Navy Marine Corps Relief Society Volunteers Needed

Volunteers wanted! Whether you are looking to volunteer from home or in the office, we have an opportunity for you. We are looking for client service assistants, caseworkers, presenters/briefers, knitters, crocheters, and couponers at both our Camp Foster and Camp Hansen offices. If you want to learn more, stop by or give us a call at 645-7808 (098-970-7808).

Feb House of Laughs Schedule

House of Laughs Comedy Series

Tuesday 19 February-Saturday February 23

All Shows Start at 2100

The House of Laughs Comedy Show will Feature comedians Tobe Hixx and Jamal Doman.
February 19: Camp Foster Ocean Breeze (Globe & Anchor) February 20: Camp Schwab BeachHead Club
February 21: MCAS Futenma Thirsty's E'Club
February 22: Camp Kinser Surfside Ballroom
February 23: Caamp Hansen The Palms Club

For more information please call us at 098-970-5821

Kinser Elementary Homework Club Volunteers Needed

Kinser Elementary School homework club is seeking 20 volunteers for Thursdays 1430-1530 beginning 31 January. Volunteers will work one-on-one with students. Volunteers may sign up for multiple Thursdays and/or only one Thursday based on their availability. Please contact Ms. Kelley Kruzel @ kelley.kruzel@pac.dodea.edu <mailto:kelley.kruzel@pac.dodea.edu> to sign up or for further information.

POC: Kelley Kruzel @ kelley.kruzel@pac.dodea.edu <mailto:kelley.kruzel@pac.dodea.edu>

Traveling Abroad?

When preparing for an excursion abroad, remember to stop by the Public Health Flight (3rd Floor in the 18 MDG) or call DSN 630-1998, or contact the U. S. Naval Hospital Okinawa Occupational Medicine/Travel Medicine office at 643-7803 for travel health recommendations.

OAARS 5K Fun Run/Walk

OAARS 5K Fun Run/Walk- The Okinawan-American Animal Rescue Society is hosting a 5K Fun Run/Walk on 9 February on Torii Station starting at 8 am (registration from 7 am - 7:45 am). Dogs encouraged to participate!

http://www.facebook.com/events/252938548167832/

Okinawan Baseball Game

Baseball spring training camp will be starting from February! Aren’t you excited? I am! Also, another great news is that a regular season game of Hanshin Tigers vs. Chunichi Dragons will be held in Okinawa! If you love baseball, please check your schedule! The game will take place at Okinawa Cellular Stadium in Naha City on July 9th & 10th. Tickets will be available at Family Mart, Palette Kumoji, and Ginoza Village Baseball Stadium from February 8th (Fri).

Hanshin Tigers is going to have training at Ginoza Village Baseball Stadium, and Chunichi Dragons will be trained at Chatan Park Baseball Stadium. Do you want to see them training before you watch the game?

Hanshin Tigers vs. Chunichi Dragons
Date: July 9th (Tue) & 10th (Wed) 19:00 –
Venue: Okinawa Cellular Stadium (42-1 Ounoyama-cho, Naha City)

*Hanshin Tigers spring training camp- Ginoza Village Baseball Stadium (188 Ginoza, Ginoza Village) Close to Ginoza I.C.

*Chunichi Dragons spring training camp - Chatan Park Baseball Stadium (2 Mihama, Chatan Town) Close to American Village

IT Shinryo Festival 2/1 & 2/2

Are you interested in Japanese latest technology? IT Shinryo Festival 2013 will be held for 2days, today February 1st and 2nd at Okinawa Convention Center in Ginowan. The festival showcases state-of-the-art technology and robots. There will be hands on program, robots contest, demonstrations, robot cars race, etc. If you have kids and haven’t made any plan for this weekend, this festival is worth taking your kids. No admission fee is required. Venue: Okinawa Convention Center , Event Hall (4-3-1 Masiki, Ginowan) About 10 minutes drive from Camp Foster, Commissary Gate / Date and Time: Feb 1st and 2nd 10:00-17:30
bit.ly/WDrhqu

Tsunami Warning System Testing Every Friday at Noon

Marine Corps Installations Pacific will begin testing the Marine Corps Tsunami Warning System on Fri. Feb. 1 at noon.

This test will be heard on all Marine Corps camps and stations on Okinawa, at Ie Shima Training Facility, and at White Beach Naval Facility.

The system tests will be conducted every Friday at noon, and will include a bi-lingual announcement with a 15 second siren. Each test should last for approximately 20 seconds.
On the last Friday of each month the tests will include the bi-lingual announcement as well as the tsunami evacuation warning and last approximately three minutes.

Sea-firefly (Umihotaru) Observation Program 2/9

“Sea-firefly (Umihotaru) Observation Program” will be held again! I know some people missed it last time and waiting for the next chance. By the way, sea-firefly (Umihotaru) is a kind of Crustacea and about 3 to 3.5 centimeters long nocturnal creature which produces blue-light at night. It inhabits Japanese shore. It stays in the sand at the bottom of shallow water during the day and move around for predation at night. “Sea-firefly Observation Program” will be held at Awase tidal flat landfill on February 9th. The fee is 500 yen which covers hand out(written only in Japanese, sorry!) and hot drink. Participants are required to bring a flash light, a pair of rain shoes, a hat, and protection against cold. Gathering spot: Umiera-Kan( a museum café) 3-47-1 Awase, Okinawa city / Date and time: February 9th 22:00 / Tel: 098-927-0116 (Awase Tidal Flat Landfill Preservation Society)
bit.ly/XX4tVx

Free Salsa Lessons at Havana's

FREE SALSA LESSONS EVERY FRIDAY AT HAVANA'S on Torii Station- Starting tonight, we will have free Salsa lessons at Havana's from 1700-1800. Going to be a lot of fun, come check it out!

For more info visit www.toriimwr.com

Torii Spring Triathlon

TORII TRIATHLON - 12 May.
Registration opens March 1st 
http://toriimwr.com/toriitriathlon.html

Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program

The DoD Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program is designed to help military spouses define their career goals, including offering support with information about education programs and financial aid options. SECO consultants (1-800-342-9647) are bachelor and master-level advisors and counselors who can help spouses consider their options for going back to school and how a particular license, certification, or degree program will help them reach their goals.

Military OneSource

www.militaryonesource.mil

PLAZA GATE CLOSURE 1/30-2/4

UPDATE on PLAZA GATE CLOSURE

At the Commanders direction, the main gate (gate 8) will remain closed for the duration of the construction without reopening it after business hours.

This said, gate 8 will close at 08:00 on 1/30/13 and will reopen at 12:00 2/4/13.
Consequently, gate 8A (back gate) will open at 08:00 on 1/30/13 and be closed at 12:00 on 2/4/13.

We ask for your cooperation in this matter.

Okinawa Kids Clothing Swap 2/9

Saturday Feb 9th from 0800-1600

Register here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dF9wRzFnbHpTbUZZcngyMmgtMUF1ZFE6MA#gid=0

And read all the documents here:
https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B6AtLChpMGIXTG9wSTU5SE90LVE/edit

Chatan Industrial Festival 2/2-2/3

The 1st Chatan Industrial Festival will be held for 2 days, February 2nd and 3rd at the open space in front of Chatan Baseball Stadium. They showcase local products, fashion, health, etc. Also, there will be local artist Shakari’s stage show, hands-on corner and lottery. Venue: Chatan Baseball Stadium open space. (2 Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami) / Time and Date: Feb 2nd and 3rd 10:00-17:00
http://bit.ly/XDhKw3

Hiji Falls closed until 3/31

Hiji Waterfall Walking Trails and the Camping Area where you can fully enjoy Yanbaru of Okinawa Main Island are closed until March 31, 2013 due to damage by typhoons (Sanba & Jelawat). Please be aware of it.

Kadena USO Car Wash

Feb 3rd from 1200-1700
donations support the USO

Pasion Emocion y TANGO Argentino

Who is interested in Argentino tango? “Pasion Emocion y TANGO Argentino” is going to be held at Sugar Hall in Nanjo City on February 3rd. 3 dancers will be dancing along with the sound of bandoneon (accordion look-a-like musical instrument) and piano. Why don’t you enjoy the music and tango at the same time?

Pasion Emocion y TANGO Argentino
Date: February 3rd (Sun)
Time: Open 14:00 / Start 14:30
Venue: 307 Sashiki, Nanjo City
http://en.okinawa2go.jp/is/OCVB1EN0120301100/show
Ticket: 3,000 yen (advance) / 3,500 yen (at-the-door) / 1,500 yen (Elementary school students and under)
*Tickets are available at Takara Records, Mitsukoshi, and Palette Kumoji

MilitaryKidsConnect.org

The Defense Department website for military children has added new features to help parents and educators explain difficult topics of the military lifestyle to children. Since its launch in January 2012,
MilitaryKidsConnect.org has served more than 125,000 visitors and won five industry excellence awards. The new features include:

-- Military culture videos and lesson plans for teachers, school counselors, and educators to better understand the differences between military and civilian youth;

-- Graphic novels and mini-documentaries by military kids sharing their experiences;

-- New modules for children and parents on handling grief, loss and physical injury.

this is a very helpful website for our military children

Tillman Military Scholars application

Team Kadena,
As a reminder, the Tillman Military Scholars application opened at
midnight (Monday, January 14 at 12:00:00AM EST). The application will remain open until 11:59:59 PM PST on Friday, February 15.
This is a great opportunity for servicemembers and their spouses! :) Nicole

Become A Tillman Military Scholar | Pat Tillman Foundation

www.pattillmanfoundation.org

World Home Cooking Fair 2/10

You don’t have to fly to foreign countries just to eat their local food! There is an event that you are able to eat foreign food in Nago City. “World Home Cooking Fair” will be held at Nago Civic Hall on February 10th (Sun). Exchange students and foreigners who are living in Nago City will gather and introduce their home cooking. The purpose of this event is to develop friendship with each country through their food culture. Would you like to attend and try some?

Meal tickets are available at the Nago City International Friendship Hall, Nago City Public Office, or Nago City Tourist Association. For more information about this event, please contact Nago City International Friendship Hall at 0980-51-0123.

Date: February 10th (Sun)
Time: 11:30-15:00
Participating countries: Argentina, Peru, Cuba, Philippine, New Caledonia, Korea, Brazil, and China

http://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-201946-storytopic-22.html

Single Service Member Program: FREE Whale Shark Diving

Kadena Outdoor Recreation

Single Service Member Program presents: FREE Whale Shark Diving (value of $150 per person). Sign up at Kadena Outdoor Recreation Wednesday, 30 Jan at 1000. Space is limited; first come, first serve. For proof please bring a copy of your orders :)

Naha to Chatan Shuttle Bus Tour

They sound so much fun! I would love to take a tour with them! Bus tour guides had a live music show on the 18th at American Village in Chatan Town, and they performed Okinawan local folk songs. They are giving the night shuttle bus tour from Naha City to Chatan Town and reversed route. They are guiding about the areas of Okinawa, play sanshin and sing in the meantime, and entertain passengers. The trip might be fun if we were with these tour guides.

They offer 3 round trips in 1 day. If you were interested, please call 098-861-5489 for detail or reservation.

http://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-201961-storytopic-5.html

Basketball & Cheerleading Coaches Needed

Kadena Force Support Squadron

Attn Sports Fans:

Youth Sports & Fitness is looking for volunteer coaches for the upcoming basketball and cheerleading sessions, which run 18 March - 25 May. Please contact 18fss.youthsports@us.af.mil or 634-1384 for more information.

H.O.P.E Clean-up Sunabe Beach Saturday FEB 9 8am-12pm

Kadena Outdoor Recreation

*****H.O.P.E Clean-up Sunabe Beach Saturday FEB 9 8am-12pm*** Let's HELP the Community!!!
Beachcombers, snorkelers and divers needed. If you are diving, please provide us with proof of certification and specify if you need a tank. Refreshments and water will be provide. H.O.P.E to see you there!!!

Family Fun Night @ Crow's Nest 2/1

The Crow's Nest Family Fun Night will be Friday February 1st from 5-8pm.
Sorato the Clown & Magician Brandon Porterfield will be there plus bounces, balloons and Big Screen Cartoons.
This event is Free and open to all ranks, services and ages.
A Kid friendly Buffet or the Crow’s Nest Curry Buffet will be available to purchase separately or you may order from Nap's Southern Grill.

Kadena Road Construction

Team Kadena,
FYI, expect single lane road closures, Molland Street in Sebille Manor February - November 2013
Who: Sebille Manor residents and thru-traffic
What: Single Lane Road Closures
Where: Molland Street in Sebille Manor
When: Beginning February and periodically thereafter until November this year
Why: Upgrades to underground utilities

Sections of Molland Street in Sebille Manor will have single lane road closures from February through November as existing utilities are replaced and new ones installed. The road closures will be Mon-Sat (except Federal Holidays) from 0800-1700 hrs. One lane will remain open at all times, warning signs will be posted and flagmen will be present to direct traffic. Excavations will be covered at the end of each day to allow for
normal traffic flow. Residents and thru-traffic are asked to exercise caution while driving in this area. We also ask residents and their visitors to not parallel park in front of the construction areas as this can delay the work. Please contact Mr. Yuji Boraca at DSN 634-0877 or Mr. Chris Sorter at DSN 634-1374 for further information. -ncw

February Flea Markets

February Flea Market Schedule:

2&3 Camp Foster: Canceled due to inventory
9&10 Camp Courtney: 0700-1000
16&17 Camp Kinser: 1200-1500
23&24 Camp Courtney: 0700-1000

Textile Show

Do you want to see some art works created by students who are going to Shuri High School Textile Design course? The admission is free and it's held at Naha Civic Gallery until Feb 3rd. There are 129 pieces of works by 39 students. It's worth seeing them. The future famous designer's work could be there!!!

http://article.okinawatimes.co.jp/article/2013-01-29_44604

NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT FUN RUN/WALK

NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT FUN RUN/WALK

ENTRY FEE-DONATIONS ONLY

All Proceeds Go Towards 2013 NICU Reunion
WHERE: RISNER GYM on KADENA
WHEN: Saturday, MARCH 23rd
TIME: Sign Up at 0700-0730
Race Starts at 0800
1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place Winners, Male & Female in 4 Age Categories
A little something for the first Pet and Stroller finishers too!

Okinawa Events Calendar

Naha City Environmental Fair 1/27

Now is the good time to think “green,” and this event will help you out with it. “Naha City Environmental Fair” will be held on January 27th (Sun) at Okinawa Cellular Park Naha. Green products and eco-friendly cars are going to be exhibited, and an eco-style café which promotes local production for local consumption serves delicious dishes. A brass band and a chorus group from Kanagusuku Junior High School will perform songs, and the local hero “Ryujin Mabuyer” will be at the festival! If you were interested, please stop by and think green.

Naha City Environmental Fair
Date & Time: January 27th (Sun) 10:00-17:00
Venue: Okinawa Cellular Park Naha (42-1 Ounoyama-cho, Naha City) *Inside of Okinawa Cellular Stadium Naha

http://bit.ly/VwSvxI

New Shuttle Bus to National Theater Okinawa

Now you can go to National Theatre Okinawa more often and enjoy watching Okinawa’s entertainment such as Kumiodori, traditional Ryukyuan dance, play, and else. Free shuttle bus runs from hotels in Naha City to National Theatre Okinawa until March. It is easier to access to the theater now, so this would be the best time to watch the Okinawa’s entertainment!

Each bus stop and schedule are listed on the website below.

Course A (Shurijo Castle Route)
Intersection near Shurijo Castle – Hotel Nikko Naha Grand Castle – Okinawa Miyako Hotel – Omoromachi Toyoko Inn – The Naha Terrace – National Theatre Okinawa

Course B (Coast of Naha City Route)
Road Station Toyosaki – Aeon Naha – Loisir Hotel – Pacific Hotel Okinawa – National Theatre Okinawa

Course C (Central area of Naha Route)
Okinawa Harborview Hotel Crowne Plaza – Okinawa Prefectural Office – Kariyushi Urban Resort Naha – National Theatre Okinawa

国立劇場おきなわ

www.nt-okinawa.or.jp

Kadena CC Cup Bowling

CALLING ALL BOWLERS!

If you are interested in participating in this year’s Extramural Bowling League please contact your unit sports rep for an LOI. Also, you can pick up the required paperwork at the front desk of the Risner Fitness Center. Thank you and hope to see you out on the lanes!!

-Risner Sports Dept.

 

Starts Feb13

LOI's Due Feb 8

Team size: 4 bowlers

price: $4 per week per bowler

Women's Navy Dragon Boat Team

If you are interested in participating in an exciting part of Okinawan culture while at the same time humiliating our sister services in a highly competitive sporting event, look no further. The 2013 Navy Dragon Boat Team is looking for people to join both our men's and women's teams.

 Come compete in one of the most exciting and popular Okinawan cultural events...  Dragon Boat Racing!

What: info meeting for 2013 season

when: feb 13 @1700

Who: anyone interested in joining the women's or men's teams

where: camp shields, bldg 8210 classrooms 1&2

 For more info contact Donna at usnavydragonboatteam@gmail.com

Okinawa International Orchid Show 2/2-2/11

Are you an orchid lover? Okinawa International Orchid Show 2013 will be held for 9days from February 2nd to February 11th at Tropical Dream Center in Okinawa Ocean Expo Park.. It is the largest orchid conference in Asia and Pacific. Main event is the orchid competition which many orchid lovers gather to exhibit their prized orchid. Also, there are other various events during the conference such as Orchid music concert, Orchid Bridal, Folk performing art from all over the world, etc. Admission: Adults 670yen, Elementary/Jr. High School Students 340yen, Children under 6 years old are free.
http://bit.ly/xXjwL7

沖縄国際洋蘭博覧会－OKINAWA INTERNATIONAL ORCHID SHOW－

oki-park.jp

Make your own brown sugar special program 2/9-2/11

Are you interested in making brown sugar? You can try making it at Native Okinawan Village in Okinawa Ocean Expo Park from February 9th to 11th. Their hands-on program gives you a chance to experience traditional way to make brown sugar out of sugar cane juice. It cost you 100yen to join the program. Prior booking is required. Tel: 0980-48-2741
Venue: Native Okinawan Village, Baba / Date and time: Feb 9th-11th 10:00-14:30 / The program limited to 40 people.
http://bit.ly/14eYk6O

MCCS Okinawa - Comic Con

Good morning all! It's time to mark your calendars, plan your costumes, and spread the word: The next Comic Con Okinawa will be held on May 4th! As the event gets closer more details will come out; keep your eyes peeled.

For more info, follow the MCCS Okinawa - Comic Con FB page.

EFMP Healthy Thinking Therapy Group

Hello Families !!! EFMP Okinawa would like to inform you of our ongoing therapy group:

"Healthy Thinking Therapy Group"
This group aims to help participants reduce false, illogical, or negative thoughts in order to manage issues such as depression and anxiety.

Group Dates/Times: (This group is open/on-going; clients can enter any session, and if sessions are missed, clients can catch them on the following session cycle)

Weds, 09Jan13 @0900-1100 Group session 1 - "Unchain the brain"
Weds, 16Jan13 @0900-1100 Group session 2 - "Let's get it together"
Weds, 23Jan13 @0900-1100 Group session 3 - "Check your head"
Weds, 30Jan13 @0900-1100 Group session 4 - "Mindfulness"
Weds, 06Feb13 @0900-1100 Group session 5 - "Stacking the deck"
Weds, 13Feb13 @0900-1100 Group session 6 - "Face your fears"
*Our next session cycle will begin in late Feb/early March; To be announced soon

Located at Camp Foster, Building 439
Behavioral Health Family Advocacy - Personal and Family Counseling (CAP)

This group is open to all military, civilians, and SOFA dependents aged 18 and older. Due to allocation of resources, it is first prioritized to sailors and marines (and dependents), next filled by airmen and soldiers (and dependents) on a space available basis.

Tax Centers open 2/4

Tax centers at Camps Foster and Hansen are scheduled to open Feb. 4 to provide free assistance with tax filing.
Tax centers will be located in building 2694 at Camp Hansen and building 5960 at Camp Foster.
“Being stationed in a foreign nation presents unique tax challenges, especially for SOFA personnel who get married to a citizen of their host nation,” said Morrison. “The centers’ Marines are trained how to handle foreign earned income and assist those who lack a Social Security number and need an (individual taxpayer identification number).”
The clerks can also assist customers in meeting the June 15 deadline for filing taxes for military personnel on duty and U.S. citizens living overseas.

Yaese Cherry Blossom Festival 1/25 - 2/3

Another cherry blossom fest! “Yaese Cherry Blossom Festival” is starting from January 25th – February 3rd at Yaese Park in Yaese Town. During the time, 167 of handmade lanterns by local elementary school students will be lighting up from 18:00-21:00.

On the final day, lots of events including local folk song tournament, tug-of-war, gourmet grand prix, and others are in the program. Children can play at traveling amusement park, and applicants can try water walk. Please stop by if you were interested.



Yaese Cherry Blossom Festival
Date: January 25th (Fri) – February 3rd (Sun)
Time: 10:00-17:30 *Lighting-up hour 18:00-21:00
Venue: Yaese Park (Tomori, Yaese Town)

Men's Dragon Boat Team

Want to be part of the Shogun Dragon Boat legacy? It's not too late to join!

The Shoguns Dragon Boat Race Team is still looking for men for the May 5th race in Naha. Practice is held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 0600 and 1730 at the Risner track. Practice is also held at the Kadena Marina 1730 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 0800 on Saturdays. Please contact Katrina Raymond at katrinas_mailbox@yahoo.com or find the team on Facebook. :) Nicole

Okuma Customer Appreciation Day 2/2

Treasure Hunt via Facebook clues start on Saturday, 2 Feb 2013 Search for the Treasure box hiding somewhere in the Okuma Facility. We'll post clues via Facebook every hour starting 10am.
You'll win "One overnight stay at the Turtle's Nest Beach House"

 AND

Visit Okuma on Saturday, 2 Feb 2013
Customer Appreciation Day! To show our appreciation, we are giving away lots of freebies to our valued guests!
Guests can draw lots for free mini golf, buggy and racing bikes, single bikes and free Glass Bottom Boat charters (5 time slots to choose from), kayak rentals and much more. And enjoy free entertainment at the Surfside Restaurant.
We'll do "Treasure hunt via Facebook clues" for one of the Grand Giveaway's on the Open House Day. Grand Giveaway - Overnight stay at our new Turtle's Nest Beach House (Valued at up to $190!)

 

EFMP Lending Library & Resources

Did you know EFMP has a Lending Library with great resource books available for you to check out?

We currently have books on ADHD, Allergies, Autism, Diabetes, Parenting Issues, Special Ed and IEP's, various mental health issues and so much more! 

Additionally, if you have topics you would like to see included in our lending library, please let us know.

Contact us at 645-9237/622-9794
efmp@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org

Strawberry Picking

Do you like strawberries? You can have fun picking strawberries from this month through May in Ginoza. Agriculture Succession Planning Center in Ginowan organizes a seasonal event for visitors who can experience farming picking strawberries. Location: 296 Ginoza, Ginoza village, Kunigami / Fee: 1200yen (Junior high school students or older) ･700yen(elementary school students)･ 500yen(preschool-age children from 3 years old) You can buy picked strawberries for 150yen per 100g to take home. / Tel: 098-968-5102 (9:00-17:00 except12:00-13:00 Weekdays) / Advance reservation is required.
http://bit.ly/138zll5

 

I do want to go to strawberry picking so bad! Now you can enjoy it at Ginoza Village Agricultural Successor Training Center! Most of them are turning red, and people enjoyed picking them and tasting the freshly-picked strawberry. You can enjoy strawberry picking until early May, so why don’t you visit Ginoza Village if you were interested?

You can watch the movie of strawberry picking at the website below.

Venue: Ginoza Village Agricultural Successor Training Center (1579-3 Ginoza, Ginoza Village)
*Close to Ginoza I.C.

きょう大寒　イチゴ狩り始まる - 琉球新報 - 沖縄の新聞、地域のニュース

ryukyushimpo.jp

 

Nakijin Castle Cherry Blossom Illumination Festival

Though there might be little Cherry Blossoms at Nakijin right now, the castle night display is still a beauty to see. Picture below was taken last year from with inside the castle grounds.

Night display begins tomorrow, Saturday 19 January ends 3 February.

 

Cherry blossoms are started blooming in Okinawa. How about enjoy watching them at a historical place where is designated as the World Heritage in Okinawa? “Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival” will be starting from the 19th. The opening ceremony starts at 18:00, and taiko performance, calligraphy performance, and lighting ceremony are in the program.

Other programs including eisa & traditional entertainment performance, photo shoot with the King & Queen of Hokuzan, Nakijin watermelon tasting, dressing-up in traditional Ryukyuan costume, and other programs will be held during the festival. Would you like to enjoy cherry blossom viewing and experience good old days of Okinawa?

Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival
Date: January 19th (Sat) – February 3rd (Sun)
*Opening ceremony starts at 18:00 on January 19th.
Venue: Nakijin Castle Remains (5101 Imadomari, Nakijin Village)
Entrance fee: 400 yen (adult) / 300 yen (elementary school, junior high school, and high school students) / Free (kindergartener and under)
http://nakijinjo.jp/english/index.html (English)

 

How about Night cherry? Here is a video of cherry blossom festival in Nakijin castle ruin lighted up. Cherry under sun light is good but it's also good under stars with lighting, which makes fantastic mood. It's lighted up until 9:00 PM. http://bit.ly/WPK2Dz

夜桜もいかが？　今帰仁城跡ライトアップ

ryukyushimpo.jp

 

 

National Theater Okinawa

6 young directors produced their stage productions, and their works will be performed at National Theatre Okinawa and Naha Civic Hall until March. Ryukyu Genso Emaki (Ryukyu Fantasy Picture scroll) is the total name of these stage productions, and these are parts of promotion to promote Okinawa. These are consisting of the Okinawan traditional performing arts, so even if audiences are not familiar with Okinawa or its culture, they still can enjoy watching them. Along with these productions, another production will be performed at “Murasaki Mura” in Yomitan Village until February. Let’s go watch the stage if you were interested!

Performance dates: January 20th, 27th, February 13th, March 20th, and the final performance’s date is undecided
Venue: January 20th, 27th, Feb. 13th - National Theatre Okinawa (4-14-1 Jitchaku, Urasoe City)
March 20th and undecided date - Naha Civic Theater (1-2-1 Yosemiya, Naha City)
http://www.nt-okinawa.or.jp/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=108&Itemid=131

国立劇場おきなわ

www.nt-okinawa.or.jp

Navy MWR Nago Cherry Blossom Festival Tour

Navy MWR will offer tours to the Nago Cherry Blossom Festival on January 26th & 27th.
Prices are Adults $20, Kids 6-12 years $14, Kids 5 and under $5. Pickup points are the Crow's Nest club, Navy Gateway Inns & Suites and the Kadena USO.
For more information please call 634-6950 M-F 7am-4pm.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151345798387432&set=oa.319959898110158&type=1&theater

Whale Watching Festa 2013

Now is the time for whale watching! Zamami Island is currently holding “Whale Watching Festa 2013” from January to March, which is the time for whales to return to the Ocean of Zamami Island, then leave. As a part of the event, there is a whale watching panels exhibit at Tenbusu Naha. This exhibit is introducing whale watching and touching performance by humpback whales. If haven’t joined any whale watching tour, this could be the entrance to be interested in. Would you like to see how whales are doing?

The sponsor of the event is also looking for paintings or photos of whales that you have. If you would like to enter, please contact them at 098-987-3009.

The exhibit is taking place from January 19th (Sat) until February 17th (Sun) at Tenbusu Naha on Kokusai Street (3-2-10 Makishi, Naha City).

Also, check the movie below.

座間味村ホエールウォッチング協会

www.youtube.com

Ryukyu Golden Kings Pro Basketball Team

Ryukyu Golden Kings fans on Okinawa! Are you ready to fly to Ishigaki Island on March? Or fans on Ishigaki Island, are you ready to cheer for your favorite team and players? Ryukyu Golden Kings is going to play against Saitama Broncos at Ishigaki City Gym, and Kings is having a game on Ishigaki Island for 2 years in a row. New Ishigaki Airport is scheduled to be opened on March 7th of this year, so the sponsor of this game is expecting it will help to boost the opening of the Airport! Now does it make you to go to Ishigaki Island or what?

Ryukyu Golden Kings vs. Saitama Broncos
Date: March 23rd (Sat) & 24th (Sun)
Time: 19:00- (23rd) / 12:30- (Sun)
Venue: Ishigaki City Gym (439 Hirae, Ishigaki City)

RYUKYU GOLDEN KINGS Official Website | Information

www.okinawa-basketball.jp

Kume Island Cherry Blossom Festival

Cherry Blossom Festival is now on Kume Island! “Kume Island Cherry Blossom Festival” is starting from January 25th (Fri), and continues until February 3rd. Visitors are able to watch about 2,000 of cherry blossoms trees. Shuttle bus runs on Aara Forest Road, and lightings are up at Mt. Daruma Picnic Site during nighttime. Stage program takes place on January 26th (Sat), and people can dress in Kumejima Tsumigi (silk cloth on Kume Island) Kimono, enjoy music show, and join raffle. Do you want to enjoy the cherry blossom on outer island?

Kume Island Cherry Blossom Festival
Date: January 25th (Fri) – February 3rd (Sun)
Shuttle bus on Aara Forest Road 10:30-16:30
Light- up at Mt. Daruma Picnic Site 18:00-21:00

❀❀桜まつり❀❀お知らせ

www.kanko-kumejima.com

Hateruma Island

Hateruma island is a manned island located at the southernmost tip of Japan. This island is the best place to see stars because there are few artificial lights in it and its location is scarcely affected by jet stream. From late April to middle June, you can see Southern Cross. Fortunately In the island there is a observatory which have a 200mm refracting telescope and planetarium. When you go there at night, watch out, because there is nothing around it(That's why you can see stars clearly). We recommend using transportation service(paid) from guest house. If you are in the island, please enjoy beautiful sea and stars both!

これこそ波照間

www003.upp.so-net.ne.jp

MCCS TV Okinawa

MCCS TV is one of many information resources that can help you stay up-to-date about MCCS activities available to support and assist military servicemembers and their families on Okinawa. On-base cable TV viewers can tune in to Ch. 15, or check out programs such as Hai Sai Okinawa, Samy on the Street, or Community Connections on our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/MCCSTVonOkinawa/videos?view=0. And read more about MCCS TV's programming in this interview with Joe Andes, MCCS Broadcast Manager, from the January 2013 issue of MCCS Okinawa - Okinawa Living Magazine.

Operation Hug-A-Hero

The Hug-A-Hero doll features the head-to-toe photograph of the child’s active duty parent (usually dressed in uniform), with a pocket in the back to save pictures or letters from their loved one. This one-of-a-kind doll is incredibly durable and washable so it can survive many deployments.

http://www.operationhugahero.org/

Okinawa Events Calendar

Kadena Chapel Valentine's Dinner 2/8

Kadena Chapel will be sponsoring a Hawaiian themed Valentines Dinner on 8 February 2013 @ 1800. Please use the link below to purchase your tickets. If you would like to pay in cash please call 226-1288 or email kadenachapelprotcoord@gmail.com.
https://einvitations.afit.edu/inv/anim.cfm?i=140257&k=0365420B7E50

Okinawa Flower Carnival 1/19-5/6

Okinawa Flower Carnival 2013 opens January 19th and runs through May 6th. Colorful flowers welcome people at airport or sightseeing areas. Many coming up events will be held related to flowers across the island. Churaumi aquarium is one of the venues of the carnival and has already decorated with a number of beautiful flowers. The carnival welcomes the coming of spring. — Okinawa Flower Carnival 2013 at Churaumi Aquarium 

Newspaper Direct service (free)

All Active Duty and family members who are registered in DEERS, DoD civilians with the Marine Corps, and Retirees have access to the resources on Navy Knowledge Online.

Newspaper Direct is the latest addition. You can access 2200 newspapers from around the globe -- 97 Countries, 54 languages. You can find it under eLibrary - News. You can sign up for RSS feed to get new issues. You can see full view pages. There is also a Newspaper Radio feature to listen to the news.

http://www.nko.navy.mil/

wwwa.nko.navy.mil

Stateside: National Park Passes

NATIONAL PARK PASSES FOR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY

Active duty military members and their dependents can pick up a free annual pass at any national park that changes an entry fee. The annual military pass also provides free entry to 2,000 additional Federal recreation sites across the country. Visit www.nps.gov <http://www.nps.gov/> for information about the military pass and to plan your visit to one of America's 398 national parks.

U.S. National Park Service - Experience Your America

www.nps.gov

Spouses Welcoming Spouses Program

Army Community Service would like to invite you to our first "Spouses Welcoming Spouses" a program that is designed to help new spouses get acquainted to life in Okinawa in a relaxed learning environment. This program is open to all spouses new to the island to include those who have just arrived within the last 6 months. Child care vouchers are provided, but are only accepted at the Kadena CDC or FCC Providers. Lunch will also be
provided.

"Spouses Welcoming Spouses" will be Wednesday 30 January 2013 0900 - 1400 in the Army Community Service Classroom, Building 236 on Torii Station. Registration is required. Please contact Army Community Service at 644-4110 or 644-4743
or by email tammy.dockins@us.army.mil.

Please pass the word on, we look forward to seeing you and sharing all the information we have to make your time in Okinawa a good one!

Ogimi Industrial Festival

If you haven’t been to Ogimi Village, this could be a good opportunity to visit. “Ogimi Village Industrial Festival” will be held this weekend, January 19th & 20th. Agricultural produce, handmade processed food, Awamori, artifact, and the other products are available at the venue. One of the unique programs is “walking tour.” Applicants are able to walk through the forest in Ogimi Village. Music show, Okinawa’s local hero “Halser Acre” show, and karaoke tournament are part of programs. Foods are also available at food stand. If you joined this festival, you might feel the beauty of nature.

Ogimi Village Industrial Festival
Date: January 19th (Sat) & 20th (Sun)
Time: 9:30-17:00
Venue: Ogimi Elementary School (1 Ogimi, Ogimi Village)

Okuma Free Night in Beach House Raffle (free)

As part of Okuma's Domo Day celebration, we are giving away a free night's stay at one of our brand new Turtle's Nest Beach Houses! (valued at up to $190)
To win, all you need to do is pick up an Okuma bumper sticker and put it on your car. We will randomly select one lucky winner with an Okuma bumper sticker on their car sometime during the month of February!

Head on over to the Marketing Office (Bldg. 88) to get your free sticker!
50 Bumper stickers are available now - first come first serve.

Nago Walking Tour during Cherry Blossom Festival

Would you like to walk and be healthy? That would be better if you could do it during cherry blossom viewing. Applicants will be walking, watching cherry blossom, observing nature, and visiting historical places during Nago Cherry Blossom Festival. Applicants must like cherry blossom, and up to 150 people can join this event. If you were interested, please call 0980-52-2076 and find out more detail.

Date: January 27th (Sun)
Time: 9:00 - 12:00
Participation fee: Free
Venue: Nago Castle / Nago Central Park (5511 Nago, Nago City)
http://www.okinawastory.jp/en/view/portal/0120060900/


Schedule

9:00-9:15 Checking-in
9:15-9:30 Opening ceremony
9:30- Stretch, photo shooting, start
11:30- Goal, closing ceremony, attraction, light meal, survey, finish

*Dress in suitable clothing for walking.
*Park your vehicles at Nago Fishing Port.
*Bring your raincoat in case when it rains.
*Bring your own water bottle.

Manko Cherry Blossom Festival

Manko Cherry Blossom Festival will be held for three days from February 8th to February 10th at Manko Park in Kohagura, Naha. Manko Park is located along mangrove estuary and popular stopovers for wild birds. It is nice place to hike, jog, watching birds. How about enjoy watching cherry blossom ,mangrove forest and wild birds at treasure house of nature edge of town of Naha. Venue: Manko Park (3-23-1 Kohagura, Naha, Okinawa)
http://bit.ly/10FyGKH

Okinawa Taxi Phone Application

One of the taxi company in Okinawa started to provide the new service using smart phone application. That is to dispatch a taxi to the place where you are by using the GPS function. The application is free to download, and you can also make a reservation through it. It is hard to tell exactly where you are in Okinawa because there is not many landmarks especially in the residence areas. Thus, I think this could be very helpful.

http://article.okinawatimes.co.jp/article/2013-01-19_44136

Kitanakagusuku Sunflower Festival

Would you like to enjoy sunflowers in winter? The 5th Sunflower Festival in Kitanakagusuku will be opened on 26th and runs through February 3rd. Four hundred thousand of sunflowers will be blooming during the festival. There will be booths selling local products such as vegetable, pickles, handmade sweets, etc. Venue: 306 Kishaba, Kitanakagusuku, Nakagami
http://bit.ly/VR62SC

"Melody Road"

New road was open to traffic at Hutami area in Nago city. It is the first "Melody road" in the prefecture. If you drive this road in 40km/h, the road with grooves starts to play melody "Hutami joowa"(Okinawan folksong) for about 30 sec. Right wheels play Sanshin and left wheels play melody of song. If you are at northern area, why don't you get into the groove?

 http://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/movies/464/

Welcome to Melody Road in Futami of Nago City....a road that plays music. But this is just no ordinary tune...and its location is not by coincidence. Read more at http://www.mapitokinawa.com/2013/01/melody-road-futami-nago-city.html

Motobu Cherry Blossom Festival

Spring has come in Okinawa! “The 35th Motobu Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival” will be starting from this coming Saturday, January 19th! This is the first cherry blossom festival in Japan, and 40 – 50 % of cherry blossoms are blooming at this point. During this festival, “Okinawa soba eating contest,” “tug-of-war,” taiko performance” and other programs will be held. Would you like to experience early spring?

Motobu Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival
Date: January 19th (Sat) – February 3rd (Sun)
Venue: Yaedake Sakuranomori Park (921 Namizato, Motobu Town)

Air Force Society College Grant

The Air Force Aid Society is offering students an opportunity to get up to $7,000 to put towards their education. AFAS's Education Grant is worth $2,000 and is needs-based. Additionally, AFAS offers incoming college freshmen an opportunity to compete for one of 10 $5,000 merit-based scholarships. The Society has set aside $6.5 million for the 2013-2014 Education Grant/ Scholarship program. Applications will be available until March 8 at the link below. (MLE)

How We Help - Education Grants - Air Force Aid Society

www.afas.org

Since its inception in 1942, the Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) has been committed to helping Air Force members and their families realize their academic goals. The General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant program, the centerpiece of the Society's education

Spring Soccer Waitlist

Spring Soccer Waiting List is now open~!

For those that have missed the registration deadline for the upcoming Soccer season, the waiting list is now open.

To place your child on the waiting list, please contact us at youthsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or visit our office on Camp Foster in building #5966.

Coping With Deployments Free Online Course

The American Red Cross is now offering an online version of it's very successful 'Coping with Deployments' course which is designed
to promote resilience in families supporting the deployment of a loved one.
Much like the successful instructor-led course, this online version aims to help military families handle the many challenges and
opportunities that come with a family member's deployment. The online course is especially beneficial for those who are unable to
attend an instructor-led course, live far from a military installation or community, or who would like a refresher at their own time. All family members of the Reserve, National Guard, and active duty service members, including spouses, older children, parents, siblings, significant other, and veterans are welcome to take the course.
To sign up, register in the Red Cross Learning Center at http://classes.redcross.org/ or contact your local Red Cross at 634-1294/1979 (Kadena Air Base) or 645-3800 (Camp Foster) for more information.

Tillman Scholarship

Become a Tillman Scholar to help pay for your education!! Put your application in before Feb. 15th!
Follow the link below!!!!


https://secure.pattillmanfoundation.org/tmsapplication/

Courtney & McT Power Outage 2/8

MCCS Children, Youth & Teen Program facilities on Camps Courtney and McTureous will be closed all day on Friday, Feb. 8, due to a power outage scheduled on both camps. The power outage impacts the Courtney Chura Warabi Child Development Center, Courtney Youth & Teen Center, and McTureous School Age Care. Normal operations will resume for these facilities on Monday, Feb. 11. We apologize for the inconvenience.

For more information about MCCS Children, Youth & Teen Programs including facilities, operating hours and phone numbers, visit our website at www.mccsokinawa.com or call the CYTP Administrative Office at 645-4505. For more information about the power outage, contact Camp Courtney Camp Operations at 622-9596.

Make your own Ryukyu Lacquerware Special Program

Have you seen Ryukyu lacquerware. It is a traditional craft has been making since Ryukyu Dynasty and most of them are red or black. Especially distinctive red lacquerware is beautiful and different from other lacquerware in Asia. Ryukyu lacquerware is decorated using special techniques. Urasoe Museum organizes hands- on program which gives you an opportunity to experience decorating lacquerware with technique called ”Tsuikin”. Make a thin layer with mixture of pigment and lacquer then cut a shape of the decoration out of it and finally put it on lacquerware. You can make a coaster or a plate.
Venue: Urasoe Museum 1-9-2 Nakama,Urasoe / Date and time: January 26th from 14:30, February 11th,16th,22nd ,March 3rd from 10:30 It takes about an hour to an hour and a half. / Fee: a coaster costs 700 yen, a plate costs 1500yen. Tel: 098-868-7866
http://bit.ly/11rh83Z

 Promotion Urasoe city to meet Roman lacquer leisurely

Classroom experience brocade bank

Holding period: January 3, 2013 - March 3 (Thursday) (Sun)

Cut

Paste

Continued from the Ryukyu Kingdom era, "Ryukyu lacquerware" traditional craft. Would you like to experience in the patterning "(just gold) deposited brocade" technique of its unique?
Now, as part of the "Project to Promote lacquer Roman town to meet calmly," I will hold a special course that you are familiar with the Ryukyu lacquerware. With a pattern of flowers on the serving plate and coaster, only you can make lacquerware.

◆ What is (just gold) is deposited Nishiki? ◆
Stretched thin sheet-like material made by mixing pigment lacquer (color powder), and cut and paste in the form of a pattern, it is one of the typical techniques of Ryukyu lacquerware. Is characterized by a three-dimensional representation.

Guidance of an experienced recruitment "classroom experience Nishiki bank"

Urasoe Art Museum Organizer:

Cooperation: Traditional Crafts in Naha, Ryukyu lacquerware cooperative business

Please see the schedule below held: Date and time.

Venue: Urasoe Art Museum (1-9-2 fellow Urasoe Okinawa)
Traditional Crafts Centre Naha (Naha ugly upstairs Ten 3-2-10 Makishi Okinawa)

Name each day 10-12: Participants

30 minutes to 1 hour Duration: 1 hour

Coaster course 700 yen 1,500 yen course serving plate: costs for

How to Apply: The Internet or phone, please apply to the date and time you would like to attend.
098-868-7866 Traditional Crafts Naha (phone)
Traditional Crafts website Naha (net) ( "Traditional Crafts Naha" )
※ The reception is on a first come first served basis.
※ If you cancel, please be sure to contact us as soon as possible.
※ Please note that are not accepted by the Urasoe Art Museum.

 

Dates held:
(Urasoe Art Museum)
30 minutes to 2 hours (Saturday) afternoon, January 26, 2013
February 11 (Mon) Standard
February 16 (Saturday) Standard
February 22 (Fri) Standard
~ 10:30 (Sunday) morning, March 03,
(Naha Traditional Crafts)
30 minutes to 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon, January 03
January 05 (Saturday) Standard
February 9 (Saturday) Standard
February 13 (Wed) Standard
February 17 (Sun) Standard
February 27 (Wed) Standard
March 02 (Saturday) Standard

Multilingual Contact Center for Foreign Tourist

Ask us about Okinawa! If you have any question traveling on Okinawa, use the chat system to contact a Multilingual Contact Center on the website of Okinawa Story.
Click on the banner on the top left that says "CHAT".

http://www.okinawastory.jp/en/news/2012/multilingual-contact-center-for-foreign-tourist-are-now-open.html

Jazz & Wine on Kokusai Street 1/12-1/14

The weekend’s theme at Hai Sai Market on the east of Kokusai Street is “Let’s enjoy wine and jazz at the open air café.” The three-day event runs Saturday through Monday, 11:30 a.m. ~ 7:30 p.m., with stage programs beginning at 2 p.m.

The action takes place at Saion Square, 2-1-1 Asato, in Naha City. Visitors can dabble in the wines of the world, along with a variety of snacks including kebabs and hot dogs. The jazz band begins playing each day at 2 p.m., with their shows billed as “Hai Sai Market with Jazz Night in Naha.”

Saion Square was born as a central development adjacent to Kokusai Street in 2011. For the city, it was designed as a place striving to generate prosperity in the central district. The Hai Sai Market is a citizen participation exchange type market, including flea market, at the open space in front of Makishi Station in Saion Square.

Citizens participate freely, held by the concept in the market which allows change. There’s not only entertainment, such as variety shows, but also song and dance centered on the plaza.

Yae-Dake Sakura Matsuri

I think this year will be a much better Cherry Blossom season than last year. Picture below was taken at Yae-dake yesterday. They are looking pretty good.

Next week, January 19th starts the 35th Annual Yae-dake Sakura Matsuri. It goes to the 3th of February. If you want to avoid the large crowds and vehicle traffic, you may want to check it out before the 19th.

Mapping directions (The green arrow marks the entrance up to Mt Yae from Highway 84) http://maps.google.com/maps?q=26.656952%2C127.911618&hl=en&ll=26.657143%2C127.911775&spn=0.002512%2C0.005284&num=1&t=h&z=18&iwloc=near

Okinawa World Flower Festival

It seems like we are having warmer winter than usual, this year. Although, the weather wouldn't be nice this weekend, why don't you go to Okinawa world by February 11th. They have the Flower Festival!!! The big Shi-sa decorated by flowers will welcome you!!!

http://www.japanupdate.com/2013/01/flower-festival-at-tokinawa-world/

Okinawa Events Calendar

FOCUS Story Time & United Through Reading

Last Friday of Every Month @ Torii Library
USO's United Through Reading 1530-1730
FOCUS Story Time 1600-1700

Hayao Miyazaki Exhibit 2/22-5/6

Do you know “Mononoke Hime”? It is a popular animation film made by a great animator Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli. He has created many splendid animation films and has big fans from home and abroad. We will be able to see the layout designs of his works. “Studio Ghibli Layout Designs Exhibition” will be held at Okinawa Prefectural Museum from February 22nd through May 6th. It features 1,300 layout designs include Hayao Miyazaki’s and his co-worker’s works such as “Nausicaa of the wind valley” and “Kokuriko slope”,etc. Also, 6 hours and 40 minutes documentary film of the animation process of “Mononoke Hime” will be screened on March 2nd and 16th from 10:00. If you are fan of Hayao and Studio Ghibli’s work, the exhibition is definitely worth going.
Venue: Okinawa prefectural museum ( 3-1-1 Omoromachi, Naha)/ Date and Time: February 22- May 6 (Closed on Mondays excepts Apr 1 and 29, May 6) 9:00-18:00 (last admission 17:30) , 9:00-20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays (last admission 19:30)/ Admission Fee: 1200 yen (adults)･ 800yen(high school students)･ 400yen (junior high or elementary school students)
http://bit.ly/WUf2mh

EFMP Family Forum 2/28

TGIF!!! Facebook Friends! Please Plan on joining your Okinawa EFMP team as we are hosting our FAMILY FORUM on February 28th time is still to be dtermined. The EFMP Family Forum is a platform for you to meet our newest EFMP staff members, learn about the program’s benefits, ask questions, share your thoughts and information that could benefit others.
Registration is preferred.
Please call: 645-9237

Tsuwabuki Festival @ Nakagusuku Caste

The ruins of Nakagusuku Castle are well known in Japanese history as the famous location for Tsuwabuki a.k.a. the Japanese leopard plant in Okinawa Prefecture.

The yellow flowers of tsuwabuki are now shining in all their glory inside the castle, located in the open space of the third district of Kitanakagusuku Village. The Tsuwabuki Festival sets the special air around the castle ruins that set the stage for some Okinawan folk entertainment during the festival.

Equally important, the festival is an opportunity to appreciate the building-blocks technology of the ruins of Nakagusuku Castle. The castle site is open daily 9:30 a.m. ~ 4 p.m. through January 20th. Admission is ￥300 for adults, ￥200 for high school and junior high school students, and ￥100 for elementary school students.

Aguni Island

Okinawan islands have the best places to enjoy not only the sea but also sky! Aguni island has one of the them. On the cliff named Fudensaki, the grass called Mahana spreads and there is Mahana observatory. From here, the East China Sea stretches as far as the eye can see, on sunny day you can see mainland in the east, Kerama islands in the south, Tonaki island in the southweast and Kume island in the west. After sunset, the sky turns into dark blue and the first star of the night starts to shining, after a while the sky filled with stars. As we said this place has such a vast view, so you can see all stars of north, south, east, and west at same time. Please try to keep looking up in the sky at Mahana after sunset, you won't be disappointed.

夜のマハナ展望台

www.shimanavi.com

Miyako Island Farm Stay Tours

It's getting more farmers open their houses to welcome agritourism in Miyako island. They started to accept tourists to stay and let them experience the farm in 2004, and also started to accept school trip students from 2011. Students touched the farmer's warmth hospitality and promised to come back to see them again. As a matter of fact the farmers say they have good times with them, too. I can tell from this picture that they are parting reluctantly after having spent the good times together.

http://ryukyushimpo.jp/uploads/img50e77e8bb976d.jpg
http://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-201006-storytopic-7.html