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).

HOW TO GET TO WHITE BEACH AND THE CROW'S NEST CLUB

WHITE BEACH OUTDOOR RECREATION OFFICE
Open Daily 9:00 AM — 5:00 PM
Rent Paddle Boats, Jet Skis
Banana Boats and more!
WHITE BEACH SEASIDE REC CENTER
PORT OF CALL CLUB
OCEAN CLIFF CLUB

START YOUR FUN IN THE SUN WITH
NAVY MWR!

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.

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!

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

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.

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?

— Noah J. Smith

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.

—Mike Daley

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

Dragon Boat Races TOUR

ADULTS
$18 per adult

CHILDREN (3—11)
$11 per child
(0—2)
$5 per child

Cancellation Policy
Refunds for tours will only be granted to customers who cancel their reservation no later than two days before the tour date. Exceptions will be granted only for medical emergencies and duty obligation with written verification. MCCS Tours+ reserves the right to cancel tours if minimum reservation requirements are not met.

Monday, May 5
10 a.m.—6 p.m.

Experience Okinawan culture at one of the most well-known, well-attended events on island. Watch as teams (including those representing the U.S. military branches) entertain spectators with numerous races. Between races, enjoy live music, shows, street vendors, food booths, and games. Sign up at your local MCCS Tours+ office.

Camp Foster 646.3502, Mon-Sat, 9 a.m.—5 p.m.
Camp Hansen 623-6344, Mon—Wed, Fri, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Camp Kinser 637-2744, Fri, 9 a.m.—5 p.m.

www.mccsokinawa.com

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.

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

Lily Festival on Ie Island

Have ever witnessed a sight so spectacular that you transcend time and space and lose yourself in that moment? The tropical island on which we live provides us with many of those opportunities, and only a ferry boat ride away lies another paradise—le Island. On Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., MCCS Tours+ will take you to that paradise.

Each year, le Island blooms a blanket of teppoyuri, or Easter lilies, during which locals celebrate the Yuri Matsuri (Lily Festival). “This is a famous festival that many people come from around Japan to see," says Heather Allen of Tours+. “People should not miss the chance to go see this festival while living right here on Okinawa.”

Board a ferry to le Island, and spend the day enjoying the awesome view at Lily Field Park, which is filled with more than a million of these lilies in full bloom. Also enjoy a variety of local entertainment, including drum shows, Japanese music, and Ryukyu dance.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy. "For children, there is the petting zoo," Allen says. “There will also be lots of good food and games. It is a terrific time to meet new people and experience one of the more famous festivals of Okinawa." Bring yen for food and spending money. Tour prices are $32 for adults, $18 for children ages 6 to 11, $11 for children ages 3 to 4, and $5 for children ages 2 and under.

For more information, call Foster Tours+ at 646-3502 or Hansen Tours+ at 623-6344.

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.

For more information, contact MCCS Tours+: Camp Foster, 646-3502 | Camp Hansen, 673-6344 | Camp Kinser, 637-2744

Yomitan Pottery Village Tour

Immerse yourself in Okinawan art and culture on theYomitan Pottery Village Walking Tour on May 9 from 9 a.m. until noon. View pottery being fired, a mid-air glass blowing demonstration, and browse through the village’s several shops in search of a pottery or Ryukyu glass masterpiece at Yomitan’s Yachimun-
no-Sato, or the Village of the Potters.

Yachimun-no-Sato is a small community of pottery masters from throughout the island that live and create ceramic works of art together. This idyllic hamlet, renowned for its many artists and artisans, is located near the ruins of Zakimi Castle, a fortress from the Ryukyu Kingdom Era.

Not limited to pottery, Yachimun-no-Sato is also home to Seikichi lnamine—a master in the creation of blown glass art. Inamine-san is famous for his innovation. He experiments with different natural materials, fusing substances such as curry powder, coffee grounds, potters clay, and others into molten glass to extract spectacular colors.

This colony for artisans was originally built by the village authorities of Yomitan Village’s Kina district, which is the birthplace of Kinaware pottery and the location of one of the oldest kiln sites on Okinawa. Officials of Yomitan invited well-known potters from throughout the prefecture, including the late Jiro Kinjo of Tsuboya, the only local potter to have been designated a Living
National Treasure.

The Yomitan Village Walking Tour will depart from the Camp Foster Personal Services Center. Participants must register by May 2 (childcare may be available with earlyregistration). Bring yen for purchases.

Monument of shame

Story and photos by Keith T. Graff

Betrayal in love can have consequences that last a lifetime. In at least one case, however, the effects were literally monumental, serving as a timeless reminder to passersby.

On the northern outskirts of Nago City along the East China Sea is the little village of Genka. Turn right onto Highway 14 and cross over the island into Higashi Village and you will see a solitary monument near the crest of the ridge.

This little remembrance is marked by a lone sign. Many people will pass right by without paying it any mind. There isn’t much of a parking area and it doesn’t look well kept. However, there is a legend behind it that is as intriguing as its name - Hajiusui no to, or the monument of shame.

The most popular version of the legend rivals the tale of “Romeo and Juliet.” Like the Shakespeare version, a boy and a girl were in love but their families were dead set against any union. Unable to be apart, each night they sneaked out of their homes and met along the mountain path.

One night, the young woman did not appear. After a long wait, the young man thought she had spurned him and became very angry. He returned to his village where in a fit of jealous rage got drunk and made merry with other young ladies.

Later that same evening, his true love finally broke away from her home and ran to the rendezvous place. When she arrived and didn’t see him, she became concerned for his safety. She hurried down the path in great haste only to see him drunk and frolicking with some strange ladies! Feeling betrayed by the man she loved, she went back to their meeting spot and took her life.

The next morning, he felt bad about making such a rash decision and set out to see her. He found her lifeless body hanging in a tree. Realizing that he had played the fool, that his unfaithfulness was why she committed suicide, and to show his remorse, he built a monument to put his shame on display.

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.

hey, mike: Ishigaki Island

I’m planning a trip to Ishigaki this summer; can you give me a bit of information about the island?

— Manny Ramirez

Some people prefer to be in the middle of a metropolis and enjoy non-stop action 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Interestingly enough, a great majority of people living in the fast lane invariably vacation in places where the pace is slower and more relaxed. The Yaeyama Archipelago—which Ishigaki is a part of—definitely fits in this category. The islands south of Okinawa are famous nationwide for their unspoiled natural beauty, blazing sunsets of red and gold, water the color of priceless emeralds, and some of the most laid-back people on Earth. These islands (many of which are only accessible by boat) offer countless sights that must be seen to be believed, multitudes of people with the purest of hearts, and a whole new perspective of Okinawa.

The Yaeyama Islands, located approximately 420 kilometers southwest of Okinawa, consist of lshigaki, Iriomote, Taketomi, Hateruma, Yonaguni, Kohama, and many smaller islands. These islands are actually geographically closer to Taiwan than Okinawa—especially Yonaguni, which can be seen from Taiwan on a sunny day. Although Iriomote is the largest of the chain (second only to Okinawa in landmass), it is largely deserted, and mostly preserved as a wildlife refuge. The hub of the Yaeyama chain is lshigaki—the second largest of Yaeyama’s islands. Although Ishigaki is accessible by ferry (a 16—20 hour trip from Naha Port), many may choose to fly to Ishigaki and take a ferry to one of its sister islands from there.

One of Ishigaki’s more popular neighbors, Taketomi Island is known for its star-shaped sand and its “time capsule” atmosphere. Iriomote Island holds the reputation as the “Galapagos of Japan” and has a thriving ecotourism industry. Yonaguni Island is the western most piece of Japanese territory. It is world famous among divers— especially for its mysterious “undersea ruins." Hateruma is Japan’s southern most point, and is well known among astronomers for its beautiful views of the Southern Cross from Starry Skies Observation Tower on the Takana coast.

Like Okinawa, Ishigaki’s location on the South China Sea accounts for the influences of China, Japan, and Southeast Asia apparent in the island’s culture. Unlike Okinawa, where mass tourism and the presence of U.S. military bases have led to Westernization, the southwest islands have been somewhat impervious to outside influence. Furthermore, the people of Yaeyama were left comparatively unscathed by Japanese colonial policies in the last century, the pitched battles of World War II, and the effects of the subsequent American occupation that continued until 1972.

While Japanese is widely spoken, it’s not uncommon to hear the people lapsing into dialect. Ishigaki has an exotic island feel that is intensified by the roadside presence of colorful dugout canoes, more suggestive of Melanesia than Japan. And it is said that it is still possible to find shards of ancient ceramic wares carried by Chinese trading vessels 400 to 500 years ago.

Whether visitors find one of these ancient artifacts may be questionable, however, virtually every visitor will return to their hustle and bustle with a warm shard of Yaeyama relaxation lodged firmly in their hearts.

For more information about the Yaeyama Archipelago and making travel arrangements, contact the Okinawa Convention and Visitors Bureau at (99) 098-861-6331.

—Mike Daley

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

island tours - April 11

EXPLORE OKINAWA WITH MCCS TOURS+

Okinawa: Back to the Future
Saturday, April 12; 9 a.m.—5 p.m. Adults, $18; Children (3—11), $11; Children (0—2), $5
Visit the new Okinawa Prefectural Museum and learn about the island’s past, present, and future. After enjoying the museum, we’ll visit Naha Main Place Shopping Center to enjoy lunch and the modern Japanese shopping experience. Bring yen for lunch, admission (400), and purchases.

Hiji Falls & Okuma
Saturday, April 12; 8:30 a.m.—5 p.m. Adults, $18; Children (3—11), $11;
Children (0—2), $5
Enjoy a hike to Hiji Falls and work up an appetite. After the hike, we’ll have a late lunch at Okuma. Bring yen for admission to Hiji Falls (200) and dollars for lunch. Note: Hiking can be strenuous and is not recommended for individuals with health problems.

Okinawa Highlights
Sunday, April 13; 9 a.m.—5 p.m. Adults, $18; Children (3—11), $11; Children (0—2), $5
Visit some of Okinawa’s top tourist destinations, including Zakimi Castle ruins, Bob Point, an Itoman glass blowing factory, and Peace Prayer Park. Bring money for lunch and yen for admission fees (800) and purchases.

Battle Sites
Sunday, April 13; 9 a.m.—5 p.m. Adults, $23.50; Children (3—11). $13; Children (0—2), $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. Note: Participants should wear comfortable, non-skid shoes and bring a hat and flashlight.

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