VOLUME 5 NO. 51 MARCH 29 − APRIL 4, 2019 SUBMIT STORIES TO: @STRIPES.COM STRIPESJAPAN.COM FACEBOOK.COM/STRIPESPACIFIC FREE INSIDE INFO Celebrating Month of the Military Child

My personality is very interesting

By Jayden Cachola, different ways! Sullivans Elementary School My personality is very interesting. I’m very good onnichiwa! I’m Jayden, your average at certain subjects in school, like math, language military child. I’m going to tell you that arts and recess. Though recess isn’t a subject, I’m Kbeing a military child is fun in many still good at it because I’m energetic. Congratulate SEE PERSONALITY ON PAGE 2 a 2019 grad! Our annual Grad highlighting Pacific DODEA high schools and their graduating classes will appear in the May 31 edition of Stripes Japan. Lucky enough For just $19, customize your own message that will appear The countless goodbyes, in this keepsake edition. And the numerous hellos, What you need: • A photo of the graduate The constant feeling of butterflies, • Graduate’s first name Each new school is a different scenario. • Your name, as you want it to The distances we have traveled, appear in print (e.g. “Suzy & Steve” or “Mom & Dad”) Birthdays we’ve missed, • A congratulatory message of The adventures we unraveled, no more than 20 words • The graduate’s high school Every memory to reminisce. Send info by May 20, 5 p.m. to The multitude of friends, [email protected] And the laughter we shared. and a Stripes representative will follow-up with you right The amount of things we depend, away. Our parents who do more than they should bear. The things we learn, And the things we do. INSIDE INFO The new friends we earn, Knowledge that grew. Our parents work hard and defend our nation. We all live near and far, But it’s alright because we have better relations. It is difficult to be one, And even more difficult at that, SPRINGTIME IS But I happen to be someone, STRAWBERRY TIME Who is lucky enough to be a military brat! IN JAPAN PAGE 16 BY Raven Rayos, Iwakuni Middle School - Viviana Barrientos 6th grade, Lester Middle School

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Max D. Lederer Jr. Publisher PERSONALITY: Lt. Col. Richard E. McClintic Commander Joshua M Lashbrook Chief of Staff Celebrating Being a military child is lucky Michael Davidson Revenue Director Month of theCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Chris Verigan Engagement Director MilitaryLike Child many others, I’m arty and very Then there are the positive parts. You can enjoy Marie Woods Publishing and Media Design Director good at detailed drawing. But to do that, where your new house is and the place you live Chris Carlson Publishing and Media Design Manager I need to take some time to draw. Also, I’m in. The beach or somewhere luxurious can be Monte Dauphin known as a panda because I can be both lazy Japan Area Manager exciting. You can make new friends at your new Kentaro Shimura and sleepy. school, business, or new neighborhood! The best Production Manager Now, on to the important part about being Rie Miyoshi thing about moving is that you can start fresh, Engagement Manager a military child. First there are negative parts Denisse Rauda or start all over again! Not literally, but you know Publishing and Media Design Editor like, leaving friends and family because you are Publishing and Media Design Writers what I mean. ChiHon Kim moving. Sometimes I forget memories of where I Shoji Kudaka In many ways, being a military child is lucky and Takahiro Takiguchi once lived. Layout Designers Maybe the place you’ re moving to might have exciting when you get to see new places you’ve Ayako Kamio Yukiyo Oda disasters going on, or maybe a disease, or even never seen before. You can thank our military Yuko Okazaki Kayoko Shimoda a terrorist attack! Don’t worry, our military can who help in many different ways. All of the above Multimedia Consultants Max Genao Doug Johnson help solve it! are just little things about being a military child. Jason Lee Hans Simpson Chae Pang Yi Gianni Youn Robert Zuckerman Graphic Designers Kenichi Ogasawara Yosuke Tsuji Check out more Send your Month of the Military Child Sales Support submission to Kazumi Hasegawa Hiromi Isa military children stories at: Ichiro Katayanagi Yoko Noro [email protected] Yoichi Okazaki Yusuke Sato Chae Yon Son Saori Tamanaha militarychild.stripes.com by April 30!

For feedback and inquiries, contact [email protected] To place an ad, call DSN 227-7370 stripesjapan.com/contact MARCH 29 − APRIL 4, 2019 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES JAPAN 3 Month of the Military Child rating eleb C 1st Grade Yokota West Elementary School

Editor’s Note: Noelle Cole is very proud of her hard-charging students, and we can see why. Keep up the great work, kids!

Nico Teves Max Buckwalter Hayvehn Howland Scott West

Adriana Hunter Nathaly Apollon Skylar Whiting Sophie Dudley Ava Johnston

John Parks Alexander Matienzo

Eleanor Pierson Tatum Nussbaum

Moreed Kamal

Eva James Avery Cheatham Carsten Benford Meyer McElhaney Austin Barcelona

Check out more military children stories at: militarychild.stripes.com 4 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION MARCH 29 − APRIL 4, 2019 th of the Military C ting Mon hild lebra Ce Kindergarten Yokota West Elementary School

Editor’s Note: Take a look at the creative work of Sharon Bloom’s talented kindergartners! Way to go, kids! Keep working hard! Gavyn Ella EthanB Senna

Hamilton Parker Loa Connor Bella

Lena Fiona Anna-Kate EthanK Jackson

military children stories at: Check out more militarychild. stripes.com

Roman Sean Ryan Laura MARCH 29 − APRIL 4, 2019 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES JAPAN 5 6 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION MARCH 29 − APRIL 4, 2019 M !

i Sasebo y l a i Elementary t s a School r r 2nd & 3rd grade i y e Editor’s Note: h The students in k t Craig Long’s class i e are real hard-chargers ds hav who are proud of who they are. And we are proud of them! Zhoe

Jasmine

Kaiser

Quinton Donovan

Audric

Anne Arianna Andrew

Yuliana

Paul Nate

Sienna

Rayden J

Send your Month of the Military Child submission to [email protected] by April 30! Chlarisa Jake Breklyn MARCH 29 − APRIL 4, 2019 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES JAPAN 7

Adriana Isabella P Ana Isabella R

Allyana Calvin

Check out more Naomi military children stories at: Joseph militarychild.stripes.com 8 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION MARCH 29 − APRIL 4, 2019 l 5th grade ry Schoo Mendel Elementa

Editor’s Note: Renee Debus’ students are some pretty good writers. Take a look at what they have to say. Great job,Military kids! Life

The Thing I Most Struggle With as a Being a military child isn’t easy. The reason I say that is because you move Military Child somewhere and you finally get used to things and then you have to move and for me it’s hard to make friends but when I finally do I never want What I struggle with most as a military child is moving There is to leave. But I always have to leave them very soon. and leaving. Before I moved here, I lived in England a good side to moving. You’ll get to travel a lot you’ll get to make new for four years, on a small base called RAF Lakenheath. friends meet new people and have new adventures. Although you may leave I had so many friends. your friends, your parents may keep in contact with them and you’ll make In the summer, we would have pool parties, play new friends. But for me the best part of being a military child is getting to around the neighborhood, all sorts of things, but one travel. I’ve been to Texas, Dover Delaware, Valdosta , and Japan. My day my Mom told me to come into the kitchen for “a dad is the one who is in the military and he loves his job. But every time talk”. I was scared that I was in trouble or something, he says we have to move I don’t know how to feel. I feel happy that we are but when I got in there, she told me that she found out traveling but sad that we are leaving all my friends. where we were moving to, she told me Japan. The place I was born is Texas and that is my favorite place to be. But At first, I was so excited! But then I realized how far I love traveling because I love making friends. So it’s hard to move when away it was from England. I told my friends that day, you get used to things. But no matter what everything will always get better. and they were really upset about it, I was too. The day – Jayda Tucker before we were going to the hotel, we spent the whole morning and afternoon together. My friends and I had My Military Challenge the best day of my summer break, but then, it was night I live on a military base, although my dad is not currently active time. I had to go, my friends and I were in a circle duty, he is a civilian. I’m happy to say he left the military years talking to each other, it was pouring outside. Everyone ago before he married my mom. I moved here to Yokota, Japan gave the hugs, then I went home. only a few weeks ago and so far I like it. But I have one great When we went to the hotel the next day, I meet some challenge I have to overcome, the timing was the worst. other kids there. We had a lot of fun, even though I My oldest brother who is 19, was already in college and has been couldn’t stop thinking about my other friends. When we for maybe a year so. Since we couldn’t just bring him and push left the hotel to go onto the plane, I was really upset. him into a random college without a scholarship, he had to stay. I spent four years of my life in England and then I My grandpa also has colon cancer. It was already bad as it was move here, to Japan. It was raining the day I arrived because we had moved from Florida, which is where I’d say maybe here. When we got to the towers, I was so exhausted. 75% of my family is, including my grandpa gto Texas. The first day of school, I was late to class! I was so After leaving Florida to go to Texas, my dad’s boss told him about embarrassed. I sat alone at lunch because nobody knew a job off in Japan and one in Germany. My dad applied for the me. When I was eating, all of a sudden a girl slid one in Japan and a couple of months later he got the job. Now we right next to me. Ever since that day, we have been best have been at Yokota for almost a month. For the most part I like friends, we were like two peas in a pod. A few months it here. Everything is really close together so you don’t have to go ago she moved away and I was heartbroken. After a far to get to a store or a restaurant. week or two, I finally found the group of friends I belong in. I’m really happy with them, yes, they are an- – Andrew De La Torre noying, but no matter what, they’re my friends. My Military Family – Liliana Ramirez My military family, Is certainly the best. They help me get through bad things, Or help me pass a test. When we move to someplace new, My Life as a Military Child has Been… They’re good to have around. So I keep in mind, My life as a military child has had a lot of ups and downs. When leaving friends behind, It’s fun to experience and see new places and countries. I have my military family. However, one thing that is hard is leaving my friends and I won’t have to worry, transferring to a new school and environment. As long as they’re around, ‘Cause they are friends I’ll always have, Right now our family is in the process of moving again. I feel happy to go visit my family and go in to a new house Even when we move around. and base. But I don’t want to leave my friends and teachers. I love my military family, I’ve been here so long my friends are like everything to me. They really are the best, However, there is one friend in particular that has helped They always care for me and, me through this journey since I’ve been here, and I just always hope for the best. My military family is the best one on the don’t want to go and leave her. For those reasons, my life as a military child has been wonderful!– Kayleigh Lapp earth, They are the best even in the universe. They all are kind and caring, (but me siblings are not the best at sharing) My military family, Is certainly the best. I love my military family, They really are the best.

– Jane Dick

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Military Life My Life as a Military Child has Been... Hi I’m Marlee Hubbard and having my parent’s work in the military can be fun but also My life as a military child has been fun, hard. In this story I will explain both. happy, amazing and exciting. It is so much My mom has to go to work about 7:00 fun moving to new places and meeting new Military Life in the morning and she gets home about friends. The one thing I do not like about Hi I am Kennedy Craft I am a military 6:00. When she gets home we eat and hang moving is having to pack. I do not want to child I live on base in Japan with my out until bedtime. In the morning she leaves leave my friends and teachers behind. When mom, Susan my dad, Richard, my sister, again and I don’t really get to see her much. we got to Japan we had to live in a tower, Kaylee and my dog named Princess. We I wish I could see her more!!! My mom has that wasn’t so much fun. Being a military have a good life but sometime it can to go on trips to places like Texas, Hadi, or child has its ups and downs and can be dif- get hard, but we get over it. the Philippines to help people that are hurt. ficult, but overall I love being a military How my life is good, I get to The longest she has been gone was about 2 child. It has been amazing because we do all hang out with my dad. We take trips, months. I missed her!!! sorts of fun and exciting. We get to do a lot go to parks, we try new food and visit My dad leaves for work about 6:30. He of cool stuff around the world, sometimes new place. I love spending time with works really hard and has to move locations we visit family or have a vacation. My Life as him sometimes we run around the house on base a lot. He gets home earlier than my a military child has truly been amazing. and my mom yells at us and we laugh mom, about 4:30-5:00 so I have more time – Makayla Hookstra and calm down. I’m very lucky to be a to spend with him. Sometimes in the middle military child because I get to live all of the night he gets calls and has to leave to around the world and have lots of best help someone. My dad has to leave a lot. The Being a Military Child friends!!! My mom, my dad, my sister, longest he had to leave before was for about has Been….. and I love to hang out with each other. 8-9 months! He missed my birthday and Being a military child has been How my life is hard is my dad Christmas too! I really missed him. awesome, but also challenging. I will went overseas in New Mexico. He missed I have lived in 2 places in my life, tell you some reasons why it is awe- my birthday and Christmas. I cried but California and Japan. I’m about to move some and why it’s challenging. we got to facetime him and I would in the beginning of July because the mili- It is awesome because you get to cry when I saw him. How I made my tary makes us move to different bases for move to new places and meet new dad stay longer I would pick on him my parents to work. It’s an adventure, but friends. You also get to explore the because he would close his eye and I I have to leave my friends, house, and pet new base you are on and you don’t would say rabbit too! The military bases don’t allow always move around the United “Daddy you look like a piggy when you you to bring some of your pets like rabbits, States, but also overseas, which is re- sleep and it would work. I did it every hamsters, or guinea pigs. On the bright side I ally cool. Right now I’m in Japan and time. always make new friends, like when I moved it has been awesome here, new people My dad’s work can make him work over here I met these 2 amazing friends named - (which are very nice) and new places night. I feel bad for him because in the Kennedy and her sister Kaylee. I’m so excited to see. I have only lived here for 5 morning he is asleep and doesn’t wake to move but I don’t want to leave them! That’s months now and it was really easy to us up or play with us before we go to the struggles of living on a military base. know what was going on around you. school. We just leave him alone so he Like I said, I will always make Now I will tell you my some reasons can get some sleep. new friends! I also get to explore a whole why it’s challenging. When you move Making new friend is hard for me so I new place! Not very many people have been you kind of start your life all over don’t make a lot of friends but I am to so many places around the world, like again like making new friends and fine with it. It is hard moving around military kids do. My first language was Eng- getting to know your country and the world and making new friend. Only lish but when I got here I learned a whole lots of other stuff that you need to to move a year or two later. Going in to new language, not very many people get to know. When I move or my friends new school afraid people would laugh say they can speak more than one language! move, it hurts me a lot, but then I get at me or something like that. It’s amazing getting to have all these life used to it. It gets easier and easier My life is good but sometimes it can be Changing experiences even though it’s hard when you keep moving. bad when it gets hard. I think about the sometimes! In conclusion, it is awesome and happy times and it make me feel better. – Marlee Hubbard challenging being a military child. My mom makes me feel better too. These are my reasons why it has been – Kennedy Craft challenging and awesome. – Mia Guemo

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Life as a Military child

My greatest challenge as a military child has been Being a Military Child leaving my friends. It is especially sad when I have to move every couple of years and go to a new school. It Without a doubt, being a military child can be like is hard to get used to new teachers and new classmates riding a roller coaster. It certainly has both upsides because I don’t know anybody there. It is scary be- and downsides. It can be very different from living ing the new kid in class. I feel like a nervous wreck. in the states. It also is very different from living off I hate it when I have to say goodbye to all my close base. Basically, the life of a military child and what it requires is a lot different than being a normal, non- friends and start over. On the other hand, I get to see the world and get to military family. experience new things like different cultures of the I’ll start with the upsides of being a military child. As new countries. Being a military child gives me more I said before, being on a military base is very different and more opportunities to grow. I also get to make from living in the states, or anywhere else. (That’s not new friends and I know they will always have my back on a base) For starters, nearly everything is walking when I need them. Even though I am really picky, I distance. You can walk to school, you can walk to the do like seeing new places and trying new things like theater, (If you live on the east side) you can walk different foods. I also love traveling on airplanes with to the natatorium, you can walk basically everywhere my family. To me it is so fun to fly up in the air. So except for the other sides of the base. Well, you could I hate and love moving. It’s the hardest, saddest, and if you wanted to. Another upside to being on a military most exciting adventure of being a military child. base is it is a lot safer than the outside world. Because of that, you have a lot more independence on base. – Malia Taylor You can ride the shuttle once you’re ten and can get around the base faster, you can go places by yourself, and you can do a lot of things independently. Also, My Military Family friends are really close by and military children get to travel a lot and see the world. We also live in Japan! My military family will never hurt my feelings, and Japan is a great place to live because everyone is so will always help me, nice. Japan also has a lot of cool places that are close When I’m dealing with school drama. to the base like /Eon mall, Joyful Honda, and more. When I’m outside, and I am alone, my military family Lastly, the food in Japan is great. Some examples are Comes to me, and helps get rid of my sorrow. , , curry, (My favorite) and lots more. When I lose a friend, There aren’t many downsides to being a military child, My family says to me, but there are some. One of them is that military chil- “Don’t be sad. Think about family!” dren have to have a lot of change in their life. We have However, some of my friends, I will never leave, to move a lot and change schools and say goodbye Including, to friends. Also, if your parents are active duty, they Jane, Malia, Liliana, Alison, Jayda, Marlee, Kennedy, might be deployed and they will go away for some and most of all my teacher time, maybe even a few years. Mrs. Debus! In conclusion, being a military child can be really So whenever I feel sad, cool and kind of not so good at the same time. But, if Or whenever I’m alone, I had to choose, I would rather be a military child. I just think about my military family, And then I feel better. – Liam Milligan So in my opinion, whenever you’re sad or alone, Just think about you’re military family, Then you will feel a lot better!– Ethel Nelson Being a Military Child

I realize that I am really blessed to be a military child. Here are my Life as a Military Child reasons why I think I am blessed to be a military child. The things I most struggle with as a military child are First of all, I get to live on a base called Yokota Air Base in moving, my friends moving, and my dad being gone a lot. a house (garden unit) with a yard and friends close by. Most of my When I move, I miss my home and my friends. I have lived fellow classmates live really close to me. We don’t play that much in 5 different places since I was born in South Dakota. but if we wanted to, we can just walk over and knock on the door. Sometimes I wish I could go back and At the flight line, we can see lots of planes and helicopters, jets and visit some of those places. ospreys which is rare for people who live off base to see closely. About half a year ago, last summer, my best friend Molly Second, our base is in Japan! I think Japan is a very great Kever moved away. I keep in touch with her using Gmail, country to live in. Even though I’ve only been on vacation at Hawaii but I still wish that I could talk to her and that we could and never been to other parts of America, I feel right at home! And Japanese stores and malls like Aeon Mall, Daiye, Joyful Honda, and do things together again. Moritown are close by and handy! My dad travels for work a lot and when he is gone, I really miss him. Sometimes he brings us back cool things And finally, I think I am especially blessed for my parents, too. My from wherever he was. He’s in the OSI (Office of Special In- father is the American side who joined the army and retired, and vestigations) so he is gone often. my is Japanese. Since my mother is Japanese, I have a better Being a military child is hard sometimes, like when chance of getting around Japan (if I study a bit more). I have to move away, or when my friends move, or when I really like my life as a military child and hope I can live forever – Max Epstein my dad is deployed, but I also get to live in cool places on this base and even if it’s not possible, I will keep remembering it. and meet new friends.

– Ally Tree

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Military Life My Military Life Have you ever wondered what life was like in the People say that being a military child has many benefits, which military? Well, I’m in a military family and some- is true. We get to travel and see the world, experience exotic times it’s not all that fun but other times it can be moments, and receive special services while serving an impor- the best. I have two reasons why it has upsides and tant role in our nation’s society. However, there are three major two reasons why it has downsides. disadvantages. Having to move every 3 to 5 years, rarely seeing We’ll start with the upsides, the first good relatives, and dealing with deployed parents. reason is you get to visit or maybe even live in Moving every 3-5 years is a downhill roller coaster. You cool and exotic places like Japan, Hawaii, or Bali. have to move to a new country, city, or state, say goodbye to For instance, I used to live in Texas, but than your friends, and not having a childhood home. People won’t be my family had to move so we came to Japan! My the same. People in the states are different than people here in father has gone to Germany, Galapagos Islands, Japan, which can either be very good, or very bad. and many more locations, but one time my father Another major disadvantage is about relatives. As a is going to take the rest our family to Hawaii! My military child, I rarely see my relatives. I miss their important family was about to move to Alaska but instead we events, like birthdays, and sports events. Plus, I can’t be there moved to Texas. Then we were supposed to move for them when they need someone. to Hawaii, but we moved to Japan. I’ve heard that The last disadvantage is dealing with deployed parents. in Japan, you can travel to Guam, Bali, , A parent can be missing for days, months, and possibly years. and more for free! Parents can miss parent teacher conferences, award ceremonies, Another reason why military life is good, is living and birthdays. No child should ever say goodbye to a parent, on an air base can be awesome! One way it can be even on a temporary basis. awesome is everybody lives close to each other so Military children have their advantages and disadvantages. it’s easy to make friends and go places. In Texas I They can see the world, experience amazing moments, and be didn’t live on air base, so you would have to ask treated better than others. They move everywhere, seeing rela- my mom to drive you to a local library or a store tives every 2 years, and having deployed parents. However, we of some sort, but here on the Yokota Air Base I still serve our nation. just have to get on a shuttle bus and go wherever – Kaedon Truong I want to (if it’s okay with my mother)! The second reason why living on an air base can be awesome, is there’s a lot of fun stuff to do. You can either go to the skate park, play at one of the 25+ parks, or you can go to the youth center! Sometimes it can be hard living in the military, Living a Military Life for instance, you have to move a lot and that can be hard when you have a lot of good friends and When I first got to Japan, my days and nights were all mixed toys because you’re going to have to say goodbye up. We would wake up in the middle of the night and play to friends and get rid of toys that you like. Living games and watch movies. It was fun to live in the TLF. We in the military can also be hard because my father always had something to do. I would sit on my bed and has to leave and go to other air bases to help out. read, or climb on top of the playground. After a month, we One time he left for a whole month in Germany! moved into our new house. At first it looked boring, but when Well, these were the reasons why living in the mili- we went inside, it was so cool. We would hide in the closet tary can be hard or they can be awesome! under the stairs. Or play with LEGOS in the empty rooms. Our – Marshal Smith house even had a playground in the backyard. It wasn’t long until I made a friend, Beckham. We have so much fun together. We play Minecraft, go trash hunt- Military Life ing, and make codes. We like to ride our bikes and play at the skate park. It is the best. We especially like walking to Military life is easier than other people who don’t have their mom the shoppette for treat or going to the movie theater. or dad in the military. I think that the part that has been my When school started, my backpack was so heavy with greatest challenge as a military child has been moving. school supplies. The first day activities told me a fun year Moving can be great, but it can be horrible too! You usually stay was coming. My teacher, Ms. Debus, is really kind to us. We at the location you are assigned, for 3-5 years then you move. I have the best class--we do more activities and play more usually don’t like to move to different countries or states because games while the other 5th grade classes do more work. I have to say goodbye to friends that are very close to me. As a family, we like to ride our bikes to the commis- I’ve been to a few states including Washington, Texas, Florida, sary. Once, when we were riding over the flight line, a plane and Arkansas. The only reason I was in Seattle is because I was flew right over our heads. It was really cool. We’re really coming home from visiting my family is Texas and Florida. When lucky that we get to travel around Japan. we got to Seattle we got stuck there because there was a typhoon My family is civilian, living on a military base, but I don’t over in Japan. I had to stay there for 4 days! feel like there is a difference between military kids and me. It is very sad because I don’t like when things change right then We move around a lot, just like the military. I’ve lived in and there. I usually think I’m never going to see them again Maryland, Texas, and now here. I like living on base and be- because, well what are the chances? It could be possible I could ing free to ride my bike everywhere. see one of my friends that used to go to my school, but yet again – Scott Faggard what are the chances? I know you might think I am exaggerating about this but, there are many places on our planet “Earth” that anybody could be at. I mean, there are 197 countries (Not includ- ing the U.S.A). So there would be very low chances of me meeting my friends again. I think the Military should let us have a month to stay and pack up before we move and say our goodbyes to everybody we know. – Rafael Rodriguez

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Celebrating

Month of the Iwakuni MiddleNEW SCHOOL School I wave at my friends as I yet again depart Military Child Trying to hide the tears with a smile Every time we moved it felt like my whole life had fallen apart WORLD Having to adapt to a new lifestyle Around the world in under a year. Close tied friendships were untying slowly From France, to Japan, then back to America Editor’s Note: Rachel Billups’ students have something to say. And the thought about making new ones was terrifying. again Great job of expressing yourselves, kids! The future looks bright! Then to Poland or Africa, and maybe even Michigan. Adapting to a place wasn’t very hard Ten schools in ten day MILITARY CHILD But being accepted into a friend group was difficult I count as I go by. With what’s about to happen, I felt as if I couldn’t let down my guard Next thing I know, I’m flying through the sky. I’m so mad Making a first impression was critical My first day at my fifth school school this week, eing a military child has a plus side and a negative side. Some Moving for the first time, My mother would lecture me about first impressions I count the number of hours I get to sleep. positive things about being a military child are getting to visit Can it be that bad? Chin up The planes got me jet lagged new states and countries when you move. Military children And smile bright. I’m running on caffeine, Busually move every 2-4 years. This can be a good thing and a bad Getting to the new place with six-hour drive, My companies all the books I have thing, the good part of this is that you can experience new cultures, I still don’t think that I’ll survive The kids were staring and watching as I pass by every halls My friends are lost at sea. food, and people. The bad thing is when you move each time it can put I felt many eyes looking at the back of my head And all the ones I make won’t last longer then two weeks. some tension because for (children), we have to make new friends Having to move away from my family and friends, It felt like I was being trapped inside the school walls My birthdays coming close and leave our old ones. And it can sometimes become hard to make Will this mean that our bond is about to end? This was what I dread. But my parents wont remember new friends especially if you move in the middle of a school year. But They use it as an excuse to tell everyone were leaving in making new friends is always a good thing and when you move you What if my friends forget me? Running through the halls were like a maze December can always keep in touch with your old ones, or you can meet them Can my life get any worse? I wanted to go somewhere I could cry My friends are all declining, and growing very distant coincidentally in the future. Also living on bases is fun because you get Who knew that a paper can break a family? As I ran in daze They say they don’t get my calls to experience new surroundings and activities. Being a military child Am I getting chased by a curse? I wanted to fly Then blame it on our time difference. can come with some privileges like being able to basically travel the Away from this school and back to my friends What a fragile thing I was world. Most people that aren’t in the military usually live in the states or I arrived, walking around the lodge alone, And back to the old school where I used to call home. But this has toughen my heart wherever they were born for most of their life. Some benefits we have I’m brought to tears As my walls get higher and the bulldozers depart that most normal people do not have are free health care, language I keep telling myself to get used to this place, As tears started cascading down my face There was nothing they could do proficiency ,etc. Like I said being a military child has its pros and cons I’ll be here for years There was a knock on the bathroom stall No dent not a scratch but in the end it becomes a lot of fun. Looking down at the ground I saw the tip of was dress made from lace My walls are indestructible –Kiara Gray A friend of mine keeps texting me, Opening the door I felt small My feels are not there Making sure I’m alright She pulled me into a hug and reassured me The wall just get higher and higher I’m happy and thankful for her, As I cry into her shoulder But maybe I can bare.– Maleina Ballesteros ife as a military child is fun and exciting. It has its ups and But I can’t tell her that I see no light downs, but in the end it’s an adventure. Although you have She helped me clean my tears to leave your friends often and say goodbye to a parent, I’ve always laughed at school with my classmates, We had a small conversation that helped lighten the mood Lyou have the opportunity to go places and learn about other Will I have fun times like I used to? I felt all the bottled up feelings were released just like my fears cultures. She introduced me to the class as they viewed s I grew up, I realized how different everyone’s life My dad is in the Navy, every other duty station After eight months since I got here, The kids in the classroom smiled and introduced themselves can be like being military and not. For me I have one is sea duty for him. When he is on sea duty, we I actually did make some friends, but who knew? Little by little I lowered my guard down and smiled parent who is still in the military (marines) and one Awho retired as one (air force) and when you are a military rarely see him. This has an obvious strain on our I guess a new school isn’t that bad. family. Things are definitely harder for my mom, as I have though also, lost couple of friends – Mia Innarelli child there are a lot of pros and cons. The main pro is moving she single parents two children. It’s also difficult as And the relationship between my dad and I had weaken around and seeing the world. But when you move as much a child, trying to figure what events dad’s going to miss or be I can tell you for sure that your real friends will stay as an average military family you will have to make new here for. I love my dad very much, and I know what he is doing is And nothing can break it, your thoughts are the only demon s a military child, some would think that it’s fun because you get friends every few years. Another bad thing is having one important. For this, I cherish every moment I do get with him. to explore and try new things and some would think it’s also of your parents getting deployed. But there are also a lot of Another hard part of military life is the constant moving. I In the end, being a military child can be tough hard. I think it’s great being a military child because knowing good things like foreign language proficiency, unparalleled There are times when you’ll wonder where you belong or Athat my step-dad is serving for United States makes me proud but adventures, flexibility, social skills, and education stability have lived in 7 different homes in my 14 years. It can be fun, exploring a new area and meeting new people. But the hardest even if you’re enough the fact that he has to be deployed is sad and hard too. Moving every and scholarships. part is always the goodbye. Goodbye to the people who held 2-3 years is hard because packing is tiring and getting the stuff all in There are a lot of good things like foreign language you together the past 2 years, who have helped shaped you. But here’s the thing, there are pros too; place in a new house is hard because sometimes the house gets pack proficiency. When I lived in another country, I picked up Goodbyes are always hard. You’ll get introduced to several new things that‘ll get you out with furniture or clothes or decorations. When you thought of settling the language spoken there. Many other military kids grow Though there are a few downs to this life, it is still very of the blue to a new place and then packing and moving to a new place again is up speaking two or even three languages, such as English, enjoyable. Due to the Navy, I have lived in Japan longer than I tough because you have to meet new people. Especially as a student, German, and Spanish. It is possible, though, that children will have the United States. Having this opportunity to live here and Moving away and going through all this, new school meaning new friends and new teachers, sometimes saying forget some of their language skills once they move out of the learn about another culture is truly an experience. Not many The whole time I believed I was alone “Thank God! I know someone here!” is like the best thing that ever country where that language is spoken. Like how I will most kids my age have even left the state the were born in, let alone Not only did I get stronger happened because if you knew no one, it would be hard to make friends likely will. live on another continent. I am extremely grateful to have this I learned that I’m not on my own especially if some has anxiety or are shy to do so. Having friends Some more good things about being in a military family. experience, especially at such a young age. around the world who was social media are the best to keep in touch The best thing about being in a military family is seeing the As you can see, the life of a military child is a true That friend that kept checking up on me, with them but some of them that you knew might’ve forgotten you or world. I have gone to multiple states, Japan, South , adventure. Even with the many “goodbye”’s and “see you She became the light I couldn’t find look like strangers because you guys don’t talk anymore or unfollowed and Okinawa. I have moved nine times throughout my laters”’s, we are given a chance to explore and grow in a way Even if you’re struggling, you’re never alone each other on social medias. Moving away is like towards to dystopia, life. I was born at a Army base called Fort Bragg in North completely different than other children. I am proud to say I am There are beautiful things in life, keep that in mind saying goodbyes to friends are worst until you find new people again Carolina. I then moved to another base in North Carolina then to live with my grandparents while both of my parents a military child. – Sera Shimakura and it’s like going back to utopia. – Madalynn Medina – Aiya Versoza were deployed when I was one. I then moved back to North Carolina then to New york for two years then to North Carolina. Then I ended up here in Japan. UNFAIR But There are also downsides to moving to a different It’s unfair country or a different state. When you move to another onth of the military child is to represent the sacrifices made by o you want to know what it is like to be a Military child? You being gone country, you have to leave everything behind like your friends military families. The month it is celebrated in, is April. Being a Well, you’ve got the right person to ask. I have been a weeks feel like months that you will most likely never see again and family and all military child can be hard, because of all the moving that has to Military child my whole life; I’ve lived in three different of your stuff that can’t come with you. There is also another Then it just turns into feeling like years Mhappen. You always have to leave behind friends that you had finally gotten Dplaces and I’ve had to leave good friends behind and had to downside to being in a military family like having your parents You were the parent I can always count on used to. It’s really hard trying to get use to moving about every three years. deal with packing a lot (I hate packing). If you ask me; I hate If I’m lucky I get a call keep being deployed. Before and after I was born my parents You leave behind families, friends, the important bonds and connections moving. I used to live in Guam, so the weather was always From someone who I haven’t seen were deployed a total of six times. My mom has just gotten you had made with them. nice and whenever I wanted to go to the beach it was only a Why does this hurt off of deployment two years ago when she had to go to Getting to meet new people. When meeting new people, it is kind of hard five minute walk, so that was pretty nice. Guam was amazing I remember all the way up Kuwait. to do for some at least. It is also very difficult moving overseas. When until we had to move… we ended up moving to Japan where I – Alex S From being a six-years-old to thirteen moving overseas, your moving to a place of different culture, which will take met a lot of friends and settled in. But, it just wasn’t You were Never really there at concerts a little getting used to. Get used to the culture takes time you have to learn the same, I had to meet people and talk to people Sometimes you missing my birthdays how not to act rude when off base. It will be weird when not knowing their and make new friends. And quite frankly, I am Even though you would try to come language. You have to make new friends, but you’ll start thinking about how not very good at any of those. I first started off It never really turned out to be that way you’ll be moving, and you most likely won’t see them again. At first, you will in the states in Kansas City, when my Dad got a Work this, work that Sometimes we feel alone probably think that your the odd person, but really your not. Most of the phone call, saying that they want to pull him out of It’s unfair Even if we are said to be at home people you meet, if you go to school on base, probably have felt that exact Air Force reserves and make him active duty Navy. I Is this really how life is meant to be We move a lot same thing. They also know what it is like moving to a lot of different places. certainly didn’t want to leave but once I was forced to leave I I just can’t take it all More than I would say not There is also pretty good things about moving. These things are moving ended up falling in love with seeing new things every couple of We make many friends Even though I know others have it worse than me to new places that not everyone has the chance to do, new foods, learning years. Like I said earlier that I moved to Guam and made some Struggling somewhere new But that’s not the end more about what is happening around the world, etc. Moving to new places friends then eventually moved again. This time it was diverse, Not being understood are good because you can experience new things that even most adults and new. I tasted things like Ice Cream, something I We travel to many different places kids not knowing the things I go through wouldn’t be able to do. There food, new food is nice trying, you’ll have pretty would never taste before and I tasted other versatile things, This gives us many traces You don’t have quite the sameleave sort of friendships once you interesting foods you’d never thought of before or even existed. such as Cherry Blossom Ice Cream and other things like that Even though it’s hard sometimes The children of the military have to go through problems, like knowing .If my dad didn’t accept the offer I wouldn’t have experienced We wouldn’t change it for anything Once you’re out from where you previously were that their parents are working in dangerous areas and other things; they anything diverse because to this day I would be living in the You just want to be home also have to learn resilience and have the strength to do what is right, they states doing the same thing everyday and I wouldn’t do the – Kira Harris Or at least that’s what you want yourself to believe have to carry this throughout their life. Being a military child is difficult, but things that I have done and do the things that I did before. I’m not saying being a military child is all bad – Alec Forrester – Makayla Garcia can be fun as well. Sometimes It can just be unfair – Caleb Case MARCH 29 − APRIL 4, 2019 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES JAPAN 13 Sullivans Elementary School

Editor’s Note: Take a look Iwakuni Middle School at the fabulous work of Megan Stevens’ students. Keep WORLD working hard, kids! We are all Around the world in under a year. very proud From France, to Japan, then back to America of you! again grade Then to Poland or Africa, and maybe even Michigan. Ten schools in ten day 1st I count as I go by. Next thing I know, I’m flying through the sky. My first day at my fifth school school this week, I count the number of hours I get to sleep. Nicholas Brady The planes got me jet lagged Raphael I’m running on caffeine, My companies all the books I have My friends are lost at sea. And all the ones I make won’t last longer then two weeks. My birthdays coming close But my parents wont remember They use it as an excuse to tell everyone were leaving in December My friends are all declining, and growing very distant They say they don’t get my calls Then blame it on our time difference. What a fragile thing I was But this has toughen my heart As my walls get higher and the bulldozers depart There was nothing they could do No dent not a scratch My walls are indestructible My feels are not there Stephanie The wall just get higher and higher Anthony But maybe I can bare.– Maleina Ballesteros Baegan

s I grew up, I realized how different everyone’s life can be like being military and not. For me I have one parent who is still in the military (marines) and one Awho retired as one (air force) and when you are a military child there are a lot of pros and cons. The main pro is moving around and seeing the world. But when you move as much as an average military family you will have to make new friends every few years. Another bad thing is having one of your parents getting deployed. But there are also a lot of good things like foreign language proficiency, unparalleled adventures, flexibility, social skills, and education stability and scholarships. There are a lot of good things like foreign language proficiency. When I lived in another country, I picked up Noah the language spoken there. Many other military kids grow up speaking two or even three languages, such as English, To r i German, and Spanish. It is possible, though, that children will Nyomi forget some of their language skills once they move out of the country where that language is spoken. Like how I will most likely will. Some more good things about being in a military family. The best thing about being in a military family is seeing the world. I have gone to multiple states, Japan, , and Okinawa. I have moved nine times throughout my life. I was born at a Army base called Fort Bragg in North Carolina. I then moved to another base in North Carolina then to live with my grandparents while both of my parents were deployed when I was one. I then moved back to North Carolina then to New york for two years then to North Carolina. Then I ended up here in Japan. But There are also downsides to moving to a different country or a different state. When you move to another Abram country, you have to leave everything behind like your friends that you will most likely never see again and family and all of your stuff that can’t come with you. There is also another downside to being in a military family like having your parents keep being deployed. Before and after I was born my parents were deployed a total of six times. My mom has just gotten Kai off of deployment two years ago when she had to go to Kaede Kuwait. – Alex S

Sometimes we feel alone Even if we are said to be at home We move a lot More than I would say not We make many friends But that’s not the end Michael

We travel to many different places This gives us many traces Even though it’s hard sometimes We wouldn’t change it for anything Child submission to – Kira Harris by April 30! Ashton Send your Month of the Military Jason [email protected] 14 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION MARCH 29 − APRIL 4, 2019

ating lebr Ce ilitary Child he M of t th on M Sasebo ElementaryKindergarten school Editor’s Note: Yvette Bailey’s youngsters are a talented group of kindergarteners. Way to go, kids! Keep working hard!

Hudson Aubrie

Sol

Alayna

Philippe Jacob Rose

Isabelle military children stories at: Check out more

militarychild. stripes.com Emma

Evan

Kylee MARCH 29 − APRIL 4, 2019 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES JAPAN 15

Kash Jeiven William

stripes.com by Layla Gabriella Send your MonthApril of the Military 30! Child submission to MilitaryChild@ 16 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION MARCH 29 − APRIL 4, 2019

Springtime is strawberry time in Japan STORY AND PHOTOS BY how to find and pick cultivated in the Sugiyama’s wheelchair, enjoy picking our trawberry Farm TAKAHIRO TAKIGUCHI, the sweet fruit. greenhouse, and three of them, juicy, tasty strawberries,” Sugi- S s STRIPES JAPAN Sugiyama gave us Akihime, Sachinoka and Beni- yama said. in Kanto Plain the same advice he hoppe, are available for picking. There was no need to wash the n Japan, straw- gives to those who go “These three brands of straw- berries at the farm. They were Tsukuihama Kanko Farm berry picking is a picking. berries are suitable for picking, grown in a clean environment, so Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Pref. I popular spring ac- “Choose smaller ber- as they rise and bear flowers and we could eat them as is. Accord- Open until May 5, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., All- tivity. When the fruits be- ries that are red, as they are fruits very quickly,” Sugiyama ing to Sugiyama, the strawber- you-can-eat (30 minutes), Ages 3 and come ready to pick in early usually sweeter and tastier than said. ries are grown in soil that con- older: 1,200 yen ($11). January, many families flock to big ones,” he said. “And white It was fun to pick different tains organic fertilizer to make For reservations or more info, call 046- strawberry farms, some even berries don’t mean they weren’t types of strawberries and com- them sweeter and tastier. 849-5001 or visit: www.jakanagawa. making a trip to famed picking ripe. They are ripe and tasty, just pare their textures and flavors While walking around in gr.jp/yokosuka-hayama/kanko/top. spots in mountainous regions, to like red one. So, pick both red with each other. Sachinoka was greenhouse, I probably ate 50 html enjoy the sweet, red fruit in sea- and white fruits and compare smaller, crispier and sourer than or more strawberries within the Strawberry House son. them with each other.” the others, while Akihime was 30 minutes. It was really fun and Ebina City, Kanagawa Pref. Recently, my wife and I visited Although Atsugi has moderate larger and had a soft, springy the berries tasted great. Open until mid-June, Only Sat., Sun. and a farm in Atsugi City in search of climate and temperature, which texture with a sweeter taste. Strawberry picking at the holidays. 10 a.m., All-you-can-eat (30 the taste of spring. is suitable for farming straw- Benihoppe, which is a cross- farm can be enjoyed until around min), Ages 12 and older: 1,800 yen Located in the middle of a berries, Sugiyama grows the breed of the two, was large and the consecutive Japanese holi- ($16), Ages 3-11: 1,400 yen ($12.50). green field along the Sagami Riv- strawberries in greenhouse, like bright red with a well-balanced days, referred to as “Golden For reservations or more info, call 046- er, Sugiyama Strawberry Farm is most of other farms throughout taste. Week,” in early May. So, don’t 238-2750 or visit: fruitsichigo.web. a scenic farm against the back- the country. The reasoning ac- The strawberries are grown miss your chance to stop by if fc2.com cording to Sugiyama is that the higher than ground level, which you are near Atsugi City. drop of Mount Fuji and other Minami Nasu Kanko Strawberry Farm mountain ranges. greenhouse protects from wind, made it easier to pick. For those who can’t visit Atsu- rain, birds and insects. “The high planters allow gi, there are a number of great Nasu-Karasuyama City, Tochigi Pref. Known as one of the most pop- Open until late May, Thurs. – Tues., 10 a.m. ular strawberry picking sites in Seven types of 9,000 straw- anybody, from small children strawberry picking spots around berry seedlings are to seniors in a the Kanto Plain, such as Yokosu- - 3 p.m., All-you-can-eat (30 min), Ages the region, 3,000 to 5,000 people ka, Miura, Hiratsuka and Tama. 12 and older: 1,200 yen ($11), Ages visit the farm throughout the Find one near your installation 3-11: 900 yen ($8). season, with no less than 100-120 and enjoy the taste of spring in For reservations or more info, visitors each weekend, accord- Sugiyama Ichigo-en (strawberry farm) Japan. call 090-4962-7096 or visit: ing to the owner Hiroshi Sugi- “All-you-can-eat for 30 minutes.” [email protected] www.city.nasukarasuyama. yama. Hours: Tue. – Sun.(Close Mondays), lg.jp/9,87,42,105.html “Many American service 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Niikura Farm members and their family mem- Fee: Ages 6 and older: 1,800 yen ($16) Tama City, bers have visited us,” he said. Ages 2-5: 700 yen ($5,50) Open until late May, Wed., Thur., Sat. and An admission of 1,800 yen Location: 1822 Toda, Atsugi City, Sun. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sold by weight ($16) got us inside the green- Kanagawa Pref. (324 yen ($2.50) per 100g). house. Sugiyama gave us con- Tel: 046-228-1906 / 090-5213-0922 For reservations or more info, call 080- densed milk in a plastic cup to dip (Japanese) 1173-1346 or visit: nikuranoen.com our strawberries, and showed us Email: [email protected] MARCH 29 − APRIL 4, 2019 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES JAPAN 17 Osaka

Osaka’s hipster heaven

STORY AND PHOTOS BY SIMONE ARMER, bookends, and dental floss in a Strawberry Farms METROPOLIS MAGAZINE tooth-shaped case. in Kanto Plain eacup rings, organic gra- nola, water-pipe art in- T stallations, and a doll café Shop are just a few of the many weird The white, wooden shelves and wonderful things that await visitors in Osaka’s Nakazakicho of Jam Pot are filled with a con- neighborhood. Nicknamed “ret- stantly changing selection of ro town,” the network of back- jewellery and accessories from streets, row houses, and tunnels over 80 different artists in Ja- in Kita-Umeda is home to over pan, with works ranging from 100 inde- food-inspired pendent jewellery to cafés, gal- handcrafted leries, and bags and variety hand-painted shops that ornaments. run out of Jam Pot’s sis- converted, ter store, Gui- Showa-pe- gnol, is more riod houses. steampunk in Whether its offering, DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE? you’re shop- exclusively ping for a Majo Café sourcing its IF SO, LOG ON TO unique gift, goods from or simply France. looking for a For specifi- STRIPESJAPAN.COM quiet place to relax and unwind, cally animal-themed gifts, check Nakazakicho has something for out Asobiya, which specializes in everyone. all things giraffe; or Majo Café, for an assortment of cat crafts. At Only Planet, you’ll find hand- History made animal figurines and other miscellaneous imports from The houses survived the air Bali, Thailand, and Sweden. raids of World War II thanks to If you’re looking for vintage the neighborhood’s unique archi- wares and bygone-era fashion, tectural structure, but it wasn’t browse through Green Pepe’s vi- until 2011 that revitalization of brant selection. the area began. Local business owner Jun Amanto had the idea to create a space away from the bustle of Bars and cafés downtown Osaka where anyone, Visit Atelier Sangatsu for ro- regardless of age or profession, tating art exhibitions and enjoy a could enjoy themselves. Aman- beer or cocktail at the art space’s to’s dream bore fruit when he adjacent bar. Around the corner began to convert one of the old is a hand-painted mural by local local houses into a community school children. café called Salon de AManTo. News of the café, in which every- Unwind and enjoy the view thing was handmade, spread by at Café Arabiq, with a tasty se- word of mouth, attracting other lection of goodies, including hot artists to the area. The concept chocolate and cake. The small of remodelling old private homes coffee shop is filled to the brim began to spread, and the result with the owner’s collection of today is a plethora of sundry dolls and doll figurines, and also shops, art galleries, and vintage doubles as a second-hand book clothing stores. store. Nakazakicho’s offerings are Pipinera Kitchen serves a the epitome of Japan’s zakka light lunch with delicious bev- trend, which looks at the ordi- erages, including cherry and nary and mundane in an astute honey tea and strawberry cream way. “Zakka” are household soda. The café-come-shop used goods and novelty items which to be the home of a British an- are both thoughtful and use- tique furniture dealer and has a ful, such as origami-crane in- collection of Showa-era toys and cense burners, cast-iron animal other retro goods for sale. 18 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION MARCH 29 − APRIL 4, 2019 The wildest cheesy

foodsBY LUCY BAKER, in Tokyo TOKYO BY FOOD Photo courtesy of Retty h cheese, glorious cheese! Known as chiizu in Japanese, this gooey, Omelty, creamy dairy delight is ar- guably one of the most universal- ly-loved foods. And while Japanese food by itself is both exciting and delicious, many restaurants in Tokyo are daring to fuse the traditional Eastern cuisine with Western styles of cheese. You can definitely get your cheese fix while on your Tokyo trip, so if you’re worried about having withdrawals or may- be separation anxiety from cheese, never fear! This is a connoisseur’s comprehensive list of the wildest cheesy foods in Tokyo. Cheesy Teppanyaki Fondue Gyoza at Warashibe Gyoza, Kanda Cheese Cheers Cafe, Ebisu Photo courtesy of Ebisu Gourmet Blog The gyoza specialists at Warashibe Gyoza have in- vented the ultimate combination of gyoza dumplings and melted cheese! Yep, they are responsible for bring- ing the humble gyoza together with melted cheese in Cheese Ramen a delicious, gooey teppanyaki hot plate style fondue. The plump little dumplings are lined up on a teppan- at Tsukumo Ramen, Shibuya yaki at your table, where you watch the mozzarella and A drum roll please for our first cheesy food and curi- cheddar melt together before your very eyes. When it’s ous hybrid, cheese ramen! Tsukumo Ramen is the place ready, you can dip the gyoza into the molten cheese to where ramen fiends and cheese fanatics alike to band Photo courtesy of 2 Noodles Blog your heart’s content. Not only cheese gyoza, but they together, where the beloved Chinese-style noodle meets also serve seven different types of dipping sauce and gouda. Here, their best seller is a tonkotsu-based cheese all kinds of other specialty gyoza flavors too, ranging ramen that features a mountain of freshly grated gouda on top. You can mix it right into the hot ramen broth from cilantro to tandoori chicken! It’s often pretty busy or watch the cheese slowly melt down into the broth, but either way, it is ridiculously delicious! Tsukumo Ra- here in the evenings so try and book ahead. men, which has just celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2018, prides themselves on quality ingredients with pork meat from domestic pigs and gouda made from milk produced in Hokkaido. They recommend a getting a cheese-topped ball on the side, to mop up those Photo courtesy of PR Times stray cheesy ramen juices. They have also have expanded their range of ramen flavors to include chicken and cilantro ramen. Cheese at Wa Cheese Tensai, Ebisu Cheesy Carbonara Perhaps, especially for the connoisseurs among us, you’ve experienced a more standard piece of at Udon Shin, Shinjuku deep-fried cheese, most likely crumbed. You can often get this style of cheese at res- Let us introduce the next best taurants, an Osaka specialty which specializes in cheesy dish, a bowl of cheesy udon “bite-sized” deep-fried carbonara! This ingenious fusion is food on a stick (though brought to you by Udon Shin, an in- not just cheesy ones). timate restaurant that has come into For something a little fame for its high-quality udon, and Photo courtesy of Daniel & different and a fitting for delicious, innovative creations Esther’s Food Haven companion to follow Cheesy Chicago Pizza such as carbonara udon. It kind of udon, cheese tempura looks like a traditional bowl of udon, but doesn’t taste like it at Wa Cheese Tensai is at Meat & Cheese Ark, Shinjuku at all. This amazing fusion of pasta-meets-udon is one of their the next cheesy dish on most popular dishes, and it’s made from fresh udon wheat Photo courtesy of .com our list! Seriously, the The popularity of the Chicago Pizza from Meat & noodles, an , a cube of butter, and a big fat slice of tem- cheese is mixed in with Cheese Ark has rapidly grown in recent years, with pura bacon! And, of course, not to forget it’s got a generous different vegetable its well-documented insta-worthy ooze. More than dose of parmesan cheese too for that rich carbonara flavor. tempura options and fried together, for that goo- just a “deep-dish” pizza, this Chicago style “pizza” Located on the western side of Shinjuku JR Station, this tiny ey fusion with a crunch. They also have a range from the first look seems like more of a tart or a pie. restaurant only has 12 seats but is still incredibly popular, so of other cheesy side dishes, and of course regu- In fact, it’s essentially a big puddle of cheese fon- prepare to line up (but it’s totally worth it). lar tempura items which are delicious too. Their due held inside a crunchy pink tart base. The shell is lovely fresh vegetables come from a small farm in crunchy and delicious while the cheese is more like Shimane Prefecture. a soup or a dip, and soon as you cut a slice a sea of cheese floods everywhere! They also sell a raclette of two types of cheese, and some perfectly grilled meat dishes which have melted cheese poured overtop. Here, you can enjoy your cheesy goodness with Some other cheese Shibuya Cheese Stand, Shibuya or a beer, as you snag that cheesy overload happy snap (say “cheese!”) speciality stores This is the place Photo courtesy of TapTrip to go if you are look- ontrary to the belief that as a part of Asia, ing for freshly made Japan “doesn’t do cheese very well,” Tokyo cheese products! At Cheese Cheers Cafe, Ebisu alone has a number of incredible specialty Shibuya Cheese Stand Ccheese restaurants. For the cheese purists among the cheese is actually You’ll be cheering at the Cheese Cheers Cafe, with us, you can find a surprising amount of pizza or made in Shibuya, in- its modern Italian flair, where you can get blobs of cheese fondue restaurants dotted throughout the cluding fresh ricotta, mozzarella on pizza, and cheesecake in the shape of city just waiting to be discovered! Here are some of our mozzarella, and a Tokyo buratta-style cheese, a slice of Swiss cheese! On top of that, they have car- recommendations which are well and truly cheesy, and which you can have in all kinds of sandwiches and bonara pasta or pizza served in a hollowed out cheese that we believe deserve an honorable mention: posh cheesy dishes. wheels. They have another store in Shibuya too. MARCH 29 − APRIL 4, 2019 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES JAPAN 19

Photo courtesy of Trip Advisor

Hokkaido Cheese Fondue Factory Sumi Rich, Shibuya

Hokkaido is known for its excellent milk and cheese products. Here at the Hokkaido Cheese Fondue Factory they have cheese- themed fondue containers and dishes where oozing cheese is scraped directly from the wheel onto your plate!

Cheese Garden, Sumida Photo courtesy of Trip Advisor You’ll find many luxurious cheesecakes amongst a variety of other cheesy or cheese-themed products at Cheese Garden. You can get double cheese hot dogs, pizzas and fondue inside an entire round of crusty bread! Pop in if you’re visiting the Tokyo Sky Tree and are in need of a cheesy snack.

Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory, Shibuya

Photo courtesy of Time Out Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory should be your go-to for cheesy desserts, with the softest milk cheesecake you’ve ever had, and FOR MORE a range of amazing cheese-in- fused cookies! With a number of milk and cheese products, there RESTAURANT STORIES are a few branches throughout Tokyo if you want to find your STRIPESJAPAN.COM new favorite cheese.

Other Cheesy Suggestions apan is famous for inventing all kinds of Photo courtesy of Japan Info uncharted Japanese Jand Western-style foods combinations. For a more everyday kind of cheesy fix in Tokyo, many dishes come with a cheese option. For example, some cheese oozing out of a fluffy (an over rice) or inside a hamburger meat pattie (called a “hamburg” in Japanese), is a delicious addition to some more standard food fares.

If you want to add some cheese to a Japanese dish, Hiroshi- ma-style (a layered style of savory Japanese pan- cake) matches perfectly with a big dose of cheese melted on the top. Or, perhaps a big bowl of Tomato Ramen from the Taiyo no Tomatomen chain, topped with a generous cheese mound, this might do the trick to satisfy your cheesy needs. Otherwise, add- ing cheese to a regular gyudon beef bowl or to some is delicious too. If you can handle spicy foods, you can also try some cheesy in Shin-Okubo, Tokyo’s resident Little Korean Town. Wherever you go, you’re sure to be able to get your hands on something crazy and cheesy in Tokyo!

Tokyo by Food is a platform for food events in Tokyo, with over 80 experiences to choose from and a fantastic resource for learn- ing about Japan’s thriving food culture! What’s more, Tokyo by Food runs a charitable outreach program, the Food for Happiness Project, which donates 10 meals to children in Cambodia for each person who books a food event through our platform! 20 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION MARCH 29 − APRIL 4, 2019

HOURS: 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. LOCATION: Junesu Yokosuka 1F, 1-21 Otaki Cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Pref. (One minute walk from Yokosuka Naval Base’s Womble Gate) URL: gorkha-palace.com/ EMAIL: [email protected] TEL: 046-874-8528

taurant offers 2nd se res le Thai andk Indonesianos dishes,u Wostik said.a exquisitelysa flavorfulilo with a tender yet a o YBut,o despite the many options, Wosti add- meaty texture. rs t ed that butter chicken curry remains the p e My wife and daughter picked the Curry e Buddhas and paintings of the Himalayas favorite amongst his customers. STORY AND PHOTOS BY TAKAHIRO TAKIGUCHI, m of the Day, which on our visit was chicken addo to the atmosphere. Visit during lunch hours NSTRIPES JAPAN and eggplant curry. This curry featured hMany of the guests treat Gorkha Palace (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) for various local eggplant and tender as a second home, entering to immedi- ust a minute walk from Yokosuka curry set deals starting from chicken with a delicately ately pour themselves a soup du jour from 850 yen to 1,290 yen ($8 to Naval Base’s Womble Gate, popular sweet curry sauce. My Nepalese-Indian restaurant Gorkha the self-service area, then sitting at their $10.40). J wife doesn’t usually like Palace offers a home to American sailors favorite table. It’s almost as seeing some- During my family’s most spicy food, but finished it and local Japanese with its tasty fare and one come home for dinner, and the staff recent visit, I went for the all as it was mild and the casual atmosphere. even knows their regulars’ orders and Gorkha Lunch Set (1,290 Owner Loknath Wosti, who’s been liv- how they like it. yen), which included two aroma of the curry was The restaurant also has an English ing in Japan for 18 years, said a U.S. ser- curries of my choice, delicious. menu and a bilingual staff, drawing in a vicemember suggested he should open soup, salad, chicken Compared to Indian lot of the base workers and their families. a restaurant near the base several years tikka (boneless chicken curry, the Nepalese cur- Named after the old capital of Nepal back. So, 11 years ago he opened Nirvana, chunks marinated in ries we have tried at and Wosti’s birthplace, Gorkha Palace a Nepal-Indian restaurant. Four years yogurt and spices), saf- Gorkha have a richer boasts authentic tastes from his home- ago, he opened Gorkha Palace. It has now fron rice and a drink. taste and milder finish, land. He says his Nepalese and Indian grown to be one of the go-to lunch spots cooks use more than 60 different spices My wife and daughter making them just right for base employees. from the mountains of India and Nepal to each ordered the One for a lunch set that Wosti cherishes the relationship he’s cook their signature dishes. Curry Set, which in- didn’t sit heavy. developed with the military community. “We ensure that in every dish is also cluded a pick of one As for their bar, Many sailors make the restaurant one of made with local fresh vegetables from curry, naan and a Gorkha Palace stocks their first stops after deployments, and Miura Peninsula,” Wosti said. drink for 850 yen. many of the In- Wosti is also a frequent guest at base For my set, I de- As for the menu, its size and number dian and Nepalese events and change of command ceremo- cided to try butter of items is overwhelming. Twelve differ- standard beers like nies. chicken and dal (lentil) for my two cur- ent roasted tandoori dishes, 12 vegetable Mustang, Nepal Ice and Gorkha. Various My family and I stop by Gorkha Palace ries. On my first spoonful of the warm and five seafood curries, and six types of American and Japanese beers, high-end often to enjoy some tasty curry dishes on naan bread are all on the menu. There are butter chicken, the meat was so tender whisky, sake and wine are also available. occasion. We always feel at home. also a variety of a la carte selections such it practically melted in my mouth. It was Sitting on a corner off the busy main as mixed grill combo plates, lamb chops easy to see why this is the number one Visit Gorkha Palace and sample tasty street, Gorkha Palace transports you with and desserts. They even have a children’s choice at Gorkha Palace! Nepalese-Indian cuisine in a warm at- its stylish interior and courteous staff and senior citizens’ menu. Most of these The dal curry had a rich flavor and was mosphere, and you will see why a lot of wearing traditional Nepalese attire. In- dishes can be ordered with varying levels so silky that I would even recommend American sailors treat it as a home away side, you’ll find a well-stocked bar and ad- of spiciness to meet individual tastes. it to someone who isn’t a big lentil fan, from home. jacent shelves displaying various spices. Soon, the menu will grow to include it was that good. My chicken tikka was [email protected] MARCH 29 − APRIL 4, 2019 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES JAPAN 21

Carli Parker purchases a token.

People walk over hot embers during the Hiwatari Matsuri at Mount Takao, Japan, Sunday, March 10, 2019. Photos by Michelle S. Preston, Special To Stars and Stripes urant offers 2nd e resta ales Yokosuka sailors p to STARS AND STRIPES Ne ome Published: March 14, 2019 h MOUNT TAKAO — Families stationed at U.S. military bases in the Tokyo area were among the thou- sands of visitors to turn out for an EXCLUSIVE NEWS FROM: annual fire-walking festival near Yo- kota Air Base. The highlight of Hiwatari Mat- suri, held the second Sunday of each March, features ascetic monks, called yamabushi, of the Chisan sect of Shingon Buddhism walk- ing barefoot across hot embers to rid themselves of bad luck and evil spirits. The annual event takes place near Takaosan Yakuoin, an old Buddhist temple located at the top of Mount Takao. WalkingAt the festival, worshippers on pray for fire safety for their thefamilies and themselves, as well as for protection from traffic accidents, accordingfocus to the gotokyo.org of website. Buddhist festival in Tokyo

Buddhist monks set the stage for an annual fire-walking ritual. 22 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION MARCH 29 − APRIL 4, 2019

Speakin’ Japanese Parking phrases The following could be helpful and you navigate Japan and try to find a place to park your car.

“Koko ni kuruma wo tomete mo iidesuka?” = Can I park here? (“koko” = here, “kuruma” = car, “tomete” = park, “iidesuka?” = Can I?) “Koko wa chuusha kinshi desu.” = No parking here. (“chuusha kinshi” = no parking) “Doko ni kuruma wo tometara iidesuka” = Where can I park my car? (“doko” = where) “Chuushajo wa doko ni arimasu ka?” = Where is a parking lot? (“chuushajo” = parking lot, “doko” = where, “arimasu ka?” = is there?) “Asoko ni arimasu.” = There is one over there. (“asoko” = over there, “koko” = here) “Ichi-jikan ikura desuka?” = How much is it per hour? (“ichi-jikan” = one hour, “ni-jikan” = two hours, “san-jikan” = three hours, “ichi-nichi” = one day, “ikura” = how much) “Watashi no kuruma wo motte ikanai de kudasai.” = Please don’t tow my car. (“watashi no” = my, “kuruma” = car, “motte ikanai de” = don’t tow) “Chotto matte kudasai.” = Please wait for a moment. (“chotto” = for a moment, “matte” = wait, “kudasai” = please) “Ima sugu idoo shimasu.” = I will move my car soon. (“ima” = now, “sugu” = soon, “idoo shimasu” = will move) “Domo sumimasen.” = My apologies. (“domo” = much, “sumimasen” = apologies) “Mou shimasen.” = I will never do it again. “Yurushite kudasai.” = Please accept my apologies. “Chuujajo no tsukaikata ga wakari masen.” = I don’t know how to use the parking. (“tsukaikata” = how to use, “wakari masen” = don’t know) “Chuushaken wo morae masuka?” = Can I get a parking voucher? (Ask this at a supermarket or department store) (“chuushaken” = parking ticket/voucher, “morae masuka?” = Can I have?) “Mansha desu.” = The parking is occupied. “Kuruma wo dashitai no desu ga?” = Can I get out my car? (Ask an employees at parking lot) (“ tai” = want to get out)

WHEN ON OKINAWA, you can also say it in “Uchinaanguchi” (island dialect) like this: “Chuushajo ya Maankai Aibiiga?” = Where can I find a parking lot? “Kunu fin nakai chuushajo ya aibiimi?” = Is there a parking lot around here? “Chuushajo made chanuati aibiiga?” = Haw far is it from here to a parking lot? “Guburii Yaibii shiga.” = Excuse me. “Chuusharyo ya chassa natouibiiga.” = How much is the parking fee?

- Takahiro Takiguchi and Shoji Kudaka, Stripes Japan

Pronunciation key: “A” is short (like “ah”); “E” is short (like “get”); “I” is short (like “it”); “O” is long (like “old”); “U” is long (like “tube”); and “AI” is a long “I” (like “hike”). Most words are pronounced with equal emphasis on each syllable, but “OU” is a long “O” with emphasis on that syllable.

Stripes Japan is A Stars and Stripes Community Publication. locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. This newspaper is authorized for publication by the Department The appearance of advertising in this publication, including of Defense for members of the military services overseas. inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement of However, the contents of Stripes Japan are unofficial, and are those products by the Department of Defense or Stars and not to be considered as the official views of, or endorsed by, Stripes. Products or services advertised in this publication the U.S. government, including the Department of Defense shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage or the U.S. Pacific Command. As a DOD newspaper, Stripes without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, Japan may be distributed through official channels and use age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or appropriated funds for distribution to remote and isolated any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. MARCH 29 − APRIL 4, 2019 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES JAPAN 23

The United States trails only Norway when it comes to total medals won all time in the Winter Olym- pics. 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?

Stripes Sports TriviaBiathlon

Answer

Week of 3/25/19 - 3/31/19

The Weekly Crossword by Margie E. Burke ACROSS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 Big name in 14 15 16 pineapples 5 Home extension 17 18 19 10 Thick slice 20 21 22 14 Nile wader 15 River by the 23 24 25 DID YOU Louvre KNOW? 16 Insurable item 26 27 28 29 30 31 17 Tupelo, to Elvis 32 33 34 35 36 37 19 Monopoly token 20 Fixed gaze 38 39 40 41

or many Japanese, celebrating 21 Young bird 42 43 44 45 flower festivals in the spring is 23 Speak pompously 46 47 48 more important than Christmas. 25 Barrel racing OnF April 8, Buddhists celebrate the 49 50 51 52 53 venue birthday of Sakyamuni, founder of 26 Pal of Pooh 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 Buddhism by commemorating the 29 Cloudless 61 62 63 compassion and enlightenment of 32 Race anagram Buddha (literally, the Enlightened 33 Hate with a 64 65 66 passion One). Buddhist temples in the nation 67 68 69 35 Links standard place the statue of Baby Buddha in a 38 Ruth, June, or Copyright 2019 by The Puzzle Syndicate small chapel decorated with flowers Anita and visitors pour sweet tea over the 40 Varnish thinner 4 Female hormone 37 Music character 51 Fiji neighbor statue with a ladle. 42 Put the kibosh on 5 Cleopatra's 39 Brownish gray 53 Marinara 43 Pain in the chest serpent 41 Lacking alternative 45 Cultural pursuits 6 Dutch pottery diplomacy 55 Track event 46 Stage, as a 7 Regional speech 44 As a preferred 56 Ever and ___ show 8 ___ in a blue alternative 58 Mounted on 47 Type of fence moon 46 Fourth-down 59 Fodder holder Kanji of 49 Abate, as rain 9 Have to have figure 60 Ewan McGregor, 52 Wiped out 10 Popeye, e.g. 48 Move slowly for one the week 54 Clear of charges 11 Macabre 49 Outcast 63 ___ Lizzie Tsubaki/chin椿 (Camellia) 57 Reunion group 12 Make 50 Give forth (Model T) 61 Fourth-down reparations option 13 Hand-played Answers to Last Week’s Crossword: Numbing drug drum 62 L A N A O P I E F A D E S Language Lesson 64 Perimeter 18 ____ and now E V I L C O R K A B O U T 65 Cousin of a 22 Annoy S O N G H I K E M U R R E raccoon 24 Like some S W E E T E N S C I S S O R 66 Alone supporters B E R T H U N E A S E Why don’t you join us? 67 Derriere 26 Ticker follower S C A R E B E A R E R 68 ____ a high note 27 Screen symbol N O M A N S L A N D S L O B 69 Jane's dog 28 Electrical A C E S T A R T L E A V E Week of 3/25/19 - 3/31/19 network P A N T O N T H E L E V E L DOWN 30 Rawboned W O R K E R E X E R T 1 Kid's claim 31 Houdini feat C L A I R E N O T C H Goisshoni ikaga desuka? 2 Passing 34 Thus R E G R E S S P I T I F U L mention? 35 Butcher's A T A L L U P O N B O N E 3 Former money offering M I M E S R A I N I R I S of Malta 36 Penny ___ S N A R E E D D Y T E X T

Edited by Margie E. Burke SUDOKU Difficulty: Medium HOW TO SOLVE: 5 1 Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and 4 6 each set of 3 by 3 boxes must 2 4 8 5 contain the numbers 1 to 9. 6 1 7 Answers to Last Week’s Sudoku: 2 7 3 5 1 4 8 9 6 3 7 2 9 1 5 9 3 6 8 2 7 4 8 6 4 2 9 7 1 5 3 8 1 4 4 2 5 1 8 9 3 6 7 9 6 7 3 1 6 2 5 4 8 9 6 9 8 4 7 3 5 1 2 3 2 3 8 2 7 5 6 9 4 1 2 5 7 9 4 6 8 3 1 7 2 5 Copyright 2019 by The Puzzle Syndicate 5 1 7 9 4 2 6 3 8

24 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION MARCH 29 − APRIL 4, 2019

TRAVEL in IWATE

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ALICE GORDENKER, of the Super Kids Orchestra, directed by popular with foreign hikers as the Ku- Seawaves) and a brand-new stadium METROPOLIS MAGAZINE renowned conductor Yutaka Sado. mano Kodo and Nakasendo routes. But built especially for the Rugby World for now, it’s virtually undiscovered: in Cup. The outdoor arena has a perma- ne of Japan’s most breathtaking three days (over a holiday weekend) we nent capacity for 6,000 spectators and coastlines is the Sanriku Coast, a didn’t pass any other hikers at all. 10,000 seats will be added for the Rugby dramatic, rocky stretch of the Pa- O Not everyone will have two months World Cup matches. Even so, tickets are cific coast that spans four prefectures in to hike the entire trail, so I recommend expected to sell out quickly. Fortunately, Tohoku. The shoreline within Iwate Pre- looking at the attractions along the way there will be a special “Fan Zone” in Ka- fecture is particularly beautiful, with and choosing a stretch that appeals. maishi City Center, open every match countless inlets and coves, and has long There are many opportunities to learn day during the Rugby World Cup, where been a popular travel destination. But about the 2011 disaster, including the fans can come together and watch the tourism in the area came to an abrupt Tsunami Memorial Park Nakanohama current match live on big screens. And if halt on March 11, 2011, when a devastat- along the North to Central Miyako Sec- you just can’t wait for the Rugby World ing tsunami struck the coast, taking out tion. There are also hands-on experienc- Cup, Kamaishi will also host the Fiji vs. key infrastructure along with thousands es, and you can enjoy traversing the tun- Japan match on July 27 as part of the Pa- of lives. For many years, the tourism in- nels that were hand-dug between coves cific Nations Cups. dustry necessarily took a back seat to before the war, to facilitate the harvest- reconstruction. TAKE A HIKE ing and transport of sea products. Head- GETTING THERE But Iwate is back. The coastal roads Another development bound to boost lamps are a must in these tunnels, which The Sanriku Coast encompasses a have been rebuilt, there are all-new ho- tourism in Iwate is the upcoming com- are on the South Fudai to Tanohata Sec- large geographic area so there is no tels and, this month, the scenic Sanriku pletion of the Michinoku Coastal Trail, tion. Don’t enter if the sea is rough. single access point. Most people en- Railway will open a brand-new stretch a hiking route that runs approximately ter Iwate’s coastal area via Hachinohe, of track that connects the northern 900 kilometers from the southern part Morioka, Shin-Hanamaki or Ichinoseki, and southern regions of the coast. The of Aomori Prefecture through Iwate and all of which are served by the Tohoku friendly local rail company is a lifeline Miyagi into Fukushima Prefecture. A Shinkansen. for residents but also welcomes tour- national government project intended At Hachinohe, you can change to the ists and train buffs with fun services to aid reconstruction, portions of the JR Hachinohe Line to travel, for exam- and programs. Drivers routinely bring trail have already been open for several ple, to Kuji in northwestern Iwate. At trains to a stop at scenic points so rid- years — but hikers had to walk on roads Shin-Hanamaki, change to the JR Ka- ers can take photographs and enjoy the to bypass segments still under construc- maishi line to reach Kamaishi in about view, and on weekends and holidays they tion, which will no longer be necessary two hours. In Morioka, a change to the offer gourmet lunches in a special car. when the trail is finished early this sum- JR Yamada line will get you to Miyako mer. An information center will open in about two and a half hours. There are SUMMER EVENTS in Natori in June (near Sendai and the also express buses from Morioka to Mi- To commemorate the expanded rail southernmost access point to the trail). yako and Yamada. From Ichinoseki, you service, Iwate is throwing a party this English-speaking staff will be able to can take either express buses or the JR summer, with a host of special events answer questions and assist with lodg- GO FOR THE RUGBY Ofunato Line to Kesennuma. planned from June 1 to August 7. Of ing reservations. There will be satellite Sports fans may find their reason note is the All Iwate Matsuri, to be held offices at Goishi Kaigan, Jodogahama, to visit Iwate in the upcoming Rugby in Miyako City July 13-14, when per- Kitayamasaki and Tanesashi, although World Cup. The city of Kamaishi will GETTING RUGBY forming groups from every municipal- English there will be more limited. host the Fiji vs. Uruguay match on Sep- WORLD CUP TICKETS ity in the prefecture will come together I hiked a portion of the trail with my tember 25 and the Namibia vs. Canada Tickets released to date for the match- to present their traditional performing family last fall and visited again last game on October 13. The crowds are es in Kamaishi are currently sold out, arts, including the Tora-mai tiger dance. month. The scenery is spectacular and bound to be enthusiastic as Kamaishi is but a new round of tickets is expected to This is a rare opportunity to sample a there are activities available at regular one serious rugby town, home to the now be made available in May. For updates, variety of folk culture all in one place. points, should you want a break from defunct Nippon Steel rugby club, which check en.rugby-Japan.jp. The Fan Zone For music lovers, the highlight of the hiking. With a little more development won seven consecutive national cham- in Kamaishi will be open September 20 coastal summer fest will be performanc- and promotion, I believe the Michinoku pionships from 1979 to 1985. Today, – October 13, October 19 – 20, October es by the very talented young musicians Coastal Trail has the potential to be as Kamaishi has a new club (the Kamaishi 26 – 27 and November 1 – 2.