A Crash Course in Japan's Do-All Utensil

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Special 8-page CHOPSTICKS pullout inside! A crash course in Japan’s do-all utensil 2 STRIPES OKINAWA A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2019 STARS AND STRIPES JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS Max D. Lederer Jr. Publisher Lt. Col. Richard E. McClintic Supervisory Interactive Media Specialist Commander NF-04 (Local Japan) - US Citizens and Non-Citizens Joshua M Lashbrook Salary $50,000 - $69,000 per year Chief of Staff Stars and Stripes is looking for an employee to work Michael Davidson Revenue Director out of our Tokyo, Japan office. If selected for this NF-04 position, you will be responsible for providing graphics Chris Verigan Engagement Director and multimedia technical support to assist in developing, coordinating and implementing a comprehensive graphic Marie Woods WE’RE design package for external and internal customers. If you Publishing and Media Design Director have previous supervisory experience and you have experience working with Chris Carlson Publishing and Media Design Manager Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, HTML & Flash scripts, then please apply for this exciting opportunity. Ability to speak Kentaro Shimura Production Manager conversational Japanese is a plus but not required. Rie Miyoshi HIRING www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/513273900 Engagement Manager Scott Wheeler Okinawa Area Manager Ian Waddick Denisse Rauda o you think the First Amendment is important and Multimedia Consultant Publishing and Media Design Editors should be protected? Would you like to follow in the NF-04 (Local Okinawa) - US Citizens and Non-Citizens Publishing and Media Design Writers footsteps of journalists Andy Rooney and Steve Croft? Salary $35,900 – 37,000 plus commissions per year ChiHon Kim Shoji Kudaka DComic book illustrator Tom Sutton? Authors Gustav Stars and Stripes is looking for an employee to work out of Takahiro Takiguchi Hasford and Ralph G. Martin? Are you passionate about our Okinawa office. If selected for this NF-04 position, you Layout Designers providing the members of the military community independent will be responsible for providing client program solutions by mixing appropriate amounts of newspaper print, web Ayako Kamio news content of value, delivered how and when desired? If you Yukiyo Oda and other digital applications, special magazines, inserts, Yuko Okazaki answered YES, then Stars and Stripes is the place for you! Kayoko Shimoda commercial print, circulation, events and other promotions that fit within the client’s budget. If you have three years Multimedia Consultants Max Genao Doug Johnson of related experience or a bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising Jason Lee Hans Simpson or related discipline AND one year of experience, then this golden Chae Pang Yi Gianni Youn Multimedia Sales Manager opportunity could be yours. Ability to speak conversational Japanese is a Robert Zuckerman NF-04 (World Wide) - US Citizens and Non-Citizens strong plus but not required. Graphic Designers Salary $50,000 - $70,000 per year www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/521852500 Kenichi Ogasawara Yosuke Tsuji Stars and Stripes is looking for an employee to work Sales Support Kazumi Hasegawa Hiromi Isa out of our Tokyo, Japan office. If selected for this NF-04 Ichiro Katayanagi Yoko Noro position, you will be responsible for the development and Yoichi Okazaki Yusuke Sato performance of all sales activities in the assigned market. Chae Yon Son Saori Tamanaha If you have previous supervisory experience and you have JOB OPENINGS AT For feedback and inquiries, experience with revenue management then this is the contact [email protected] opportunity you have been waiting for. Ability to speak STARS AND STRIPES To place an ad, call DSN 645-7419 conversational Japanese is a plus but not required. www.usajobs.gov/Search?a=DD80 stripesokinawa.com/contact www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/522721200 FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2019 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES OKINAWA 3

Subtle taste, big difference

STORY AND PHOTOS BY SHOJI KUDAKA, STRIPES OKINAWA MARUHA

n Okinawa, a new broth has made its debut ADDRESS: 458-3 Kina, Yomitan Village promising to break the norm but still living GPS COORDINATES: N 26.404498, E 127.758850 O up to local soba enthusiasts’ expectations. HOURS: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. If you’ve ever had soba noodles before, you know ATTIRE: casual that the broth is usually pork- or bonito fish flake- *Mijun soba is 800 yen for medium, and 600 based. yen for small. Mijun soba features the usual Okinawa soba noo- *Customers can pick mijun or tonkotsu dles, but it’s the broth made from mijun, a type of broth or a mixture of the two for each herring special to Yomitan Village, which brings the noodle. new twist. *Free parking is available about 50 yards Since Maruha, a noodle joint on Route 58, opened away in March of last year locals have been flocking to try YOMITAN VILLAGE the new flavor. (N 26.403486, E 127.758664) “Mijun soba is our popular menu item. There are only a few locations where you can eat it, including Yomitan Village, northwest of Kadena Air Base, our place,” a Maruha staffer said. is the host municipality of Torii Station and The dish, which is described as soba with “sar- known as the most populated village in Japan. dine soup” at the restaurant, tastes quite different Those who would like to spice it up can use some As of December 2018, it has a population of from what one might normally have. The mijun fish, extra powdered-mijun or a pickled artemisia herb over 40,000. It has historical significance as which is first boiled then dried before being made called “hoocheebar” in Okinawa, which adds some it saw the initial invasion during the Battle of into the broth, has a subtle flavor compared to the nice depth and extra salt to the broth. The dish can Okinawa. In addition to mijun fish, the village pork bone and bonito flake broth-based noodle bowls. be served hot or cold depending on your preference. has other signature products such as beni-imo Mijun fish meat tops the bowl of soft and chewy According to a report by the Yomitan Village’s purple sweet potatoes, and yachimun, a type of noodles – a delicious accent I wasn’t expecting. tourism association, a recipe for the broth was in- Okinawan pottery. vented in an effort showcase their signature fish. It took two years to come up with the right recipe and by the broth’s taste you can tell that their efforts paid off. Traditionalists can still enjoy pork-based and bonito flake-based broth with their soba at Maruha. The restaurant even offers a mixture of the two, as the delicately “fishy” broth and the sweet pork base complement each other well. While going into some of the island’s soba restaurants may seem daunting, Maruha offers English buttons on the vending machine used to order your bowl of noodles. The joint’s interior is cozy and their giant shisa dog on the exterior of the building serves as an inviting greeter. Maruha’s menu offerings make for a great first (or 500th) bowl of soba whether its broth is pork, bonito, or the delicious newcomer – mijun. 4 STRIPES OKINAWA A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2019 File photo File photo Chopsticks and Japanese dining

BY TAKAHIRO TAKIGUCHI, As a child, I remember STRIPES OINAWA not being allowed to eat un- less I used my chopsticks. ny meal in Japan If I stuck my chopsticks is sure to include vertically into rice in Did you know? A some form of a bowl – a big no-no in chopsticks. Japan – my father would Tatebashi is a ritual where a Since their invention in scold me severely be- pair of chopsticks are stuck up- ancient China more than cause that it is a funeral right in a bowl of rice and pre- 3,000 years ago, chopsticks tradition to offer a bowl of sented as an offering to newly have been widely used in rice in this manner to the al- deceased. Doing this at a table Asian countries. In Japan, tar of our departed ancestors. is frowned upon for bringing chopsticks are called “hashi” Wikipedia My wife and I also struggled bad luck. and are used for cooking and in teaching our daughter how Another blunder to be careful to avoid eating all kinds of dishes includ- tool, us Japanese usually learn to use chopsticks. At first, she is passing food directly from one chop- ing rice, raw fish, vegetables, how to use chopsticks before we tried to grip it the same way she stick to another. Much like sticking noodles, soup and desserts. At start walking. Japanese parents would hold a spoon, but eventu- your chopsticks into a bowl of rice, this some restaurants, you’ll even take teaching the skill to their ally, with much persistence and also has to do with Japanese funeral catch locals using their chop- children seriously, as it is con- patience, she became comfort- rituals. In hashiwatashi, relatives of sticks to eat French fries. sidered as one of the most im- able enough to pick up food with the deceased use chopsticks to pluck Being an important dining portant manners in society. her chopsticks. bones from the cremated remains, and Despite chopsticks’ impor- then pass the bones from chopstick tance to Japanese culture and to chopstick until the remains finally tradition, there are still some reach the kotsutsubo, or urn. Japanese people that do not know how to use them correctly. According to a survey by the Cabinet Office (2010), only slightly more than half of Jap- noodles and other Japanese and encounter disposable chop- anese over the age of 18 were Asian dishes. sticks, called “waribashi.” deemed to be able to hold their Just as chopsticks are a These are made of wood or bam- chopsticks correctly. In fact, unique, beautiful dining tool, boo and are attached at the top, I often observe some young a pair can also be an ideal sou- requiring them to be split apart people using their chopsticks venir for your friends and rela- before use. incorrectly and awkwardly. tives. Many souvenir stores sell As the saying goes, practice In Japan, you’ll have plenty novelty pairs with Japanese makes perfect. Though chop- of opportunities to master the animated characters like Hello sticks may seem difficult at first, technique at restaurants or at Kitty or Gundam, but you can consistently trying to use them the home of Japanese friends. also find nicer ones made of lac- will go a long way in en- As Japanese food gains popu- quered wood or bamboo ranging suring you enjoy authen- larity globally, having chop- from 1,000 – 5,000 yen ($8–40). tic Japanese cuisine the sticks skills will come in handy At restaurants and con- authentic Japanese way. when you enjoy sushi, soba venience stores, you may [email protected] File photo

Planning a visit to South Korea? You’ll notice the differences of Korean chopsticks both in aesthetic and in use. Similarities to Japan • Jeotgarak, is the Korean word for chopsticks. • Chopstick etiquette is something both cultures take very seriously and • Korean chopsticks are typically made of steel or some other type of metal. This may date teach their children early on. back to the Baekje period (circa 18 BC – 660 AD) and used to detect poison in royals’ food. • Sticking your chopsticks into a bowl of rice is also a no-no in Korea. • Because metal is slippery, chopsticks are flat and have rough tips to make picking up food Here it is also a funeral rite. easier. • The same goes for sticking food with your chopsticks. • For table setting, the chopsticks sit vertically and are paired with a metal spoon. • Don’t stick chopsticks in your mouth or eat directly from commu- • Korean chopsticks are slightly longer than Japanese because of meals are shared and nal bowl. reaching across the table is easier with longer chopsticks. File photo FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2019 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES OKINAWA 5

How to use chopsticks Chopstick no-nos

1. Use both hands when you pick up a set of chopsticks. 2. In the same manner you would hold a pencil, hold the Because chopsticks have a 3,000-year history, various customs chopsticks about one-third from the top. and traditions surround their use. Be sure to avoid the following 3. Then, grip the upper stick with your thumb and index fin- no-nos as they are considered rude: ger, while the lower stick rests on your middle and ring fingers. 1. Don’t pass food from one set of chopsticks to another. 4. Bend only the upper chopsticks up and down to make 2. Don’t use only one stick to pierce any food. the ends of two chopsticks meet (The lower chopstick S 3. Don’t touch others’ chopsticks with yours. S ee ok ee ok shouldn’t move.) video on Facebo 4. Don’t use your chopsticks to move bowls or plates. video on Facebo 5. Don’t put chopsticks into your mouth. Practice enables you to grip, divide, pinch and even scoop foods with 6. Don’t stick potatoes or other foods with chopsticks. Instead, hold food by pinching your chopsticks. To hone your chopsticks skills, try picking up beans, shelled peanuts or rice up to help lift it or split the potato into small pieces with the chopsticks first. grains when you’re comfortable with your grip. 1 2 1 4

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Photos by Jun Sakahira

+81 (3) 5441-9800 6 STRIPES OKINAWA A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2019

The Yuinchi, whose closest meaning in English is the kitchen shrine or offering altar for the harvests of the sun, land and sea.

The sacred shrine of Sefa Utaki

STORY AND PHOTOS BY BONSON LAM, thanks. On reflection, the idea of giving JAPAN TRAVEL thanks is a key part of longevity. It fo- cuses our mind on all the blessings that Sefa Utaki is famous for its natural triangular efa Utaki is the Okinawan way of we have in life. Reporting what we have cathedral acknowledging the “ultimate an- done is also an aspect of respect, where S cestor”, the creator of the Ryukyu we feel closeness with the ultimate an- Islands. It is a place of respect, reflection cestor. SEFA UTAKI and thanksgiving, much like the shrines Okinawa was a trading kingdom, ADDRESS: Chinen-kudeken, Nanjo City, in other parts of the world where we pay whose golden age spanned centuries in Okinawa respect for those who have gone before what we know today as the medieval TEL: 098-949-1899 us. It is a place of reverence for mil- times, when brave sailors in small wood- URL: http://okinawa-nanjo.jp/sefa/en/ lennia, and its associations with Shuri en sailing boats took to the seas to places Castle have meant that it is a place that like China, Siam, Java and the various GETTING THERE is usually shut to the outside world, con- ports of the western Pacific. Of course, To preserve the purity of the shrine, the secrated for special ceremonies, such if they see the sea as a place of blessing, ticket office is located about 400 meters as the inauguration of the Kikoeokimi they would have been filled with thank- away. Buy your ticket first, and car parking priestess. While it appears to be non- fulness in making these long trips. is available at Ganju station in Nanjo and at descript compared with the Valley of The Okinawan version of kitchen de- Cape Chinen Park. There is also buses that Ganglia, I highly recommend booking a ity may be influenced by the Chinese stop nearby. Sefa Utaki is closed twice a year guided tour to unveil some of its myster- version, or mixed between indigenous (May 1-3 and October 1-3 in the lunar calen- Urns to capture the pure water from the caves dar) to preserve the shrine. In the Gregorian ies. for special ceremonies and imported beliefs. calendar for 2019, it is closed on June 3-5 and My guide Hiromi, whose ancestors According to the book; The Kitchen October 28-30. spanned the length and width of this good harvest”, which perhaps explains God Returns to Heaven: Popular Cul- island, takes me to the Yuinchi, whose why there is a flat stone platform, one ture, Social Knowledge and Folk Beliefs closest meaning in English is the kitchen that reminds me of an altar. It is large in Vietnam, in the Chinese tradition deity for the toilet as well. It is seen that shrine or offering altar for the harvests enough to present the richness of a good there are five points in the house associ- the way we dispose of things is just as of the sun, land and sea. There I find harvest, whether it is from the land or ated with deities. These are the kitchen, important as those that we prepare for three rocks, each representing heaven, sea, from animals, fish or vegetables. well, gate, entrance, and eating. Perhaps there is earth and ocean. In many ways every- The double meaning also suggests that the gutter in the centre a lesson for us to learn as thing we eat comes from the sun, earth the fruits of the sea, sky and land, are of the double pitch roof, well. The way we treat our and sea, so it is symbolic that there are good enough to be eaten as it is, one with the kitchen being surroundings, and the way three rocks at the kitchen shrine. that fits in with the natural state of this the most important. It is that we dispose our trash, She also explains that nutrition is a shrine. home of the hearth, and so that future generations can appreci- form of prosperity, and part of the rea- She also explains that this is not a fire is an important element in prepar- ate the blessings of the material world, son why the kitchen deity is revered. place to make requests, rather, one ing ingredients that cannot be eaten is another way we can say thanks for the Yuinchi means “kitchen” or “place of where you are here to report and to give raw. The Okinawan version, there is a people to come.

Stripes Okinawa is A Stars and Stripes Community Publication. This newspaper is authorized locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. The appearance of advertising in for publication by the Department of Defense for members of the military services overseas. this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement of However, the contents of Stripes Okinawa are unofficial, and are not to be considered as the those products by the Department of Defense or Stars and Stripes. Products or services official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, including the Department of Defense advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage or the U.S. Pacific Command. As a DOD newspaper, Stripes Okinawa may be distributed without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical through official channels and use appropriated funds for distribution to remote and isolated handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2019 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES OKINAWA 7

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 in more games (45) at what university?

Stripes Sports TriviaUniversity Auburn

Answer

Week of 2/11/19 - 2/17/19

The Weekly Crossword by Margie E. Burke ACROSS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Handel 1 13 14 15 16 contemporary 5 Long, long time 17 18 19 9 Bomb 20 21 22 13 Autumn color DID YOU 15 Bearded beast 23 24 16 Ancient German- KNOW? ic letter 25 26 27 28 29 17 "Rocky" actress 30 31 32 33 34 Talia 18 Restraint 35 36 37 38 39 Academic term 20 40 41 42 43 44 22 Elite soldier n Japan, many believe your blood 23 Cubby hole 45 46 47 48 type determines your personality. 24 In the raw 49 50 Type-A: Serious, meticulous, 25 Park or Icareful and sensitive perfectionists; Pennsylvania 51 52 53 54 55 56 27 Lab tube O: Emotional, vital and generous; 30 Scout leader? 57 58 59 B: Cheerful, innovative, flexible 31 Obliterate 60 61 62 and liberal; AB: Rational, kind and 33 Out of gas sociable, but sometimes too mysterious 35 They're sealed in 63 64 65 a Go-Go's song and unpredictable. So, what is your Copyright 2019 by The Puzzle Syndicate blood type? 37 Put into effect 39 Give a hoot 3 Feature seen on 36 It started with 51 Church section 40 Secretly run off old-house roofs Sputnik 52 Queen, e.g. together 4 Legalese word 38 Shocking 53 Round bullet 42 Gather bit by bit 5 Come to terms weapon 54 Fizzless 44 Routing word 6 Active one 41 Datebook entry 55 Surrounding 45 Biological 7 Absorb, as a 43 Table linen glow reversion cost 46 All together 56 Midterm, e.g. Kanji of 47 Lustrous fabric 8 Provoke 48 No-nos 58 "Dude!" 49 Dime division 9 Uncontrolled 50 Attack the week 50 Part of a flower 10 Air bag? 草Kusa/Sou(Grass) 51 _____-minded 11 "___ bitten, 54 Harbor blaze twice shy" fighter 12 Take a look Answers to Last Week’s Crossword: 57 Okay to eat 14 Coast Guard MISS SWEDE HOST Language Lesson 59 Nissan model operation ACHE WAXEN INTO since 2008 19 Citadel student COUNTERACT BEAR 60 Tight 21 Limerick starter ENTAIL MARRIAGE 61 Mountaineer's 24 Eleanor, to TALC YEAST challenge Teddy IMPERIAL ENCAMP It’s funny. 62 Letter sign-off 25 Willing follower? NOR ANNUL TUTOR 63 Nose (out) 26 Magician's cry EVEN GONER SIRI Week of 2/11/19 - 2/17/19 64 Carryall bag 27 Song of David REFER NAVEL MEN 65 Airplane 28 Bourdain's TREPAN REFOREST assignment "Parts REGAL RISE Omoshiri desu. Unknown", e.g. FRENETIC NECTAR DOWN 29 Chill-inducing RENT INOPERABLE 1 Big cheese 32 Uneasy state EACH ODDER SASS 2 Advil target 34 College bigwig TREE NASTY TROT

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

8 STRIPES OKINAWA A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2019 New DOD site offers cheap travel

BY NANCY TREJOS, USA TODAY (TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE)

he United States Depart- Who is eligible ... ment of Defense has en- T listed the online travel Authorized patrons today: agency Priceline to create a new • All current Active Duty military leisure travel site for current (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air and retired U.S. military per- Force, and Coast Guard) sonnel. • All members of the Reserve com- The new website, American ponents and National Guard Forces Travel, will give the mili- • All Retired Military, including those tary community access to ho- in the Reserves and National tel, flight, car rental and cruise Guard who are retirement eligible deals. There will also be negoti- • All Medal of Honor recipients and ated prices on vacation homes, 100% disabled veterans apartments and packages for • All Department of Defense civilians savings up to 60 percent. serving outside the United States, More than 1 million hotel including appropriated funds (APF) deals will be available in more employees and non-appropriated than 71,000 destinations around funds (NAF) employees the world. • American Red Cross and United The Department of Defense Service Organizations (USO) paid- has about 1.3 million people in personnel currently serving out- active service around the world. side the United States But at launch, American • All eligible family members who Forces Travel will be open to are officially sponsored (ID card more than 6.5 million active and of these groups will be able to Priceline will continue to rentals, cruises and more,” says use the site. offer “opaque” pricing on ho- Brett Keller, CEO of Priceline. holder) by patrons in the above retired members of the U.S. mil- categories itary community. First-time users will have to tels, flights and rental cars that American Forces Travel will (See the complete eligibility verify their eligibility with the can often yield discounts on its also feature “bundled” book- Eligible authorized patrons list at the end of the story.) Department of Defense through own website. But on American ing options, which could mean coming soon: All five branches of the U.S. a secure process. Forces Travel, users will not savings of hundreds of dollars. • All Department of Defense civilians armed forces – including the Previously, employees could get deals in which they would Bundled options combine pri- serving within the United States, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air use travel agents on military have to book without knowing vate rates that are usually only including appropriated funds em- Force, and Coast Guard – will be bases to book their leisure trav- the name of the hotel. All travel available with packages and ployees and non-appropriated part of the program. Others who el. suppliers on American Forces that travelers can’t book on funds employees are eligible to become users are The Department of Defense Travel will be fully disclosed, their own. • All Coast Guard and Department of Medal of Honor recipients and says it wanted to create an on- Priceline says. All transactions will gener- Homeland Security (DHS) civilians American Red Cross and USO line platform that would be more Members of the military ate a commission. The Depart- in the Defense Enrollment Eligi- paid personnel serving outside modern, fast and accessible. “have dedicated themselves to ment of Defense and Priceline bility Reporting System (DEERS), of the USA. Priceline, which is part of service, and deserve our thanks would not disclose the commis- including appropriated and non- Department of Defense civil- Booking Holdings, was selected and our respect. To honor that sion percentage but said it will appropriated fund employees ians serving within and outside after a competitive bidding pro- service, we have negotiated be used to support quality of life • Coast Guard Auxiliary of the USA will also be able to cess among many of the largest deep discounts for personal programs within each service Note: The on-line eligibility verifi- sign up. Family members of all online travel agencies. travel, across flights, hotels, car branch. cation process for stateside civil- Such programs include fam- ians and Coast Guard Auxiliary is ily and youth ac- still being developed. In the tivities, fitness meantime, we centers, ath- invite civil- letic venues ians to contact and games, their MWR ticket and and enter- travel office. tainment pro- As eligible pa- grams. Ac- trons, agents will tive, Reserve be able to assist and Guard you with your travel members, and needs allowing you their families, to take advantage of are eligible to the AFT deals as well. use them. A portion of com- – SOURCE: missions will also go toward americanforcestravel.com Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs on military bases. COMICs CORNER A Taste of Okinawa The 3 ‘R’s to good eating – Restaurants, Reviews & Recipes

8-page pullout STRIPES OKINAWA E OF OK FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2019 AST INAW A T 2 A

File photo

Talk tempura to me

BY TAKAHIRO TAKIGUCHI, ubiquitous in various forms through- STRIPES OKINAWA out Japan. Tastey tidbits of lightly Okinawa style ... batter-fried vegies and seafood f you think tempura is just anoth- adorn almost every bento box and good bowl of tempu- er fried food – think again. This are found in virtually every grocery ra-toped rice goes for a rea- Iquintessential Japanese cuisine store for a mere 60-100 yen ($0.60- sonable 600-1,000 yen at most dates back to the Edo Period (1603- $0.85) each. It’s a mainstay with chain tempura-ya, or tem- 1867) and is perhaps second only to noodles, and the essential snack food pura shops, their high-end sushi as Japan’s culinary contribu- of Okinawa. counterparts draw connois- tion to the world. No Japanese restaurant is com- seurs willing dish out up to plete without some tempura on the 20,000 yen for a multicourse Simple yet elegant, tempura is menu and many do well specializing meal featuring the dish. in it. A typical tempura restau- “Tempura is the ideal rant usually has a counter food,” says Akira Akashi of where cooks prepare Ten-ichi tempura house in and then immedi- Sasebo. The traditional fry- ately serve tem- ing technique, he adds, pre- pura. serves the flavor and texture While a of the food. “Tempura is a really won- derful dish because the food is not cooked directly by the hot oil, but by steam under the batter,” Akashi says. “This preserves the deli- cate nuances of the food. In Photos courtesy of Nakamoto Tenpuraten fact, it is often considered a steamed dish.” So what is the ideal food to turn depending where into tempura? What isn’t? you are, chicken, pork and other Common Ingredients include meats. Even Spam, that Okinawan shrimp, squid, fish, green favorite, is commonly used down bell pepper, eggplant, south where there is a slightly dif- sweet potatoes, pump- ferent twist on tempura. kin, mushroom, lotus root, Tempura is very popular on Oki- bamboo shoots, carrot, nawa, just like in the mainland. burdock, green beans, okra But it has a slightly different look and onion. But, that’s not and taste. While mainlanders cook all. tempura in thin plain batter for There are seasonal and regional favorites such as CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 oysters in the winter and, Mainland Japan style ... Photos courtesy of Tan-nen FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2019 E OF OK STRIPES OKINAWA AST INAW A T 3 A

After a round, head to the Tee House! Swing over to the Tee House next to the Banyan Tree Golf Course, rent one of the single-rider hoverboards, and set out for a morning round of golf. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, The Tee House has the ultimate comfort food waiting for you in February – Chicken Pot Pie. What’s not to love about creamy chicken, buttery, flaky pie crust and tasty vegetables? With our incredible food, Tee House offers a side of stunning views to enjoy as you eat. After lunch, walk over to the Banyan Tree Pro Shop and find the latest golf gear. Stop in today!

Kamisushi opens up their new location Kamisushi, Okinawa’s favorite sushi restaurant, is now conveniently located near Carnival Park Mihama. Our friendly staff awaits your arrival! You don’t have to go to the U.S. to get American sushi rolls. At Kamisushi, not only can you try traditional Japanese sushi, but you can also enjoy a variety of American sushi rolls – Cali- fornia, Dynamite and Caterpillar. Try our original Kami Rolls and Mihama Rolls by Chef Isamu Kamiya. You`ll be blown away by his sushi magic! Not a sushi eater? We also have a variety of Okinawan and Japanese dishes available to satisfy your taste buds. STRIPES OKINAWA E OF OK FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2019 AST INAW A T 4 A

“Kaiseki” style tempura File photo

TEMPURA: Get deep-fried on it Tempura at an Okinawan snack shop. Photo courtesy of Uema Bento Tempuraten

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 seaweed and sausage are popular ingredients,” she adds. sauce has also been used as maximum crisp, Okinawans prefer For the most part, Hirata says, tem- a dipping sauce since Edo a richer thicker seasoned batter for pura is typically sold at fish and candy Era when tempura tempura r maximum flavor. originated as an inexpensive e stores on Okinawa. However, tempura “Selling for a mere 60 yen ($0.50) y restaurants that serve fare like those food for commoners. fr a piece, on Okinawa tempura is con- in mainland Japan can also be found in So whether you are look- he sidered more of a snack, like “ta- ing for a quick snack or an ts m t larger Okinawan cities. Fac fro koyaki” (breaded fried octopus) or While Okinawan-style tempura can be elaborate traditional meal, “nikuman” (meat buns)” says Kyo- easily enjoyed without a condiment, its check out the nearest tem- ko Hirata of Okinawa Convention mainland counterpart is almost always pura-ya outside the gates. and Visitors Bureau. “It is usually eaten with a special dipping sauce, salt It’s a great way to get a made a little flatter here with well- or citrus juice. true taste of the Land of the Rising seasoned yellow batter made with The most common dipping sauce for Sun. File photo lots of eggs.” this kind of tempura is “tentsuyu,” a “The simple and quick cooking pro- A “tenmori” combo plate “Fish tempura – both tuna and white thin sauce made from soy sauce, sweet cess makes the flavor of any ingredient fish – squid, red potato, as well as sake and stock. However, straight soy that’s cooked really stand out,” says TEMPURA ON OKINAWA

Nakamoto Tempuraten Uema Bento Tempuraten

Nakamoto Tempuraten is one of the most popular tempura shops on Fish and shrimp tempura are the most popular at this shop. Okinawa. “We use whiptail for fish tempura because it has white soft meat and Since the shop is running its own fish shop and cultivating seaweed, it goes well with tempura,” says owner Yoshikazu Uema. “We don’t use fresh fish and seaweed are always available for tempura. tuna, since the meat can be too hard for tempura.” According to Uema, texture of his tempura compares to “ta- “We use only local fresh fish for our tempura,” says owner Tokie Na- koyaki,” or breaded octopus treats, in the mainland. kamoto. “So, our ingredients for tempura change every day in accor- “With thicker and tasty batter, you can eat it without dance with the daily catch. It may be tuna some days, and swordfish or sauce, but you may want to use sauce like mayon- marlin on another day.” naise or kethup, too,” he said. All tempura menu items with fish, squid, vegetables and seaweed are “Our tempura may be a little tough to mainland- for 65 yen ($0.55). “Mozuku” and “aosa” (types of seaweed) tempura are ers. But it has a unique crispy yet puffy texture that the most popular at this shop. I am sure everyone would enjoy.” You can eat their tempura without any dipping sauce because the bat- The shop is located near Kadena Air Base and Camp Cortney, so you can drop by on the way home. ter is seasoned, according to Nakamoto. You can order 100 or more tempura for any party The shop is located on Oujima Island which you can access by bridge. opportunity. “Call us 30 minutes or an hour before you visit They also offer tempura to go. us, and your tempura will be ready to pick up when you arrive “Since our shop is facing a beautiful beach, groups of people often (may take longer on weekends),” Uema said. come and buy tempura here and enjoy it on the beach,” Nakamoto said. This shop also offers home delivery, and you can eat there as well.

Location: 9 Okutake, Tamagusuku, Nanjo City Location: 3-23-20 Noborikawa, Okinawa City Open April – October 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. (Nov – Mar, - 6 p.m.) Open 5 a.m.- 8 p.m. URL: nakamotosengyoten.com/ URL: uemabento.com/ For more information, call 098-948-3583 For more information, call 098-937-9477 Photos courtesy of Nakamoto Tempuraten FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2019 E OF OK STRIPES OKINAWA AST INAW A T 5 A

an you imagine frozen ice cream Cserved up as piping hot tempura? Deep-fried deepfreeze “furai” Some of the more unusual tempura-pre- (fry), such as pared foods include “umeboshi,” or pickled “ebi” (shrimp) plums; “natto,” or fermented soybeans, ba- furai or “aji” (fish) “Kaiseki” style tempura nana, mango and sushi. furai, or “kaki” (oys- File photo Perhaps, however, the most unusual tem- ter) furai. pura of all is ice cream. Breaded meats and Although it is hard to believe you have similar foods, on “ice” cream deep fried in 350 degree oil, the other hand, are it is possible. The trick is to encase the ice called “katsu” (cut- cream in a pound cake-like shell or some- let) such as “ton- thing similar with air pockets. The air in the katsu” (pork cut- cake prevents ice cream from melting in the let) or bifu-katsu heat until this unique tempura is cooked and (beef cutlet). ready to eat. They are con- Needless to say, it should be eaten as soon sidered to be as it is done cooking. completely different from tempura. Both furai All fried foods are and katsu are sea- TEMPURA: soned first, then flour, NOT equal egg and breadcrumbs You may have noticed that in addition to are applied before they are tempura there are also popular deep-fried deep fried. foods in Japan that are usually coated with There is also another popular Get deep-fried on it Photo courtesy of Uema Bento Tempuraten panko breadcrumbs. But make no mistake – Japanese fried dish, called “kara- Tempura at an Okinawan snack shop. as tasty as these foods may age.” This is usually, be, they are not tempura. chicken pieces, shrimp sauce has also been used as What sets them or octopus that is sea- a dipping sauce since Edo apart? It’s simple – soned then coated with Era when tempura tempura the breading. rice flour or starch beforer originated as an inexpensive e In Japan, fried being fried. y food for commoners. vegetables and sea- fr So whether you are look- food with bread- he- Takahiro Takiguchi, ing for a quick snack or an Facts from t crumbs are called Stripes Okinawa elaborate traditional meal, check out the nearest tem- Photo courtesy of Tan-nen pura-ya outside the gates. It’s a great way to get a true taste of the Land of the Rising Sun. Izumi Sakamoto of “The simple and quick cooking pro- Tan-nen restaurant in Hachinohe. “That WHAT’S IN A WORD? cess makes the flavor of any ingredient is the great charm of tempura.” that’s cooked really stand out,” says [email protected] Speculation on the origins of tempura

he recipe for tempura was introduced to Uema Bento Tempuraten Japan by Portuguese Jesuit missionaries Tparticularly active in the city of Nagasaki also founded by the Portuguese, during the six- Fish and shrimp tempura are the most popular at this shop. teenth century (1549). “We use whiptail for fish tempura because it has white soft meat and Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder and first shogun of it goes well with tempura,” says owner Yoshikazu Uema. “We don’t use the Tokugawa Shogunate of Japan, reportedly tuna, since the meat can be too hard for tempura.” loved tempura. Originally, tempura was a popu- According to Uema, texture of his tempura compares to “ta- lar food eaten at street venders called yatai since koyaki,” or breaded octopus treats, in the mainland. the Genroku era. “With thicker and tasty batter, you can eat it without The word “tempura,” or the technique of dip- sauce, but you may want to use sauce like mayon- ping fish and vegetables into a batter and frying naise or kethup, too,” he said. them, comes from the word “tempora,” a Latin “Our tempura may be a little tough to mainland- word meaning “times,” or “time period” used by similar to tempura called peixinhos da horta, ers. But it has a unique crispy yet puffy texture that both Spanish and Portuguese missionaries to re- “garden fishies.”, which consists in green beans I am sure everyone would enjoy.” fer to the Lenten period or Ember Days (ad tem- dipped in a batter and fried. The end result is The shop is located near Kadena Air Base and Camp pora quadragesimae), Fridays, and other Chris- usually chewier than tempura. Cortney, so you can drop by on the way home. tian holy days. It is also possible that the Portuguese picked You can order 100 or more tempura for any party Ember Days or quattuor tempora refer to holy the technique up from Goa which was their colo- opportunity. “Call us 30 minutes or an hour before you visit days when Catholics avoid red meat and instead ny in India and this could very well be a variation us, and your tempura will be ready to pick up when you arrive eat fish or vegetables. The idea that the word of the pakora. (may take longer on weekends),” Uema said. “tempura” may have been derived from the Por- The term “tempura” is thought to have gained This shop also offers home delivery, and you can eat there as well. tuguese noun tempero, meaning a condiment or popularity in southern Japan; it became widely seasoning of any kind, or from the verb temperar, used to refer to any sort of food prepared using meaning “to season” has not been substantiated. hot oil, including some already existing Japanese Location: 3-23-20 Noborikawa, Okinawa City However, the Japanese language could easily foods. Today, the word “tempura” is also com- Open 5 a.m.- 8 p.m. have assumed the word “tempero” as is, without monly used to refer to satsuma age, a fried fish URL: uemabento.com/ changing any vowels as the Portuguese pronun- cake which is made without batter. For more information, call 098-937-9477 ciation in this case is similar to the Japanese. Photos courtesy of Uema Bento Tempuraten There is still today a dish in Portugal very - Source: Wikipedia STRIPES OKINAWA E OF OK FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2019 AST INAW A T 6 A

Gen a real gem on Okinawa Offering authentic Japanese and Okinawan cuisine at a reasonable price, Gen was recognized in Stripes’ Best of the Pacific 2013 as the best restaurant to experience the local culture on Okinawa. Owner and Head Chef Naoki Tsukayama highly recommends the “Fish Garlic Butter Combo,” a popular dish among American customers. Tsukayama and his staff make you feel at home, so stop by and enjoy a delicious meal. Gen is located across from Camp Foster’s fire station. Just look for shi-shi dogs on a traditional Okinawan tile roof outside Foster’s Fire Station Gate.

Sam’s Café takes you back in time Step back in time and enjoy our 1950-60s café-style restaurant. Our American-style and -sized meals will make your mouth water and your taste buds tingle. Fillet mignon, juicy barbecue spare ribs, fresh fish and shrimp dinner sets are all the craze at Sam’s Cafe. Located right outside Camp Foster’s Gate #6, our café is popular with the military community. And why not? Our friendly staff and tasty food will make sure your meal is one to remember. So, whether you’re craving pasta or a lobster dinner, we’ve got you covered at Sam’s Café. We have original cocktails and a kids menu. FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2019 E OF OK STRIPES OKINAWA AST INAW A T 7 A

Get a taste of Hawaii at Hale Noa Cafe The Hale Noa Cafe in Chatan may have had a grand re-opening in January, but it has been serving its customers since 2015. With its Hawaiian vibe, Hale Noa serves up the some of the best of the 50th state’s favorite foods. Enjoy Macadamia Nut Pancakes, Hawaiian Bowl, Grilled Salmon and more! Hale Noa’s fluffy French Toast with berries and crème brulee sauce is to die for! Afterwards, wash it all down with one of our healthy and homemade smoothies. At Hale Noa Café, we are always adding new items to our all menu, so stay tuned!

Experience the true heart of Thailand If you’re looking to enjoy some tasty, authentic Thai food in a friendly and inviting environment, Jai Thai is the place for you. The first restaurant in Japan to win the prestigious Thai Prime Minister’s Award, Jai Thai has many delicious dishes to offer – including vegetar- ian. Jai Thai takes pride in the safety and freshness of the ingredients, which is why we use locally produced vegetables from contracted farmers. So, you can taste the freshness in every one of our dishes. Bring your friends and family to Jai Thai, and enjoy good food, drinks and fun! STRIPES OKINAWA E OF OK FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2019 AST INAW A T 8 A

We’ll dazzle you and your taste buds! Four Seasons teppanyaki steak house in Awase will not only dazzle you, but also your taste buds. Watch as our talented chefs slice, dice and cook up your entrées right at your table. It’s more than a meal, it’s an event! Our restaurant is the perfect place to relax, unwind and simply enjoy some foodie fun with your family, friend or that special someone. If you haven’t had the pleasure of enjoying Japanese teppanyaki, come in for a visit! Reservations recommended. We have a big counter that fits 14.

Japanese Teppanyaki a tasty treat for all Our teppanyaki steak house in Urasoe City is the perfect place to enjoy tasty food and have fun doing it with family and friends. Watch as our talented chefs slice, dice and cook up your entrées right at your table. It’s more than a meal, it’s an event! Located in a residential area and only a 10-minute drive from Camp Kinser, our Urasoe branch offers a casual atmosphere where all ages are welcome. If you haven’t had the pleasure of enjoying Japanese teppanyaki, you need to come to Four Seasons.