okinawa noodle

New Style Okinawa Noodle

okinawa noodle
www.okinawanoodle.com

"Okinawa Noodle" OPEN at Chatan Araha Beach!

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

Big 500 yen Small 350 yen only!

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

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

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

* All takeout OK ! Topping (ood) !

Opening Campaign

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

Bring it in the shop ! ---->

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

mccs TV: GUSUKU

GUSUKU
Tuesday. 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Gususku means "castle” or “fortress” in the Okinawan language and on this small island there are two standing gusukus and almost one dozen gusuku ruins to visit. Some of them are so important to the culture and history of the Ryukyu Islands that UNESCO has listed them as World Heritage Sites. In this episode of Okinawa Guide find out why these cultural treasures are being preserved.

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

hot jobs (2 May)

Supporting our Warfighters and their families.

Great job opportunities with MCCS.

Administrative Support Assistant
NF-02

Audio Visual Production Assistant
NF-03

Auto Services Coordinator
NF-02

Budget Technician
NF-03

Library Technician
NF-02

For more information, visit www.mccsokinawa.com and click the Jobs link.

Tsunami SCUBA - Dive into Great savings!

* Kayak Blowout *

10-15% off select equipment
May 16-26
Sherwood product demos and Q&A on Saturday, May 24

* Save big
on the island's largest inventory of SCUBA & snorkeling equipment *

TSUNAMI SCUBA
Okinawa, Japan

For more information, call your local Tsunami SCUBA.

www.mccsokinawa.com

NTT DoCoMo - Fami-wari plan (mobile cell phones)

We're Now FREE

Fami-wari Max50 billing plan is now free on a 24-hour/7-days-per-week basis

NTT DoCoMo is the world’s leading mobile communication company
NTT DoCoMo serves over 53 million customers

Start saving money. Stop by and sign-up for our Fami-wari 24/7 plan along with our FREE phone of the month

English speaking staff available

Counseling & Advocacy Program - Teen Process Group

Every Tuesday • 3—4 p.m.

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Join other teens ages 13 through 16 to address topics such as social and life skills, coping mechanisms for stress and anger, healthy relationships, self-esteem development, and many others.

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Counseling & Advocacy Program. 645-2915

IACE Travel - 2 May

IACE TRAVEL NETWORK
www.iace.co.jp/english

IACE TRAVEL

USA SPECIAL (West Coast)
Roundtrip

Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle
$916 incl tax 5/4-29 departure
1 days advance purchase required

USA SPECIAL (East Coast)
Roundtrip
New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Denver
$1183 incl. tax 5/4-29 weekday departure
3 days advance purchase required

USA to OKINAWA roundtrip
many East Coast cities. please ask agent
$999 incl. tax 5/6, 13, 20, 27 departure

please ask for our special package tours
• China 8days (Beijing, Xi An, Shanghai)
• Thailand 9days (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket)
• Cambodia & Vietnam (Angkor Complex, Halong Bay)

* based on rate Yen 102

We also do this...

• Discounted air tickets to anywhere!
(Domestic, International, Economy or First Class)
• Tours both domestic & international
• Hotels anywhere
• Rent—a—car
• Airport bus between Narita & Haneda
• Visa processing (China, Vietnam, India, Australia. etc)
• Dinner cruise
• Whale watching

CALL 634-6244, 634-6956, 630-9070
* www.iace.co.jp/english/okinawa
* Located in BLDG 3597 on KAB

Location Map:
* www.iace.co.jp/english/emap/oka-map.html
Mon -Fri • 9am - 6pm

H.I.S. Okinawa - 2 May

U.S.A. Airfares - We always offer the best prices!
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle etc.
5/4-7/12 $934 (Yen 93,450) (Tax Included)

New York
5/4-7/12 $1084 (Yen 108,450) (Tax included)

Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Chicago
5/4-5/29 $1,230 (Yen 122,990) (Tax included)
purchase 3 days prior to departure date.

We also have one way fares and other options. Please call us for further details.

From U.S.A. to Okinawa

We have special rates!

Call us for more information.

ASIA AIRFARES - May Departures
Seoul $340 (Yen 34,000)
Manila $600 (Yen 60,000)
Hong Kong $420 (Yen 42,000)
Bangkok $560 (Yen 56,000)
Phuket $560 (Yen 56,000)
Beijing $720 (Yen 72,000)

Club Med

All Inclusive Vacation Resort

ISHIGAKI ISLAND 3DAY
May dep
$618 (Yen 61,800)

Based on 4 people per room

Price includes Air Ticket, Transfer, 2night accommodation and daily meals.
* Purchase 10 days prior to departure date.
* Call us for more details.

Tokyo - Advance purchase special air fare
June dep. $110 (Yen 11,000) one way
Purchase 49 days prior to departure date.
* Call us for other departure dates.

Hong Kong Free Time 4 Days

Direct Flight April dep.

$738-$1,580
Price includes:
Air, Hotel, 3 Breakfast and Transfers,
* Based on 2 people per room.
Call us for details

•Supplies are limited, restrictions may apply.
•Tax and extra fees may apply.
•Child fare also available.
•Dollar prices shown may vary depending on exchange rate.
•[$1=100yen rate as of Apr 28th.]


KOZA - LOCATED NEAR KAB GATE 2 * Will be open May 3,5&6 *
098-983-4620

CHATAN - LOCATED NEAR CAMP FOSTER
098-982-7600

OPEN HOURS
MON-FRI 1000-1830
SAT 1100-1700
Closed Sunday
Naha Main Office 098-868-1133

Oki live! - 2 May

Kadena Gate 2 and Koza/Park Avenue area live shows

Information provided by Kluso

May 2 and 3
Al’s Place, “where everybody knows your name,” presents the classic covers of Shima Gai’s: rock, blues, oldies, country, folk, reggae, R&B, and pop from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘8Os, plus few originals sprinkled in. A good time is guaranteed. Open daily, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.; live show starts at 9 p.m. until 12 a.m. No Cover. For more info check out <http://www.shima-gais.com>.

May 2 and 3
Live Music Bar Jet presents classic rock covers from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘8Os including hits by Heart, Journey, Zeppelin, Bon Jovi and more. The bar is run by members of Jet, one of Okinawa’s first American—style rock bands that formed in the late ‘60s. They still rock! Open Friday and Saturday from 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.; live show starts at 9 p.m. No cover charge. Visit <http://jet-okinawa.com> for details.

May 2 and 3
Club Fujiyama, open Friday and Saturday from 6:30 p.m. to 3 a.m., presents F.O.D. Okinawa's best metal music. Originals plus classic metal covers: Lamb of God, Metallica, Megadeth and more. Live show starts 9 p.m. until 12 a.m. Live cover $5 at the door, includes tickets for free prize drawings throughout the night. Visit <http://www.clubfuji.com>.

May 2 and 3
7th Heaven Club presents Friday and Saturday bands 8-Ball and Jackpot. Original rock plus rock covers from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s including Journey, Ozzy, Motley Crue and Van Halen. Open Friday and Saturday 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Bands start at 9:30 p.m. Sunday open 8 p.m. till 1 a.m. Bands start at 9 p.m. Just around the Four Corners on Hwy 330. Great venue for a variety of rock music, food, drinks, pool and darts. Details at < www.7thheavenkoza.com>.

May 2 and 3
Asian Rose/Marie’s, Chuo Park Ave (B.C. Street), presents Marie Acoustic. Originals plus classic acoustic rock/pop covers such as Joplin and Zeppelin. Open 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.; live show 10 p.m., to 11:30 p.m. Live cover 2,000 yen. For details see <http://marie.ti-da.net>.

May 5
Live and Restaurant Taurus presents Monday open session night starting at 8 p.m. Bring your instrument, your voice or just stop in to catch some great artists. Open Monday to Thursday 7:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday open 7:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. Restaurant Taurus accepts yen only. <http://www.liverestaurant-taurus.com>.

May 3
Sideways Sports and Music Bar, open Monday to Saturday 11 a. m. to midnight (closed Sundays) presents Kluso and special guest Doug Esterline. This duo presents a mix of classic and newer acoustic folk/rock, Americana and originals. Show starts at 8:30 p.m. Live tax is 300 yen. Visit <www.klusot.com> and <http://kozasideways.hp.infoseek.co.jp/index.htm> for details.

Lacrosse instills warrior camaraderie

Lance Cpl. Andrew S. Avitt
okinawa marine staff

CAMP FOSTER — Lacrosse is a sport that originated among Native Americans in the 15th century and continues today, among other places, amidst the warrior culture of Marines.

The Eastern Cherokee called the sport da-nah-wah’uwsdi for “little war” a fitting name since the sport was used to settle tribal disputes and train young warriors for battle. The first lacrosse players competed as armies of competitors, anywhere from 100 to 1,000, on vast playing fields that sometimes stretched for miles.

The game has changed much over the years but the spirit and camaraderie of those original warriors lives on in Lacrosse clubs and leagues world-wide.

Since 2001, the Okinawa Lacrosse Club has strived to bring people together through the full contact sport and provide the opportunity to enjoy the game.

The club is open to all service members, and includes several Japanese members as well. This creates a diverse group and a sense of camaraderie between local citizens and their military neighbors, said Jim Peterson, the club’s manager.

In recent years, the lacrosse club has traveled to mainland Japan, Spain and Hawaii to play in international tournaments, where many team members discovered that the warrior spirit transcends all cultural boundaries.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what language you speak or how old you are,” said Thomas R. Mango, a three year veteran of the team. “When you pick up that stick, it’s all the same language. That’s why I love this game.”

Lacrosse, also known as the “Fastest game on two feet,” is a sport that attracts a unique breed of athlete, Peterson said, one that is dedicated and not afraid to take a beating.

“When you leave the lacrosse field after a good game, you’re exhausted and a little bruised, usually just enough that you remember that game for awhile,” Peterson said.

The Okinawa Lacrosse Club meets weekly on Camp Foster and twice a week at Ryukyu University.

Those interested in learning more about the club can visit http://www.eteamz.active.com/okilaxclub.

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.

Army MWR Events: 2 May - 8 May

Army MWR Events
2 May – 8 May

TORII 10 Miler

10 May /Check in time: 7 a.m., Start time: 8 a.m.

Fee: $15 before 9 May; $20 on race day

644-4334/4169

YOGA CLASS

Mondays 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Wednesdays 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Thursdays 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

At Torii Station Gymnasium Bldg 267

$5 per lesson/10 clay pass $45

Call 644-4334 for more information

Torii Swimming Pool

The Torii swimming pool will not be opening on the 26th as scheduled. Due to some rather serious leakage that will require repairs, the opening date has yet to be determined.

Torii Beach Outdoor Turtle Theater
Every Friday – Weather permitting

Curtain Time – At Sunset

Free Movie

Call 644-4659 for latest information

Torii Arts & Craft Center Summer Special

Wood shop (May-August)

Handmade wooden rocking crib or handmade doll house for $95

Summer Kids & Parents Program (May-August)

(Age 8 & up)

Mold and create a unique pottery tray with your child for $5.00 each.

Create a beautiful “European flower arrangement” with your child for $5.00 each.

Call 644-4303 to schedule a lesson

Kadena Services Weekly Highlights - 2 May

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




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




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




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




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

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

HIT Travel - 2 May

A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
We offer the best deals for you. ANYTIME! ANYWHERE!

www.hittravel.co.jp taba@hittravel.co.jp *Please use personal E-mail address. [Not military]
Mon-Fri 10:00-18:30 / Sat 11:00-17:00 Closed on Sun & Japanese Holidays

U.S.A. AIRFARES

Call us now! Seats are running out!

(Including TAX!)

Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, etc

Including TAX! 5/4-7/12 From $931
Purchase 5 days prior to departure date.

New York

Including TAX! 5/4-7/12 From $1084
Purchase 5 days prior to departure date.

Boston, Washington, Miami, etc...
Please call us for details

Including TAX! 5/4—5/31 From $1203
Purchase 3 days prior to departure date.

From U.S.A. to OKINAWA May Departures
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, etc

From $560

Houston, Dallas, Oklahoma City, etc

From $690

New York, Philadelphia, etc

From $720

Please call us for more details. NOT Including TAX!

ASIA
May Departures

Seoul From $337 Y34,000
(Sun, Tue Departure, Direct Flight)
Hong Kong From $455 Y46,000

Manila From $594 Y60,000
(Daily Departure, via Taipei)
Bangkok From $604 Y61,000
(Daily Departure, via Taipei)

Go To China May Departures
- Olympic year -

Shanghai From $564 Y57,000
(Sunday and Thursday Departures)
Beijing From $703 Y71,000
(Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday Departures)
More cities available! Chinese visa processing available!!

Europe Airfare
May - June Departures

London, Frankfurt $752 Y76,000
Purchase 21 days prior to departure date Call us now!!

HIT TRAVEL
098-982-7644 Chatan Branch
098-983-4646 Gate 2 Branch

“We have Large Parking Spaces” US Dollars, Yen accepted!

All Airfares advertised are excluding TAX unless otherwise specified

$=Y101 rate as of 28/APR

H.I.S. Okinawa - 2 May

It's time to reserver your summer vacation!

Our K.A.B. Gate 2 office will be open May 3rd, 5th & 6th.

USA AIRFARES We always offer the best prices!

Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco
5/4-7/12
$934 (Y93,450 - TAX INCLUDED!)

NEW YORK
5/4-7/12
$1,084 (Y108,450 - TAX INCLUDED!)

Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Chicago, etc
5/22 — 5/29
$1,230 (TAX INCLUDED! - Y122,990)
Purchase 3 days prior to departure date.

From USA to Okinawa We have special rates! Call us for information.
We also have one way fares and other options. Please call us for further details.

Hong Kong 4 Day May Dep
Direct Flight $738-$1,580

Price includes:
Air, Hotel, Transfers, 3 Breakfast

*Based on 2 people per room.
*Call us for details.

Asia Airfares May Departures
Seoul- $340 (Y34,000)
Hong Kong - $420 (Y42,000)
Bangkok - $560 (Y56,000)
Manila - $600 (Y60,000)
Beijing - $720 (Y72,000)

Special Deals for Beach Lovers May Departures
Guam - $460 (Y46,000)
Phuket - $560 (Y56,000)
Honolulu - $620 (Y62,000)
Bali - $790 (Y79,000)

TOKYO one-way Air Fare
June dep $110 (Y11,000)

Purchase 49 days prior to departure date.

*Supplies are limited, restrictions may apply. Tax and extra fees may apply. Child fare also available. Dollar prices shown may vary depending on exchange rate. [$1 =Y100 rate as of Apr 28th]

For more info. HAMBY OFFICE (Located near Camp Foster, Commissary Gate) 098-982-7600
KAB GATE 2 OFFICE (Located near K.A.B. Gate 2) 098-983-4620
HOURS Mon-Fri: 10:00-18:30, Sat: 11:00-17:00, Sun:Closed.
NAHA HEAD OFFICE 098-868-1133
Visit us on the web at: www.hisokinawa.co.jp

Cunningham's Rockin' Cabana

Looking for a place to let your inner rock star loose? Look no further than Cunningham’s Rockin’ Cabana. These rehearsal studios are located in Building 104 on MCAS Futenma. Named after the first Marine Corps
aviator, LtCol Alfred Austell Cunningham (1888—1932), Cunningham’s Rockin’ Cabana was developed in response to feedback from the Single Marine Program. You wanted rehearsal space, and now you’ve got it.

Rock like The King in the privacy of your own studio, or bring in your band to practice for the next gig. FREE equipment and instruments are available, including drum sets, guitars, bass amps, keyboards, and microphones. Cunningham’s Rockin’ Cabana is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 2 to 10 p.m. On Friday and Saturday you can jam out from 4 p.m. to midnight. Studios are closed on Monday and Tuesday. Studio time can be reserved in two-hour blocks.

The cabana is open to all DoD and SOFA-status individuals. Musicians under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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For more information or to reserve a studio, call 636-1100.

Carpet House

* Bring in coupon to save 5 to 10% *

We Accept $

Open Daily 10 a.m.-.6 p.m.

We offer a widest selection of the finest quality
Persian carpet on the island!
Friendly English Speaking.

098-893-6033
rugs2005@ii-okinawa.ne.jp

Just Nails

Special on Mon—Thurs
10% OFF on the following services:
Full set - 5,500 yen
Fill in - 3,300 yen
Pedicure - 3,500 yen
Manicure - 2,000 yen
Must present the ad for discount

Open: Mon—Sat 10 a.m.—7 p.m.
Closed: Sunday & Every Other Thursday

098-892-5577
Appointment required.

We are conveniently located near Camp Foster.

Typhoon Motors - Polar Bear Special

"Pssst, our Polar Bear Special has been extended until June 1. Pass it on.”

Keep cool in the heat with our Polar Bear A/C Special Service

Ear muffs not included.
Contact your nearest Typhoon Motors for more details.

MARINE CORPS COMMUNITY SERVICES OKINAWA, JAPAN
TYPHOON MOTORS
Making auto care a breeze.

Camp Foster | Camp Kinser | Camp Courtney | Camp Hansen
B l d g. 5 9 7 1 | B l d g. 6 1 1 | B l d g. 4 1 5 1 | B l d g. 2 7 1 5

645 - 7169 | 637 - 2191 | 622 - 9546 | 623 - 7743

Dog Salon Wagging Tail

Boarding Kennel • Puppy Sales

—Bringing Joy to your Dog—

Grooming 20% OFF*

* Please make reservations at least one day in advance.
You must present coupon at time of appointment

We accept Yen & Dollars
Open: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tel: 098-894-5720

fashion: Think Pink

Fashion tends to attune itself in the hues of the season. Winter brings out white and glitter (ala snow), and fall takes its cue from trees busy shedding leaves of burnt red and orange. So what does the color palette hold for spring? Take a jaunt through any popular fashion haven this time of year and you’re going to notice a common trend: pink.

For a short time during spring, Japan is veiled in pink buds of sakura, the beloved cherry blossom. While traditionally sakura is deeply symbolic of the beauty and frailty of human life, fashion leaves the metaphor and steals the flower. One would be hard-pressed not to find an overabundance of pink in stores right now. Spring clothing is sprinkled with pink of all forms, from flowers and stripes to animals. And like the blossoms themselves that range from a clear coral to a florid fuchsia, this springy trend applies the entire pink spectrum to its duds.

Pink wear is by no means limited to clothing. Nearly every accessory from mobile phones to puppy finery shows the pink hue. While the West traditionally looks at pink with more feminine undertones, this does not hold true in Japan: pink has found its way into male ensembles as well.

So the time has come to expel the winter drudgery and dive into pink. Pick up some sakura-inspired threads and enjoy the warmer weather while rejoicing in springtime.

- Lauren Bradfield

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QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? E-mail thesource@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

culture corner: Fugu for the Daring

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

—Amar Bhuyan

May Art Connections

All artists, even the most widely admired, can attest that capturing the essence of your subject is rarely done with ease. Whether you’re a painter, photographer, poet, or musician, knowing how to tell a story, be it of a moment or a lifetime, through your art is a skill that takes both time and practice to hone.

Many accomplished artists on Okinawa have dedicated their lives to capturing the essence of their subjects through their various mediums. Ichiro Kikuta is one such artist.

During May the Foster Library will showcase the artwork of Kikuta-san. For the past 25 years, Kikuta-san has traveled from Hokkaido to the Ryukyu Islands, sketching and painting the magnificent natural beauty of Japan’s wildlife and landscapes. Kikuta-san’s artwork exemplifies the spirit of nature in a way that is both subtle and powerful.

The Foster Library is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 am. to 7 p.m. on Fridays; and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Art Connections shows are
FREE.

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For more information, contact the Foster Library at 645-7178

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

Beach strip serves up tasty culinary diversity

Story and photos by Reggie Cantú

There is much this beautiful island has to offer in the way of historical, cultural and the natural treasures. Then there are its not—so—obvious treasures: A stretch right off of Araha Beach where a rugged row of individualists have established eateries offering a cornucopia of tastes and atmospheres.

On this small piece of beach- front you can savor the rare flavors of Nepal at one end and get an exciting exuberance of reggae inspired Jamaican ambiance at the other. Tones of Santa Monica, Greenwich Village and India settle in between.

Each little bistro offers its own unique menu. At the south end. Narayan Prasad Joshi of Katmandu serves up the dishes of his native Nepal. “The difference in East Indian and Nepalese cooking is in the spicing and the use of oil,” he explained. Nepalese recipes are more subtle in the adding of spices. The curry dishes are easily appreciated even by those not normally fond of the tangy East Indian variety.

Entering Kastamandap, the only Nepalese restaurant on Okinawa, is to step into the exotic realm of the Himalayan kingdom. Hypnotic sounds of the sitar and the colorful decor create a believable illusion of having been whisked away to another land.

Next door is Seaside Jet City Burgers. The mood changes abruptly and a Californian surfer boy or girl would feel right at home. As the name implies, the house specializes in burgers, with the stacked-to-the-sky avocado burger being a local favorite. They have a full bar menu and the outside seating is perfect for the warm season.

Mr. lihoshi the owner and Mr. Higa the manager have put together a beach motif to make customers comfortable, taking full advantage of the informal island lifestyle. The staff provides service cheerily, making the Jet City experience fun as well as tasty.

Continuing north you will reach Daisy’s. The attitude is more like a Greenwich Village coffee house, mellower in tone. I am not saying Daisy’s is dull or boring. In fact, because of the wonderful menu, the place can get quite busy. The young entrepreneurs who run the place, Shuichi Kosaka and Akiko Imai, have come up with a creative bill of fare based mainly on a variety of fried rice.

A house specialty is the Energy Rice, which features sirloin cutlets, vegetables and a fried egg on a bed of garlic butter rice. Try the Kamakura Taco Rice with sautéed ground pork, green beans, peppers, pine nuts and Thai herbs on a bed of white rice and lettuce, topped off with onions and dried shrimp. Daisy’s outside tables make it a delightful place to watch a sunset.

Step next door over to Flex and suddenly you are in a Jamaican beach shack, jerk chicken. slow cooked for hours in a barrel grill, competes with the music and a full bar for your attention.

This is a party place, with reggae aficionado Chikashi “Tika” Egami presiding. Egami was enchanted by the Jamaican scene on a trip to the island and determined to re-create its atmosphere on this Okinawan beach. He has been very successful in bringing the flavor and boisterous joy of the Caribbean to this island. Flex is packed on the weekends with those who want to partake of that flavor and joy.

To find this dynamic little string of dining spots, go through the Highway 78 intersection on Highway 130 from Foster Gate 3, turn left at the light for a couple of blocks and look for the signs to Araha Beach and Chatan Park. Take the road just across the canal and turn left down the alley. Jet City’s pink flamingo signs are easy to spot at the turn.

You can also park your vehicle at the Araha Beach parking lot and walk a little to the north. Don’t be dismayed by the funky exteriors — you will do some good eating inside any one of them.

Navy MWR Highlights: 25 April - 1 May 2008

Navy MWR Highlights and Upcoming Events 25 April - 1 May 2008 See MWR’s Issue of Liberty Call Magazine here: http://www.cfao.navy.mil/mwr.html

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Crow’s Nest Club at Camp Shields

ALFRED & SEYMOUR
Incredible hip-hop dancing with sidesplitting comedy. The most unique comedy concept to grace the stage since Vaudeville!
Friday, April 25th 9:00 PM
FREE!
Open to All Ranks and Services

Country & Western Music by WHISKEY CREEK
Saturday, April 26th
9:00 PM
Blue Reef Lounge FREE!
Open to All Ranks and Services

HISPANIC NIGHT featuring Traditional Mexican song and dance by BALLET FOLKLORICO
And a Delicious Hispanic Buffet for $12.95
Friday, May 2nd
Dinner starts at 5:00 PM and the first Show begins at 7:00 PM
The Show is FREE but TICKETS are REQUIRED!
I1cket may be obtained at the Crows Nest Club C
all 632-4012

BINGO SCHEDULE:

SOAP OPERA BINGO
Tuesday - Friday at Noon

SUNDOWN BINGO
Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:00 PM
Saturdays & Sundays at 6:00 PM

SOAP OPERA MADNESS BINGO
Every Sunday at 1:00 PM

MOONLITE BINGO
Saturday Nights at 10:00 PM

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White Beach

NAVY MWR AQUATIC PROGRAMS:
PADI Open Water Scuba Certification
PADI Discover Scuba
Guided Snorkeling Tour
Spend a Day on the Beach Tours
For more information or to make reservations call 622- 1876/1877.

Shields

FITNESS:
AIKIDO CLASSES
ADULTS Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturdays 8:00 AM - 9:30AM
CHILDREN
Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Saturdays, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

KAB

TOUCH & GO FLIGHTLINE CAFETERIA
Monday — Friday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Weekends & Holidays 6:00 AM — 6:00 PM
Located In Bldg. #3674 between KAB Gates 3 and 4
NOW FEATURING NAP’S BUBBA BURGERS!
634-6601

White Beach & Shields

NAP’S SOUTHERN GRILL Crow’s Nest Club
Sunday & Tuesdays thru Thursday 11:00AM - 9:00PM
Fridays & Saturdays 11:00AM - 10:00 PM

NAP’S SOUTHERN GRILL White Beach
Sunday - Thursday & Holidays 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Fridays & Saturdays 11:00 AM—900 PM

NAP’S PORK "BAYOU" WRAP
Pulled Pork all Wrapped up with our Homemade Slaw!

Army Highlights: 25 April - 1 May

Army MWR Events
25 April – 1 May

Torii Beach Opening & Kids Fun Day

Torii Beach Opening Event

26 April, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Free food, live entertainment & lot more…

AFE/Alfred & Seymour (hip-hop dancing with side-splitting comedy)

644-4659

Kids Fun Day

26 April, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Fire truck ride, Arts & Crafts, Pop corn, Cotton candy,

Shaved ice, Bouncers, Games

644-4116/5919/4385

Torii Beach Opening Event

Torii Beach CrossFit Competition

“Fight Gone Bad”

26 April, 0900-1200

At Torii Beach

Entry Fee: $10 (late fee $5)

Entry Deadline: 25 April

644-4334

www.crossfitokinawa.com

Bunco Night

25 April, 6 p.m.

Coral Cove Club

Ladies…

Indulge yourselves in an evening of fun,

Food and friendly chatter!

No experience necessary to play!

Win great prizes!!!

644-4202/4017/4426

YOGA CLASS

Mondays 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Wednesdays 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Thursdays 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

At Torii Station Gymnasium Bldg 267

$5 per lesson/10 clay pass $45

Call 644-4334 for more information

TORII 10 Miler

10 May /Check in time: 7 a.m., Start time: 8 a.m.

Fee: $15 before 9 May; $20 on race day

644-4334/4169

Torii Swimming Pool

The Torii swimming pool will not be opening on the 26th as scheduled. Due to some rather serious leakage that will require repairs, the opening date has yet to be determined.

Coral Cove Club Free Video Nights

25 April: 6 p.m. Untraceable (R) 8 p.m. Vantage Point (PG)

*Effective Friday 25 April, Movies will no longer be shown at Coral Cove Club. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Call 644-4202/4017/4426 for latest information

Torii Beach Outdoor Turtle Theater
Every Friday – Weather permitting

Curtain Time – At Sunset

Free Movie

25 April Shrek The Third (PG)

644-4659 for latest information