they will be available.

Cafe Nirai is located in Mihama, near the Sunabe Seawall. For a map and directions visit <http://www.hdrjapan.com>.

Cape Zanpa, a day of family fun

Story and photos by Keith T. Graff

Okinawa has an amazing number of places to go and things to do. Unfortunately, many of them require spending more than you might desire to spend without planning. Just eating out can be a bit prohibitive.

Cape Zanpa offers a great way to spend a pleasant day without spending a great deal of money. So if the weather is clear and sunny you should give it a try.

In addition to its close proximity to many base housing facilities, the area has a lot to offer. First, there is a nice sandy beach which is perfect for sunning and swimming. The light house and museum will also provide you some interesting views. The walking trails offer views of the East China Sea and spectacular sunsets.

The real treat for those with little ones is the interactive zoo.

The petting zoo is located out on the point at the entrance to the Zanpa “michi—no-eki” or rest area. It is home to a small flock of goats. some rabbits, a few chickens and a couple of turtles. For a small fee of 100 yen, children and adults can feed the animals.

In addition to the animals, children can climb onto an old sailing vessel or roam around in a large field. Bring along a picnic lunch and enjoy a few hours of family fun. Even if you forget the picnic basket there is a place to grab eats and snacks near the light house. There is plenty of parking but you will want to get there early before the beach goers grab the best spots.

Beware of the Killer trees

Photo and caption by William Stroud

Some animals kill their young but the Banyan tree kills other trees. Birds spread the seeds of its crimson colored cherry-like fruit to its victims. The banyan sprouts tendrils that wrap around the host tree to eventually take root in the ground. In time, it takes over and the host tree dies.

Okinawa archers aim to maintain their craft

Story and Photos by Reggie Cantú

A prehistoric hunter out for dinner, an Assyrian warrior Robin of Sherwood and a 17th century Native American all had at least one thing in common. They were familiar with the bow and arrow. They might also feel at home in the company of members of the Okinawa Archers.

Formed in 1982, the Okinawa Archers meet regularly on most Saturdays for target practice and friendly competition at Kadena Air Force Base. The ranks of these arrow slingers number about 150, with a solid core of about 75 regulars. Most are Marines, retirees and other Department of Defense personnel, according to John Borgeson, the club’s president.

Military types accustomed to the latest weapon technology seem to find relaxation in this ancient art. Except for compound bows, today’s bows and arrows differ little from designs used in most cultures throughout the world. The materials used to create the bows can be thoroughly up to date, but a few members still thrive on traditional methods.

Borgeson and Clayton Carter, for example, are both bowyers and fletchers. Bowyers make bows and fletchers create arrows. Bart Harmeling, club vice-president is also a Fletcher who hunts big game in Alaska with the projectiles he makes.

Borgeson and Carter are aficionados of Native American crafts. They assemble their weapons from natural woods, embellishing them with snake skin, animal hides and heads. The results are authentic looking replicas with full functioning parts.

For many, the hobby is a family affair. Harmeling’s whole family is involved, including his wife
Susan, a teacher at Kadena.

The enthusiastic lot of bowmen and ladies are always prepared for newcomers. They are willing to teach novices the workings and jargon of the sport. A neophyte will learn the difference between a longbow, a recurve, a decurve and a compound bow. They will also teach how to properly place and aim the arrow.

Although the club has used nine or so acres on Kadena for the past 25 years, circumstances are forcing them to find another “Sherwood Forest.” Arrangements are currently being worked out for a new home, Borgeson said. When that happens, skills known for thousands of years will flourish in a new location for the merry band known as the Okinawa Archers.

Expo Park: For the kid in all of us

Story and Photo by Keith I. Graff

The weekend is here and the weather is nice. So why not pack up the whole family in the car and go to the Expo Park in Motobu!

The Churaumi Aquarium is the first stop for most folks and an excellent choice. You and your kids can not only see all of the aquatic life on display in relative comfort, but there’s even a few interactive displays where they can get their hands wet and touch the sea life or even pose for a photo in the gigantic jaws of a prehistoric shark.

Afterward, most folks make their way clown the hill to the whale and dolphin shows at the Okichan Theater. If there is any wait for the show to start, ice cream and snacks are on the menu and readily available.

After the show, chances are that you will have a bunch of kids who are excited from the visual stimulation — and a highly toxic sugar overdose. So what can you do to keep the kids from bouncing around like a pack of raging hyenas on the long drive back in bumper—to—bumper traffic?

A new play land recently opened just up the hill from the Churaumi Aquarium. While the temptation will be great, quickly whisk the kids past this area and visit it last on your agenda. After you’ve had the chance to see all that you want to see first; then you can turn them loose to burn, pillage and destroy.

The play land is chock full of equipment for little ones up to age 12 and there is plenty of room to roam. Virtually everything there is padded including the ground in some areas. And for added safety, parents are required to stay and observe their children. Shaded areas are provided.

With the kids all burned out and exhausted for the ride home, you might even be able to concentrate on the traffic or hold a coherent conversation with your spouse or friends. It’s a win—win situation for the whole family. But, don’t just take my word for it. Go to the Expo Park in Motobu and check it out for yourself.

Horse riding club offers English speaking instructors

Lance Cpl. Daniel A. Flynn
OKINAWA MARINE STAFF

When Toshihiro Nakahara’s friend, who raised horses for food, asked Nakahara which horse he would like to eat, Black King caught his eye. But when Nakahara returned home from his friend’s horse farm, his plans soon changed.

Now, eleven years later, Black King, the oldest horse at Nakahara’s Mihara Horse Club in Uruma City, is the grand daddy of the stables.

“He decided to feed him instead of eat him,” said Sachio Yamashita, a riding instructor for the club. “And the horse club grew from that first horse.”

The club offers riding lessons and access to horses and horse-trails for members and interested parties. The club has about 100 students, nine horses and three ponies and is the only horse club on Okinawa to offer English-speaking instructors.

Club member Teresa Stultz said she found out about the club through the internet, and she and her family now frequent the club.

“Every time we come, it is very hard to get my 2-year-old daughter to leave because she just loves to feed and pet the horses,” Stultz said. “We all have a lot of fun when we come.”

The club hosts two horse shows per year, one in the spring and one in the fall. Most recently, the club hosted the 15th Mihara Horse Club Riding Event March 29, which was the farewell event for club manager Jacquie Kubicki and assistant manager Katherine Hamill, who will leave Okinawa soon. Kubicki and Hamill are the club’s main English speaking instructors. Samantha Straub will take over as the primary English-speaking instructor May 1.

The riding event drew about 60 spectators who watched 30 Japanese and American riders
from the club participate in events such as a Dressage Class (where riders display skills at controlling the horse), relay races and Show Jumping.

Membership to the club is open to the public and offers many different activities such as village treks, beach treks and pony rides for beginning and experienced riders.

“We teach our students not only how to ride, but also how to feed, water, wash and brush the animals,” Kubicki said.

For more information about the club, visit www.mihara-horse.com.

Calm, soothing effect found at Mihama Dai-Ni Park

There’s a popular old song that includes the lyrics “you and me and the breeze.” It is apropos as the invitation to visit Mihama Dai-Ni Park, not too far from Camp Foster, where the sun and the sea and the breeze are what makes the idyllic little park such a great place to unwind. It’s not a big park, and there are no rest room facilities, but Mihama Dai-Ni offers something many say is more important. Tranquility.

The greenery offers opportunities for calm, where visitors can rest or look out over the town. Benches are nestled under trees, and fresh breezes bring forth the season’s smells.

A visit to Mihama Dai-Ni Park is easy. Exit the Camp Foster Commissary Gate and head north on Highway 58 until reaching Hamby Town San-A supermarket. Make a left, then continue to the end of the street, where you must take a right turn in front of the Araha Beach traffic light. Once there, you will see a huge parking area. Pull in and park, get out, and walk across the street to the park.

Gesashi's magical mangrove

Source: Stripes Okinawa
Story and Photos by Keith T. Graff

Whether seeking solitude from Nago City's urban buzz or a new site for a family outing, a leisurely drive up the east coast on Highway 331 has its own rewards. But just past the Highway 14 intersection, a majestic mangrove forest offers even more.

Mangrove River Walk Park in Gesashi is just past Arume Bay. Lush mangrove shrubs and trees line the river banks as well as the scenic walkway that winds its way through the area.

Visitors can take a leisurely stroll a few hundred meters into this off-road paradise. More adventurous people can take the trail farther up adn come back over the ridge to get a panoramic view, but watch out for the habu snake. For the less adventurous, a small tower is easy to access near the parking area.

Photo caption: A view upstream from the entrance of Mangrove River Walk Park.

Zoo masks a world of wonder for kids

Story and Photos by Reynaldo Cantu

A zoo is a great place to spend a few hours, especially if you’re a child. But the Okinawa Zoo & Museum (Okinawa Kodomo no Kuni) goes above and beyond the call of duty to offer a virtual wonderland for youngsters.

As a zoo, it allows visitors to observe native species like the Okinawan wild boar and the Yonaguni pony. Parents and their children can also take a gander at a giant anteater, lots of monkeys, a tiger, two lions, hippopotami and a couple of giraffes, among its other exotic animals.

With the kids — or those that are kids at heart — in mind, the zoo portion is merely where the
fun begins. A tiny amusement park is home to a colorful carousel, a train and horseback rides.
But the real attraction is the aptly named Wonder Museum.

Landscaped and tranquil, Wonder Museum is centered on a large lake with assorted waterfowl in residence. A fishing area is set apart for anyone interested in snagging a few of the lake’s inhabitants.

At the side of the lake is a fine example of a typical Okinawan home with a stone well, raised storage shed, barn and “ashasi,” a detached room used as the eldest son’s quarters. People are not allowed to enter the home but its walls are open and signs in English offer explanations of the function of each room.

A cobbled pathway lined with small lotus ponds leads up to Wonder Museum. Admission is 100 yen for kids and 200 yen for adults. It is a modern, strikingly attractive facility that will draw even the fussiest little rascal into its enchanting activities.

One enters through a colorful wall of kinetic, whirling gizmos and mobiles that expand and contract in midair. A spacious stairwell offers tantalizing glimpses of the three-storied wonderland.

Everything is for touching, exploring and marveling. There is one room crammed with costumes to facilitate youngsters’ fantasies, another where trick art teases the senses and paintings spill out of their frames. Next to a group creating culinary treats is a space where budding architects can build their dream structures.

Squealing in delight, loud laughing and boisterous joy are never discouraged. It’s all for fun and unobtrusive learning. All children are welcome. Japanese is used to lead supervised activities, however, there’s no need to be discouraged. The cooking class, for example, is easy to enjoy no matter what language you speak; just rely more on your eyes than your ears.

To get there, take Highway 330 to the New Century Hotel intersection just south of Gate 2 Street. Turn east for 800 meters and go straight until the street ends at the entrance to the park. Admission to the park itself is 500 yen for adults and 200 yen for children.

Matsumoto Daini Park is small but very enjoyable

Nestled in the midst of a housing area in Okinawa City is Matsumoto Daini Park, a grassy oasis for kids to relax and frolic.

The park is safe for children, with eye catching greenery, unique playground facilities, and equally important, a place for mom and dad to kick back while the youngsters romp. There are three open lounges available for picnics, while the kids have sliding boards and other toys to play on. There are rest room facilities in Matsumoto Daini Park.

To visit, take Gate 2 Street to Goya intersection, then make a left turn and head toward Koza intersection. Once past Koza intersection, continue on until the A & W Misato branch is on the right, and a Best Denki on the left. Turn right, then continue through the first of two traffic lights. At the second take a left at the first small intersection and go one block. The park is just across the block.

Nago Cherry Blossom Festival attracts thousands

Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Knallay
OKINAWA MARINE STAFFThousands of festival goers searched for the first signs of spring in the blossoms of cherry trees lining the streets of Nago City and Nago Central Park during the 46th Annual Nago Cherry Blossom Festival Jan. 26-27.

Some of the festival highlights included performances by local schools’ brass bands and cultural performers such as Eisa dancers and taiko drummers. Parades, competitions, karaoke, carnival games and food vendors were also attractions for the visitors.

A popular activity at the festival was “hanami,” or flower viewing. Festival goers toured the park, where they had a scenic view of approximately 20,000 pink Taiwanese cherry trees blooming.

Lance Cpl. Anette Tran, a motor transportation mechanic with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Battalion, joined others at the festival who walked the hundreds of steps up to the Nago Castle ruins in Nago Central Park. Once at the top, she was rewarded with a scenic view of the trees and Nago’s coast.

“It was definitely worth going up so many stairs,” Tran said. “Most of the trees are starting to get to full bloom up there. The further you walked, the more beautiful it got.”

The blossoms have been celebrated for many centuries and are a prominent tradition in Japanese culture. Many festivals around Okinawa involve them as the center for celebration. The Nakijiin Castle Cherry Festival and the annual Motobu Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival, which last until Feb. 10, are just a handful of the other locales where festivals are being held.

The festivals’ peak blossoming period is projected to last from Jan. 26 to Feb. 10 depending on where you visit. Typically, the trees bloom from north to south on Okinawa during the Sakura Zensen, or cherry blossom front.

The blossoms, however pretty, have a short season. Once the first few blossoms open, it takes roughly one week for them to be in full bloom. About a week later, and sometimes less due to weather conditions, the blossoms begin to fall.

In addition to the blossoms, the Nago festival was a stage for many service members to experience the Okinawan atmosphere.

“Along with the cherry blossoms, it’s great being out in the culture, checking out the entertainment, and being in such a friendly environment,” said Pfc. Diogo Delgado, a customer service representative with the Marine Corps Base Camp Butler Supply Office.

Those wishing to go to the Nago Castle ruins should take the expressway north until it turns into Highway 58. Follow the signs on 58 to Central Nago and turn right at the Nago Central Park sign.

MCCS offers service members, families sweet, salty experience

Lance Cpl. Robert C. Frenke
OKINAWA MARINE STAFF

Marine Corps Community Services Tours Plus gave service members and their families a chance to tickle their palates Dec. 15, while learning a little more about Okinawa’s agriculture during MCCS’s Sweet and Salty Tour — a tour of a sugar cane refinery and a salt factory.

During the tour, the group of 20 people saw just what it takes to get sugar and salt ready to ship to homes around the world.

In 1623, Shinjo Gima, a local farmer, introduced sugar refining to Okinawa, according to Chris Majewski, a tour guide with MCCS Tours Plus.

The first stop on the tour took the group to the Okinawa Kokuto Company, a sugar factory in the village of Yomitan.

Once the tour reached the refinery, Natsuki Hayes, a sales woman with Okinawa Kokuto Co, gave them a guided tour of the process of refining sugar cane into brown sugar from start to finish.

This is a busy time of year for sugar refiners, because sugar cane harvesting season lasts from January through March.

The cane is cut by hand, bundled and picked up each morning, Majewski said. It must be processed within 24 hours of being cut so it does not dry out.

Once the cane reaches the factory, it is put through a massive crusher two times to squeeze out all the juices from the cane. The remains of the cane are used as fuel for the fire that boils the juice into a thick, syrupy liquid. When crystals begin to grow, the liquid is taken off the fire and allowed to cool.

The factory then packages the brown sugar as well as makes baked goods, which are sold at the gift shop.

The next stop on the tour brought the service members and their families to Gala Aoiumi, a commercial area in Yomitan where sea salt is processed.

While there, the group saw how the Okinawans make salt. They also had the opportunity to see some of the rigors people went through to make salt in the past, while touring the Salt Museum in Gala Aoiumi.

Majewski and Heather Alan, the creator of the tour, showed how sea water is filtered through giant nets to collect the salt. They then showed the group how the salt is boiled down for five days, packaged and sent to homes all over the world.

Anyone interested in taking the Sweet and Salty Tour, or other tours, may call MCCS Tours Plus’ main office on Camp Foster at 646-3502.