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.
2008-07-03
Checking In
Yellow Box
We offer in-home layaway for 6 months, interest free
Free delivery and set up to any base
Pre-orders available
English speaking staff
Accept $ or Yen
(no personal checks accepted)
Open 7 days a week:
Mon—Sat., 10 a.m.—7 p.m.
Sun., Noon—7 p.m.
10 minutes from Camp Courtney
and 7 minutes from Kadena AB.
Tel: 098-934-7525
Kadena Gift Corner and Furniture Annex
New unique shipments arrive every three weeks! Supreme Gems & Gold is here every day!
A large portion of our profits go to Okinawan and American welfare, charitable causes, and scholarships.
Tel. 633-3161
Main Store Hours
Tuesday: 10 a.m. —5 p.m.
Wed, Fri, Sat: 10 a.m. — 2 p.m.
Furniture Annex Hours
Tuesday: 10 am. — 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. — 2 p.m.
2008-07-01
Torii Beach Summer Sale Campaign 2008
July Special:
July 5 & 6 - UNDERWATER KINETICS
12&13 - SHERWOOD
19&20 - PELICAN
26&27 - SUUNTO
*Stop by the Toni Beach Scuba Locker for a full list of the Summer Specials
Attention: From now until 1 Sep 2008 show your US. Army ID Card, Air Force Club Card, or MCCS Club Card and receive a 10% discount on any resale merchandise purchase.
10% discount for resale merchandise only, does not apply to classes, Whale Shark trips, rental gear, tank fills, or repair. Is valid with other offers, coupons, discounts, or sales.
TORII BEACH SCUBA LOCKER
Summer Hours of Operation
MON , THU & FRI - 1000-1800
SAT&SUN - 0800-1800
TUE &WED - CLOSED
644-4290 BLDG T-315
PELICAN SUUNTO
2008-05-10
NOSCO art auction
The Naval Officers Spouses Club is holding an art auction May 10 at the Camp Butler Officers Club. The auction will feature contemporary and traditional Japanese artwork and authentic oriental rugs.
For more information, call 646-8287.
Awase Meadows ONE DAY Spring Sale
Do you need new golf gear? Have you thought about playing, but don’t have the right equipment to take to the course? Now is the time to stock up on all those golf necessities at the Awase Meadows Golf Course Pro Shop Spring One-Day Sale on Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “It’s the best time of the year to get the latest top-of-the-line golf equipment at a discounted price,” Pro Shop Manager, Steve Nakashima says. “Everything is on sale.”
Don’t let weekend chores keep you from taking advantage of these great savings. This is the perfect opportunity to get that new golf apparel you’ve been looking at, or to buy the shoes, clubs, golf bag, or how-to book you’ve been wanting. Savings include great deals on the latest items from Ping, Callaway, Nike, and more. Everything in the store will be at least 10 percent off, with additional discounts on select merchandise. Not only will you save money, but you can enjoy FREE hot dogs, chips, and soda throughout the day. What could make this day better? Shoppers can enter a drawing for a round-trip ticket to one of five US destinations courtesy of United Airlines and Omega Travel, as well as other great prizes.
2008-05-09
KESC Thrift Shop & Uncle Sam's Attic
Uncle Sam’s Attic is open to ALL Services!
HOURS: TUES, WED, FRI 0900-1400, THUR 1100-1900 (CLOSED SAT & MON) PHONE: 633-0436 EMAIL: kadenathriftstore@yahoo.com Manager - Jolene Jashurek
Donation Policy (IMPORTANT!):
We can take good condition items and prefer donations to be dropped off during normal business hours. For large items, please call ahead of dropping off. Do not leave any items outside of the donation bins due to base beautification and weather conditions. Do not drop off trash or HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTAL WASTE (i.e. batteries, tires, propane tanks, kerosene, lawn motors, etc.). Contact the store for our complete donation policy.
Purchase Policy:
Only SOFA status can make purchases. Items purchased cannot be resold, provided or given to others outside of your home here on Okinawa. Violators will be reported. 100% MILITARY ID CHECK Active duty military and ROTC are entitled to free uniforms that are in stock with a valid ID check.
2008-05-03
Tsunami SCUBA - Dive into Great savings!
* Kayak Blowout *May 16-26
Sherwood product demos and Q&A on Saturday, May 24
on the island's largest inventory of SCUBA & snorkeling equipment *
TSUNAMI SCUBA
Okinawa, Japan
For more information, call your local Tsunami SCUBA.
2008-05-02
Carpet House
Persian carpet on the island!
Friendly English Speaking.
2008-04-25
Okinawa’s Top Hot Shops
I’m here to help! E-mail me at carmichaelc@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org
Too Foxy • Ginowan
Ashibinaa Outlet Mall shops • Itoman
Coco Garden Resort Gift Shop • Ishikawa
Shop Innocence • Ishikawa
Nimmari • Ishikawa
ETWS.Hamby
U-plaza jeans • Hamby
All four military spouse gift shops
Prima • Gushikawa and Okinawa City
Vanilla Essence • American Village
Sports DEPO • Naha (Shintoshin)
Kokusai:
Yoshie Inaba
Taiyodo Jewelry
Ryubo/Palette Kumoji Department Store
Mitsukoshi Department Store
Kaisou Originals • (also in Yanbaru)
Bunrindo • (also in Naha Main Place mall and Gushikawa Main City mall)
Chikkyu Zakka • (also in American Village and Yomitan)
In Jusco malls:
Scot Club
Pandero
Comme Ca lsm
CHRIF
A.V.V. Michel Klein
Plaza House Shopping Center:
Roger’s
Pink House
Acute
Locations throughout the island:
Habu Box
San-A
Shima Mura
Uniqlo
island tours - April 25
EXPLORE OKINAWA WITH MCCS TOURS+
Yotsudake Dinner Theater
Friday, April 25; 6—10 p.m.
Adults $69; Children (6—11) $35; Children (under 6) $5
Savor the flavors of Okinawan cuisine while being entertained by traditional music and dancers. Choose between lobster or chicken dinner. Tour price includes transportation, dinner, and sPublish Posthow. Bring yen for extra drinks.
Lily Festival on Ie Island
Saturday, April 26; 8:30 a.m.—5:30p.m.
Adult $32; Children (6—11) $18; Children (3—5) $11
Visit Ie Island and enjoy the view of over one million lilies at Lily Field Park. Have fun at a
variety of local performances, including drum shows, Japanese music, and Ryukyu dance. Bring yen for food and purchases.
Shuri Castle/Naha
Sunday, April 27; 9 a.m.—5 p.m.
Adults $18; Chilrren (3-11) $11; Children (under 3) $5
Tour the only standing castle on Okinawa, see Shureimon Gate, and view the ponds where boat races were held to entertain the court. After lunch on Kokusai Street, spend the afternoon at Fukushu-en Chinese Garden and Naminoue Shinto Shrine. Bring yen for lunch and purchases.
Tunnel Rats Tour
Sunday, April 27; 9 a.m.—5 p.m.
Adults, $18; Children (7—11), $11
Join Tours+ for the tunnel tour of a lifetime. We’ll explore numerous caves that served as bunkers and shelters during WWII. Included in the tour is a stop at the Battle of Okinawa Historical Collection. Bring dollars for lunch.
2008-04-22
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>.
2008-04-20
Fine Hardwood Furniture
Fine Hardwood Furniture
On sale at the Foster Field House April 18th-20th
Bring this ad and save 10% off your entire order!!
*** savings from original price ***
For more information, contact Sherry at 090-1945-0591
To view our selection of products, visit us online today at: www.scintermarket.com
Event: Spring Bazaar 2008
at Foster Field House
18-20 April 10AM — 6PM Daily
2008-04-19
Event: Annual Spring Furniture Sale
hosted by
Lester Middle School Booster Club
Saturday April 19 0900 to 1700 Sunday April 20 1100 to 1600
Camp Lester in the Middle School Gym
Quality Chinese Antiques
•80% of shipment dated 1870 to 1920, original construction
(no recycled wood or patched together pieces)
•Many styles of furniture - Step Tansu, Cabinets, Tables, Chests and More!
Handmade Persian Carpets
New and Antiques from many countries — including Iran, Pakistan, China and Afghanistan
2008-04-11
Royal Phoenix Bridal Jewelry
Your Purchase
PINK GOLD
*18K GOLD Available
WHITE GOLD
YELLOW GOLD
English and Spanish speaking staff available.
Hours: 11 am—8pm. • Closed Thursdays • Tel: 098-867-4140
Teak
Home Furnishings
Fine Teak and Rattan Gallery
Cash & Check Accepted
Credit Card Service Provided by PayPal
098-892-0580
www.teakhf.com . teakhf@yahoo.com
For a limited time only
February 1-April 30
11-7 Daily
Futenma location will remain open
Last month at Korinza!
Look for a new shipment of Teak wood at the main store April 11
FREE BAMBOO UMBRELLA STAND WITH ANY PURCHASE
Order now for spring shipments!
SoftBank
Contract fee!
Limited time only.
$30 value, some restrictions apply.
stop by for more details.
No upfront fees! Photo ID and credit card required.
Only $8 monthly
(Tax included!)
Based on $1=Y122
*Based on a 2-year contract period.
Contact store for details.
White Plan benefits include:
* FREE voice calls within Japan to family plan phone users 24/7.
* JPY980 monthly base fee per phone.
* Plan covers up to 10 phones per family plan
Calls to non-SoftBank cell phones billed at Y21 per 30 sec. TV calls not applicable to this plan and billed at Y37.8 per 30 sec.
SoftBank
Enhancing the way you communicate with friends and loved ones.
For more details about SoftBank visit our website www.nb.softbank.jp/mb/en
Teruya Music & Charlie's Tacos
TERUYA MUSIC
ALL OUR MUSIC & INSTRUMENTS HAVE ONE THING IN COMMON....
GREAT PRICES
WE SELL TICKETS TO CONCERTS JAPAN-WIDE!
OPEN DAILY 11AM - 9PM
Sat/Sun/JPN Holiday 10AM - 9PM
1 Hours Free Parking with over Y2,000 purchase
Visa/Mastercard $/Y 937-3162
Since 1956
* New Location - Kokusai Dori Naha *
Shopping in Naha this weekend? Come by for our delicious Taco Rice. If you like curry rice, you will love Charlie’s Taco Rice.
Okinawa's Best Tacos!
Always served fresh & delicious!
2F OKINAWAYA Bldg.
NAHA OPEN DAILY
11:00—21:00
Stop by our Chuo Park Ave. location, too!
Open Daily 1000-2100
(Closed Thursdays)
Take-out OK!
U.S. Dollars OK
Sorry, no credit cards.
(098)937-4627
We’re located only a short walk from KAB Gate #2
Come by today!
2008-04-09
Pedestrian Sundays on Kokusai
Everybody knows about Kokusai-dori, Naha’s famous International Street. Did you know on Sundays, from noon to 6 p.m., it’s transformed into Okinawa’s biggest shopping mall? No vehicles - just pedestrians. Street performers, kids’ games and tables occupy the middle of the road.
Walk the length of the street without having to worry about cars. Let your kids blow giant bubbles, shop to your heart’s content or find yourself a nice outdoor seat for a cup of coffee. Experience the new Kokusai.
