VOLUME 7 NO. 43 MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 2021 FREE SUBMIT STORIES TO: JAPAN@STRIPES.COMSTRIPESJAPAN.COM FACEBOOK.COM/STRIPESPACIFIC
G E IN H D AT T L R F I EB O H EL C C TH Y N R O A ‘SHE’S GOT IT M IL M WHAT IT TAKES’ Marine band singer shows youy can come home to Okinawa aagain STORYS AND PHOTOS BY Congratulate DAVE ORNAUER, STARS AND STRIPES a 2021 grad! CAMPCAM FOSTER – Little Our annual Grad Tab EmilyEmily TTalampas,a wide-eyed highlighting Pacific DODEA high and a bit nervous,nervo made her public schools and their graduating singingsinging debut during a talent show at Kin- classes will appear in the May ser ElementarElementaryy School iinn 2001. The 6-year- 28 edition of Stripes Japan. old sosoloistloist sansangg hherer hhearteart ooutu as her teacher Jan For just $19, customize your Stroud plaplayedyed gguitaruitar and hhere first-grade class- own message that will appear matesmates backedbacked herher up.up. in this keepsake edition. Now,Now, ffast-forwardast-forward 19 yyears,ear and Emily is once What you need: againagain ssinginginging on OOkinawa.kinawa. BBut this time, she’s a • A photo of the graduate fewfew milesmiles northnorth at Camp FFoster,o wearing a Ma- • Graduate’s first name rinerine Corps dress uniform with lance-corporal • Your name, as you want it to stripes on her sleeves aand performing as a appear in print (e.g. “Suzy & vocalist with the III Marine Expedition- Steve” or “Mom & Dad”) • A congratulatory message of aryary Force BandBand.. no more than 20 words And it proves that a military child • The graduate’s high school – now EmilyEmily Talampas-FigueroaT – can ggoo hhomeome again and continue Send info by May 14, 5 p.m. to doingdoing wwhathat has become a life- Pacifi[email protected] and a Stripes representative timetime passionpassio for her. will follow-up with you right FigueroaFigueroa returned to Okina- away. wa foforr the first time since her first-grade days last August. SheShe was pparta of a new recruit- inging prograprogramm put in place in 2018 bbyy the MMarine Corps to find vocalistsvocalists fforor ttheir bands, accord- inging to III MEF bandmaster Master Sgt.Sgt. MichaelMichael Stanley.Sta
SEES SINGER ON PAGE 15 ADD THESE TO YOUR JAPAN BUCKETLIST PAGES 18-19
Sullivans ElementarySTORIES INSIDE School SEE MORE MILITARY CHILD
Military Child Haiku
Going on a trip. To be with my family. Meeting new people. – Gabriel Grossley 2 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION 75 YEARS IN THE PACIFIC MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 2021
Child Celebrating Month of the Military Max D. Lederer Jr. Publisher ans Eleme Lt. Col. Richard E. McClintic liv nta Commander ul ry Chris Verigan S S Engagement Director ch Marie Woods o Publishing and Media Design Director o Chris Carlson l Publishing and Media Design Manager Eric Lee Advertising and Circulation Manager Monte Dauphin Ms. Carlson Japan Area Manager Kentaro Shimura Production Manager Rie Miyoshi Engagement Manager 2nd Denisse Rauda grade Publishing and Media Design Editor Publishing and Media Design Writers ChiHon Kim Shoji Kudaka Takahiro Takiguchi Layout Designers Mamoru Inoue Yukiyo Oda Yuko Okazaki – Sheikh Kayoko Shimoda – Logan Multimedia Consultants Max Genao Doug Johnson Jason Lee Hans Simpson Chae Pang Yi Gianni Youn Robert Zuckerman Graphic Designers Kenichi Ogasawara Yosuke Tsuji Sales Support Check out more Kazumi Hasegawa Hiromi Isa Ichiro Katayanagi Yoko Noro military children stories at: Yusuke Sato Saori Tamanaha Toshie Yoshimizu Un Chong Yu KIDS, TELL US militarychild.stripes.com For feedback and inquiries, • contact [email protected] YOUR STORY! Send your Month of the Military Child To place an ad, call DSN 227-7370 submission to [email protected] stripesjapan.com/contact by April 15! MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 2021 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION 75 YEARS IN THE PACIFIC STRIPES JAPAN 3
– Kennedy – Avan – Fiona
– Blake – Melody – Braeden
²%ÀIIRE – David Travis – Richard
– Brody – Maxell – Caleb
pandemic, students and staff at the Sul- Students inspire livans stick together! It includes over 1300 names and Sullivans teacher’s art took her around 8 hours to write by hand and over 200 hours, spread over 6 months of cutting. “I created this piece BY PATRICIA A. CARLSON, to commemorate and memorialize how SULLIVANS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL our school came together during the CoronaVirus Pandemic of 2020,” said andi Anderson, a teacher at Sullivans Elementary, was in- Anderson. She added, “Within this cut spired by the perseverance that students and staff had paper piece are the names of every stu- shown during remote learning and created a kirie project. S dent, staff, teachers, and administrator The word kirie comes from the Japanese words kiri (cut) and e who were a part of this amazing school (picture). Ms. Anderson has been a kirie artist since 2012. community when we first went to re- The artwork is cut out from a single piece of paper. It includes mote learning in March 2020. During the names of all the staff, teachers, and students at our school these unprecedented times, we supported each other to overcome who accomplished sticking together, the Sullivans Elementary challenges and celebrate successes whether teaching and learning motto, through the pandemic. The motto is at the heart of the kirie in person or online, proving that we truly do, stick together!” The piece created by Ms. Anderson, as a reminder that even through a artwork now hangs in the main entrance of Sullivans Elementary. 4 STRIPES JAPANJAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION 7575YEARS YEARS IN THE PACIFIC MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 20212021 CELE ILD BRATING MONTH OF THE MILITARY CH Yokota West Elementary School Mrs. Bloom Kindergarten
Check out more military children stories at: militarychild.stripes.com MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 2021 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION 75 YEARS IN THE PACIFIC STRIPES JAPAN 5 6 STRIPES JAPANJAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION 7575YEARS YEARS IN THE PACIFIC MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 20212021 CELE ILD BRATING MONTH OF THE MILITARY CH Yokota West Elementary School
Mrs. Gena True Kindergarten
Send your Month of the Military Child submission to [email protected] by April 15! MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 2021 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION 75 YEARS IN THE PACIFIC STRIPES JAPAN 7 8 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION 75 YEARS IN THE PACIFIC MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 20212021 CELE ILD BRATING MONTH OF THE MILITARY CH Yokota West Elementary School
Mrs. Rodriguez 1st grade
– Mila H – Lucas M
– Ana S. Lee – Tyndale W. – Rex P.
– Abel H. – Cayden C. – Hannah B.
Send your Month of the Military Child submission to [email protected] by April 15!
– Liam M. – Aleyna J.
– Malaya S. – Dylan H. – Aiden H. MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 2021 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION 75 YEARS IN THE PACIFIC STRIPES JAPAN 9
– Macy R. – Brady M. – Matthew M.
– John W. – Finnley H. – London R.
Check out more military children stories at: militarychild.stripes.com
– Brionne M. – Venezia V. 100 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION 75 YEARS IN THE PACIFIC MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 2021 CELE ILD BRATING MONTH OF THE MILITARY CH Yokota West Elementary School
Ms. Kober 1st & 2nd grade+
– Aveah Hicks – Fiona
– Alyssa – Cline – David
– Leon – Kayla – Caleb
– John – Kylie
– Kira – Evan
Send your Month of the Military Child submission to [email protected] by April 15! MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 2021 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION 75 YEARS IN THE PACIFIC STRIPES JAPAN 11
– Gemma – Leah
– Jackson – David
– Lena – Laura 12 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION 75 YEARS IN THE PACIFIC MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 2021
Celebrating I am the one who smells the Meat Lovers I am the one who sees my good drawings and artwork I am the one who smells my cinnamon and vanilla tea that Month of theSL]]DIURP3L]]D+XWLQDER[FDUULHGWKURXJK I am the one who hears my cats, Casper and Nemo, meow JHWVPDGHDW 30LQ-DSDQ the door by my dad, waiting to be devoured at night ,DPWKHRQHZKRWDVWHVFROGOHPRQVIUHVKIURPWKHVWRUH Militaryby my Child mouth. ,DPWKHRQHZKRVPHOOVFKHHVHEXUJHUVP\IDYRULWHIRRG DVZHJHWWKHPRXWRIWKHIULGJH I am the one who tastes the meaty Meat Lovers, ,DPWKHRQHZKRWDVWHVWKH5HHVH¥VSHDQXWEXWWHULFHFUHDP ,DPWKHRQHZKRKHDUVWKHSHQFLOVIDOOLQJRQWKHJURXQG and the marinara, and the ,DPWKHRQHZKRIHHOVP\1LQWHQGRVZLWFKFRQWUROOHUZKLOH HDUO\LQWKHPRUQLQJZKHQP\IULHQGVGURSWKHPZKLFKDQQR\V FKHHVHPHOWLQJLQP\PRXWKDOVRIURP3L]]D+XW SOD\LQJ0LQHFUDIW me. ,DPWKHRQHZKRKHDUVUDSPXVLFDWQLJKWIURP+DPLOWRQ I am the one who wishes I had super powers ,DPWKHRQHZKRIHHOVWKHOHDYHVIDOOLQJRQP\KHDGDIWHU FDOOHG¢*XQVDQG6KLSV£ ,DPWKHRQHZKRKRSHVP\GUDZLQJVZRXOGFRPHWROLIH VFKRROLQWKHPLGGOHRIDXWXPQ ,DPWKHRQHZKRIHHOVWKHIXURQP\IDYRULWHVWXIIHGDQLPDO Who am I? ,DPWKHRQHZKRVHHVWKHUHҖHFWLRQVLQWKHVPRRWKFOHDU FDOOHG¢/LWWOH&KHHWDK£ZKLOH – Alivia Gleason ҖRRURIP\IRXUWKJUDGHFODVVRQEULJKWGD\VWKDWVKLQH I’m carrying him in my arms. through our classroom windows. ,DPWKHRQHZKRVHHVP\VLVWHUDIWHUVFKRROZDLWLQJIRUPH ,DPWKHRQHZKRKRSHV&29,' ZLOOVWRSVRRQVR to pick her up and take her HYHU\RQHFDQEHVDIHDQGZHGRQ¥WQHHGWRZHDUPDVNV home, with my mom. anymore. ,DPWKHRQHZKRZLVKHVWREHWKHULFKHVWIDPLO\RQHDUWK ,DPWKHRQHZKRVHHVP\GRJVMXPSLQJRQPHDIWHUVFKRRO Who am I? EHFDXVH,FDQEX\DORWRI I am the one who hears my brother’s ipad in my ear in the – Gabe Shaw expensive things. morning. Who am I? ,DPWKHRQHZKRVPHOOVP\GDG¥VVWHDNJHWWLQJFRRNHGIRU – Oakley Johnson dinner. I am the one who touches slime in the morning. ,DPWKHRQHZKRVHHVWKHEHDXWLIXOVXQULVHDW LQWKH ,DPWKHRQHZKRWDVWHVP\PRP¥VKRPHPDGHPDFDURQLIRU morning. dinner. ,¥PWKHRQHZKRVPHOOVWKHIUHVKGDLVLHVLQWKHGLQLQJURRP I am the one who smells smoke when I help my dad work I am the one who wishes my grandpa was here with me and I’m the one who touches my cat, Veronica, every day when I on his car, a Daihatsu Move. I am the one who smells the cool P\IDPLO\ come home. air when I walk to school. I am the one who smells the Sharpie Who am I? I’m the one who tastes my mom’s homemade hamburgers on permanent marker, when I use it on my work. Sunday, which I love. ,DPWKHRQHZKRWDVWHV*RJHUWEHFDXVHWKHҖDYRUVIRU – Jackson Gamble-Trozzi I am the one who hears my older sister playing loud music Gogert are so good. I am the one who tastes my mom’s lasagna when she does her chores. at dinner time. I am the one who tastes crackers because I just I am the one who hopes I can see my dad next summer. like the salty taste. Who am I? ,DPWKHRQHZKRKHDUVWKHVRXQGVRIELUGVFKLUSLQJLQP\ ,DPWKHRQHZKRVHHVP\EHDXWLIXOPRPHYHU\PRUQLQJ – Dominique Morgan yard, when I wake up. I am the one who smells her baking ,DPWKHRQHZKRKHDUVWKHVRXQGVRIWKHZLQGZKHQ,ZDON I am the one who touches my iPad every morning WRVFKRRO,DPWKHRQHZKRKHDUVWKHVRXQGVRIP\IDPLO\ I am the one who tastes my mom’s bacon and eggs every WDONLQJWRHDFKRWKHUZKHQ,FRPHEDFNIURPVFKRRO morning I am the one who sees people when I go to school and back. I I am the one who hears my mom’s loud music am the one who sees the sunlight as I look out the window, when I am the one who hopes to see my older sister Kamiya this I wake up in the morning. I am the one who sees the sky in the summer K. Mendel E Who am I? n backseat, not the way backseat where my two older sisters sit Joa ,¥PLQWKHPLGGOHDVZHGULYHWR&KLOLHVIRUGLQQHU ZHDOZD\V – Deadora Flores go to Chilies, or almost always). ,DPWKHRQHZKRIHHOVP\VRIWEODQNHWZKHQ,JRWREHG,DP WKHRQHZKRIHHOVVRDSZKHQ,WDNHDVKRZHUEHIRUH,JRWREHG ,DPWKHRQHZKRIHHOVWKHFROGPHWDORQP\OHJVIURPP\ELNH ,DPWKHRQHZKRVHHVWKHEHDXWLIXOҕVKLQWKHPRUQLQJ when I ride to school. I am the one who smells the chocolate that is so delicious. I am the one who hopes this COVID virus will be gone soon I am the one who touches my toys every day when I come I Am the O because it makes everyone go through a lot. I am the one who home. KRSHV,ZLOOJHWDJRRGKRPHWKHQH[WWLPHP\IDPLO\PRYHV,DP I am the one who tastes my mom’s teriyaki hamburger patty. the one who hopes I will be a good person when I grow up. I am the one who hears melodies on the train when it departs Mr. Anderson’ Who am I? the station. – Bowen Edelen I am the one who hopes I’m the winner. Who am I? – Kaito Kidd ,DPWKHRQHZKRVHHVWKHEULJKWVXQLQP\IDFHZKHQ,JHW RXWRIP\EHGDW $0 I am the one who hears my loud annoying little sister’s voice in my house, every day. ,DPWKHRQHZKRVHHVWKRVHEHDXWLIXOELUGVDWKRPHLQVLGH ,DPWKHRQHZKRVPHOOVSL]]DIUHVKRXWRIWKHRYHQLQWKH ,DPWKHRQHZKRIHHOVP\PRP¥VZDUPKDQGVZKLOHZHDUH looking through my living room and kitchen windows kitchen, downstairs, cooling snuggling I am the one who hears the piano I am playing in the when I’m in my room with the door closed, at night. I am the one who smells my mom’s homemade brownies DIWHUQRRQ ,DPWKHRQHZKRIHHOVP\ZDUPFR]\ҖXII\EODQNHWZKHQ, ,DPWKHRQHZKRWDVWHVP\QDQD¥VIUHVKKRPHPDGHLFH ,DPWKHRQHZKRVPHOOVWKHIRRGP\PRPLVFRRNLQJ go to bed, and when I’m cream on warm summer nights ,DPWKHRQHZKRWDVWHVDWRQRIVSDJKHWWL watching a movie. I am the one that hears my sister screaming when she can ,DPWKHRQHZKRIHHOVRXUEURZQLVKFRXFKVRIWLQWKH I am the one who tastes cold yummy cookies and cream ice not get juice morning FUHDPIURPWKH ,DPWKHRQHVHHVP\EHDXWLIXOIDPLO\DOOWRJHWKHU ,DPWKHRQHZKRZLVKHV,FRXOGVKDSHVKLIWLQWRDQ\WKLQJ FRPPLVVDU\IRUGHVVHUW ,DPWKHRQHZKRZLVKHVWRYLVLWP\IDPLO\LQ7H[DVDQG even the imaginary ones, like a unicorn, or a dragon, anything I ,DPWKHRQHZKRKRSHV,FDQJHWDOORIWKHYLGHRJDPHV, Georgia can imagine, like the moon becoming a superhero. ZDQWIRUP\1LQWHQGR6ZLWFK Who am I? Who Am I? DQG;ER[2QHIRU&KULVWPDV – Mariah Brown – Katelynn Morris Who am I? -DVRQ5H\HV
,DPWKHRQHZKRVHHVP\¢VWXIҕHV£HYHU\PRUQLQJDW ,DPWKHRQHZKRVPHOOVҖRZHUVDWWKH6DNXUDVKHOORQD DPEHIRUH,JRWRVFKRRO sunny day. I am the one who smells hand sanitizer at school. I am the one who hears the news every morning when my I am the one who tastes my mom’s cake inside our house, at I am the one who tastes the hot chocolate that my mom 'DGOHDYHVIRUZRUN QLJKWIRU makes on cold winter days. I am the one who smells the grilled hot dogs on the grill in my dessert. I am the one who hears students talking in my classroom, backyard on a Friday night. I am the one who listens to music on my phone when I can go every day at school. ,DPWKHRQHZKRIHHOVP\0RP¥VZDUPORYLQJKXJVEHIRUH, on my phone. I am the one who sees backpacks hanging on chairs, every JRWREHGLQWKHHYHQLQJDW SP ,DPWKHRQHZKRIHHOVWKHVRIWIXURI$ODVWRUDQG=HOGDP\ day at school. I am the one who tastes the cookie dough with my sister FDWVZKHQ,FRPHKRPHIURP ,DPWKHRQHZKRIHHOVWKHVRIWIXURIP\GRJV5RVFR when my parents are done mixing the cookie dough with the school. -HQNLQVWKHEXOOGRJDQG%HOODWKHODEDIWHUDORQJGD\RI mixer in the kitchen. ,DPWKHRQHZKRVHHVP\IDPLO\DWKRPHZKHQ,FRPHKRPH school. I am the one who wishes my Great Grandma, who passed IURPVFKRROLQWKHDIWHUQRRQ I am the one who wishes I could see my other dog Buster the DZD\WKLVVXPPHUEHIRUH-XO\ZDVKHUHZLWKPHEHFDXVHVKH I am the one who wishes every day and night at home that bulldog, again. loved me very much. the Corona virus never existed. Who am I? Who am I? Who am I? – Alana Martin – Cameron Parlier – Abigail Herrera MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 2021 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION 75 YEARS IN THE PACIFIC STRIPES JAPAN 13
,DPWKHRQHZKRVPHOOVP\PRP¥VIUHVKO\PDGHSXOOHGSRUN I am the one who sees my little brother playing with his cars. I am the one who smells my mom’s homemade lumpia in the in the evening. ,DPWKHRQHZKRWDVWHV)UHQFKIULHVDQ\ZKHUHDQG kitchen, in the evening. I am the one who hears my brother bawling and thinks it is everywhere I can get them. ,DPWKHRQHZKRWDVWHVP\PRP¥VDGRER)LOLSLQRIRRGZKHQ annoying. I am the one who smells my Dad’s hotdogs cooking on the ,DPDWWKHWDEOHZLWKP\IDPLO\DWGLQQHUWLPH ,DPWKHRQHZKRVHHVP\IULHQGVZKHQZH¥UHSOD\LQJWDJDW JULOOIRUGLQQHU I am the one who hears my dad’s Nissan Skyline starting in Sakura Shell Park. I am the one who hears lullaby music my mom plays when I the parking lot, in the morning when he goes to work. ,DPWKHRQHZKRWDVWHVP\PRP¥VEUHDNIDVWIRUOXQFKDW go to sleep at night. ,DPWKHRQHZKRVHHVWKHVRFFHUEDOOUROOLQJGRZQWKHҕHOG school. ,DPWKHRQHIHHOVWKHVRIWIXURQP\GRJ%HDU while at soccer camp. ,DPWKHRQHZKRIHHOVWKHVPRRWKҖDWNH\VRIP\QHZSLDQR I am the one who wishes my Dad could teach and coach ,DPWKHRQHZKRIHHOVWKHFROGSLOORZRQP\KHDGDV,OD\ when I’m playing basketball where I go to school. down at night time when I go to bed. the Harry Potter theme song. Who am I? I am the one who hopes I will be able to drive in a Nissan ,DPWKHRQHZKRKHDUVWKHDZIXOQRLVHVFLFDGDVPDNHZKLOH .D\OD=HLJOHU 5ZKHQ,JURZXS ,¥PJHWWLQJUHDG\IRU Who am I? school, in the morning. – Mason Guemo Who am I? – Ethan Kliber I am the one who sees birds gliding through the air in the evening while looking out the window. I am the one who smells my mom’s delicious curry being ,DPWKHRQHZKRKHDUVP\IDYRULWHPXVLFSOD\LQJRQP\ VHUYHGVWUDLJKWIURPWKHSRWLQWKHNLWFKHQIRUGLQQHU LSKRQHZKLOHJRLQJRQDQDIWHUQRRQUXQ ,DPWKHRQHZKRWDVWHVDVXSHUVRXUOHPRQIURPWKHOHPRQ ,DPWKHRQHZKRWRXFKHVWKHVRIWJUHHQVOLPHLQP\KRXVH ,DPWKHRQHZKRWDVWHVWKHGHOLFLRXVVWHDNP\GDGPDGHIRU QRRGOHVRXSIURP
,DPWKHRQHZKRVPHOOVWKHIUHVKFXWJUDVVZKHQ,PRZWKH ,DPWKHRQHZKRVHHVWKHLQWHUHVWLQJHYHQWVRIDERRNLQP\ lawn on a hot warm KDQGVDV,UHDGLWEHIRUH,JRWREHGDWQLJKW Elementary VXPPHUGD\DWP\EHDXWLIXOKRXVH ,DPWKHRQHZKRKHDUVWKHYRLFHRIDQDGXOWWHOOLQJDPXVLQJ Scho ,DPWKHRQHZKRWDVWHVP\PRP¥VDQGGDG¥VZRQGHUIXODQG VWRULHVRIWKHLUFKLOGKRRGRYHUWKHGLQQHUWDEOHDWVXSSHUWLPH ol VFUXPSWLRXVIRRGZKHQWKH\FRRNLQWKHHYHQLQJ ,DPWKHRQHZKRVPHOOVDSLHFHRISLQHKHOGWRP\QRVHIURP I am the one who hears my baby brother screaming and my mom’s garden, in the backyard. shrieking when he gets ,DPWKHRQHZKRIHHOVWKHZHWPXVK\PXGG\PXGVTXLVKLQJ LQORWVRIWURXEOHIRUEHLQJWRRORXGDWQLJKWZKHQP\IULHQGO\ EHWZHHQP\WRHVZKHQ,¥PEDUHIRRWLQDPXGG\SDWFKEHKLQGP\ neighbors are sleeping. house. ,DPWKHRQHZKRIHHOVWKHKRWZDUPVXQRQDVXPPHUGD\ ,DPWKHRQHZKRWDVWHVWKH$0$=,1*HQFKLODGDVP\PRP when I play outside PDNHVIRURXUIDPLO\DWGLQQHUWLPHDIWHUDORQJGD\ One Who… in the evening because I get bored inside my house, so I ,DPWKHRQHZKRZLVKHV,FRXOGVHHP\IDPLO\LQ$UL]RQD JRRXWVLGHZLWKP\IULHQGVDIWHUVFKRRODQGRQZHHNHQGV P\ DQGKDYHIXQZLWKWKHPEHFDXVH,PLVVWKHPDORW IULHQGVDUHVR$ZHVRPH Who am I? ’s class 4th grade ,DPWKHRQHZKRVHHVP\IDPLO\ZKHQ,FRPHKRPHDIWHUD – Violet Larson ORQJGD\RIVFKRRO ,DPWKHRQHZKRKRSHVWREHFRPHDIDQWDVWLFVXUIHUZKHQ, go to the beach in I am the one who sees how my Dad cooks enchiladas and 6KLPRGDLQWKHDIWHUQRRQ puts them in the oven. Who am I? I am the one who hears the crickets in my backyard, at night. – Ethan Kriss ,DPWKHRQHZKRIHHOVWKHVRIWFRXFKLQWKHOLYLQJURRPDIWHU school. I am the one who smells my mom’s steak when it comes out ,DPWKHRQHZKRVPHOOV'RPLQR¥VSL]]DLQWKH.LWFKHQIURP RIWKHRYHQDURXQG ,DPWKHRQHZKRVPHOOVIRRGWKDWFRPHVIURPWKHRYHQDW upstairs in my room. o’clock at dinner. home. I am the one who tastes my Mom’s delicious chocolate ice I am the one who tastes super creamy mac and cheese at I am the one who tastes a little sour apple. cream cake. %LQWDQ/DJRRQ5HVRUW I am the one who hears my mom’s relaxing music at night. I am the one who wishes COVID was over because the Indonesia. I am the one that touches my mom’s hair when she makes a masks are annoying and make ,DPWKHRQHZKRKHDUVP\WZRFDWV1RYDDQG=HOGD pig tail shape. EUHDWKLQJGLIҕFXOW meowing every day, at night. ,DPWKHRQHWKDWVHHVWR\VDWWKH%;EHFDXVHWKH\DUHIXQ Who Am I? ,DPWKHRQHZKRIHHOVP\FDWV¥VXSHUVRIWIXUZKHQ,SHW to look at. *DYLQ5HZHUWV them. I am the one that hopes the coronavirus will disappear I am the one who sees my cats playing together, every IRUHYHUEHFDXVHLWOLPLWVPDQ\WKLQJVDQGKXUWVPDQ\SHRSOH morning. I am the one that wishes to be in a real gaming world, I am the one who smells my mom’s curry in the kitchen, at I am the one who hopes I don’t miss Halloween this year, in because I love playing video games. dinner time. Germany due to Corona. Who am I? I am the one who listens to Jazz when I chill in my room, on Who am I? – Alexander Sylvain the weekend. – Thomas Kelley I am the one who tastes my Dad’s crab legs with butter FRRNHGLQDSRWZLWKORWVRIMXLF\ҖDYRUZKHQKH¥VDWZRUN ,DPWKHRQHZKRVHHVP\IDPLO\¥VIDFHVVXFKDVP\PRP ,DPWKHRQHZKRIHHOVP\ZDUPEODQNHWVZKHQ,VQXJJOHLQWR I am the one who sees my classmates working quietly in our RYHUWKHSKRQHZKHQZH6N\SHDWR¥FORFNDWQLJKW them, when I go to bed at night. classroom. I am the one who does the dishes, every night and every ,DPWKHRQHZKRVPHOOVWKHVPRNHIURPDҕUHLQP\ I am the one who hears the calm ocean waves, on a hot morning, every time they need to be washed. EDFN\DUGIURPP\ҕUHSLW summer day, at the beach. ,DPWKHRQHZKRZLVKHV&RYLG ZRXOGJRDZD\VRRQ I am the one who tastes my mom’s warm homemade biscuits I am the one who smells my Mom’s delicious brownies Who am I? in the early morning. FRPLQJRXWRIWKHRYHQ 1DOHD5HHG I am the one who hears my dad’s music playing while his ,DPWKHRQHZKRIHHOVWKHVRIWIXURIP\GRJ Check out more military children stories at: militarychild.stripes. com MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 2021 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION 75 YEARS IN THE PACIFIC STRIPES JAPAN 15 SINGER: From Las Vegas to the Marine Corps CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 part of a singing gondolier, teach piano and sing to groups or individuals and Before Figueroa’s arrival, “We would also do solo gigs on the side. have had whoever was the best vocalist How much sleep did Emily say she in the unit sing as kind of a collat- got during that span? eral duty,” Stanley said. “And we “Not enough,” she said. “At that point, weren’t recruiting vocalists then, I was like, I don’t want to do this my en- but now we are.” tire life while I was there. And I was go- A friend of Figueroa’s from the ing to school, too.” University of Nevada at Las Ve- Somewhere along the way, Stanley gas, where she attended school, said, one of the Marines’ audition super- “reached out to me, said ‘they (Ma- visors spied Emily performing and put rines) are looking for vocalists and in a call to Stanley, just as the new re- why don’t you come try it out?’” cruiting program had launched. Figueroa said. “So, I was like, ‘OK, I might as well.’ And here I am.” “He told me, ‘She’s got what it takes, Figueroa is the daughter of re- she’s in Las Vegas, she’s got some expe- tired Chief Petty Officer Edward Talampas, a corpsman, and his rience,’ so he’s telling me about Emily wife Imelda of Santiago City in Isa- long before I got to meet her,” Stanley bela Province in the Philippines. said. “I said, ‘Heck yeah, I could use a They’re a Catholic family, as many from vocalist!’” the Philippines are. There was, of course, the matter of me singing.” She was also introduced to a vocal Figueroa being married to an Air Force “I’ve been singing since I could talk,” For her part, Stroud, who taught in coach, Rolando de Leon, with whom she Figueroa said. “They wanted me to pur- civil engineer, Senior Airman Rae An- DODEA for 25 years, seven on Okinawa, stayed until she moved on to college. thony Figueroa – and whether they sue and continue singing. I was always remembers Figueroa and said she could “He pushed me where he knew I could be assigned in the same place or around music. Especially in church. I have been “anything she wanted to be.” needed to be pushed,” Emily said. “He close by. think that was the biggest “She was precious wasn’t demanding, (but) he led me in the “There’s only a couple of places influence. Gospel. Chris- EXCLUSIVE NEWS FROM: in first grade and had a right direction, and he paved the way to where they can be co-located, and one tian music.” loving group of friends help me feel more comfortable with my of them is here,” Stanley said. Emily’s Long before she even and family,” said Stroud, voice.” set foot in Kinser Elemen- who is retired and living Figueroa didn’t just stick with Gospel husband is assigned to the 18th Civil En- tary, she would listen to in Florida. “We had fun, or movie-soundtrack music. Her tastes gineering Group at nearby Kadena Air songs on the radio or TV, worked, played, learned together and branched out over time. She likes every- Base. with one staying with her: “My Heart sang in a beautiful school.” thing from Carole King to Stevie Won- The coronavirus pandemic limited Will Go On,” by Celine Dion from the After 2002 and seven years on the is- der to Bruno Mars, Ariana Grande, the the band early on during Emily’s tenure “Titanic” movie soundtrack. land, the Talampas family moved to San Beatles. “I like all music,” she said. to virtual performances, Stanley said. “My parents told me, I would con- Diego. Emily went to two elementary During her years in San Diego, she “In December, things opened up for stantly sing that whenever it was on the schools before her parents enrolled her sang for a church group, had a band on us, so we were able to get her up to (Ma- radio and I would get super upset when- in the San Diego School of Creative and the side and did gigs with them as well rine Corps Air Station) Iwakuni and do ever they would change it or turn it off,” Performing Arts. as solo jobs. some performances here, socially dis- she said. “I can still sing the song and all She was reluctant at first. “I didn’t “Sometimes, we would do retirement tanced,” Stanley said. the words.” want to go because my friends weren’t ceremonies for close friends, weddings, As for what the future holds for One of her biggestgg singing g g foundation going to be therethere,”, she saidsaid.. “TheThe first stuff like that,”that, she saidsaid.. “II woulwould also Figueroa, she says she wants to pursue a moments was tthathat eelementarylementary scschoolhool year was kindkind ofof hard.”hard.” performperform on mymy own.” masters degree in speech pathology. talent show, teacher and pupil saidsaid.. ButBut thingsthings cchanged,hanged, anandd iitt was tthehe HerHer ssinginginging vovoiceice got a hhugeuge wworkoutorkout “To“To teteachach kikidsds wwhoho wwantant to llearnearn hhowow “She“She (Stroud) put me on the spot. 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In Vegas … the most rere-- membermember wwhathat sonsongg it muchmuch passionpassion that it kind months,months, she worked at the VenetianVeneetiana RRe-e- wardingwarding thingthing forfor me was to teach.”teach.” was.was. MMyy parents still ofof ddroverove mmee to ccontinueontinue sort,sort, a themetheme hotel based on the IItaliantalian [email protected]. [email protected] havehave a VHS tapetape ooff on.”on.” citycity of Venice. ThThere,ere, sshehe would pplaylal y ththee TwitterTwTwitter @@daveornauerdaveeornauer I’ve beenbeen singing since I could “talk.talk. [My parents]p wanted me to pursuepursue andand continuec singing. I was alwaysalways aroundaroun music Especially in church.church. I thinkthi that was the biggest influence. Gospel. Christian music.” 16 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION 75 YEARS IN THE PACIFIC MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 2021 Todoroki Keikoku Access 3 minute walk from Todoroki station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line (20 minutes, 200 yen from Sibuya) Address 1-22, 2-37-38 Todoroki, Heartlands: Setagaya-ku 158-0082, Exploring Tokyo Todoroki Editor’s Note: Please follow your base of numerous ancient tombs dating command’s guidelines when making back to the 5th century. One of the plans to travel. Wear a face mask, keep tunnel tombs can still be seen clearly on the side of the a mo- social distance and follow proper hand- valley, now excavated and home to rocks and spiders; ment washing methods. peering into the entrance as a sensor light illuminates to rehy- the interior, it’s fascinating to think of the people who drate your- STORY AND PHOTOS BY inhabited Tokyo at that time. self with a REBECCA SAUNDERS, Just out of the ravine, in the Noge district, the larger METROPOLIS MAGAZINE cup of water Otsuka kofun (ancient grave) sits as the silent center- in porch of the odoroki Station sits like an island in the mid- piece of a children’s playpark. Dating back to the same tatami drawing dle of railway tracks on the Tokyu Oimachi time period, it once housed four burial chambers along room, and flick T line, wedged between the new developments with a collection of battle equipment. Today it’s free for through information of Futako Tamagawa, and the sweets hub of Jiyugao- all to clamber on. leaflets about the area. ka. Todoroki, on the other hand, has neither of these Just along the valley, the Fudo-no-Taki (Fudo Water- There’s a lot to explore in Todoroki Gorge, so it’s not things. Its shotengai (traditional Japanese shopping fall) is a wall of velvety moss endlessly dripping with surprising that by the time you get back to the station street) comprises just a few shops, and the surrounding fresh water; two dragon heads sit up high and spout you’ll most likely be feeling a few pangs of hunger. Fear area is a simple, silent neat grid of residential houses. water on to well worn stones. It’s this very spot that not: there’s a warm bowl of noodles waiting for you at You won’t find winding alleyways of izakayas here, and feeds into the Yazawa River that was deemed spiritual Yabumori. there’s no famous food item to seek out, but Todoroki enough for an image of the Buddist deity Acala (or Fu- This homely soba joint, more of a casual shokudo has a tale all of its own. do-myoo) to be enshrined here. (cafeteria) is an unhurried type of place frequented Todoroki’s verdant valley lies inconspicuously down Sitting perched atop of the waterfall is the Todoro- by a reassuring mix of regular characters, groups of a flight of steps, behind the local Seijo Ishii supermar- ki Fudoson temple, a place of religious worship since school boys hanging out in the Japanese-style back- ket and some houses. The highway even runs across 1100. Worshippers would wash themselves in the falls room and older gents slurping noodles over a bottle of this pocket of nature, but you would below before ascending to pray at the the local Todoroki Gorge beer. The ladies who run the never guess of the lush nature below temple. Today it’s a quiet spot for con- shop operate with palpable realness: animated wait- from the rumbling fumes of the road. templation; there’s a place to get for- resses call orders out to the women in the kitchen with Carved out by the Yazawa River, the tune slips (omikuji) in a selection of hardworking faces that barely break a smile. The soba ravine runs for a kilometre woven languages, and a purpose-built view- served up is chewy, bouncy and low-priced and will with small pathways and a history al- ing platform that overlooks the val- leave you feeling full and satisfied. most forgotten in its steep sides. ley. This vista is particularly stunning If you just want something more meaty to snack on, Just a two-minute walk from Todoroki Station, the when the trees change color in the autumn, and when head next door to a cutlet shop for crunchy and succu- red arch of Golf Bridge — so named after an early 20th- the cherry blossoms bloom in spring. lent freshly cooked cutlets; there’s often a small crowd century golf course — heralds the start of the valley’s If all that history, combined with climbing up the of locals outside picking up a treat for lunch here. pathway. Stone steps descend down to the river below. steep steps to the temple, has left you hot and in need Back at Todoroki Station, aboard one of the frequent There’s a thermometer next to the bridge that reads the of a sugary snack, there’s a small ice cream shop in trains that pass by on their way into the city, the rush temperature in the valley below, usually a few degrees the temple grounds that will satiate your cravings. For of being in a secret world of nature will make you feel lower than the temperature above — an indication of something a little bit more relaxing, Setsugekka is a like you’ve been for a day out away from Tokyo. But in the separate ecosystem that thrives in the valley below. quaint Japanaese tea room, close to the waterfall, pro- just a few minutes, the train will stop in Jiyugaoka. A Prehistoric with overgrown vines, Japanese zelkova, viding the perfect excuse to sit for a while over a cup blizzard of people and faces and buildings overtake. In draping tropical leaves and towering bamboo cling- of tea and some mochi(Japanese rice cake) as the river the midst of this urban scramble, the lure Todoroki’s ing to the steep sides of the river, along the ravine the rushes by. small town feel, its secret ravine world and hidden an- sounds of nature swiftly take over from the noise of the After being nicely refueled, continue further along cient history will have you planning a return visit, if city. In the summer months, cicadas form a deafening the scenic pathway to the entrance of the Japanese only to feel that revitalising freshness of a jungle in chorus and the river trundles along its course. It’s a garden. Created in 1973 around a traditional Japanese the city again. strange feeling to be amongst an abundance of nature drawing room, the small garden attempts to sculpt the in an urban setting. Walking alongside the water brings wild abundance of nature into an ornate scene. There’s Rebecca is a writer and eater of tasty food. After peacefulness and it’s these natural surrounds that have a winding waterway carved out of concrete resembling spending many months traveling around Asia, she brought many others to the same spot through the ages. the meanders of the river below, and moss-covered rocks decided to settle down in Japan where she writes The valley and the encompassing area are the site depicting in miniature the sides of the ravine. Stop for about travel as well as social issues. MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 2021 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION 75 YEARS IN THE PACIFIC STRIPES JAPAN 17 Signs of spring starting to arrive in Misawa BY TAKAHIRO TAKIGUCHI, replacing the winter snow with citrus-col- STRIPES JAPAN ored cheer. hile the cherry blossom The fukujuso starts blooming forecast predicts in the early spring, and it is Wthe peak to reach unique in that the blos- the southern to central soms open in direct sun- parts of the mainland light. If it’s a cloudy any day now, Misawa day or at night, you’ll Air Base in Aomori miss these soft yel- Prefecture in the low blooms. north will not see the Tulips and nar- blooms until the end cissus blossoms are of April. next, followed by This doesn’t mean the anticipated cherry the signs of spring blossoms. Spring seems haven’t yet arrived to this to be just around the corner chilly part of the country. Fu- in Misawa. Stay safe and warm, kujuso, or Far East Amur Adonis, Misawa! blossoms are popping up around the region [email protected] Photos by Yoshihito Morita, Stripes Japan 18 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION 75 YEARS IN THE PACIFIC MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 2021 Quick Facts Quick Facts QPrefecture: Tokyo QPrefecture: Hokkaido Recommended to Travelers Who Like: big city Recommended to Travelers Who Like: the winter thrills, the latest technology, trend spots season and fresh seafood, produce, and dairy prod- Q Points of Interest: Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, ucts Shibuya Crossing, Sensoji Temple, Meiji Shrine, 10 Q Points of Interest: Sapporo Snow Festival, Sapporo Ryogoku Kokugikan (the National Sumo Hall), Beer Museum, Shiroi Koibito Park (cookie factory), Otaku and Kawaii Culture Spots Sapporo Factory (shopping and entertainment com- Q Famous Foods: monjayaki (pan-fried batter and plex), seafood markets various ingredients), ningyo-yaki (baked cake in the Q Famous Foods: kaisen-don (a seafood rice bowl), shape of a doll), kintaro-ame (a traditional candy) Major soup curry, Genghis Khan (barbecued mutton), miso ramen, soft serve ice cream Tokyo inarguably is Japan’s most well-known city. The Tokyo Metropolis is made up of 23 Special Wards, Of the major cities in Japan, Sapporo, in Hokkaido home to upwards of 35 million people. It is also known for Prefecture, is Japan’s northernmost major city and the having the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, known Cities nation’s fifth-largest overall. The chilly climate makes as Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and what many would it the ideal destination for people who enjoy the winter say is the busiest train station in the world in Shinjuku. season. Tokyo also is the center of otaku culture in Akihabara The city is the site of the famous Sapporo Snow Fes- with a plethora of games, anime, and electronics shops; tival, an event held each February showcasing an array while the Harajuku and Shibuya districts are known in Japan of marvelous ice and snow sculptures that is visited by worldwide for their contributions to fashion and kawaii about 2 million people each year! (cute) culture. Athletic types can visit the Sapporo Winter Sports However, traditional culture is still very much alive Which one should top Museum, which showcases the legacy of the 1972 Win- in Tokyo, with a number of shrines and temples through- ter Olympics, or they can hit the slopes, skiing or snow- out the city as in its historical Asakusa area, festivals your bucket list? boarding in one of the ski resorts near Sapporo. And of held throughout the year, and also the world’s largest course, not to be missed is Sapporo’s delectable sea- sumo stadium. food cuisine, revered throughout Japan! 2 Tokyo LIVE JAPAN 1 Sapporo nce you’ve decided to explore Japan, how do you choose which major cities in Japan to O see? The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer; it really depends on the preferences of each individual traveler. Do you enjoy a high tech urban atmosphere with crowds of people or quiet solitude among nature? Would you rather shop for the hottest trends or vis- it historical spots? Swim among tropical fish or feed crackers to friendly deer? Keep reading to find the perfect selection of major cities in Japan for your next travel adventure! 3 Yokohama 5 Kyoto Quick Facts Quick Facts 4 Nagoya QPrefecture: Kyoto QPrefecture: Kanagawa Quick Facts Recommended to Travelers Who Like: traditional Recommended to Travelers Who Like: cities by the culture QPrefecture: Aichi sea QPoints of Interest: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu- QPoints of Interest: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Recommended to Travelers Who Like: transporta- tion and technology dera Temple, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoan-ji Yokohama Landmark Tower, Marine Tower, Yo- Temple, Gion (geisha district), Kyoto National Mu- kohama Chinatown, Yokohama Port, Nipponmaru QPoints of Interest: Nagoya Castle, JR Central Towers, Toyota Automobile Museum, Toyota Commemora- seum Memorial Park, Yokohama Museum of Art, Cosmo QFamous Foods: kaiseki ryori (multi-course Japanese Clock 21 (Ferris wheel), Cup Noodles Museum, Mi- tive Museum of Industry and Technology, SCMaglev and Railway Park, Asahi Beer Factory, Nagoya City haute cuisine), yuba (tofu skin), shojin ryori (Bud- nato Mirai 21 shopping center dhist vegetarian cuisine), yatsuhashi (a cinnamon QFamous Foods: gyunabe (beef hot pot), sanma-men Science Museum, Osu Kannon Temple, World Co- splay Summit mochi confectionary filled with red bean paste or (Yokohama-style ramen), Spaghetti Napolitan, chu- other flavors) ka-ryori (Chinese cuisine) QFamous Foods: miso-katsu (miso sauce pork cutlet), tebasaki (chicken wings), kishimen (a flat noodle dish), tenmusu (rice ball with shrimp tempura) Kyoto was the official capital of Japan for over 1,000 Yokohama lies south of Tokyo, on the scenic west- years and remains one of the foremost destinations to ern coast of Tokyo Bay. It is known for being Japan’s Nagoya has long been the center of Japan’s automo- experience traditional Japanese culture. The city has first port that officially opened to foreign trade in 1859. around 2,000 temples and shrines, including the “Gold- It’s not a stretch to say that international influences tive and aviation manufacturing, as well as a techno- logical hub with a growing robotics industry. Visitors en Pavilion,” Ryoanji known for its zen rock garden, have shaped Yokohama’s character, from the city’s and Fushimi Inari Taisha, the shrine with a tunnel of signature brick architecture to the famous Yokohama can explore Nagoya’s tech-centric side by visiting the Nagoya City Science Museum, the SCMaglev and Rail- 5,000 vermillion torii gates. Chinatown that was formed by Chinese immigrants One of the most talked-about areas of Kyoto is the who settled in the 1800s. way Park, or either of the two Toyota museums. In re- cent years, Nagoya has gained international fame for “geisha district” of Gion. While geiko (the Kyoto term Kanagawa is the city with the second largest popu- for geisha) and maiko (apprentice geiko) are known for lation in Japan. Visitors to Yokohama can take in a being the location of the World Cosplay Summit, where cosplayers from 20 nations worldwide compete in the being elusive, if you are lucky, you just may encounter scenic harbor view via waterbus or atop the iconic one of the kimono-adorned beauties taking a stroll! Ferris wheel, as well as enjoy various museums and World Cosplay Championship and participate in one of Japan’s most impressive cosplay parades. Art and history lovers will also not want to miss the shopping opportunities. Kyoto National Museum, which houses over 230 desig- nated National Treasures and Important Cultural Prop- Courtesy photos erties. MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 2021 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION 75 YEARS IN THE PACIFIC STRIPES JAPAN 19 Quick Facts Quick Facts QPrefecture: Nara QPrefecture: Osaka Recommended to Travelers Who Like: culture com- Recommended to Travelers Who Like: an urban bined with nature area with a lively character and charm Quick Facts QPoints of Interest: The Historic Monuments of An- QPoints of Interest: Dotonbori (nightlife district), Osa- QPrefecture: Hyogo cient Nara, Todaiji Temple and Daibutsu (Big Bud- ka Castle, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Universal Recommended to Travelers Who Like: eating steak dha statue), Kasuga Taisha Shinto Shrine, Nara Studios Japan, Kuchu Teien Observatory, Sumiyo- by the sea after a mountain hike Park, Yoshino cherry blossom spot, Nara National shi Taisha Shrine QPoints of Interest: Kobe Harborland, Meriken Park, Museum, Nara Park Q Famous Foods: takoyaki, okonomiyaki, yakiniku, Nada district sake breweries, Arima Onsen, Mount QFamous Foods: narazuke (Nara pickles), persimmon kitsune (deep fried tofu) udon, taiko manju (a baked Rokko, Kobe Earthquake Memorial Museum cuisine, Nara chameshi (rice cooked in Japanese sweet filled with azuki bean paste that is shaped like Q Famous Foods: Kobe beef, akashiyaki, (egg batter tea), yomogi (mugwort) mochi a taiko drum) octopus dumplings), takomeshi (octopus rice), sake Nara, Japan’s very first capital, is another treasure Osaka is the largest city in the Kansai region and one Kobe is a port city roughly 30 km west of Osaka. Just trove of traditional culture as well as a place of natu- of the largest in Japan, but what it’s really known for is like Yokohama, it was one of the earliest cities that ral beauty. It is the location of the UNESCO World its lively and colorful character, from its distinct dialect opened to foreign trade after Japan’s policy of seclu- Heritage Site “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara,” to its cuisine that has become popular throughout Japan. sion officially ended. The name “Kobe” has become which is made up of six temples and ruins, along with Osaka is a great place to experience a unique urban at- synonymous worldwide with the area’s high-quality the Kasugayama Primeval Forest. mosphere, with entertainment for both adults and kids. Kobe beef. In fact, basketball superstar Kobe Bryant is However, one of the things that Nara is most known Osaka has one of the world’s largest public aquari- said to have been named after the specialty! for is its abundance of wild deer that roam the city free- ums and is home to Universal Studios Japan. And no trip The city also borders the Mount Rokko mountain ly. This is rooted in the ancient Shinto belief that deer to Osaka would be complete without a visit to the enter- range, which is a popular hiking spot and is next to one are messengers of the gods. tainment district of Dotonbori, with its iconic neon sign- of Japan’s oldest hot springs, Arima Onsen. Another Visitors have the chance to get acquainted with the boards, countless restaurants, and amusement facilities. draw is the sake breweries in the Nada district, known local creatures by visiting Nara Park, home to hundreds Osaka also has places to enjoy traditional Japanese for being among the best in Japan. Kobe was also one of deer, who are known to bow to those feeding them culture and history, such as Osaka Castle, Sumiyoshi of the sites hit by the Great Hanshin Earthquake in their special “shika senbei” crackers. And if you want Taisha Shrine, and even Bunraku puppet shows. 1995. The city has since become entirely rebuilt and to check out Japan’s fastest mochi pounders, they are the event is commemorated in the Kobe Earthquake located in Nara as well at a shop called Nakatanidou. 7 Osaka Memorial Museum. 6 Nara 8 Kobe 10 Okinawa 9 Hiroshima Quick Facts QPrefecture: Okinawa Quick Facts Recommended to Travelers Who Like: beachside QPrefecture:Hiroshima relaxation, watersports Recommended to Travelers Who Like: history and QPoints of Interest: Churaumi Aquarium, Sefa-Utaki 1 Sapporo places for peaceful reflection (a historical sacred site of the indigenous Okinawan QPoints of Interest: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, religion), Ocean Expo Park, Shuri Castle, Okinawa Hiroshima Castle, Shukkeien Garden, Memorial Ca- Peace Memorial, Tamatorizaki Observatory, vari- thedral for World Peace, Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine, ous beaches Hiroshima Peace Pagoda Q Famous Foods: goya chanpuru (a dish with bitter Q Famous Foods: oysters, Hiroshima-style okonomi- melon, egg, tofu, and pork), umibudo (sea grapes), yaki, Hiroshima Tsukemen (a cold and spicy dip- Okinawa soba (wheat noodles in soup) shikuwasa 8 Kobe ping ramen), Momiji Manju (maple leaf shaped citrus fruit 9 Hiroshima cakes filled with azuki bean jam) 2 Tokyo The last destination on our list is not actually a 3 Yokohama Hiroshima is the site where the first atomic bomb city! Because of its unique geography, it made sense 4 Nagoya was dropped in 1945. Soon after, the city was also dev- to include Okinawa Prefecture as a whole. Okinawa 5 Kyoto astated by the Makurazaki Typhoon. Despite this trag- is Japan’s southernmost prefecture, made up of 160 edy, Hiroshima has since been rebuilt. 6 Nara islands. It is known for its subtropical climate that is 7. Osaka Many demolished monuments were reconstructed, home to many rare species of plants and animals. as well as new ones reflecting its status as a “City of White sand beaches and clear, blue waters of col- Peace,” which was proclaimed by the Japanese par- orful fish make Okinawa the prime place to visit for liament in 1949. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park has those interested in swimming, snorkeling, and scuba 10 Okinawa become a symbol of this reborn city. Other worthwhile diving, while still exploring Japan. This collection of spots to visit include Hiroshima Castle and Shukkei- islands, known also by its older name, Ryukyu, have a Which Japan Destination Will You Choose? en Garden, among many other locations dedicated to unique culture of its own, which has been integrated So have you decided which city in Japan you would peace and harmony. into the more typically represented traditional Japa- like to visit? Modern Tokyo? History-rich Kyoto? All of nese culture. them? Whichever place you visit, you can be assured to find treasures in just about every corner of Japan! 20 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION 75 YEARS IN THE PACIFIC MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 2021 TATAMI 101 What’s the deal with those Japanese floor mats? “Igusa,” a natural material used for Tatami. Tatami neatly placed in a room. BY MASA, room, complete with a tatami. size ratio. What is interesting DEEP JAPAN A tatami floor mat is gener- about the mat, is the size differ- atami is a very tradi- ally made of, and plaited with, ence depending on the region it tional floor mat - both igusa, or a soft rush plant. The comes from. Mats in the West- T symbolic and indis- most noticeable feature about ern part of Japan, are called pensable - for a Japanese style this green floor mat, which is “Kyo-ma” - or Kyoto size. The room called “wa-shitsu.” It is easily to tell, is the smell. Igusa Kyo-ma tatami mats are slight- also considered an official cul- has a very particular odor it ly bigger than the ones from tural item used in such Japa- gives out, especially when fresh the East (“Kanto-ma” or Kanto nese architecture as temples and newly installed in a room. size.) This is because the tradi- and tea rooms. I’d say the smell reminds me tional Japanese measurement Ryukyu Style tatami. Photos courtesy of Deep Japan When looking for an apart- of a grassy, greenish, or even unit for length is different be- ment in Japan, a real estate herbal scent, which I like a lot. tween the East and West. studio-type rooms. you have a chance to go in a consultant might offer you a Some people, There is another tatami floor One of a few rules you temple and walk on a tatami, 2LDK apartment even Japa- mat available, which is actually should follow regarding a tat- or if you are invited to a tea – one with nese, might square shaped, and is relative- ami mats, which I reckon even serving ceremony performed two bed DeepJapan.org not be com- ly smaller in size with shorter most Japanese do not know in a wa-shitsu, you should ob- rooms, a fortable with the plait pitches. This “Ryukyu-tat- very well, is stepping on the serve how the Japanese be- living/din- odor, but I’d recommend giving ami”, or the Okinawa-style tat- edge of the mat. The edge is a have, and how many of them ing room and kitchen. In most it a try. ami, is getting popular among special fabric attached along will actually follow this rule. cases in Japan, either of the two A sheet of tatami floor is young people willing to bring the longer side, and it is con- The result could be somewhat rooms is likely to be a wa-shitsu rectangle shaped, with a 2-to-1 some Japanese tastes into their sidered wrong to step on it. If interesting! Stripes Japan is A Stars and Stripes Community Publication. or the U.S. Pacific Command. As a DOD newspaper, Stripes those products by the Department of Defense or Stars and This newspaper is authorized for publication by the Department Japan may be distributed through official channels and use Stripes. Products or services advertised in this publication of Defense for members of the military services overseas. appropriated funds for distribution to remote and isolated shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage However, the contents of Stripes Japan are unofficial, and are locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. The without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, not to be considered as the official views of, or endorsed by, appearance of advertising in this publication, including age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or the U.S. government, including the Department of Defense inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement of any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 2021 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION 75 YEARS IN THE PACIFIC STRIPES JAPAN 21 Visit Daitoku-ji temple in Kyoto to find tranquility, history The Garden of Solitary Sitting in the Zhuiho-in sub-temple at Daitoku-ji, Kyoto. STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOSEPH DITZLER, STARS AND STRIPES- DIRECTIONS: Daitoku-ji is located at 53 Murasakino Daitokuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, 603-8231. rop “Zen” into conver- Daitoku-ji is a 15-minute walk in northern Kyoto from Kita-oji Sta- tion on the Karasuma subway line. From the station, Katoji dori sation, and thoughts of street brings you to the temple; the main gate is a bit north of the D one hand clapping or a street. Google Maps took me in zigzag fashion through side streets properly maintained motorcy- right to the gate. The Karasuma line connects with Kyoto Station. cle may come to mind. Alternately, take bus Nos. 205 or 206 from Kyoto Station and get Less popularly understood, off at the Daitokuji-mae bus stop. TIMES: Varies, generally from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. however, are the main precepts COSTS: Admission to the complex is free; the cost to enter the open of Zen Buddhism and the dif- sub-temples is 400-500 yen ($4-$5). ferent sects within the practice. FOOD: You’ll find a Starbucks not far from Kita-oji Station en route One of those branches, Rinzai, to the temple. Cafe Du Mon, facing the main temple gate, offers fresh, light and creative lunch specials starting at 1,000 yen (about is centered in the ancient, for- $10). mer Japanese capital, Kyoto, PHONE: 075-491-0019 2 ½-hours by bullet train from Tokyo, in a place called Dai- — the meditation hall and the represents Mount Horai, a Jap- toku-ji. It’s well worth a visit, chief priest’s quarters — is the anese national, natural monu- even if you don’t know a koan oldest of its kind in Japan, ac- ment considered a source of from a kotsu. cording to information at the spiritual strength. The group Founded in the early 14th site. There, wooden floorboards is surrounded by raked gravel century, destroyed in the 16th creak underfoot with an antique representing waves upon the century and subsequently re- sound. As you might expect in a ocean surface. Visitors are com- built, the temple complex to- day encompasses 56 acres Zen precinct, the Hojo is spare, pelled to sit awhile on a wooden and nearly two dozen smaller and the artwork on its paper porch and take in the scene. sub-temples. One of them, the walls is sublimely beautiful. Nearby in the Ryogen-in is a Koto-in, is considered an im- On one side of the Ryogen-in room in which Ieyasu Tokuga- portant site in the history of the is the Ryogintai, a dry garden wa, founder of the 260-year-old Japanese tea ceremony. Many built entirely on a large bed of shogunate that lasted until the threads of Japan’s history in the moss. It is the oldest garden in imperial restoration in the mid- A stone walkway leads inside the Koto-in sub-temple at Daitoku-ji, Kyoto. 16th and 17th centuries are wo- the complex, dating to the Mu- 1800s, played Go, a Japanese ven into the story of this world romachi era, which ended in board game, with Hideyoshi at Daitoku-ji and built tea an asymmetrical cross. A statue unto itself. 1573. Nearby is the Totekkio, an Toyotomi, a powerful samu- rooms there. Basic movements of the Virgin Mary is buried in The entire walled complex enclosed rock garden consid- rai and feudal lord in his own that he incorporated into the the garden and symbolizes the is expansive, but ered the small- right. The board on which the EXCLUSIVE NEWS FROM: tea ceremony are still practiced 200 years when Christianity only four of the est of its kind in two played is on display, along today. was banned in Japan. sub-temples are Japan. with a firearm that belonged to This center of Zen Buddhism open to the pub- Most intrigu- Tokugawa. He later unseated My Daitoku-ji visit lasted lic. Many of the ing for me was Hideyoshi’s son to unify Japan has within it two links to Chris- into the early afternoon. Sev- interior gardens the Isshidan, and rule as shogun. tianity. Hosokawa’s wife, Gra- eral hours vanished while I of the lesser temples are vis- a rock garden in the most tra- Leaving the Ryogen-in, I cia, was a Catholic convert. The paused to contemplate the gar- ible from their gates. The main ditional sense: a raked bed of moved next to the Koto-in, two are buried on the grounds dens, inspect the austere but temple is not open to the public. stones with a teardrop-shaped which includes a tea house of Koto-in. And Otomo Sorin, inviting building interiors and These smaller temples — de- bed of moss and large rocks po- called the Shoko-ken built by a feudal lord and the founding walk the grounds. spite their spare furnishings sitioned elsewhere. 16th-century warlord Hosoka- patron of the nearby Zuiho-in Afterwards, I was ready to and simple, elegant construc- The moss mound represents wa Tadaoki, a student of Sen no sub-temple, converted to Ca- meditate on lunch. Just across tion — are intimate spaces. a tortoise island, a symbol of Rikyu. tholicism in the 16th century. the street from the temple’s These buildings of wood, paper long life. It’s paired with rocks Rikyu, a merchant from Otomo became known as the main gate is a small, French-in- and tatami mats were meant for that represent a crane island, Osaka prefecture, devoted him- “Christian daimyo.” (Daimyo fluenced Japanese restaurant, greeting guests, meditation and symbolic of happiness. Both are self to the tea ceremony and means feudal lord.) The Zuiho- Cafe Du Mon. Reviews on Tri- life’s everyday activities. common installations in Zen became a confidant of Hideyo- in today includes a rock gar- pAdvisor add up to five stars, My first stop inside Daitoku- gardens, and both also repre- shi’s, who eventually ordered den created by 20th-century with good reason. If there is Zen ji was the Ryogen-in temple, sent longevity. Rikyu to commit ritual suicide designer Mirei Shigemori and in cuisine, you’ll find it there. famous for its dry gardens and In Isshidan, the central, at his patron’s home in Kyoto. known as the Garden of the [email protected] distinct architecture. The Hojo tallest rock in the ensemble Rikyu taught the ceremony Cross. The garden rocks form Twitter: @JosephDitzler 22 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION 75 YEARS IN THE PACIFIC MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 2021 Photo by Tom Roseveare A brief understanding of human bone structure Editor’s Note: At Stripes Ja- pan, we love to share your stories and share this space with our community members. Ride world’s shortest escalator in Kawasaki Here is an article written by Spc. Colene Copeland from BY TODD WOJNOWSKI, The record-holding escala- large one, containing a wide va- U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria. JAPAN TRAVEL tor is conveniently located in riety of shops and vendors, and If you have a story or photos to share, let us know at japan@ the basement levels of More’s even has a video game arcade apan is home to some stripes.com. Department Store, ideally set on a higher floor. of the biggest and best far away from the heavy-traffic things in the world. But The most unfortunate aspect BY SPC. COLENE COPELAND, J areas of the building that people of the surrounding amenities is STRIPES JAPAN Physics is involved as the its most important treasure re- actually tend to visit. This al- force applied to the bone mains below the radar for rea- the supermarket that takes up lowed me to ride it alone five one health is important during physical activity will sons unknown to me. Even in its the rest of the floor the escalator consecutive times before some- for everyone. In the determine the type and se- status as an achievement hon- is on. While food prices there one else came along and ruined military, we have so verity. Some fracture types ored by the Guinness Book of are certainly lower than the B everything. many bone fractures, joint and include open, closed, partial, World Records, it unbelievably overpriced fare at other tourist The record-holding height of ligament tears that it is crucial displaced, non-displaced and remains in the distant shadow traps, it seemed that barbecuing the escalator is 83.4 cm, a dis- to understand the mechanics complete. Ligament and joint of the “World’s Tallest Tower” or setting down a blanket there tance equivalent to 2.7 feet, or behind what is actually going tears happen when the body and “World’s Longest Suspend- would be frowned upon. A quick the height of a 26-month-old on when anything weakens in finds non-conformity when ed Monorail But Not All Mono- survey of the surrounding area girl wearing roller skates (not the musculoskeletal system. performing a specific physical rails.” Knock those sites down a yielded no picnicking areas ei- recommended). The staircase The musculoskeletal system task and causes physical stress notch on your priority list, Ja- ther, so visitors are encouraged located directly next to the es- is a lot like a mechanical en- on the ligament or joint. pan tourists. Make way for the calator contains 5 steps. Using to eat heartily beforehand. gineering simulation model, Osteology is the study of World’s Shortest Escalator! the stopwatch function on my More’s Department Store is which has to do with physics, bones. There are four differ- This majestic piece of people- cell phone, one trip on the es- located across the street from biology and chemistry. In the ent kinds of bone cells, includ- moving equipment is located in calator takes an average of 4.6 the East Exit of the JR Kawa- journal Current Chemical Bi- ing osteoclasts, osteoblasts, Kawasaki, a city located directly seconds, or slightly longer than saki Station (Tokaido, Keihin- ology, bones are described as osteocytes, and bone lining between the major metropolitan it takes to walk down the afore- Tohoku, and Nambu Lines). calcified mineralized tissues cells. Bones are constantly re- areas of Tokyo and Yokohama mentioned staircase at a brisk The escalator can be found in made up of both organic and modeling their cells to either that are frequented by interna- pace. The majority the basement, near the exit to inorganic material and pro- get stronger or weaker. When tional visitors. This of the people passing the parking area. The escalator teins. a bone conducts its makes it easy for by, who I can only is located just inside Exit 29 of We know human cell remodeling, an you informed trav- assume have ridden the underground tunnel area bones are made up error of strength can elers to scratch off it enough times in of some material to happen. Between other, “tourist-friendly” spots the past to satisfy themselves that connects to the shopping keep us strong, but the remodeling and that are likely littering your to- for the long term, seemed to be areas nearby. There is no cost what is that ma- the reabsorption of do list in order to make time for testing that regularly. for riding it, except maybe your terial? Well, it all a visit. More’s Department Store is a dignity. the cells causing im- starts with chemis- balances can later try. Bones consist of lead to osteoporosis inorganic hydroxy- or other degenera- apatite and about tive diseases, a 2015 25 percent water. study of bone tissue Bones also have other organ- in the BioMed Research Inter- ic protein compounds, such national journal found. as collagen. In recent years, Taking care of our bones, es- collagen supplements have pecially as we age, is crucial to become popular due to me- overall health. Regular cardio dia reports that these supple- and strength exercises are of ments lead to a more youthful utmost importance to keeping appearance. There is a science bones strong and healthy. We to youthful appearance that is must nourish and feed our bod- a whole other article in itself. ies with proper calcium and But it is not the supplements proteins. Follow physician rec- as much as diet, telomere ommendations about diet and length, human cells’ daily re- allergies while maintaining generation, and environmental bone health is also essential to element exposure, which will keep in mind. Choosing to live determine external and inter- a healthy lifestyle and taking nal health. care of your bones now is one What happens when a step in the right direction for bone obtains a fracture? a better and healthier future. Spc. Colene Copeland with U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria. She is pre- med studying Forensic Medicine, Space and Aviation and Engineering. Spc. Copeland is working towards becoming an orthopedic trauma sur- geon focused on the musculoskele- tal and joint system. Follow along as she writes about interesting bones in both humans and animals, dives into space medicine, forensic science, engineering, healthcare and medical topics. MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 2021 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION 75 YEARS IN THE PACIFIC STRIPES JAPAN 23 Stripes Sports Trivia The United States trails only Norway when it comes to total medals won all time in the Winter Olympics. With more than 280 medals, the U.S. has certainly had its fair share of success in the Winter Games. Despite all the hardware, what is the one event the U.S. has never won a medal in? Answer Biathlon The Weekly Crossword by Margie E. Burke ACROSS 1234 56789 10 11 12 13 1 Said, as a 14 15 16 farewell 5 Selling point 17 18 19 10 Greek cheese 14 Onassis et al. 20 21 22 15 Close call 23 24 DID YOU 16 State positively 17 Catchall abbr. 25 26 27 28 29 30 KNOW? 18 Persistent 31 32 33 badgering 20 Popular pasta 34 35 36 22 Second point in 37 38 39 tennis an”, a simple honorific ti- 23 Eyeball benders 40 41 42 tle equivalent to Mr. Mrs, 24 Diagnostic test 43 44 “-s Miss or Ms. can be very 25 Gold miner's convenient. The title may be applied water trough 45 46 47 48 49 50 27 Major staff to most Japanese regardless of gender, 51 52 53 age and social status. “Takanaka-san” changes 31 Not windy 54 55 56 can be either a senior gentleman or a 32 Selected young girl. So, when you need to write 33 A Bobbsey twin 57 58 59 34 Mosque V.I.P. a letter or email to someone whom you Copyright 2021 by The Puzzle Syndicate have never met before, be sure to use 35 Emergency this title. signal 3 Talk out of 35 Plenty of leeway 44 Purplish-pink 36 Overfill 4 Reality 36 Foreign-film shade 37 Toothed wheel avoidance feature 45 Crafts partner 38 At attention 5 Like sailors on 38 Tape deck 46 Talk up 39 Adorable one leave button 47 Sandwich fish 40 Like some 6 Hardly sufficient 39 Small change 48 Dessert wine reactions 7 Wrapped 41 Pencil part 49 Air bag? Kanji of 42 One in the red garment 42 Made a sudden 50 Small whirlpool 43 Need a bath 8 Victorian, for move 52 Actress Arthur badly one the week 44 Kind of ray 9 Legal precedent ౧Momo/tou (Peach) 45 Send with an 10 Feast or ____ email 11 "...happily ___ Answers to Last Week's Crossword: 48 Small bit of after" ABLE AFAR BARGE Language Lesson matter 12 Campsite sight RO I L DOVE ALOUD 51 1964 Elvis movie 13 Pretentious CAMI SOLES SLUNG 53 Sound of impact 19 Burger go-with STOOL DR I P INKY 54 Adjust, as a 21 Marathon, e.g. TARE GLAND piano 24 Out of funds GINGERSNAP ATA How much is this? 55 Audacity 25 "Lip" or "slap" GENE DOT TEABAG 56 Advance follower ANTS FLAME NOSE 57 Military award 26 Tart fruit 58 Went out with 27 Crude dwelling SIESTA LOL NUTS 59 Apt to snap 28 Single PER ACCELERATE 29 Place for a FIXER ATOP Ikura desuka? DOWN barbecue SPAT DUDS DOWSE 1 Pebbles' pal, 30 Contemptuous AL ICE DISBELIEF when doubled look LATHE UVEA ISNT 2 "Tosca" tune 32 Court employee ETHYL PEST SETS 68'2.8 (GLWHGE\0DUJLH(%XUNH 'LIILFXOW\ 0HGLXP ,KtdK^K>s ͗ ĂĐŚƌŽǁŵƵƐƚĐŽŶƚĂŝŶƚŚĞ ŶƵŵďĞƌƐϭƚŽϵ͖ĞĂĐŚĐŽůƵŵŶŵƵƐƚ ĐŽŶƚĂŝŶƚŚĞŶƵŵďĞƌƐϭƚŽϵ͖ĂŶĚ ĞĂĐŚƐĞƚŽĨϯďLJϯďŽdžĞƐŵƵƐƚ ĐŽŶƚĂŝŶƚŚĞŶƵŵďĞƌƐϭƚŽϵ͘ Answers to Last Week’s Sudoku: &RS\ULJKWE\7KH3X]]OH6\QGLFDWH 24 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION 75 YEARS IN THE PACIFIC MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 2021