Having a pet on Okinawa comes with certain responsibilities.
Finding a Fuzzy Friend On Okinawa
Whether visitors to Okinawa are longing for a four-logged, feathered, or fishy friend of thoir very own or they just want to know where to go to pamper their pal, the island has pet stores aplenty. From the ubiquitous and comprehensive Makeman stores to more traditional pet shops such as Pet Box and the Okinawa Pet Feed (OFF) stores, just about any critter (as well as an astounding assortment of feeds and snacks, grooming items and services, toys, and more) are available—for a price. Local shelters and adoption agencies are filled with fuzzy and furry friends waiting for a family as well.
Okinawa has a terrible problem with pets that have been dumped on the streets by heartless owners. Please do net adopt a petit you are unable or unwilling to deal with the responsiblity and expense of cering for one. Do the right thing.
OAARS is a local organization that assists in placing pets up for adoption, helps with PCS information, rescues abandoned, homeless animals, aids local no-kill shelters, and educates the public on spaying/neutering, pet care, and the problems with abandonment. Anyone interested in volunteering can visit wwvv.oaars.com or send an email to oaars_cares@yahoo.com.
PCSing with Pets
Air Mobility Command (AMC) and most commercial airlines compute how much you pay in pet travel tees based on your pet’s weight plus the weight et its kennel. On AMC charter flights, if this totals 70 lbs or less, the tee is $90. If it’s more than 70 lbs. the fee is $180. Pets and containers 141—1 50 lbs are $270 and containers over 150 lbs are unauthorized. Commercial shipping tees vary depending on airline, the type of travel, the weight ot the animal, and the destination. During summer months, connecting commercial airlines may have heat embargoes on shipping pets. Once you receive your orders from Okinawa, contact your Traffic Management Office (IMO) right away. At that time TMO will need to knew you pet’s weight as well as the kennels weight and dimensions. AMC accepts pets on a first-come first-served basis.
Before your pet is allowed on an AMC charter mission flight, it must have current rabies and distemper vaccinations. Current means net more than ene year, but not less than 30 days betore your departure date, For more information, call the Kadena Air Base Veterinary Clinic at 634-1362 or AMC Pet Moving Policies, Kadena Air Base (632- 6487).
Keep in mind that during the winter or summer months, it may be too hot or too cold to transport your pet, and you may need to make arrangements to bring your pet back to the states earlier or later than your PCS date. Cal the vet for more information.
2008-07-08
Pets
2008-07-03
Checking In
You now live in a foreign country with different views, customs, currency and rules. Remember, you are a guest of Japan and an ambassador of the U.S.
Check In
Report to your duty station.
Okinawa Living
Pick up a FREE copy of Okinawa Living magazine, a monthly guide to culture, food, tours, and entertainment on island. They are available at MCCS facilities, base exchanges, and commissaries.
Newcomers’ Orientation
All new accompanied and unaccompanied (E6 and above) arrivals are required to attend Newcomers’ Orientation. The program runs every Wednesday from 8a.m. to 12:30p.m. and includes cultural briefings and presentations by a multitude of organizations on facilities and activities around Okinawa. Newcomers’ Orientation attendance is mandatory prior to issuance of a POV license. The Children, Youth, & Teen Program offers free child care during the orientation on a space available basis. You must have the child’s current shot record and pre-register by calling 645-4117. To sign up or make reservations for bus transportation to Newcomers’ Orientation, call the Personal Services Center at 645-8395.
Driver’s License and Car
Pick up a driving manual at Bldg. 5831 on Camp Foster at 645-3369. Study the manual, then take your driver’s license test. Japanese Compulsory Insurance (JCI and American Insurance) is available from ACE and AIU.
Shoppette and Commissary
Have your sponsor show you to the shoppettes. commissaries, and exchanges.
Housing
All off-base housing is inspected by the Military Housing Office on Kadena Air Base. When renting off-base houses or apartments, you will need to pay one month’s rent as a deposit as well as the first month’s rent. You will also be charged a finder’s fee by the agency. Try to find housing with a phone line included in the rental. Make sure there is a place to park your cars off the street, and check with your housing office to be sure extra fees aren’t involved. Electricity is expensive, and Okinawa gets very hot in the summer, so be sure to check the air conditioning.
Medical
The U.S. Naval Hospital is located on Camp Lester. Medical and dental clinics are located on Camps Courtney, Foster, Kinser, MCAS Futenma, and Kadena Air Base.
Loan Locker
Call your base Personal Services Center to find out what household items are available from the Loan Locker. Goods may be borrowed with a copy of your orders.
Banking
Camps Foster, Kinser, Courtney, Hansen and Schwab have Navy Federal Credit Union and Community Bank branch offices. Kadena AB has a Community Bank and a Pentagon Federal Credit Union. You can exchange yen at Community Bank, Japanese banks, and at select Jusco and San A department stores equipped with exchange machines, The primary Japanese banks are: Okinawa Ginko, Bank of the Ryukyus, and Kaiho Bank.
Post Office Box
If you are accompanied and your sponsor did not get a P.O. box, bring a copy of your orders to your camp’s post office.
Schools
The active-duty parent must register children in school. If children are going to ride the bus, a parent must register for bus duty at the Bus Registration Office on Camp Foster.
Consulate General
The mission of the United States Consulate General Naha is to promote and protect American interests in the Prefecture of Okinawa. The consulate provides a variety of passport services, including renewal, replacement, and change of name. Other services include visas and birth records. The consulate website (http://naha. usconsulate.gov) provides guidance on services, important notices, local news regarding U.S. policies and issues, and a comprehensive guide on voting absentee.
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
The Wish List
Here’s a list of the top ten things you must do while you’re on Okinawa.
1) Learn to Dive
Get scuba certified at a Tsunami Gear SCUBA Center and then dive every chance you get. Pick up a copy of Okinawa Outdoors magazine.
2) Participate in or support The Single Marine Program
If you’re an unaccompanied Marine or Sailor between the ages of 18 and 25, take part in the Single Marine Program. You can get your quality- of-life issues addressed and recommend new or improved programs, services, or events offered by MCCS, AAFES, and the USO. Call 645-3681 for details.
3) Participate in a Sports Tournament
Compete in MCCS athletic tournaments, which are offered in almost every sport. Schedules appear in the Source.
4) Get Educated
MCCS Lifelong Learning centers offer classes that count toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree from one of five universities, as well as various certification programs. You can also take classes via distance learning.
5) Get in Shape
Get fit using the MCCS fitness centers and athletic programs. Fitness centers are located on each base, and various athletic programs are also available. Free group fitness classes are held at each of the camps, and personal trainers can assist you in achieving your fitness goals.
6) Learn the Local Language and Culture
MCCS Personal Services Centers offer a variety of Japanese language and culture classes, including Japanese calligraphy, washi (Japanese paper art(, and cooking. Classes are free to all SOFA personnel.
7) Tour Asia
Take a tour of Okinawa and nearby destinations. MCCS Tours+ not only shows you the island, but also offers travel to exotic destinations such as Hong Kong, China, Australia, and Thailand. Call 645-3502 for details.
8) Learn Karate
Okinawa is the birthplace of karate, so where better to learn martial arts? Contact your local fitness center for details.
9) Sample Local Foods
Sample Asian foods at your MCCS clubs and restaurants. Menus include a variety of local favorites. Also, check out the monthly restaurant review in Okinawa Living magazine, which features off-base dining and the restaurant coupons in the Source.
10) Have Fun!
MCCS takes pride in helping to Make Okinawa Home” for those stationed here. However, to truly make the best of your stay here on Okinawa, go outside the gates and experience the island’s fascinating culture and meet the friendly local population.
East-West Montessori School
Looking for a school,
NOT a day-care?
That’s GREAT because
we’re a real school!
• Member of the International Montessori Council
• Montessori Certified and intern teachers
• Progress reports & Parent/Teacher conferences
• Real self-paced Montessori curriculum
Celebrating 21 Years of Excellence!
Montessori Curriculum Encompasses:
Science, Math, Language, Art, Culture, Geography, Practical Life, Music, & More!
Come and See Our Large Sports Field and our Covered Play Area!
Extra Features:
• Japanese Language & Culture
• Field Trips
• Kindermusik Program
• Extended Day Program
• Lunch Vendor Service
• Parent Lending Library
• Professional Gym Sports Club
• Convenient Payment System
• English Language Classes (ESL)
AGES: 2-6 years old
Year-round Registration & Open House
Mon.-Fri. School Hours: 8:30-2:30
& EDP Hours: 6:30-8:30 & 2:30-5:30
098-983-7303 newms@tontonme.ne.jp • www.east-west-montessori.co.jp
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.
fenutin okinawa restaurant & Kalahai okinawan music
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.
kalahaai@rinken.gr.jp
1st performance 7:00 p.m.-7:45 p.m.
2nd performance 9:00 p.m.-9:45 p.m.
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
Remember, if you drink, don’t drive.
We want you to return for more fun and excitement!
