HIT Travel - 18 April

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! 5/4-6/30 From $930
Purchase 5 days prior to departure date.

USA Limited 1 city
Please call us for details

Including TAX! 5/4-5/31 From $1180
Purchase 7 days prior to departure date.

New York, Boston, Washington , Miami, etc...

Including TAX! 5/6—5/31 From $1220
Purchase 28 days prior to departure date.

From U.S.A. to OKINAWA Departures by 4/30
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, etc

From $560

Boston, Atlanta, Denver, Miami, etc

From $660

New ,Chicago,Washington

From $675

Purchase 7 days prior to departure date. NOT Including TAX!

ASIA
April - May Departures

Seoul From $315 Y31,500
(Tuesday Departure, Direct Flight)
HongKong From $460 Y46,000
Shanghai From $570 Y57,000
(Sunday and Thursday Departures)
Manila From $600 Y60,000
(Daily Departure, via Taipei)
Bangkok From $610 Y61,000
(Daily Departure via Taipei)

Club Med

ISHIGAKI Island

All Inclusive
Round trip airfare, accommodations.

From Y57,800

Per person based on 4 passengers
Purchase 10 days prior to departure date

April Departures (Sun - Wed)

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

$=Y100 rate as of 6/MAR

H.I.S. Okinawa - 18 April

Call us now to get the best travel deals!
We have 242 offices in Japan and 73 offices abroad!

USA AIRFARES We always offer the best prices!

Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco
5/4-7/12
$921 (Y92,130 - TAX INCLUDED!)

NEW YORK
5/4-7/12
$1,071 (Y107,130 - TAX INCLUDED!)

Boston, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Detroit, Minneapolis, etc
5/4— 5/31
$1,152 (TAX INCLUDED!)
Purchase 7 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 April Dep
Direct Flight $648-$1,450

Price includes:
Air, Hotel, Transfers, 3 Breakfast

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

Asia Airfares April Departures
Seoul- $318 (Y31,800)
Hong Kong - $390 (Y39,000)
Manila - $600 (Y60,000)
Bangkok - $620 (Y62,000)
Beijing - $710 (Y71,000)

Special Deals for Beach Lovers April Departures
Guam - $390 (Y39,000)
Honolulu - $550 (Y55,000)
Phuket - $660 (Y66,000)
Bali - $780 (Y78,000)

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 12th]

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

off-base events (April 18-24)

April 18, 8 p.m.
Frank Gordon Jazz Quartet
Plaza House Shopping Mall, Okinawa City
Tickets: Y2,000

April 18, 7 p.m.
Okinawan Classical Dance Performance
Okinawa Folk Theater, Naha City
Tickets: Y2,5OO

April 18—20, 10 a.m.—5:30 p.m.
Tsuboya Shisa Day
Tsuboya Pottery Museum, Naha City
Free admission

April 19, 2 p.m.
2008 Japan Reggae Festival in Okinawa
Ginowan Kaihin Park, Ginowan City
Tickets: Y6,000

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.

culture corner: The Art of Haiku

fruike ya
kawazu tobikomu
mizu no oto
-Matsuo Basho

old pond...
a frog jumps in
the sound of water

---

Simple yet deeply philosophical, concise yet substantial, brief yet legendary, haiku convey a meaningful glimpse into a fleeting moment with such subtlety that they are often underappreciated.

These seemingly uncomplicated three-line poems have a complex history. For hundreds of years Japanese poets have been writing, redefining, and revolutionizing the art, and haiku has continually been caught in the battle between traditional and innovative ways of thought. Haiku originated from hakai no renga, a multi-verse poem with strict format and content rules. These poems had serious tones and dealt with such philosophical topics as the nature of humanity. In order to take a break from these heavy verses, poets of the day began writing more humorous and playful hokku (intro verses to hakai no renga). Eventually hokku were written and read as their own complete, individual poems, and in the 1890s the term “haiku” was officially coined.

Although the history of haiku technically began a little over 100 years ago, the great masters of this style of poem were creating them well before they were named. Matsuo Basho— widely believed to be the greatest haiku poet—wrote during Japan’s Edo Period (1600—1868). His profound ability to write haiku was so revered that he had his own school of disciples. Even now, his timeless poetry is studied and admired by readers.

The basic tenants of haiku today are no different than those traditionally observed. The haiku is a three-line poem composed in a 5-7-5 pattern, meaning that the first line has five syllables, the second seven, and the third five. A syllable by English language standards is different than its counterpart in Japanese. In haiku, a syllable is actually an on, or a sound. An on is counted for each change in sound; so often more are counted than syllables would be from an English language perspective. A haiku also contains a kigo (word referencing a season) and a kireji (cutting word or pause) equivalent to the English use of a comma, dash, or ellipse.

But don’t think that the time-honored haiku hasn’t found its place in today’s techno-savvy world. If you don’t have the time to meditate for hours on the perfect words to describe a leaf blowing in the wind, several websites boast automatic haiku generators where, with the click of a button, a reader can enjoy a uniquely created haiku. While these haiku are no more than a medley of random words, they do have the requisite syllabic count, which is enough, some argue, to qualify as true haiku.

So, whether you’re getting your haiku fix via the Internet or taking time to write your own ode to the natural beauty around you, remember that these poems are truly impressive pieces of Japanese art. Perhaps English author Reginald Horace Blyth (1898—1964) said it best: “A haiku is the expression of a temporary enlightenment, in which we see into the life of things.”

—Richenda Sandlin-Tymitz

Endless SOUP & SALAD

The sun is out, the air more humid, and those noisy ACs are turning on. It’s official, winter has left to make way for spring. What better way to celebrate balmy springtime on Okinawa than with a cool, crisp salad? Or maybe you're not quite ready to leave behind those cool weather, soul-warming comfort foods. You don’t have to choose one or the other—MCCS clubs &
restaurants offer the best of both seasons. MCCS is proud to announce its all new Endless Soup & Salad promotion.

For the special price of only $6.95, you can enjoy an endless Garden Fresh Salad—spinach, sunny leaf and iceberg lettuce topped with tomato wedges, sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, red onions, black olives, garbanzo beans, halved boiled eggs, and crispy croûtons— paired with your choice of a bottomless bowl of Green Chili Chicken Soup or Hearty Beef Chili.

These season-fresh salads and piping hot soups are now available at the Awase Meadows Restaurant, Camp Courtney’s Bayview, BeachHead at Camp Schwab, Kinser Surfside, Camp Foster’s Globe & Anchor, The Palms on Camp Hansen, and Thirsty’s on MCAS Futenma.

For more information, contact any participating MCCS club or restaurant.

United International Christian Faith Center

IMPACTING LIVES
THROUGH LOVE,
RELATIONSHIPS, AND
THE WORD OP GOD

EQUIPPING AND
EMPOWERING SAINTS
FOR THE WORK
OF THE MINISTRY

A FULL GOSPEL BAPTIST CHURCH FELLOWSHIP

You Are Welcome In The Worship
Join Us
Sundays at 10:00am
and

Wednesdays at 7:00pm

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL OUR CHURCH OFFICE AT 936.6993 OR visit us ONLINE AT WWW.UICFC.ORG

Terrence W. Carr, Senior Pastor

Deloris Carr, First Lady

TANNING SALON

MASTER SUN WHERE THE SUN NEVER SETS

Save 10% with this ad
Expires April 17, 2008

• One coupon valid for one person
• This coupon cannot be used in combination with other discount packages

OPEN DAILY Feb-May 8 a.m. - 1 a.m. (Last session midnight) CALL: 926-5553

Accept $ & Credit cards (AmEx, Mastercard, Visa)

culture corner: Legends of Ningyo

What one culture might think is frivolous, another might view seriously. In the case of Japan’s long-running interest in ningyo, or dolls, this is particularly true. In Japan, ningyo aren’t just playthings for children, but historical artifacts and talismans symbolic of a deep cultural superstition.

The first dolls made in Japan date back in history to the Jomon period circa 10,000 BC. These figurines were made of clay or stone and evolved over thousands of years, becoming more versatile in sizes, materials, and uses. Dollmaking reached its pinnacle during the Edo Period with the development of many different types of uniquely styled dolls, increasingly elaborate costumes (both painted and material), and the advent of technologically advanced karakuri ningyo, or mechanical dolls. These rudimentary robots moved on their own by a system of pulleys, gears, and cables. By the early 1900s, dollmaking was recognized nationally as an exceptional art form, and several dollmakers were designated ningen kokuho, or living national treasures.

While their history of ningyo is rich, it is the lore, the strange beliefs and legends associated with Japanese dolls, that make them so mystical. For hundreds of years ningyo have been regarded as empty vessels capable of absorbing sins, malevolence, bad luck, or diseases from humans. Hina Matsuri, the “Girl’s Day” holiday celebrated with ritual displays of dolls, began as a festival where every person—man, woman, and child—would create an effigy, thereby transferring through touch their own sickness or trouble to the doll.The dolls were then thrown into a river, sweeping away the negativity.

Other beliefs hold that dolls have souls of their own. This can particularly be found in the ayatsuri ningyo (puppets) used in bunraku, or puppet theater.These large puppets, although manipulated by talented puppet masters, are deeply respected for their own individual souls and the personality they bring to their performances.

The popular kokeshi doll has an especially eerie mystique. A favorite souvenir and collector’s item, these cylindrical wooden dolls are connected with a gloomy past. Tales say these dolls were made to memorialize children of rural families who died due to wide-spread famine and disease. A doll was kept in the home of a mourning family—a placeholder for the lost child. Because of the tragic aura surrounding kokeshi dolls, they are widely believed to be haunted by lost souls, and not just of children. Some believe more malevolent forces inhabit these dolls, a powerful superstition that explains the strange stories some kokeshi collectors tell of their dolls moving—sometime slightly, sometimes across rooms— when left alone.

Not all dolls symbolize negativity, however. Many dolls are cherished as good luck charms or for bringing specific fortunes to their human carriers. Fertility, romance, and wealth are just some of the blessings dolls can bestow.

The next time you see a Japanese doll, be it in a souvenir shop or museum, take a moment to study it. Her painted eyes might not be as lifeless as you once thought.

—Richenda Sandlin-Tymitz

hey, mike: Trash collection

I recently moved to Naha City in Okinawa, and live in off-base quarters. While I was very impressed with the strict regulations regarding the separation of trash for recycling, I still have problems figuring out which trash is in what category. Can you help?

— Mitchell Harris

Okinawa is quite a small island, and with Naha City having such a concentrated and highly industrialized population, the trash problem is overwhelming. It is estimated that over 10 billion yen of citizens’ taxes in the prefecture are spent on waste disposal a year. And, waste disposal sites are filling much faster than previously projected by the prefectural government.

In Naha, as well as other larger cities in Japan, trash is broken down into six categories, and trash in transparent bags, (which are sold in local supermarkets) are the only kind of trash accepted by sanitation services. These categories include: kan to bin (cans and bottles); kami to nunou (paper and cloth); moyasu gomi (burnable waste); moyasanai gomi (non-burnable waste); sodai gomi (large items); kikengomi (hazardous waste); and items that cannot be picked up by the department of sanitation. The cans and bottles category does include aerosol cans that are completely emptied. All bottles and cans should be emptied and rinsed out before disposal. Paper and cloth items include newspapers, magazines, old clothing, etc., and these should be bound with string (not put into bags). Paper trash that is soiled should be thrown out with burnable trash. Other burnable trash items include kitchen waste, wastepaper, small wooden furniture items, cooking oil, etc.

Although chemical-based items such as Styrofoam, rubber, etc, are thrown out with non-burnable waste in many other municipalities, Naha City now has the capability to burn these safely. in Naha, non-burnable waste includes small electronic products (such as radios, and pocket calculators), nylon, polyester, plastic, and bento containers. Large items such as carpets, bicycles, large furniture, and tree trunks can only be thrown out on selected days, which are announced beforehand. Hazardous waste includes small alkaline batteries, fluorescent bulbs, broken glass or used blades, mirrors, etc. Bags containing these items should be packaged and labeled properly—i.e. bound in newspaper and a plastic bag labeled “kiken” or dangerous. Trash that cannot be picked up includes large appliances (televisions 25-inch and larger), car and lithium batteries, automobiles, etc. To dispose of these items you should call your local city hail for more information and assistance (separate fees will be involved).

While this system may seem overwhelming to some, most agree that it is a small price to pay when you consider the alternative— the distinct possibility of a once beautiful island paradise turning into a huge and repugnant pile of refuse in the near future.

—Mike Daley

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

Meet me at the spot

Looking for a great place to hang out? Check out The Spot on Camp Foster. Inside, Konnect Kafe has more than 25 computers available on a first-come, first-serve basis for $4 per hour. Web cameras allow you to interact with friends and family back home. Read email, surf the net, chat, or play a variety of FREE computer games such as World of Warcraft, Battlefield Vietnam, Unreal Tournament, Need for Speed Underground, and more. WiFi is also available for laptop users. Setting up an account only takes a few minutes; just present your SOFA ID card, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Konnect Kafe services also include printing, scanning, and faxing. Print black & white copies for 10 cents per page or colored copies for 50 cents per page.

For your next social gathering consider The Spot’s mini-theater. Equipped with a gigantic viewing screen and a large selection of videos, the theater comfortably seats 25 and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis for no charge, as long as you purchase your food and drink at The Spot. The Spot is home to many American favorite food chains, so grab a coffee and donut or sandwich and soda and relax with friends.

The Spot has something for everyone. If computers and movies are not what you’re looking for, then step into the arcade, shoot some pool, or throw a few of darts. The Spot is conveniently located near the entrance of Camp Foster’s Gate 4 and is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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

Foundations Baptist Church

King James Bible • Old Fashioned • Soul Winning
www.FoundationsBaptistChurchOkinawa.com

Pastor Randy Johnson

"Build your life upon solid foundations."

Service Schedule
Sunday School.....................10 a.m.
Sunday AM Service............11 a.m.
Adult Bible Class..................5 p.m.
Sunday PM Service.............6 p.m.
Wed. Bible Study.................7 p.m.
Thursday Soul Winning......7 p.m.

• Annual Missions Conference
• Spring Foundations Conference
• Nursery provided for all services
• Children's Church
• Patch the Pirate Club
• Sunday Singles Lunch

An Independent, Fundamental Baptist Church on Hwy. 329 in Okinawa city
For a ride or information call us.
933-2822 090-3796-2692

OKINAWA COVENANT CHURCH (PCA)

"EXIST TO HUMBLE THE SINNER, EXALT THE SAVIOR, AND PROMOTE HOLINESS OF LIFE."

SUNDAY WORSHIP HOUR: 11 AM
MEETING AT THE DOOR OF FAITH CHURCH IN OKINAWA CITY.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 633-0704
WEBSITE: WWW.OKINAWACOVENANT.ORG

MARANATHA BAPTIST CHURCH

MARANATHA BAPTIST CHURCH FORTY YEARS OF FAITH 1968 - 2008

Independent
Sunday School 10 a.m.
Sunday Morning 11 a.m.
Sunday Evening 6 p.m.
Wednesday K.J.V AWANA Clubs 6:45 p.m.
Bible Study and Prayer 7 p.m.

Fundamental
Military Ministry For All Ages
Christian School K4- 12th

Tagalog, Japanese Korean Ladies' Bible Studies. Tagalag and Japanese Men's Bible Studies/ Marriage Counseling

Sunday Bus Pick-up from Main Gates:
Camp Schwab - 08:05
Camp Hansen - 08:55
Call for other Bases

Pastor Steve Nutt

"Some have compassion, making a difference" Jude 1:22 KJV

For more information or transportation, call
(098) 929-2695 / (090) 3797-9245 / (090) 6860-2058
www.maranathaokinawa.org • mbchurch@chive.ocn.ne.jp

NAILS Da Right Touch

098-926-1050 Open 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Mon-Sat, Closed Sun

$5 OFF
on full set valid only from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. MON-THURS

*Full set $45 *Tarot Readings $10
*Fjll-in $25 *Facial $45
*Back fill-in $45 *Wax $10 & up
*Manicure $15 *Bikini Wax $30 & up
*Pedicure $25 *30 minute Body Massage $30
*Two Designs $5
*Soak off $15 Wax for men:
Synergy Gels: *Chest $40
*Gel full set $85 *Back $40
*Gel fill-in $35
*Gel back fill in $55 (No extra charge for French nails)

Royal Phoenix Bridal Jewelry

5% Off
Your Purchase

A thing of beauty is a joy forever...

PINK GOLD
*18K GOLD Available
WHITE GOLD
YELLOW GOLD

Thc only BLUMER. distributer on the Island

English and Spanish speaking staff available.
Hours: 11 am—8pm. • Closed Thursdays • Tel: 098-867-4140

Life Chiropractic Okinawa
Dr. Ken Holliday, D.C.

Chiropractic Visits - New $60.00 Reg $50.00
Thai Massage (60 min) - $40.00
Deep Seitai Massage (60 min) - $40.00
Chiropractic/Massage Combo - New $85.00
Reg $75.00

Owned and Operated by an American Doctor of Chiropractic
Chiropractic . Thai-Yoga Massage . Seitai Massage . Relaxation

www.okinawa-chiropractic.com

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
Holiday Special
Power Thai Massage (45 min)
+ $60.00
Relaxing Foot Massage (30 min)

(098) 926 5235
(098) 926 5236
Open 10am ‘til 7pm - 7 days a week

coupon expires 6/30/2008

H.I.S. Okinawa - Limousine service

A Luxurious Moment for a Day of Remembrance

Make your precious day even more precious with our Super-Stretch Limousine.
Let it be a surprise that enriches your time with family, friends, or loved ones.

1 Hour $250 (Y25,000)
2 Hour $500 (Y50,000)
In the case of 7 people, Y3,572 per person for 1 hour.

Maximum 7 people

For more information, call KAB GATE 2 OFFICE 098-983-4620
HOURS Mon-Fri: 10:00—18:30, Sat: 11:00—17:00, Sun: Closed.

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

2nd Location
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!

Toma's Garage

EXTENDING THE LIFE OF YOUR CAR ON OKINAWA
English Speaking Staff!
937-4059/3415

• GOJ Inspection
  
• A/C Service Repair
  
• Towing Service
  
• Body Repairs & Paint
  
• Free Loaner Car
  

SoftBank

Cool and Stylish cellular phones offering ease of use.

$0
Contract fee!
Limited time only.
$30 value, some restrictions apply.
stop by for more details.

Save $ with our White Family 24 plan
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

fashion: The Ryukyu 'Do

Take a quick glance at any hangout popular with Okinawa’s youth, and you’ll see a profusion of
wickedly wild haircuts accented with highlights in every color of the rainbow. In contrast to the tidy cuts worn by most of our base population, these youth (of both genders) sport styles ranging from cutting-edge cool to looking like a weed whacker attacked their head. But where did this hip and funky style come from?

The answer appears in the archives of a highly popular 1990s FujiTV series called “Scissor Series.” Featuring top Tokyo stylists dueling in real time to produce the most superior style, the show made a star of hairdresser Masayuki Aoyama, whose flamboyant razor-cutting techniques (relying on angled cuts to give depth and movement) quickly became all the rage. In the hundreds of salons that dot the fashionable Tokyo wards of Shibuya, Harajuku, and Minato-ku (these three wards alone boast more salons than the entire L.A. metro area), clients clamored for copies of Aoyama’s cuts. The trend quickly spread throughout the country and to the Ryukyus as well.

If you’re feeling the need for strands that stand out from the crowd, Okinawa has no shortage of ‘hair-makes,’ where able stylists can do your ‘do (and makeup, too). Keep in mind, Western hair is usually much thinner than the average Japanese strand (which can be up to five times thicker), so that outrageous style you seek might not turn out quite as expected. Not ready to commit to a cut?Then local novelty shop ETWS has just the thing for you - wigs of the most popular Japanese haircuts. These pieces from maker Lapin d’Or come in an array of styles (such as the “Mushroom Layer” and “Asymmetrical Fringe”) for both men and women, and range in price from Y6,OOO to Y8,2OO. Great items for a costume party or a Friday night out (for the truly brave), for just under $75 you, too, can have a Ryukyu ‘do.

—Carrie Carmichael

Bitterness at Sugar Loaf

Story and Photo by Keith T. Graff

On the outskirts of Naha is nondescript hill that’s only about 50 feet high and 300 yards long. It is virtually unnoticeable. But the role Sugar Loaf Hill played as Japan’s last defense against an invasion of Okinawa during World War II make its significance monumental.

Any breakthrough here would have exposed the Japanese flank to attack. Fully aware of Sugar Loaf’s strategic importance, the Japanese defended it tenaciously. The siege at Sugar Loaf began on May 12, 1945. The fighting here was desperate and the casualties suffered on both sides were high. It took eleven attempts, but on May 18, the Marines prevailed.

Two days after it was taken, the Japanese launched an all-out counterattack in an effort to reclaim Sugar Loaf Hill. Over the course of the week-long battle, over 2,000 American troops were killed or were removed from the fighting due to battle fatigue. The actual number of Japanese casualties remains unknown but is presumed to be much higher.

Today, Sugar Loaf Hill sits on the outskirts of downtown Naha City. It’s a short five-minute stroll from the Omoromachi Monorail Station. The hill is located across the Street from the Duty Free Shops. A Catholic Church and a family restaurant occupy its eastern slope and apartment complexes including an athletic field are located to the south. Near the top of the hill is a small marker along with a plaque.

This small plaque is all that is left to note the sacrifice and heroism that took place over 60 years ago.

Craft workshop evokes inner artist

Story and Photos by William Stroud

Like many, I’ve noticed the exquisite sparkle of Okinawan glassware and thought, “I wonder if
I could do that.” After all, there’s an artist in all of us. Most people just never take a chance to give it a whirl.

One of the best places to get in touch with your inner artist is at the Naha Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts. You can try your hand at glass blowing, pottery making, shun-on (weaving), even bingata (cloth painting) and lacquerware design for about Y2,500. Then walk away with a finished product. Experts guide you every step of the way for safety and success. One project will only take an hour or so.

I’ve always found the whole process of adding color to molten glass and blowing through a pipe to form a cup or bowl intriguing. The Ryukyu Glass Blowing Workshop offered me my chance. Don’t expect to make a huge salad bowl, but you can make a drinking glass or small a vase. There are a number of examples to choose from. Anyone can buy a glass, but somehow the one I made seems more mine.

Now it’s your turn. The museum is on Kokusai Street, straight across from McDonald’s. Go up the outside stairs on the second floor, to the large open area past the craft shop on the left and walk toward the back railing. The craft workshops are on the right.

IACE Travel - 11 April

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

IACE TRAVEL

USA SPECIAL (West Coast)
Roundtrip

Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle
$925 incl tax 5/4-29 departure
1 day advance purchase required

USA SPECIAL (East Coast)
Roundtrip
New York, Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Boston, Detroit, Minneapolis, Buffalo
$1131 incl. tax 5/4-29 weekday departure
7 days advance purchase required

USA to OKINAWA roundtrip
many East Coast cities. please ask agent
$999 incl. tax 4/15, 22, 5/6, 13 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 Y101

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. Travel - April 11

U.S.A. Airfares - We always offer the best prices!
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle etc.
4/12-4/19 $921 (Y92,130) (Tax Included)

New York
4/12-4/19 $1071 (Y107,130) (Tax included)

Atlanta, Miami, Raleigh, etc
4/14-4/18 $1,152 (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 - April Departures
Seoul $290 (Y 29,000) 7 days advance purchase
Manila $600 (Y 60,000)
Hong Kong $420 (Y 42,000)
Bangkok $640 (Y 64,O0O)
Phuket $660 (Y 66,000)
Beijing $710 (Y 71,000)

Club Med

All Inclusive Vacation Resort

ISHIGAKI ISLAND 3DAY
April dep
$578 (Y57,800)

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.

$648-$1,450
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 5th.]


LOCATED NEAR KAB GATE 2
098-983-a620

LOCATED NEAR CAMP FOSTER
098-982-7600

OPEN HOURS
MON-FRI 1000-1830 SAT 1000-1600
Closed Sunday

Naha Main Office 098-868-1133

Teruya Music & Charlie's Tacos

Music and Instruments SINCE 1951

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

---

CHARLIE’S TACOS
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!

Okinawa archers aim to maintain their craft

Story and Photos by Reggie Cantú

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kadena Services Weekly Highlights 10-17 April

Crank'er up!
Grillin' & Chillin'
11 April • 5:30 pm - 8 pm
Grill your own steaks, salmon and kabobs served with
all the fixin's and chill with us.
Enjoy fantastic food and live entertainment.
Rocker NCO Club • 634-0740




Check out jazz hands, superman, jabs and warriors in one room!
Risner's Aerobathon
12 April • 8 am - 10:30 am
A wide variety of aerobic formats
to include Step, Turbo Kick, Jazzercise and PiYo.
Risner Fitness Center • 634-5128




50,000 reasons to get your ticket today!
$50K Bingo
3 May • doors open at noon • games start at 3 pm
Tickets on sale at Rocker NCO Club • 634-0740
Members • $75
Nonmembers • $85




When dragons and clay collide.
Dragon Vase Pottery Class
17 April • 5 pm - 8 pm
Register now - 15 April
Arts and Crafts • 634-1666




Check out our cool new site for our furry friends!
Okinawa Vet Clinic
http://kadenaservices.com/vetweb/





Army MWR Events




Navy MWR Events

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

Mailing Address:
18th Services Marketing
Unit 5135 Box 10
APO AP 96368-5135