VOLUME 6 NO. 40 JANUARY 10 – JANUARY 16, 2020 FREE SUBMIT STORIES TO: [email protected] FACEBOOK.COM/STRIPESPACIFIC INSIDE INFO

WHERE TO FIND TASTY Okinawa Kenpo OKINAWAN FARE IN TOKYO PAGE 12

YOU’LL BE SWEET ON MEIJI CHOCOLATE FACTORY Birthplace PAGE 13 of karate fights SUBMIT A PHOTO FOR THE COVER OF for tradition as Olympic sport goes global Pages 8-10

‘LIFE-CHANGING’ JOURNEY Got a great shot of mainland Japan, Okinawa, Korea or Zama employee finds success as bodybuilder Guam? If so, submit it STORY AND PHOTOS BY NORIKO KUDO, Hashiguchi later learned the man was a former and maybe it’ll end up US ARMY GARRISON on the front page of all-Japan champion in the sport. “I didn’t believe him at all,” said Hashiguchi. :HOFRPHWRWKH3DFLÀF CAMP ZAMA – Eight years ago, before Kaoru “But at the same time, I thought that if he was seri- Hashiguchi knew anything about posing, flexing or Photo deadline: Jan. 15 ous, it was too good of an opportunity to pass up.” “bulking,” he was just a fitness enthusiast who one Hashiguchi decided to accept the challenge and day went to a well-known gym in Tokyo with the soon began a three-year journey of learning the ins goal of taking his workout to the next level. and outs of bodybuilding. This of course included A trainer at the gym approached Hashiguchi a lot of time training at the gym, but Hashiguchi and told him that, with the proper training, he had also changed his diet completely—everything from the potential to be a competitive bodybuilder. what he ate, to how he ate. “It was totally unexpected,” said Hashiguchi, 56, Based on his experience, Hashiguchi says the an accounting technician with the 78th Signal Bat- ideal body is crafted 60 percent from proper nutri- talion at Camp Zama, Japan, who has worked on tion and 40 percent from exercise. Facebook.com/StripesPacific the installation for nearly 30 years. “I didn’t know “My family also changed their diet to lose stripesjapan.com who he was, nor did I really comprehended what he was saying.” SEE BODYBUILDER ON PAGE 2 KaoKaK ruu HHasasshighih uchi 2 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION JANUARY 10 − JANUARY 16, 2020 BODYBUILDER: ‘Never too late to change’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 gotten to meet and interact with people of so Max D. Lederer Jr. Publisher many different ages and backgrounds.” weight and become healthier after seeing the Lt. Col. Richard E. McClintic Yukio Kondo, an administrative special- Commander dramatic change in my body and listening to ist with the 836th Transportation Battalion, Joshua M Lashbrook my philosophy during my training process,” trains for physique competitions and said Chief of Staff Hashiguchi said. Chris Verigan Hashiguchi gives him advice and detailed in- Finally, in 2015, Hashiguchi entered the Engagement Director formation on how to train and eat effectively, 23rd Tokyo Open Bodybuilding Champion- Marie Woods in order to see positive results. Publishing and Media Design Director ship. Despite having trained for three years, “Mr. Hashiguchi’s advice is always spe- Chris Carlson it was still his first competition, so Hashigu- Publishing and Media Design Manager cific and precise, no matter what I ask,” said chi said he did not know what to expect—or Eric Lee Kondo. “He speaks from experience. Having Advertising and Circulation Manager even what to do—once he got onstage. his support in the gym gives me the motiva- Monte Dauphin From the stage, Hashiguchi could see his Japan Area Manager tion to train more effectively.” trainer in his eye line for the duration of his Kentaro Shimura Training with others and being able to Production Manager performance. Using gestures, his trainer Kaoru Hashiguchi helps Yukio Kondo with a weightlifting exercise Sept. 3 at the Sagamihara Gion share the knowledge and techniques he has Rie Miyoshi guided him through the entire posing and Engagement Manager Arena in Sagamihara City. accrued over the years truly brings him joy, flexing process. The result, Hashiguchi said, Denisse Rauda Hashiguchi says. He is proud to work for Publishing and Media Design Editor “was more than [he] ever could have imag- Hashiguchi works out daily, typically dur- Publishing and Media Design Writers ined.” ing lunchtime, at Camp Zama’s Yano Fitness an organization like the U.S. Army, which ChiHon Kim emphasizes the importance of maintaining Shoji Kudaka “I ended up being named champion in the Center. Located just a short drive from where Takahiro Takiguchi men’s 65 kg and under [weight] division,” he works, Yano is where “everything started” physical and mental health, and which offers Layout Designers access to fitness centers like Yano. Yukiyo Oda Hashiguchi said. for Hashiguchi’s fitness journey, he said. Yuko Okazaki Since winning at the Tokyo Open, Hashi- Having regular access to Yano, which has Entering the world of bodybuilding has Kayoko Shimoda guchi has continued to train and participate no membership fees, unlike expensive pri- changed him both inside and out, Hashiguchi Multimedia Consultants Max Genao Doug Johnson in other bodybuilding competitions. Though vate fitness centers outside the installation, says. Brian Jones Jason Lee “It has been a life-changing experience Hans Simpson Chae Pang Yi he has not won another title since then, is one of the best benefits of working for the Gianni Youn Robert Zuckerman Hashiguchi says he has made it to the finals U.S. Army as a Japanese civilian, Hashiguchi for me,” Hashiguchi said. “It has been an Graphic Designers many times. says. amazing journey.” Kenichi Ogasawara Yosuke Tsuji Although he still works out regularly, Because of his physique and his obvious Well into his middle age, Hashiguchi says Sales Support Kazumi Hasegawa Hiromi Isa Hashiguchi said he took a break this year familiarity with form and technique, Hashi- he has no plans to slow down his fitness regi- Ichiro Katayanagi Yoko Noro men. In fact, he is planning to become a li- Yusuke Sato Chae Yon Son from training specifically for bodybuilding. guchi says other patrons often approach him Saori Tamanaha Toshie Yoshimizu However, he has set a goal for next year for advice. censed personal trainer after his retirement. to enter more competitions and become a “Soldiers, local national employees and ci- “It is never too late to make a change and get healthier,” said Hashiguchi. “Anybody For feedback and inquiries, champion again. It will be a challenge be- vilian employees come up to me and ask me contact [email protected] cause bodybuilding has only become more questions on how to train properly, what to can change their body, regardless of their To place an ad, call DSN 227-7370 popular and competitive since he began eat, how to lose weight, and how to get ide- age. And I can truly say that because I did stripesjapan.com/contact training, Hashiguchi said. al fitness results,” Hashiguchi said. “I have it myself.” JANUARY 10 − JANUARY 16, 2020 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES JAPAN 3

Patient Mei Takehisa, 5, has her photo taken with Santa Wayne Baxter of 374 Civil Engineers and sidekick Suzu Yae of NPO Mannakano-ie. Volunteers bring Christmas cheer to children’s hospital

STORY AND PHOTOS BY visited patients, delivered pres- MIKE VAN HOECKE, ents, and had their photos taken STRIPES JAPAN on busy cell phones. These sea- sonal celebrities were often ac- was not the night before companied by the same storm Christmas, but it was well before dawn, when a truck- troopers, a large walking snow- T man, multicolored Kanto clowns load of gifts and four vans-loads with balloon presents, or a lovely of helpers left the Yokota Base walking Christmas tree. West Gate to celebrate a holiday Then there were the rein- ritual December 6th. For the sev- deer and elves, many of whom enth straight year, this convoy were taken from the ranks of headed south to Kanagawa Chil- young civil engineers at Yokota. dren’s Medical Center where They added splashes of green many good boys and girls were and brown to the moving party struggling with life-threatening as well as helpful hands. In the illnesses and birth defects. At lobby, an elf trio played island the trip’s end were children from tunes that included a hula per- infant to about age 17 who were formance for the benefit of out- receiving care for cancer, cardio- patients. Navy blue and Army vascular problems, and congeni- green also arrived in two gleam- tal illnesses. Since many patients ing brass quintets to play holiday were tethered by bandages, favorites such as Rudolf the Red- breathing tubes, or intravenous nose Reindeer and Jingle Bells. drips, this party was coming to These members of the 7th Fleet them. Shonan Brass Quintet and the On this special day, volunteers USARJ Band of the Pacific Brass from throughout the Kanto Plain Quintet integrated seamlessly to would join the Yokota Sons of provide quality carols not only Hawaii Club to create a colorful in the lobby, but in the cafeteria fantasy to chase away the night- and in staff areas where work- mare that illness often brings. ers were anchored to constant Astonished patients and par- administrative tasks. Event or- ents marveled as tall Star War ganizer Fern Fields said having Imperial Storm troopers, clad in both branches play together was white armor, travelled down the a first, and the show of fraternity corridors as casually as the med- was as impressive as … well … ical staff. Four crimson Santas six-foot stormtroopers saunter- and accompanying Mrs. Santas ing down the corridor. ITT Office: 243-3498 Commercial line: 046-816-3498046-816-349 Office: 264-6297, 6298 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Mon-Fri: 9 am - 6 pm, Sat: close Mon - Sat: 10 am - 6 pm, Holi: 10 am - 2 pm Feel free to call, Inquiries from Misawa [email protected] IACE YOKOSUKA office and tell Atsugi Office you ring from Misawa!!

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. 4 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION JANUARY 10 − JANUARY 16, 2020

Save a buck and enjoy the area’s free art, history lessons

STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAVE KRIGBAUM, a century. The second steel bridge behind WWW.WAYFARERDAVES.COM it almost blends into the background, but together they create a beautiful view that okyo station is the starting point was made to be photographed. for visits to many of Tokyo’s great Normally these bridges leading to the Tsights, but the historic station itself imperial palace are off-limits, but it is is also a destination to appreciate that opened to the public twice a year. Once doesn’t cost a thing to see. And for those for New Year on Jan. 2, so the public may looking to see Tokyo on a budget, it’s the greet the emperor, and again on the reign- perfect place to begin a morning of free ing emperor’s birthday. sightseeing in one of the city’s most cul- Across the road in another part of the turally significant areas. garden, look out for the equestrian statue of Kusunoki Masashige. Kusunoki was a 14th century warlord who fought for Em- peror Go-Daigo. His statue was erected during the Meiji era (1868-1912), when the new government was working to unite people in loyalty to the emperor and not to the defunct shogunate or abolished feudal lords. Later Kusunoki’s example would again be used to inspire the kamikaze of World War II. Tokyo Station Zodiac History aside, the statue stands on its side tower, under Tatsuno’s eight Zodiac Another nice touch is that the clutter that own merits as art with its dramatic pose, animals. There is a very small six-sided had accumulated between the station and fine detail in the clothing and armor, the star-shaped marker on the ground where the Imperial Palace has been swept away, lively horse and Kusunoki’s stern visage, Tokyo Station he fell and a brass placard on the wall recreating the grand open space connect- all rendered in sharply contrasting black (Marunouchi Building) near the ticket terminals. Hara holds the ing the two historic sites. and verdigris green. record for three firsts: the first non-noble To learn more about the station, walk love red brick buildings or “akarenga” prime minister, the first Christian prime around the outside and look for little plac- Ifrom the late 19th and early 20th cen- minister and the first assassinated prime ards with bits of information on its con- turies and Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi minister since Japan became a constitu- struction and history. Building is my favorite. Grand in scale tional monarchy. and detailed beautifully, upon comple- Nine years later, Prime Minister tion in 1914 the building served as a status Hamaguchi Osachi would be shot inside symbol elevating the city to the likes of the station by a right-wing assailant on London or Paris. Though designed to be Nov. 14, 1930. Though he didn’t die im- practical and to facilitate the busy train mediately, he succumbed to his wounds commute, the architect Kingo Tatsuno, the following year. Sadly, these were just used the building as a canvas to create art two of many politicians who were killed both inside and out. as Japan’s first fleeting attempt at democ- One of the things I love about this pe- racy (not counting the Ezo Republic) gave riod’s architecture is the detail work, not way to military-led fascism. just a nice structure but the nuances in Inside the station, before exiting the the grey granite accents, the columns and ticket gates, you’ll MacArthur’s Headquarters fancy Victorian roofing. Inside the north find the site where Famous sights outside Imperial and south rotundas, Tatsuno added an Hamaguchi was Palace Gardens: Nijubashi and If returning from the garden to the sta- extra touch in the ceilings which would shot at the bottom of Kusunoki Masashige Statue tion, or past it for my next stop, I recom- discreetly carry over into another project the steps approach- mend taking a slight detour to the opposite on the other side of the country whether ing Shinkansen utside the Imperial Palace walls with side of the outer moat from Kusunoki’s either of his employers was aware of it or platforms 20-23. Oit’s beautiful, but pay-to-enter, garden statue to see another place from which not. More visible than is a park with two Tokyo landmarks that Japan was once led. Today it is the DN21 When taking in either of the rotunda Hara’s marker, can be viewed for free. Tower or Daichi Seimei (Life Insurance) ceilings from within, among the many Hamuchi’s is a red Nijubashi, are a pair of bridges leading Building, but between 1945 to 1952 it was artistic flourishes are eight animals, one granite tile on the to the Imperial PalacePalace’s s main gategate.. (The Supreme Commander for the Allied Pow- in each corner. These represent eight zo- floorfloor with a smaller, oonene fforor officialofficial use, not ggardenarden visitors.)visitors.) ers (SCAP) General Headquarters, from diac signs, but that means Tokyo Station star-shapedstar-shaped stud in-in- TThehe statelstatelyy stone dodou-u- which Gen. Douglas MacArthur oversaw is four animals short. Catch the remaining side of it. ble-archedble- a r ched the occupation of Japan. The general’s four all the way down in Kyushu, where On the night of MayMay 25, 1945, bombs foregroundforeground office is preserved but only occasionally Tatsuno incorporated them in the ceiling dropped during thethe TokyoTokyo AirAir RaidRaid bbridgeridge hashas opened to the public. of the Takeo Onsen gatehouse. burned off the station’sation’s upperupper flflooroor ggracedraced This is one of Tokyo Station’s lighter and original roof. As a cost-savingcost-saving countlesscoun tless Bank of Japan & stories but being a place where millions measure, the repairsairs did not ini-ini- travetravell post-post- Currency Museum have trod with different intentions some tially include rebuildinguilding the ers,ers, brbro-o- are also darker. Two markers in particu- third floor, but in 22012,012, chureschures aandnd Another of architect Tatsuno’s great lar inside the station are a reminder of the station was re-re- post carcardsds fforor works is the Bank of Japan, a contrast the sometimes violent world of Japanese stored it to its full tthree-hree- overover to Tokyo Station. Built in 1896, this bank politics preceding World War II because story height includinguding a building is the epitome of the grey urban the station is the site of two successful as- recreation of the originalriginal fortress with its high columns and intimi- sassination attempts on prime ministers. roof. If you look atat the dating proportions. The first was the “Commoner Prime third floor you’lll Free tours of the bank’s interior are Minister” Hara Takashi, who was stabbed notice the bricks held Tuesday-Friday 12:45 to 13:15 p.m. to death by a right-wing railroad em- are different than and do not require a reservation. ployee on Nov. 4, 1921 inside the south those under it.t. I, unfortunately, visited on a JANUARY 10 − JANUARY 16, 2020 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES JAPAN 5

Bank of Japan

Saturday so could not take the built in 1894. I’d been fooled into think- tour, but did get to visit the cur- ing it was original as most modern recre- rency museum which is across the street. ations of old buildings tend to be lazy with As the name says, it’s all about the his- the small details but they went all out to tory of money in Japan from the earliest make you believe this has been here since bartered goods and borrowed Chinese Victoria and Meiji were monarchs. Cafe 1894 currency to today’s yen. It has a lot of rare Though it has an art gallery you can and ancient money on display from all pay to enter, it has a small free gallery eras which one doesn’t usually get to see. with a presentation on the founding of •ADDRESSES• I was given a handout to borrow which Mitsubishi and an art room. Around the translated all of the displays well and corner is the one thing I had to pay for Tokyo Station Bank of Japan made it easy to follow. during my day out to the Tokyo Station 1-chome-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda 2-chome-1-1 Nihonbashihongokucho, The bank and museum are adjacent to area, and that’s lunch. Café 1894 is what City, Tokyo 100-0005 Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0021 https://www.boj.or.jp/en/about/ser- the Mitsukoshimae Station. happens when you painstakingly recre- http://www.tokyostationcity.com/en/ Nijubashi vices/kengaku.htm/#pp02 ate a Victorian bank and then turn that Currency Museum Mitsubishi’s Akarenga recreation into a dining facility. Eating 35.679669, 139.755526 1-3-1 Nihonbashi Hongokucho, Chuo (Ichigokan and Café 1894) hayashi rice and mixed sandwich lunch Kusunoki Masashige Statue City, Tokyo 103-0021 plates among its polished wood columns 35.677919, 139.758489 http://www.imes.boj.or.jp/cm/english/ The area around Tokyo Station is par- created an ambience that felt fitting after Daichi Seimei Ichigokan & Café 1894 tially owned by Mitsubishi, which has seeing so many other remainders from 1-chome-13-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda 2-chome-6-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda a few red brick and other old buildings that era when Japan had begun mastering City, Tokyo 100-0005 City, Tokyo 100-0005 which fit aesthetically with the old station Western architecture and design, making https://mimt.jp/english/cafe1894/ otherwise surrounded by glass and steel it their own. sky scrapers. This was a quick morning trip, but before 9 a.m. then headed to the Imperial a.m. We had lunch at Café 1894 after. I had One of these Mitsubishi akarenga is there are more small memorials, historic the Ichigokan (No. 1), a rather-convincing places and even Godzilla to find if you Palace gardens before heading back up visited Dai-ichi Seimei on a different trip. reproduction of the Marunouchi district’s don’t mind the walk. Happy hunting! past the station for the Bank of Japan and Café 1894 meals hovered around 1500 yen original Western-style office building For this trip I began at Tokyo Station Currency Museum when it opened at 9:30 which, given the location, isn’t bad. 6 STRIPESSTRIPES JAPAJAPANN A STARSSTA AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION JANUARY 10 − JANUARY 16, 2020 DNA of Tokusatsu Exhibition a must for giant monster fans

STORY AND PHOTOS BY Ultraman (1966). Gamera chal- suit actor, Kenpachiro Satsuma EDWARD L. HOLLAND, lenged Godzilla’s status on UHF went as far as calling the first STRIPES JAPAM TV sets for decades during Sat- film a masterpiece. iant monster enthusiasts urday afternoon matinees across This fifth outing by the cura- are in for a terrapin treat America’s heartland. tors of the DNA of Tokusatsu Gwith Gamera’s first full The flying turtle, an avid pro- is the first chronicle of Gamera career spanning show during the tector of children, and slight and perennial favorites like the DNA of Tokusatsu “The Wonder destroyer by default went into Daimajin trilogy, with VIP ac- of Heisei-period Gamera and hibernation until his resurrec- cess to over 200 historical, pro- Talented Daiei Film’s Special tion in Gamera: Guardian of duction pieces. The design, lay- Effects” Exhibition in Kamata, the Universe (1995) which won out and flow of the expo focuses Tokyo. Kadokawa Daiei Studio titanic appeal from monster au- on the 12 Gamera films and re- Company Ltd., known for their diences. The next generation sembles a fine art museum with Zatoichi series of movies first of artists evolved their state-of- artifacts in amazing shape, the introduced the tortoise film star the-art craft in the trilogy series bulk of which are over two de- to Japanese theaters in Gamera fleshed out by director Shusuke cades old. The Giant Monster (1965) di- Kaneko and special effects di- Mechanized props, full-scale rected by Noriaki Yuasa (1933- rector, Shinji Higuchi. The film, alien monsters, puppets, original 2004). The kaiju hero went toe with its slight horror angle be- illustrations that adorned book to toe with Toho Studios’ Godzil- came the new standard in kaiju covers, record albums, and Jap- la in the 60s and descended cinema and some consider it the anese kaiju bibles from yester- into lighter fare in the cathode second coming of Japanese spe- year are all on display for Heisei Gamera 1999 wave of television heroes like cial effects filmmaking. Godzilla everyone to enjoy. “The JANUARY 10 − JANUARY 16, 2020 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES JAPAN 7

Gamera and Daima- jin exhibit is the first of very few opportunities to see WHAT such props from the Gamera of TO KNOW the 90s and is presented in an See amazing artifacts from Daiei easy to understand method only Film’s monster movies which once this year and for a portion revolutionized Japanese special of 2020,” said Ultraman Ginga effects and continue to thrill director, Yoshikazu Ishii. kaiju fans across the world at the The exhibition culminates DNA of Tokusatsu “Heisei-period with a detailed miniature Daiei Gamera and Talented Daiei Film’s Films studio, photo spots, and Special Effects” Exhibition in large scale, exclusive diorama Kamata, Tokyo which runs until featuring Gamera chasing the Sunday Jan. 26. formidable Gyaos through the clouds, supervised by art di- „ INFO IN ENGLISH HERE: https:// rector, Toshio Miike, who has unique-ota.city.ota.tokyo.jp/ worked on Gamera, Godzilla, en/event/tokusatsu_dna/ and Ultraman motion pictures. „ INFO IN JAPANESE HERE: http:// According to Miike, “The display www.tokusatsu-dna.com/ was created in only two days by „ ADMISSION TICKETS: range from 20 special effects students, just 1,100 to 1,800 yen and can be for the exhibition.” Gamera vs. Daimajin studio © KADOKAWA purchased at Lawson, Ticket It is a once in a lifetime expe- Pia, Seven Ticket, or at the rience for those weaned on giant my artistic brain on fire,” said there are limited soft vinyl toys, limited peek back into treasured venue. monster culture, as the green- comic book artist, Matt Frank. clothes, even Gamera-themed films from the distant and recent „ DATES: Dec. 13, 2019 – Jan. 26, blooded Gamera celebrates his Frank mentioned, “The candy available to purchase past. Take advantage of the dis- 2020. Exhibit closed Tues. Dec. 54th anniversary this year. “The 31, Wed. Jan. 1, and Sat. Jan. amount of history and artistry on Gamera series has some of the in the gift shop. The store also play that cements Gamera’s last- 11, 2020. display was a massive sentimen- most amazing props and pro- stocks fine art prints by illustra- ing cinematic im- „ TALK SHOW DATES: tal shot in the arm, and really set duction design.” For collectors, tor, Yuji Kaida and t-shirts de- pact at the DNA of Jan. 10 and Jan. signed by artist, Shinji Nishika- Tokusatsu Exhibi- wa, and director Higuchi. 13, 2020. Tickets: tion located at the 3,000 yen, which Legendary sculptor and Nihon Kogakuin suit maker, Keizo Murase who include entrance College Konotori to exhibition. worked on the first generation of Gallery in Kama- „ open Gamera, Godzilla, Daimajin and HOURS: ta, Tokyo, which Gyaos in Flight Monday - Sunday more commented, “It was nos- runs until Jan. 26, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. talgic to see the material of the 2020. (entrance closes at great Daimajin there. The Heisei 6:30 p.m.) Gamera was more evolved than „ LOCATION: Konotori Gallery what we made during the Showa Edward L. Holland, a photojournalist working Nihon Kogakuin College era, and it’s regrettable that the „ 5-23-22 Nishikamata in Japan and a longtime ADDRESS: evolution of that costume ended Ota City, Tokyo 144-0051 contributor to Stars and Stripes, after the fine trilogy of films.” „ ACCESS: Kamata, Tokyo is With the continual growth has written for Famous Monsters located between Shinagawa of popularity in giant monster of Filmland, G-Fan, and is a and Kawasaki and easily movies, there is no satisfying the recipient of a community service accessible via the Keikyu insatiable appetite for Gamera award from the Cabinet Office of Kamata and JR Kamata train and his adversaries during this the Government of Japan. lines. 8 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION JANUARY 10 − JANUARY 16, 2020 birthpla

karatfor tradiet Olympic sport g

STORYORY ANDAN PHOTOS BY EMILY ISAACMAN, drilldrill a series of moves known as “kata.” mean buying into thehe wayw y STRIPES JAPAN TheThe ssequencee of kicks and punches fin- karate is practiced outsideouutu sideside ishedished wwith half the students thrown to the Okinawa — even inn ototheothert r SHURI — Kina’s karatea dojoddojo is easyeasy to hardwoodhardwd floor and their partners’ fists parts of Japan. missmiss,, hidden in a smallm wooden house set inchesincc from their faces. The internationall sportsppoort back from a narrowarrorow ssideid street. The darkdark-- Theh “Okinawa Kenpo Karate-Do Kyo- karate community hasas spent ened front yardyyaaarrd looksl abandoned, save kai KinaKin Dojo” was founded more than 30 decades pushing forr a spot in for makeshiftk shi barbells — two cement yearsyears ago in Shuri, an Okinawan castle the Olympics. Whenn KKinaina was blocksocckk connected by a steel pole — sunk town consideredc one of three places on asked about the 20200 ggames,ames, hhee inin calf-high ggrass.rass. thiss southernso Japanese island where ka- just shrugged. TheTTh dojo itself isn’t much. It’s morem a raterate dedeveloped over the centuries. “It’s completely differ-differ- shack than a studio, with a gaping hole WhileWhi places like Kina’s dojo are con- ent from what we ddo,”o,” left in a wall byy a typhoon and cracks in sideredsidere the home of karate, the martial Kina said. the plaster. A 202012 calendar hanging in art hashas spread far from its roots. tthehe backback instructsinstructs students:students: “It’s bbetteretter to InIn tthe decades since World War II, ka- ‘Martial art of do somethisomethingng one time than be told to do raterate hash gone international, with some peace’ iitt 110000 ttimes.”imes.” 100 mmillion practitioners around the Little documen-- One nnightight lastlast March,March, thethe hardwoodhardwood world.world. Next summer, the sport will reach tation can show ex-- floor creaked as teenateenagersgers in white karate the pinnaclepin of global acceptance when actly how or whenn uniformsuniforms wwithith “O“Okinawakinawa Kenpo” patcpatcheshes itit appappearse for the first time at the Tokyo karate began, butt cchasedhased theirtheir sensesenseii across tthehe room anandd Olympics.Olymp historians trace itss ppunchedunched blue strikinstrikingg pads strapped to ButBut traditionalists say the transforma- foundations to Oki-- hihiss foforearms.rearms. tiontion ofof karate into an international com- nawa when it was thee “Ha“Hai!i! OOh,h, ggoodood puncpunch!”h!” teacteacherher JosJoshh petitivepetitiv sport threatens to undermine its center of the Ryukyuyu Simmers yelled,yelled, alternatingalternating between centuries-oldcentur focus on spirituality and Kingdom starting in the JJapaneseapanese anandd English.English. “C’mon, more, character.charac As athletes around the world late 14th and early 115th5th cencen-- mmore!”ore!” train forf Olympic medals, Okinawan ka- turies. ThThee sisixx ststudentsudents tthenhen spsplitlit inintoto ppairsairs ttoo raterate aactivists and the local government The most commonlyonly un-un- are mounting a campaign to preserve derstood account claimsaims ka-ka- their time-honored karate style. rate began as “te,” aann open- Experts agree there are little or no handed fighting techniqueechnique technical differences between interna- inspired by Chinese martmartialial tional sport karate and Okinawan karate. arts. Japan annexed OkinaOkina-- But Okinawans argue the intention and wa in 1879, and karaterate be-be- spirit of traditional karate is different came popular on the mamainlandinland from the international style. in the 1920s. International sport karate focuses on The so-called “martialmartial art scoring points and winning competitions. of peace” suffered ggreatlyreatly iinn Traditional karate emphasizes a lifelong World War II with thehe Battle commitment to understanding the art per of Okinawa in 1945,45, whichwhich intentions of the founding masters. Tra- killed some 200,00000 pepeopleople ditionalists consider titles won in compe- and reduced the islandand to rurub-b- titions irrelevant and temporary. ble. The dojo run by Toshimitsu Kina, 77, Kunio Uehara, chiefchi of thtthe is one of nearly 400 neighborhood dojos Okinawa Karate InformationI f i in Okinawa that claim to teach karate in Center, said the spiritirit of kkaka-- its foundational form. rate helped survivorsors culticulti-- Kina has dedicated himself to martial vate patience and hopeope as ttheyhey arts for more than 60 years. He holds a recovered from thee war. He third-degree black belt in judo and a likened the effects ooff karate in ninth-degree black belt in karate, the Okinawa to attendingng churchchurch TToshimitsuoshimitsu Kina,Kina, second to highest level. in the West. 77, demonstrateses how tto use a But even Kina’s dojo is adjusting to “This culture helpslps people tratraditionalditional karkarateate changing times: Kina transferred his inside,” he said. “Mentally,entally, not wweaponeapon cacalledlled sai weekly class to Simmers, an American physically.” Kina hhas trained Army veteran, this year. Kina now moni- The U.S. militaryy oococcupiedcupied in martialmartitiala artsrts forfor more than 60 year tors training sessions like the one that Okinawa from 1945 until it was night in March from a seat in the corner, turned over to Japan in 1972. arms folded and bushy white eyebrows American soldiers stationed here jump- furrowed. started karate’s internationalization as It was not an easy transition. Simmers, they brought the practice home with 43, trained in the Okinawa Kenpo style in them. the U.S. under Kina’s top protege. When “The Karate Kid” movies appeared in Simmers moved to Okinawa in 2015, he the 1980s, and dojos started to become waited almost three years before secur- common across the U.S. But Uehara said ing an invitation to Kina’s dojo. training in Okinawa for one or two years, “You had to prove yourself,” Simmers as American troops did, was not enough American army-veteran Josh Simmers teaches weekly classes on Wednesday nights at Kina’s dojo in said. “Especially as an American.” to learn an art that takes a lifetime to Shuri, Okinawa. Accepting a foreigner, though, doesn’t master. JANUARY 10 − JANUARY 16, 2020 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATIONTION STRIPESSTRIPES JAPAN 9 ace of fights etion as goes global

NowN OOkinawansOkinawan are working to assert foreigners needed contacts in Okinawa to Photographs of famousfamous ownershipo s offk karate.kara visit and train at dojos, Pankiewicz said. karate masters crowdcrowd TheT e lolocala govgovergovernment moved to guide He opened his dojo in 2018 as part of a the space above tthehe thet devdevelopmentopme t of karate in 2017 with growing push to make Okinawan karate fully stocked bar,ar, thethe estaestablishmentblishment of the Karate Kaikan, more accessible. One class costs about and T-shirts for saleale a sprawling white complex with train- $19. hang in the back. A inging halls, a researchrese room and a his- On a Tuesday night in March, Pankie- Hawaiian-style shirthirt tortoricalical exexhibithib showing how karate wicz led consecutive sessions of supple- with pictures of thethe evoevolvedlved intoi a global phenom- mentary exercises and karate technique Dojo Bar and karaterate enon.enon. to visitors from Brazil, China and the practitioners hadd a “O“Ouru goal is to make sure U.S. They spoke different languages and $110 price tag adver-ver- kkaratearate is not changed,” Ue- came from separate schools of training, tising “karate islandland “It’s our duty,”duty,” haharara said. yet they all wanted to practice where ka- wear born from thethe ssaidaid Tetsuo YamaYamaka-ka- KKaratea is also becoming rate began. cradle of karate,”” re-re- wawa,, the karate division’s part of Okinawa’s tourism “Okinawa, for karate, is a mecca,” ferring to Okinawa.a. ddirector.irector. iindustry.ndu Pankiewicz said. Around 10 p.m., One pproblemroblem the OkinaOkina-- UeUehara said the best The first half of the night involved a Newman min- wa karatekarate communitycommunity facesfaces wayway to teach foreigners training circuit to strengthen muscles gled at the bar ““correct”corre karate is to invite needed in karate. They punched with with a Brazilian iiss thatthat thethe islandisland isis notnot well-well- themthem to Okinawa to experi- dumbbells in their hands to practice man and Simmers,ers, kknownnown as thethe bibirthplacerthplace ooff tthishis enceence fifirst-hand the tradition- maintaining alignment while fatigued the teacher at KiKina’sna’s DoDojojo wwhoho aalsolso mamartialrtial artart — nnotot eveevenn wwithinithin al form.for He helps arrange and lunged across the floor holding trains with Pankiewicz. They started a JJapan. A 2017 survey bby the h classesclass for visitors at the heavy “gripping jars” in their hands to heated discussion over the best type of Karate Promotion Division found 96 per- KaikanKai or approved dojos, strengthen their core. karate uniforms, known as gi, based on cent of respondents in Okinawa knew andand a growing number of Pankiewicz timed the exercises with observations from class that night. karate originated on the island. But that “karate“k tours” take for- an app on his smartphone. Simmers and Newman made plans to number dropped to less than 35 percent eignerse to karate monu- After practicing “kata” and wiping the go to Shureido, a karate equipment shop in the rest of the country. ments, shrines and do- floor with paper towels — cleaning the nearby, to pick out a new uniform the The numbers illustrate a divide be- jos. dojo is a customary practice — Pankie- next day. tween Okinawa and Japan. Uehara visited wicz invited his students across the street Simmers said the bar serves as a Okinawa has been part of Japan for America in 1980 on to his other business: the Dojo Bar. launching pad to help tourists connect nearly half a century, but people refer to a study abroad trip. Commercialization is on full display and find places to train. karate as either Okinawan or Japanese. HeH said the Americans’ here at Okinawa’s first karate-themed, “If you don’t have a Dojo home, you Both categorize karate as culture, rather trainingtrai looked easy, and international-style sports bar. come to the Dojo bar,” he said. than a sport, but they are separate orga- theirthei motions weren’t “This place is like a karate geek’s par- nizationally. Japan has a national karate sharp.shar He noticed they adise,” James Newman, a tourist from ‘It’s our duty’ organization that does not include Oki- tied their karate belts on Washington state, said as he walked in. In April 2016, four months before nawan karate. thethe sides of their hips, while Sharpie-signed signatures of names, the International Olympic Committee Yamakawa intends to raise the pro- OkinawansOkin always form countries and dates cover the walls. Pa- approved karate for the Tokyo Games, file of Okinawa karate’s more than 80 thethe knot in the center for trons can pick from western or Okinawan Okinawa’s governor created the Karate “kata” by registering them on the United thethe “fighting“ spirit.” foods including cheesy potato wedges, Promotion Division to preserve and pass 10 HeH said he was aston- gyoza, Caesar salad and somen noodles. down “Okinawa Traditional Karate.” SEE KARATE ON PAGE ished.ishe “U.S.“U karate is another karatekara to me,” Uehara said. CommercializationCCo LessL than three miles fromrom Kina’s dojo, British- born James Pankiewicz teachesteac traditional karate to ppeople from all over the worldwor in an atmosphere far . fromfrom Kina’s worn-down shackshac in Shuri. A large white sign runs rs. atop the length of the storefront, about a 10-min- ute walk from Kokusai Dori, Naha’s main tourist drag packed with vacationing Chinese. Compared to dojos like Kina’s, the Asato Dojo is easy to find. “My dojo is a bit of an exception,” Pan- kiewicz said. The Asato Dojo has red mat floors of- ten seen in sport karate studios. A section in the back of the room presents shirts and other merchandise for sale. As recent as five to 10 years ago, A special dojo called Shurei Hall is located near the main Kaikan building. 10 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION JANUARY 10 − JANUARY 16, 2020 Karate: Each ‘kata’ carries meaning CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 They bowed their heads to the floor. Each student told Kina five good things Nations Educational, Scientific and Cul- they did in the past week. tural Organization list of Intangible Cul- “I did the laundry,” one boy said. tural Heritage. Kata are the codified se- “I threw out the garbage,” another quences of movements at the core of the shared. artform’s practice. Kina gave his students Snickers and Each kata, Yamakawa said, carries crackers before they scrambled home in meaning, and changing even slightly one the darkness. of those movements changes that mean- Someday Kina will select a disciple to ing. follow his path as president of the Okina- This goal is one of many included in wa Kenpo organization. He hasn’t made the office’s 20-year “vision” for preserv- an official announcement since he’s still ing and protecting traditional Okinawan healthy and able to lead, but there’s spec- karate. The document describes the mis- ulation he will choose his brother or the sion of traditional karate to carefully de- senior student who trained Simmers. velop karate as it was created by Okina- Sometimes, after the teenagers go wa’s predecessors. home, adults show up — black belts only It outlines ways to promote karate — and Kina stays an extra hour to teach tourism, organize international events and improve communication among the them himself. In traditional karate the many styles in the Okinawa karate com- close bond between master and student munity. is valued more than a room full of par- No goals reference the Olympics. Kunio Uehera, director of the Okinawa Karate Information Center, stands in front of tournament ticipants. posters in his office at the Karate Kaikan. Uehara connects tourists with Okinawan dojos to help spread No adults came that night, though. Earlier this year, the IOC announced traditional Okinawan karate. karate would likely not appear in the The dojo was now quiet. The sliding doors opened to the front garden. Bricks 2024 Summer Games in Paris. Several only 191 agreed to be included. Students slid across the wood on their that Kina used to break with his bare national karate associations condemned Kina’s dojo is not on the list. bellies, rolled over and wiggled back. hands lay outside in the overgrown grass. the decision. The World Karate Federa- Though an American now teaches They contorted into backbends for the fi- Alone with his thoughts, Kina wan- tion launched a social media campaign class, speaking English while everyone nal pass, inching across the floor upside defending the sport before the committee dered to a post dividing the open-door else speaks only Japanese, Kina’s dojo down. finalizes the decision in December. frames and began to punch. remains like a family. Huffing and puffing, they sat around Yamakawa did not see this as a big Kina grows banana trees in his dojo’s a green punching bag strapped to a pole His fist thumped on the wood over and deal. To him, an Olympic medal is less backyard and shares the fruits with his in the center of the room and waited for over again. valuable than passing down karate in its class when they’re ripe. When his home Kina to initiate the last routine of the true form. He said he wants the world to night. Emily Isaacman is in her third year at In- was destroyed in a 2016 fire, Simmers diana University, where she is studying jour- experience the discipline, confidence and Kina stood from his chair. The stu- kindness traditional karate can impart. and another American organized a fun- nalism and political science. Emily traveled dents and Simmers kneeled before him. to Okinawa over spring break for a reporting “We want to make this world happy draiser. Simmers said this show of support, A boy led a call-and-response and they course. She works for IU’s student newspaper, through this karate training,” he said. all sat quiet for a moment, eyes closed. the Indiana Daily Student. In 2018, the government organized in addition to running into Kina at vari- “The 1st Okinawa Karate International ous karate seminars and tournaments, Tournament” to judge competitors on helped him gain Kina’s approval. how well they adhered to traditional “I think that opened up his eyes a little forms. The event in the Kaikan’s main bit, opened up his heart a little bit,” Sim- hall drew more than 1,000 people from mers said. about 40 countries. Kina promoted Simmers within But not everyone in Okinawa agrees months to a fourth degree black belt. At with using global outreach to preserve a Kina’s dojo, this level denotes a licensed treasured tradition. teacher who is allowed to accept fees for In March, the Okinawa Karate Infor- classes. mation Center released the first public After class that night in March, the list of Okinawa dojos. Of the 386 dojos group bowed to each other before clean- recorded in a 2016 survey by the center, ing up.

Walls inside of the Dojo Bar in Asato, Okinawa, are covered with signatures of visitors from all over the The Dojo Bar is located at a street corner in Asato, Okinawa. world. James Pankiewicz opened the international karate-themed sports bar in 2011. JANUARY 10 − JANUARY 16, 2020 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES JAPAN 11 12 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION JANUARY 10 − JANUARY 16, 2020 A taste of Ryukyu in Tokyo Where to go for tasty Okinawan fare

BY FRANCISCO CARDOSO, 4. Taketomijima BYFOOD Taketomijima is named after one of the most beautiful of Okinawa’s islands. ired of eating ramen, sushi, and It would be easy to overlook this hole-in- bento boxes every night? Then the-wall restaurant as you explore the Tworry not, because you are able to streets of Ginza. However, if you hap- get Okinawan food in Tokyo to spice up pen to find this hidden gem, then make your meal rotation. sure to order their sashimi, made from If you’re on a budget and aren’t able to fish imported from Okinawa. Don’t for- travel to the sunny and tropical beaches get to pair that sashimi with Okinawa’s of Okinawa, make sure to visit these res- awamori, an alcoholic beverage that is taurants to satiate your appetite for the unique to the shores of Okinawa made southern delicacies of Okinawa. from rice. The traditional Okinawan Okinawa is the southernmost prefec- food combined with the scenes of Oki- ture of Japan, with a cuisine that has nawa being projected onto the walls will been influenced by Mainland China, make you feel as if you have been trans- Taiwan, and Japan to create cultural ported there. and culinary delicacies that are unique If you’re ever in the mood for Oki- to the island. Okinawan food is also nawan food in Tokyo, try some delica- known as Ryukyuan cuisine after Oki- cies of the southernmost island of Japan nawa’s Ryukyu Kingdom was unified in at one of these Okinawan restaurants in Okinawa in 1429. Dishes filled with veg- Tokyo. Eat like an Okinawan, and may- etables, fruits, and pork abound in Oki- Source: Okinawa Paradise be you’ll find yourself living to 100 years nawan cuisine. as well! It’s also known as one of the healthi- Okinawan cuisine, making for delicacies est cuisines in the world, responsible for that are sure to please. Using only pro- the long-living centenarians of Okinawa. duce straight from Okinawa, and with options for dining in a private room, this Strapped for cash and can’t visit Oki- Michelin-starred Okinawan restaurant nawa? Then check out these Okinawan in Tokyo is a great option for someone restaurants in Tokyo, they’re sure to hit who craves island flavors in an upscale the spot! but relaxed environment. 1. Okinawa Paradise 3. Miyarabi Okinawa Paradise in Shinjuku is If you’re looking for Okinawan res- known for its fun and friendly atmo- Source: MK photography Source: Akasaka Tantei taurant in Tokyo that fits your budget, sphere. Located in the red-light district then check out Miyarabi in Ikebukuro. of Kabukicho, this izakaya features Oki- Just a 4-minute walk away from Ikebu- byFood is a platform for food events nawan dishes such as Rafute Pork, Umi 2. Akasaka Tantei kuro Station, this Okinawan restaurant in Tokyo, with over 80 experiences to Budou (Ocean Grapes), and Okinawan Costing a bit more than your aver- has specializes in Ryukyuan cuisine choose from and a fantastic resource Tofu. Paired with their nomihoudai (all- age Tokyo eatery, Akasaka Tantei takes with tofu dishes such as sukugarasu tofu for learning about Japan’s thriving food you-can-drink) option, the combination a different approach to Okinawan food (salted fish served atop fresh tofu) and culture! What’s more, byFood runs a of Okinawan food and beer will ensure a than the rest of the Okinawan restau- tofuyo (a fermented Okinawan food). charitable outreach program, the Food good time. The owner, Shingo Tamaki, is rants on this list. Featured on the Mi- If you happen to be there on a Monday, for Happiness Project, which donates 10 known to play the sanshin (a traditional chelin Guide for 7 years in a row, Akasa- Thursday, or Friday, then you will see meals to children in Cambodia for each three-stringed banjo from Okinawa) ev- ka Tantei is home to unique dishes that a traditional Okinawan dance perfor- person who books a food event through ery night and lead sing-alongs in the bar. blend traditional Japanese dishes and mances. our platform! JANUARY 10 − JANUARY 16, 2020 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES JAPAN 13

Meiji Chocolate Factory A dream of wall-to-wall bliss

STORY AND PHOTOS BY NORIKO DUCK,K EvenEvven the bitter JAPAN TRAVEL oneonn has mild- Meiji Black nessn to its ebruary is one of the cold- Meiji Milk Meiji Hi Milkk flavor.fl est months of the year in Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate There are Japan, but also the best A chocolate that represents A bitter chocolate that has its own A chocolate that has a mild, ricrichh F also available month to enjoy chocolate. the company. You can enjoy style. It has a distinct aroma of milkiness. Made in a style thathat It is no coincidence that Val- the mellowness of cacao and cacao and a sharp bitterness of it has a natural aroma and tasteaste iinn specispeciala packages ƓQHTXDOLW\FDORULHVDQGPJ entine’s Day is in February. Tra- the smell and taste of milk by RIPLONE\XVLQJJRRGTXDOLW\OLW\ for the dadayy of love. A ditionally Japanese women give eating it. 26 calories and 38 mg cacao polyphenols per block. Very ingredients. 26 calories and 24 design of many hearts and snow a treat to men for love, friend- cacao polyphenols per block. rich in the polyphenols, so especially mggp polyphenols yp pper block. crystals is on the plastic cover EHQHƓFLDOWR\RXUKHDOWK ship or respect. Now most con- sheet of the cases, and also on fectioners are in full force to sell the wrapping papers. their products specially made The milky one has a long his- for the event. You can find lots tory. Firstly produced in 1926, of good chocolates and choco- Meiji Strawberry it’s been loved for the mild late flavored sweets at this time. Chocolate taste that hasn’t changed by the However, many of them aren’t 7KHGLVWLQFWDURPDVZHHWQHVVDQGVRXUQHVVRIWKHVWUDZEHUU\ƓOOLQJDUHLQKDUPRQ\with Japanese. These chocolates are cheap. Women spend more the mild taste of the milk chocolate coating. 28 calories per block. All this chocolate will never out of style, and the label money on buying cocoa sweets invariably send you into a spin, maybe even to you dreaming about chocolate in your has kept its connection with this than any other time of the year sleep,slee like some Japanese version of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Well, Meiji actually century old brand. because it is to show their good hasha a chocolate factory in Osaka, one that is open for the public for tours, twice daily. feeling for men they know. Some Bookings can be made on their website. While the tour is in Japanese, there may be of them even buy highly priced a bilingual person in your group that may be able to translate. GETTING THERE trtruffles made by The chocolate factory is conveniently lo oone of the top cated between Osaka and Kyoto on the JR cchocolatiers in Kyoto line, in Takatsuki. You can’t miss it, as ththe world if the treats oncece iinn a wwhile,hile, beb bought at supermar- While you can buy a bar or two, the world’s biggest chocolate hued bar is swsweets are for but cheaperper is better, isnisn’t’t it? ketsk and 7-Eleven stores. I recommend you buy boxes of located right next to the train tracks. gguysu they care As a Japanese who’s been so They’re Meiji Chocolates, which them. These boxes feature four aabout.bo It is okay into choosing and eating reason- are given the title of pure choco- flavors: milk, bitter, hi milk and ADDRESS: $VDKLFKR7DNDWVXNL2VDND to buy such out- ably priced good sweets, I know lates as they are created using strawberry – all for 370 yen. TEL:  rrageouslyage priced that really great chocolates can strictly selected ingredients. They all have a milky, rich taste. URL: meiji.com 14 STRIPES JAPAN A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION JANUARY 10 − JANUARY 16, 2020 Speakin’ Japanese Winter travel As you travel this winter season, here are some useful Japanese phrases to help you along the way.

“Samui desu, ne?” = It is cold, isn’t it? “Atatakai desu, ne?” = It is warm, isn’t it? “Atsui desu, ne?” = It is hot, isn’t it? These expressions are often used with “Ohayo Gozaimasu” (good morning), “Konnichiwa” (good afternoon) or “Konbanwa” (good evening). “Desu, ne?” = it is, isn’t it? “Yuki ga furisou desu.” = It looks like it is going to snow. “… sou desu” = looks like going to be … These phrases are also used in daily conversations: “Ame ga furisou desu.” = It looks like it is going to rain. “Hare sou desu.” = It looks like going to be fine. “Yoi otenki desu.” = It is a beautiful day. “Atama ga itai desu.” = I have a headache. “… ga itai desu” = “I have an ache/pain in …” When you have to see a doctor, you can use some of the following phrases: “Nodo ga itai desu.” = My throat hurts. “Onaka ga itai desu.” = I have a stomachache. “Netsu ga arimasu.” = I have a fever. “Seki ga demasu.” = I have a cough. “Kaze wo hikimashita.” = I caught a cold. Tokyo eki wa doko desuka? DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE? (Where is Tokyo Station?) IF SO, LOG ON TO “… wa doko desuka?” = Where is ... • Byouin wa dokodesuka? (Where is a hospital?) • Koban wa dokodesuka? (Where is a police station?) • Toire wa dokodsuka? (Where is a bathroom?) STRIPESKOREA.COM Eki made donokurai kakarimasuka? (How long does it take to the station?) “made donokurai kakarimasuka?” = How long does it take to ... • Kyanpu Foster made donokurai kakarimasuka? (How long does it take to Foster military base?) • Kuuko made donokurai kakarimasuka? (How long does it take to an airport?) Mayoimashita. (I am lost.) • Michi ga wakarimasen. (I don’t know the way.) • Basho ga wakarimasen. (I don’t know where it is.) – Takahiro Takiguchi, 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. COMICs CORNER

Do you have an idea for comics? Email it to

[email protected] JANUARY 10 − JANUARY 16, 2020 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES JAPAN 15 Stripes Sports Trivia The stories and highlights of Bo Jackson are hard to top. Baseball, football, track – he did it all. And did it all at a high level. The once-in-a-generation athlete seemed super-human at times. Unfortu- nately, though, Bo was human, and injuries cut his NFL career short. He played in only 38 games to

be exact. He played 45 at what university? Answer University Auburn

The Weekly Crossword by Margie E. Burke ACROSS 12345 6789 10 11 12 13 1 Targeted, with 14 15 16 "in on" 6 Tub toy 17 18 19 10 Gold medalist 20 21 22 Lipinski 14 Immature egg 23 24 15 Heavy drinker 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 DID YOU 16 Desktop feature 17 Merchandise 33 34 35 KNOW? movers 19 Reunion 36 37 38 39 attendee 40 41 42 43 any Japanese foods are 20 Mournful 21 Actresses 44 45 46 considered superfoods. Ralston and 47 48 49 M Fermented foods include Rolle natto, miso, shoyu (Japanese soy-sauce) 23 Guggenheim 50 51 52 53 54 55 56

and amazake; teas - matcha, green display 57 58 59 tea, bancha (course tea); seaweeds – 24 Not moving konbu (kemp), nori, hijiki, kanten; and 25 Like Steve 60 61 62 Austin of WCW traditional natural foods -umeboshi 63 64 65 29 Lookout point (pickled plum), genmai (unmilled 33 Sword handle Copyright 2020 by The Puzzle Syndicate rice), tofu, soba, and azuki are all low 34 Hole-making tool in calories and contain many superb 35 Mall attraction 3 Eastwood 31 Likeness 48 Condition minerals. 36 Well-worn played one in 32 Raring to go 50 Civil Rights 37 Kristen or Patrick 2018 35 Brahma, in figure Parks 39 Something to 4 Polished and Hinduism 51 Chef's need check posh 37 Raw fish dish 52 Get together 40 Loathsome 5 Covet 38 Hand holder? 53 Trust, with "on" 42 Indignation 6 Coalition 41 Moving ahead 54 007 43 Massive 7 1956 film, "___ 43 Trackman's 55 Hence Kanji of 44 H.S. students Miss Brooks" transit 56 Bucks and does 45 Harvard or 8 Move up the 45 Combat zones 59 Party bowlful the week Columbia, for ladder 46 Bad atmosphere ӜUra (Creek) Obama 9 This one and this 47 Move like a top one 49 Cookie container 10 Use a torque Answers to Last Week’s Crossword: Language Lesson 50 Salad ingredient wrench LESS THAN ATLAS 53 Street surface 11 One to grow on? AMOK RACE FALSE 57 Wrapped up 12 Engine sound SIRI ANEW CRATE 58 Emphasize 13 "No ifs, ___ …" STEFF IGRAF AM I D 60 Gardener's 18 Tycoons, FINE GRANARY Please. Thank you. You’re Welcome. spring purchase slangily PRO SERGEANT 61 Deck feature 22 Blue eyes or LUNCHEON TAUGHT 62 Skin disease baldness, e.g. ALTO NAP LA IR 63 Aardvark fare 24 Bitter feeling YEOMAN SR I LANKA 64 Spot 25 Photo session PLETHORA GEM Doozo. Arigato. Dooitashimashite. 65 Intense feeling 26 Diacritical mark POPULAR VO I D 27 Any Platters ABET PAL I NDROME DOWN platter PAT I O DADO AR I A 1 Firefighting aid 28 "I ___ you one" AMEND EVER PASS 2 D.C. office 30 Contradict LARGE RARE ELSE

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