New Updates Coming – January 2012

This portion of the website is dedicated to providing helpful information to new and inbound families coming to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan.

** Be sure to SCROLL down to read all the necessary information once you clicked on a category **

The original www.iwakunimcas.com website was created by Ms Lisa Stewart, a military spouse who dedicated extensive time and effort into building every detail of the site during her tour in Iwakuni. When Lisa PCS’d, my company sponsored the site to keep it alive as a service to the community, because the information was so helpful to so many people.

This information is UNOFFICIAL and is simply for the purpose of military spouses helping others.  If you find something that is possibly outdated or incorrect, please send a message on the contact form at the upper right corner of the page.  The air station is going through many new changes and we would appreciate your proactive help with keeping the information current for everyone to use.

Saturday, November 26th Fee: Y 500

http://maps.google.co.jp/maps?hl=ja&ie=UTF-8&tab=wl&q=Iwakuni%20Kawanishi%202-9-35 

(Close to Campagne restaurant & Marukyu grocery store, Hwy 15)

Last Fall I was invited to attend a beautiful tea ceremony in the fall when the leaves were turning. It was at the museum/home of a famous Japanese woman named Uno Chiyo.  

I once read somewhere...”Uno Chiyo has spent most of her life in notoriety.  As a young woman she shocked the world with her bobbed hair, her Western fashions and her insatiable appetite for romance…she was a waitress, a magazine editor, a businesswoman and a kimono designer.  But it is as a writer that she will be remembered….”

Yes, I was captivated by her real life story.  Born November 28, 1897, she was one of the first Japanese women to openly live a more “free-spirited” lifestyle, which was a very big thing back in the early 1900′s.   She was a successful author and became very famous (or maybe I should say “notorious”) for her risque lifestyle.  I often wondered what she thought about the women of today?   What advice would she share with the modern woman?  Uno Chiyo died June 10th, 1996.

Her home in Iwakuni has been preserved as a museum and is open on special occasions to view her beautiful garden and home.   It was a wonderful time with dear friends and I look forward to attending again – hopefully you will too. 

Sports Day (体育の日, Taiiku no hi) is a national holiday in Japan, held every year second Monday in October.  However many schools plan this outdoor event (called “undokai”) in the month of  September because of  the cooler temperatures.

This joyful event is celebrated throughout the entire country and every child from K-12 grades take part in some sort of activity.   Kids get a chance to test their athletic skills and compete with each other in a variety of events!   Fun to watch and event for the entire family to enjoy!   Gambatte! (Good Luck!)

Now here’s that cute craft that you can make with your children!  It makes a great gift for the grandparents too!

Enjoy the video clip below!

テレビで私の番組をご覧いただけない方へ、番組で紹介した体育の日の記念写真縦の作り方の動画を投稿しますね。あなたのスーパー・スターを飾っちゃおう！お孫さんへのプレゼントにも最高よ！では楽しんでご覧下さい

You’ll need:

a photo, picture frames, astro-turf, hot glue, sports stickers, whistle, – anything else you wish to add on.

Shinto and Buddism

Some people say they are too embarassed to ask about religion in Japan,  let me try to clarify….

There are two main religions in Japan that most people adhere to Shinto (native to Japan) and Buddhism (introduced from China/Korea), they both date back many thousands of years.   There is an expression in Japanese, “Born Shinto, die Buddhist.”   This means that Shinto shrines mainly deal with ceremonies of life; birth, christening type ceremonies, ceremonies of good luck before a big event like a sports game or school examinations, and marriages.

Shinto Priest

Buddhist temples mainly deal with funeral rites and memorial ceremonies.   Many homes have both a small household Shinto shrine (yashiro) and a family Buddhist alter (butsudan) and pray to both of them all year round.   People pray to the yashiro and the Shinto Kami or god that protects the family and community.   They pray to the Butsudan for their beloved ancestors and place ceremonial food offerings such as rice, sweets, or maybe their favorite alcohol.

Buddist Priest

During Obon the butsudan is the center of attention. Obon is a time for praying for the ancestor and many households have a Buddhist priest visit the house and perform a short memorial ceremony.

Uno Chiyo’s Iwakuni Home – Butsudan

** Quick Tip ** As a newcomer to Japan you may become confused by the presence of both temples and shrines, but it’s really not that hard to tell the difference between the two places of worship.

Here are few clues to look for… AND be sure to read up on do’s and don’ts,before you visit –  you don’t want to disrepect anyone or the culture.

You are at a Shinto Shrine:

• You always enter a Shinto shrine through a torii gate.
• A pair of guardian dogs or lions, called shisa or komainu, often sit on each side of the entrance to a Shinto Shrine
• There is a purification fountain near the entrance to a Shinto shrine where you cleanse your mouth and hands before prayer.

You are at a Buddhist Temple:

• A Buddhist temple always houses an image of the Buddha and a large bell.
• A large incense burner is usually that the front of a temple.  The smoke created by the burning of incense is said to have healing properties.
• There is often a pagoda on the premises of a Buddhist temple … and now you know.

If you are craving a little taste of Hawaii, I have the perfect place for you and your family to visit.  On the lovely island of Oshima 大島郡 there’s a small resort that can make you feel like you are really in Hawaii!

Interesting fact – Did you know that Oshima Island has a sister-state?  It’s the island of Kaua’i, Hawaii! Green Stay Naguara is located on top of a hill overlooking the ocean and surrounding islands.  The facility provides a great number of activities, sports events, and during the summer nights you can enjoy watching traditional Hawaiian Luau performances from local dance groups.

***  VIDEO – Scroll down to see the Hula performances!  **

We were amazed to see that the main building was painted a pretty shade of pink – very festive and pretty!

We were immediately welcomed with warm greetings and smiles!  The super friendly staff had traditional Hawaiian shirts on which made the atmosphere truly feel like we were in Hawaii.   We decided to try out a few fun activities during our stay such as rollerskating and mountain biking!

After developing a hardy appetite, we headed over to the restaurant to see what was on the menu.  No English menus, however each dish had a photo next to it, so ordering was no problem at all.  Plus, everything looked great!  I also heard they have a sensational Hawaiian Beer Garden menu to choose from.  I need to go back and check that out before the summer passes!

Wide open seating and beautiful view of an open field that spreads across the resort.  The kids ordered the “Loco Moco” burger (hold the eggs please), and some other yummy dishes. Needless to say there wasn’t a crumb left!

Konishiki’s famous fish dish…..sugoi yummy!!

After our sensational meal, we walked around the grounds to admire the scenery and other things this beautiful place has to offer!

Great fun…

Wish to stay a little longer?  Check out these lovely spacious cabins for your family and friends!

….and if you wish to relax even more, visit the resort’s hot bath or onsen that has special treaments for any spa lovers needs!

One more thing…every Saturday night (August 6, 2011) you can watch a free Hawaiian Hula performance by local Japanese dancers.  Sit back, relax and enjoy the video!  Aloha!!

＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊ Information: Green Stay Nagaura　グリーンステイながうら

View Larger Map

There are many names for this annual event “Celestial Lovers Day, Star Festival, and China’s version of Valentines Day”  but in Japan “Tanabata” is a pretty special and incredibly colorful event. Un  festival romántica!

Tanabata, meaning- evening of the seventh,  is considered to be a mixture of Chinese and Japanese traditions.   It was introduced into Japan in the 8th century and became very popular folkore during the Edo Period or Tokugawa Period (1603 to 1868).

The story is about two lovers, Orihime (Vega) and Hikoboshi (Altair), separated by their families they can only meet across the Milky Way once a year on the night of July 7th.    The first time they tried to meet they realized they could not cross the river because there was no bridge.   Orihime (Vega) cried so much that a flock of birds called “Magpies” came and promised to make a bridge with their wings so that she could cross the river.   It is said that if it rains on Tanabata, the birds cannot come and the two lovers must wait until another year to meet.   How sad…

Today Japan, people generally celebrate this day by writing heartfelt wishes on small pieces of paper called “tanzaku”, hang them on a bamboo pole along with other decorations.  You write your special wish on a piece of paper and at midnight you burn it either in a lamp that you let float down a river or in a bonfire. I hope and pray your one true wish will come true!

Enjoy the video…you’ll get a better understanding of the celebration.

“There are no strangers here,  just friends who haven’t met yet”
はじめて出会った人でもみんな友、ここには知らない人などいない。

There’s a wonderful place to go if you want to feel the warmth and rich traditions of Ireland; right here in the heart of Hiroshima, Japan!  Molly Malone’s is an authentic Irish pub with a charming, fun, friendly atmosphere.

アイルランドの温かくリッチなトラディションを感じたいのなら、このレストランはまさにお勧めの場所。しかも、広島の中心部にあるのよ！　「モーリー・マロンズ」はチャーミングで、楽しく、フレンドリーな雰囲気の正真正銘のアイリッシュ・パブ。

The professional and friendly staff take great pride in providing excellent service.  Their traditional Irish recipes are prepared on the premises, using only the finest ingredients.  I couldn’t wait to try a little of everything! (Believe me I did!)

プロフェッショナルでフレンドリーなスタッフのサービスも満点。お店で丁寧に作られる伝統的なアイルランド料理は最高の素材を使って作られています。私も全メニュー制覇するのが待ちきれないくらいおいしいの。

And if your wondering about the beer?  They have plenty of the “good stuff” – fresh Guinness, Kilkenny, Bass Pale Ale and a whole lot more!  Their  commitment to stay true to the Irish tradition shows with their passion to serve the “perfect” lip-smacking pint of beer.

それから、あなたの一番知りたいのは「ビール」よね。もちろんお店には「最高のビール」がたくさん揃っているわ。ギネス、キルケニー、バス・ペール・エール、そのほかにもたくさんよ！モーリー・マロンズでは、１パイントの本当に美味しい「完璧」なビールをお客様にお出しすることで、本物のアイルランドの伝統を保ち続けているの。

Enjoy my interview with Mark Gardiner,
オーナーのマーク・ガーディナーさんのインタビューをお楽しみください。

owner of Molly Malone’s & Molly’s Mediterranean Cafe (Med Cafe)
彼はこの「モーリー・マロンズ」と「モーリーズ・メッド・カフェ」のオーナーです。

For starters…Potato & Leek Soup with Irish Soda Bread
スターター・・・ポテトとリークのスープ　アイリッシュ・ソーダ・ブレッドと一緒に

Then I asked Mark , what was the most popular dish served – without any hesitation it was their famous Fish & Chips - which was absolutely fantastic!
オーナーのマークさんに伺ったのは一番人気のメニュー」　・・・疑う余地もなく　かの有名な「フィッシュ＆チップス」なんだって。　私も試したけどこれはホントにファンタスティックだったわ！

Here are a few other photos of what this great place has to offer….(my stomach is growling again)
ほかにもぜひ食べてもらいたいポテトの料理があるわよ・・・（私の胃もまた、だんだん大きくなってくるわ　笑）

Jameson Chicken　ジェイムソン・チキン

Bread & Butter Pudding, Brown Bread Ice Cream and Apple Pie
ブレッド＆バター・プディング、ブラウン・ブレッド・アイスクリーム、　アップルパイ

Irish eyes were smiling…. I highly recommend this pub/restaurant to anyone wishing to experience a warm welcome, delicious food, and the hospitality that the Irish are famous for!   Cheers, Kanpaii - or shall I say Slàinte! (sh-lan-te)アイルランドの瞳は微笑んでいる・・・。「モーリー・マロンズ」はパブとしても、レストランとしても、温かな歓迎、美味しい料理、有名なアイルランドのポスピタリティーにあふれたお勧めの場所です！　みなさんも　ぜひ一度日本でアイルランドを満喫してみてはいかがですか？　チアーズ、乾杯、うーーん　今日はアイルランド式にサルーテ！

Thank you Mark and to the entire staff at Molly Malone’s for a memorable experience.
取材にご協力いただきました、マーク・ガーディナーさんと「モーリー・マロンズ」の全スタッフの皆様に心より感謝申し上げます。

Visit their website to learn more about their special and live music events
お店の情報やライブの音楽イベントについては下のリンクからお店のHPへ

www.mollymalones.jp

Special Event “St. Patrick’s Day Party” Wednesdy March 17, 2010
Come and Enjoy the Craic and Irish Live music!

Live from 8pm
Taro(whistles), Leslie Denniston(Bodhran) & Yoko Kumazawa (fiddle)..only for 17th
**free admission

伝統的なお祭り「セントパトリックスデー」をご一緒に楽しみましょう
ライブ演奏　午後８時～
レズリー・デニストン（ヴォーカル、バウロン他）、きしもとタロー（ブズーキ、アイリッシュ・フルート）、熊澤洋子（ヴァイオリン）
＊熊澤洋子は３月１７日のみの出演

Information about the restaurant ：
モーリーマロンズ　Molly Malone’s- Authentic Irish Pub

• [Category]  Irish, アイリッシュ
• [Address]　1-20 Shintenchi Naka-ku Hiroshima shi, Hiroshima ken (Teigeki-kaikan 4F)
  広島市中区新天地　１－２０ 広島帝劇会館４Ｆ
• [Phone] 　(0827)22-0566
• [open time] Mon-Sat    5PM-7PM   Saturday, Sunday & holidays open from 11:30 AM.
• [English menu] Yes
• web site: http://www.mollymalones.jp/
  Map 地図

大きな地図で見る

In all my years of living in Japan, there is always something special about the festivals – it’s the people, the colors, the excitement, the harmonious and festive atmosphere – I truly love it. On October 18th the city of Iwakuni held the 53rd annual “Iwakuni Festival.” The whole community came together and welcomed thousands of visitors to the downtown area.   

The energy was high, people were excited, and the event was a BIG success. There were so many activities and things happening at the same time, I was only able to catch a glimpse at some of it. There were so many marching bands I lost count (maybe 15?), all playing their hearts out with pride; and the dancing ladies in their colorful costumes were just beautiful. I saw nothing but smiles,  laughter,  dancing, and happiness.  

The town embraced everyone with a touch of kindness and genuine hospitality that day.   One of the things I love most is the demonstration of pride in their culture and traditions, which are passed down to the younger generations that follow.  No matter the ages, everyone was having a great time, especially me!  I hope you can get a feeling of what the day was like.

　私の日本での暮らしの中には、いつもお祭りがあるわ。人々、いろんな彩り、たくさんの興奮、それから和やかな雰囲気にあふれたお祭り。本当に好きにならずにはいられない。
　１０月１８日は岩国市で「第５３回岩国祭り」があったの。付近の人があつまって、たくさんの来訪者を歓迎していたわ。お祭りはにぎやかで、みんなエキサイトしていて、このイベントは大成功。様々な催しが一度にいろんな所で行われて、チラッとしか見られないものもあったくらい。たくさんのマーチング・バンドもあってそれは数え切れないくらいだったわ（１５くらいかな？）プライドをかけた心からの演奏に感動したわ。そして踊りの連の女性達は色とりどりの衣装でまさに「美しい」の一語ね。
　祭りの中にあったのは、ただ笑顔、笑い声、踊り、そして幸せだけ。町は温かい心と、やさしいホスピタリティーに包まれていたわ。
　私が日本で目にする最も好きなことの一つは、こういったことで示される上の世代から若い世代、そしてその次の世代へと脈々と引き継がれていく文化と伝統に対する誇りよ。年齢に関係なくみんなが素晴らしい時間を過ごしたわ、特に私はね！  この日の雰囲気が少しでも皆さんにお伝えできますように。
ジャッキー

Wonderful performances from people of ALL ages!    Sugoi! 

I had an interculture booth displaying many Halloween items, needless to say so many came by to a “hello” and grab some free candy!

Can’t wait for October 17th, 2010….my kids are going to want to again!  I hope to see you all there next year!

” One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”

May 14, 2010

January 21, 2010 was a devastating day for the country of Haiti. The country is still trying to recover from this massive disaster and the number of displaced people reaches up to one million.  It’s absolutely heartbreaking…

Two famous Haitian musicians Azor and Boulo Valcourt, along with singer Sara Rénélik are traveling through Japan to perform a charity concert tour for their homeland of Haiti.

The town of Yamaguchi City will hold this concert  at  “Tokusho-ji”（徳證寺）Temple on May 14th, 2010.   Please participate, sit back and enjoy, and help the people of Haiti.   Mark your calender and make a difference by attending this wonderful and worthy event.

みなさんご承知のとおり、本年１月２１日大きな地震がハイチを襲いました。今なおハイチの人びとは深刻な状況下で暮らしています。理解と救済を求めるため、ハイチの有名なミュージシャン、アゾール＆ブロー・バルクール＆サラ・リネリックが来日しコンサートツアーを行っています。このコンサートでは元在日大使のマルセル・デュレ氏からハイチの現状報告があわせて行われます。
山口県では、山口市黒川にある徳證寺（とくしょうじ）で５月１４日に開催されます。ひょっとすると、このコンサートが「何かあなたにできること」かもしれません＾＾

A video clip of the performers

Date: 5/14(Fri.) Open house: 18:30- Start: 19:00-
日時：５月１４日（金）開場：18:30 開演19:00
Place: Tokusyo-ji 138 Kurokawa Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi.
　　　　　《Able to use Fuji-Grand(Shopping center) Parking lot》
会　場：浄土真宗本願寺派 江嶋山 徳證寺 山口県山口市黒川138
　　  　　《フジグラン山口の駐車場使用可》
Fee: Adult- adv/door 3000 yen/3300 yen. Student- adv/door 1500 yen/1800 yen
           Under Elementary School- free
料金：前売/当日 大人3000/3300　学生1500/1800 小学生以下無料

【For More Information 問合先】083-924-3492(徳證寺/Tokusyo-ji) / 083-923-8383(Organ’s Melody)

徳證寺サイト/web site of Tokusyo-ji     http://www.tokushouji.com/tokushouji/TOP.html