Aug 13, 2009www.torii.army.mil

Serving the U.S. Army Japan community

August 26, 2010VOL. 38, NO. 33

Serving the U.S. Army Japan community

www.torii.army.mil

2 News 6 Community 11 Calendar 4 Community 8 Sports 12 Travel

INSIDE the TORII

Ring the alarmPhoto by Tetsuo Nakahara

YOKOHAMA NORTH DOCK, Japan – Haruka Usui, 8, is assisted by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jesus Gonzalez-Borjas, a marine maintenance officer assigned to Army Field Support Battalion – North East Asia, while trying to ring the alarm in the control cabin aboard a Landing Craft Utility 2000 vessel Thursday during a children’s study tour hosted by Yokohama City at Yokohama North Dock. More than 40 local elementary and junior-high students attended the study tour.

New Sanno Hotel employee’s actions save lifeBy Tetsuo NakaharaTorii Staff

Photo by Tetsuo NakaharaShinya Motokura, left, a security guard at the New Sanno Hotel, receives a certificate of recognition Tuesday for saving the life of a patron who began choking during a wedding held at the hotel.

For saving the life of a patron at Tokyo’s New Sanno Hotel, a Master Labor Contract employee who works as a security guard there received a meritorious award Tuesday.

On Aug. 7, an 87-year-old Japanese male became incapaci-tated while eating at a wedding party being held in the restaurant of the hotel. Security was notified and responded to find the man unconscious, unresponsive and not breathing. Shinya Motokura, one of the security guards on duty

at the time, conducted preliminary checks and determined the man was choking, which prompted him to perform mouth-clearing procedures.

After Motokura conducted appropriate rescue breathing, the man began breathing, albeit labo-riously. He was still unresponsive and had fixed pupils. Motokura positioned the man on his side and conducted a series of abdominal thrusts, which dislodged the re-maining portion of food from the mouth of the man. The man was then transported to a local hospital for a post-checkup.

“My Red Cross training really

paid off,” said Motokura. “The important thing was to remain calm. I’m just happy I could help the man.”

At the ceremony, Motokura was awarded by Charles Cavill, general manager of the New Sanno, and Kenneth Romero, station manager at Camp Zama’s American Red Cross, for his achievement. Isao Imai, chief of the Tokyo Fire Department, also gave Motokura a certificate of appreciation for his efforts.

“I want to keep taking Red Cross training to brush up on my lifesaving skills,” said Mo-tokura.

2 August 26, 2010 TORII www.torii.army.milNEWS

Zama Briefs

Housing RemindersThe commander and command sergeant major of U.S. Army Garrison – Japan would like to remind housing residents that mold can become a problem during the hot and humid summer season in Japan. Mold needs moisture and a food source (cloth, wood, drywall) to grow. Residents can help eliminate mold by: keeping indoor humid-ity low (below 60 percent if possible); not setting the air-conditioning thermostat too low (this causes condensation to develop, which can help develop mold); cleaning air-conditioning filters monthly; keeping bathroom exhaust fans running for several minutes after showering to remove humid air; allowing sunlight in by opening blinds and curtains; not leaving windows wide open while running the air conditioner (open windows allow humid air to enter, while allowing cool air to escape); using dessicants (available at the Self-Help stores) in closets and other small, confined spaces; and reporting roofing and plumbing leaks as soon as they are detected.

EFMP Respite CareExceptional Family Member Program Respite Care is a program that provides a temporary rest period for those who are responsible for the regular care of someone with disabilities. Eligibility is based on EFMP enrollment and the family member’s medical and educational conditions. If you are interested in being an EFMP respite care provider, you must be 18 years or older and posses a Social Security card. Training will be provided by Army Community Service. Call ACS at 263-4572 for more information.

New Parent SupportThe New Parent Support Program, a division of the Family Advocacy Program, specializes in assisting and offering services to new and expecting parents. Play Morning is an interactive play-group session for parents and children up to 6 years old that brings families together by engaging them in play. Play Morning is held twice a week, every Tuesday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Zama Chapel day care facility and on the second, third and fourth Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Arnn Elementary School in EDIS. One-time registration is required. Breastfeeding support groups are held on the first Thursday of the month at Army Community Service from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and on the third Monday of the month at the Sagamihara Family Housing Area Child Development Center from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Baby Bundles, a starter kit that provides information and materials for first-time expecting mothers, can be picked up at ACS during regular business hours.

DRMO now DLAThe Defense Logistics Agency is the new name of the organization formerly known as the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office. The local site is now called DLA Disposition Services. DLA will continue to provide the same level of quality service and support to their customers as before.

New financial benefits available to retireesUSAG-J Retiree CouncilSpecial to the Torii

Retirees and surviving spouses residing in Japan are currently unable to have their retirement or annuity payments direct de-posited into Japanese banks. The Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs have procedures for the direct deposit of payments to Japanese banks. However, Defense Finance and Accounting Service payments must be sent by mail in the form of a hard-copy check.

Additionally, due to the Status of Forces Agreement with Japan, retirees and their surviving spouses lose their privilege to utilize military banking facilities either upon retirement or upon the sponsor’s death. This places an undue hardship on many retirees and surviving spouses who may not reside in close proximity to a military installation.

Additionally, the International Direct Deposit procedure cur-rently in use by the SSA and DVA provides for the conversion to foreign currency at commercial rates, avoiding excessive transfer and exchange fees, and the deposit of the foreign currency in the foreign bank without any additional charge to the government or the recipient. DFAS currently offers IDD to numerous other countries other than Japan.

In December 2009 the United States Army Japan Region Retiree Council, with assistance from Mathew Matunas, the U.S. Army Garrison – Japan retirement services officer, submitted this issue to the chief of staff of the Army’s Retiree Council. This council meets once each year to address issues that affect retirees and surviving spouses throughout the world.

The most recent meeting of the council was held April 26 through 30 at the Pentagon, during which they reviewed and discussed 32 issues submitted by 16 installation retiree councils. During the meeting, the deputy director of Retiree and Annuitant Pay from DFAS reported to the council that DFAS will initiate action with the Department of the Treasury to authorize direct deposit to Japan. The full report can be accessed online at https://www.armyg1.army.mil/rso/docs/CSARetireeCouncil_2010.pdf.

“This proves the system will work; the key to success is persever-ance and believing in what you are doing,” said retired Command Sgt. Maj. Chuck Hopkins, chairman of the Japan Region Council. “Everyone can make a difference if they really want to; all it takes is to raise the issue and voice your concerns.”

Retirees or surviving spouses who have issues they would like to bring to the attention of the Retiree Council can send them in an e-mail to retireecouncil@zama.army.mil. For more information, contact the USAG-J RSO at 263-3940.

Boy Scouts in Okinawa hike 100 miles to celebrate centennial anniversary By Lauren HallTorii Station Public Affairs

Photo by Chip SteitzScout Master Marty Roberts, right, marches with Boy Scouts Aug. 17 in Okinawa on the second day of their six-day, 100-mile trek from Kadena Air Base to the island’s Hedo Point in celebration of the Boy Scouts of America’s 100th anniversary.

TORII STATION, Okinawa – Eight Boy Scouts in Okinawa marched 100 miles in six days, starting at Ryukyu Middle School on Kadena Air Base and finishing at the island’s northernmost point, Hedo Point, to celebrate the Boy Scouts of America’s 100th anniversary.

The scouts, led by Torii Station’s Chap-lain, Maj. Damon Saxton, an Eagle Scout, began their adventure at 4 a.m. on Aug. 16 and finished after reaching Hedo Point Saturday afternoon.

“Originally we had about 20 who said they wanted to participate, but a lot of them kind of got daunted by the thought of going 100 miles, so they didn’t start with us,” said Saxton. “We ended up starting out with nine scouts, but one got overheated and had to go home on the first day.”

The boys, ranging in age from 10 to 15, represented several different Boy Scout troops on the island: 102, 107, 108, 112 and 118. Saxton is the leader of Troop 107.

“A lot of the stuff we’re working on is for scouting merit badges, so it’s not just that they’re marching 100 miles; they’re earning several merit badges along the way,” said Saxton. “They’re earning a camping merit badge, backpacking merit badge and a hiking merit badge.”

Not only will the boys earn their merit badges, they will also get a special reward from the U.S. Mint. “The U.S. Mint made a silver dollar coin specifically for the Boy Scouts for the centennial celebration, and each one of them who finishes will get one of those … that was very motivating,” said Saxton.

Each day began early, usually around 3:30 a.m., and consisted of a 16-mile hike.

See BOY SCOUTS, Page 5

NEWSwww.torii.army.mil

This Army-funded newspaper is an authorized publication for the members of the Army community in Japan in accordance with Army Regulation 360-1. Contents of the TORII are not necessarily the official view of, or endorsement by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the U.S. Army Garrison Japan command. It is published weekly by the TORII staff of the USAG-J HNR/Public Affairs office, APO, AP 96343-0054, phone 315-263-5978.

This publication, with a weekly circulation of 2,000, is printed by Pacific Stars and Stripes, Tokyo. All photos are U.S. Army photographs unless otherwise indicated. The newspaper uses military news services including American Forces Press Service and Army News Service.

Story and photo submissions not pertaining to commercial advertising may be sent to the USAG-J HNR/PAO TORII Office at least two weeks prior to the desired publication date. The TORII is distributed every Thursday. Submissions may be e-mailed to the editor at dustin.perry@us.army.mil. The editor reserves the right not to publish submissions not in accordance with Army Public Affairs regulations and standard operating procedures. Editorial offices are located in room A-208, Bldg. 102, South Camp Zama, Japan.

T RII Newspaper Commanding General: Maj. Gen. Francis J. WiercinskiGarrison Commander: Col. Perry HeltonGarrison Public Affairs Officer: Edward H. RoperEditor: Dustin PerryStaff: Tetsuo NakaharaOkinawa Bureau Chief: Anastasia MorenoOkinawa Bureau Staff: Lauren Hall

TORII August 26, 2010 3

Sound Off!Do you have a concern or an issue on your mind? Are you seeking a channel for your voice to be heard? Look no further. The Torii welcomes all letters regarding

issues or concerns involving the Camp Zama community as a whole. Critical letters should offer suggestions for resolutions as applicable. Letters or e-mails must be signed, but names will be withheld in publication upon request. The Torii will protect the names of its sources if they so desire.

Letters may be edited for content and length according to the Associated Press Stylebook and the Torii Style Guide.If you would like to have your voice heard in the Torii, e-mail your letters to the editor at dustin.perry@us.army.mil, or send by regular mail to:

HNR / Public AffairsU.S. Army Garrison JapanATTN: TORII EditorUnit 45005, IMPC-JA-HNR/PAAPO AP 96338

Business booming at Kadena veterinary clinic

Photo by Lauren HallDr. (Maj.) Kent Vince, right, chief of veterinary services for the Japan District Veterinary Command’s Okinawa branch on Kadena Air Base, examines Faith, a female labrador mix, in preparation for an X-ray procedure.

By Lauren HallTorii Station Public Affairs

TORII STATION, Okinawa – The process of getting veterinary care for pets while stationed in Okinawa is no different than in the U.S., but personnel here work tirelessly to provide care for a broad assortment of customers.

U.S. Army Veterinary Command is the executive agency for animal health care for the Department of Defense – to include all branches of the military – but the unit also serves the Border Patrol, Transportation Security Authority, the FBI and Secret Service, said Maj. Kent Vince, chief of veterinary services for the Japan District Veterinary Com-mand’s Okinawa branch on Kadena Air Base.

“Our facility is considered a surgical referral facility within the Pacific for all military or government working animal issues because we’re the biggest veterinary clinic outside of the main military working dog center at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas,” said Vince.

The JDVC’s primary mission is to care for military working dogs, followed by privately owned animals. Currently, there are 38 military working dogs from the Marine Corps and Air Force on Okinawa. The Veterinary Treatment Facility in Okinawa sees roughly 100 to 115 patients per day.

The services provided at the clinic for pets include health certificates to get the animals on and off the island, fulfill-ing Japan’s quarantine requirements for all in-bound pets, microchip implantation (mandatory for all pets owned by Status of Forces Agreement personnel), vaccinations, spay-ing and neutering, surgery, and preventive medicine.

“Preventive medicine includes routine care, vaccina-tions, feline leukemia virus testing, feline immunodefi-ciency virus testing and treatment, sick call, medical work ups, and heartworm testing and treatment,” said Vince.

“Heartworm disease, which is transmitted by mosqui-toes, is very prevalent here in Okinawa. Humans can’t get it, but it can be transmitted from one pet to another through mosquitoes,” Vince added. “We sell a lot of heartworm-prevention medication, and we do a lot of testing and treatment for animals who do come up positive.”

Pet owners can save themselves and their pets a lot of heartache by first having their pet tested for heartworm and, once they’re in the clear, beginning an ongoing prevention program. Heartworm is easily prevented, but can be fatal if left untreated.

Other common problems in Okinawa are fleas and ticks. Fleas often result in tapeworms if ingested by pets, and ticks can cause Lyme and other diseases. Usually if

one pet in a household has a tapeworm, they will all get it. Prevention is the key to avoiding these problems, said Vince, and the clinic offers nonprescription preventive medication available for purchase.

Most patients at the VTF are dogs and cats, but the facility has the capability to treat numerous types of animals.

“If there are veterinarians available and willing to see hamsters, snakes or rabbits, then they may see them on a case-by-case basis,” said Vince. “If you have exotic animals, you need to go off base for their care. That being said, we just did a couple of rabbit surgeries earlier this week.”

The VTF is appointment-based, but appointments book up quickly. There is a walk-in vaccine clinic on Wednesday afternoons, in addition to a quarterly weekend vaccine clinic.

The original clinic site is currently undergoing exten-sive construction and renovation and has been temporarily relocated to Bldg. 224 on Kadena. The renovated clinic is

scheduled to reopen for business in February 2011. Pet owners who are preparing to come to Okinawa

should check with the VTF as soon as possible to ensure they don’t encounter problems taking their animal with them to their next assignment, said Vince.

“If you’re going back to the states, it’s important that you make sure all of your pet’s vaccinations are up to date at least 30 days before travel,” said Vince. “Obtain a health certificate within 10 days of traveling. If you’re going any-where other than the states, check with us at least 45 to 60 days in advance of travel for specific information.”

While it is fun and rewarding to be a pet owner, it also requires time, responsibility, money and commitment, said Vince.

“A pet isn’t just for a couple of weeks or a couple of years – it’s for that pet’s lifetime,” said Vince.

Visit http://kadenaforcesupport.com/vetweb/index.htm for more information.

COMMUNITY4 August 26, 2010 TORII www.torii.army.mil

Photos by Dustin PerryMina Toyoda, left, of the 2nd Kanagawa Girl Scout Troop, eats lunch with Olivia Snyder of Camp Zama’s Junior Troop No. 67 Sunday at Dewey Park. The 2nd Kanagawa Troop was invited to the installation for a two-day camping trip during which both the U.S. and Japanese scouts completed a variety of activities that will hopefully lead to their sharing the Lady Baden-Powell Award, which recognizes “productive long-term relationships” between U.S. Girl Scouts overseas and their host countries.

U.S., Japan Girl Scouts camp at Dewey ParkBy Dustin PerryTorii Editor

(From left): Olivia Snyder, Pately Johnson and Maria Cabral, all members of Camp Zama’s Junior Troop No. 67, cook their dinners on a grill Saturday at Dewey Park.

Girl Scouts from two nations strength-ened their sisterhood, learned vital skills, and spent a night under the stars during a two-day camping trip held in the woods at Dewey Park here.

Representatives from the U.S. Girl Scout program at Camp Zama invited Japan’s 2nd Kanagawa Troop to the installation Satur-day and Sunday for the event. The scouts completed a variety of activities that will hopefully lead to their sharing the presti-gious Lady Baden-Powell Award.

Named for the wife of Robert Baden-Powell, a British soldier who founded both Scouting and Girl Guides in early 1900s Britain, the award recognizes the foster-ing of “friendly and productive long-term relationships between U.S. Girl Scouts overseas and their host country.”

“You can only earn [the Baden-Powell Award] overseas,” said April Snyder, troop leader and overseas committee co-chair for the Camp Zama Girl Scouts. “It’s basically the most prestigious international award you can earn as a Girl Scout.”

Earning the Baden-Powell Award re-quires each Girl Scout to complete activities in at least three out of five categories: Com-

munity, Culture, Camping, Communication and Crafts. The scouts completed the latter three during the weekend event and plan to fulfill the final two requirements later this year, said Snyder.

After unpacking their equipment and erecting their tents Saturday morning at Dewey Park, the scouts immediately began their planned activities. U.S. scouts taught

their Japanese counterparts how to make friendship bracelets, followed by members of the 2nd Kanagawa troop demonstrating the paper-folding art of origami.

Learning native songs and games from both countries strengthened the girls’ com-munication skills and helped them bond during the camping trip, said Snyder.

“Our girls needed to see that communica-

tion doesn’t have to be perfect to appreci-ate, care about and enjoy other people,” said Snyder. “They found their own way to communicate, and I think everyone had fun learning they can have a good time just being together.”

Nobuko Asano, troop leader for the 2nd Kanagawa Troop, said she will be proud if both troops succeed in earning the Baden-Powell Award, but any opportunity for the two groups to meet and interact is a fun and invaluable experience, she said.

“Different cultures meet together and sometimes there are difficulties, [but] we don’t have any difficulties,” said Asano. “Our friendship makes it easy. I feel we are all sisters, and this event helped bring us together.”

When it came time to eat during the camping trip, the Girl Scouts were shown how to grill their own foil-wrapped dinners, cook omelets in a bag, and even make their own ice cream. The chance to spend time outdoors was a rare and wonderful experi-ence, said Kazane Suzuki, 13, of the 2nd Kanagawa Troop.

“We live near the city, so we don’t have any kind of natural areas like this,” said Su-zuki. “To be able to come to Camp Zama and camp in an environment filled with nature was really calming and soothing.”

COMMUNITYTORII August 26, 2010 5www.torii.army.mil

Photo by Dustin Perry(From right): Ayako Nick, a program technician at the Sagamihara Family Housing Area Child Development Center, shows a baby chicken to preschool enrollees Kylie Christy, 5, and Tyler Lyerly, 4, Thursday during the facility’s inaugural End-of-Summer Block Party. The event featured games, food and community information.

Fun-filled CDC Block Party signals end of summer By Dustin PerryTorii Editor

Knowing all good things must come to an end, the staff at one child development center here organized a fitting send-off to summer vacation in the form of their inaugural block party.

Held Thursday at the Sagamihara Family Housing Area CDC, the event sprang from the idea of wanting to provide the children enrolled there and their families with a day of activities and community information before the start of the new school year, said Roberto Medina, the center’s assistant director.

“We had a lot going on at the center [this summer] – we had a lot of new families coming in from the states and we started Kinder Camp,” said Medina. “We do a similar program every year, but this year Kinder Camp was done by our staff. We’re celebrating Kinder Camp’s last official week, [so] we invited the community and all the parents to enjoy a day outside.”

While dozens of children at the block party played on inflatable trampolines, saw a variety of small animals at an on-site petting zoo, or got a close-up look at a fire truck from the SFHA Fire Department, representatives from various branches of Camp Zama’s Child and Youth Services were there to offer parents vital information on the services they provide.

“A lot of parents are new to Camp Zama and they haven’t had that face-to-face time with some of those [CYS] or-ganizations, so we thought it would be cool to have them out here along with the activities,” said Turkessa Walker, a training curriculum specialist at the Sagamihara CDC. “We’re part of a huge team at CYS. Next year, hopefully we can offer more activities and information at the event.”

Crystal Hayes, the mother of a 3-year-old who is enrolled

at the Sagamihara CDC, said she enjoyed the block party because it was a family-oriented event with broad appeal. She went on to commend the staff there for their superior service – not just during the summer, but year-round.

“They’re all really warm and welcoming here,” said Hayes. “I just love it; it feels like a family here.”

The Sagamihara CDC provides care for children from the age of 6 weeks to pre-kindergarteners.

Continued from Page 2

The first six miles went toward the scouts earning their backpack merit badge. Carry-ing their food in their backpack six miles a day for five days is a requirement for earning the badge, said Saxton.

Afterward, they were able to offload their backpacks onto a support vehicle and continue the rest of the day’s hike without the added weight.

The next 10 miles were credited toward the scouts’ hiking merit badge. The final day of the hike, from Okuma to Hedo Point, was the longest day: a grueling 20 miles.

As its name implies, the camping merit badge is earned by camping along the way – mostly in campgrounds, but on the first night they camped on a ball field at Nakodomari Middle School in Onna Village.

“Nakodomari Middle School let us stay in their ball field,” said Saxton. “That was very kind of them because it didn’t cost us any money. It costs about $50 to $60 a night to stay in the campgrounds.”

The hike was difficult and several scouts sustained injuries along the way. The old-est boy on the hike, 15-year-old Matthew Dalton, was stung by a jellyfish on the first day while taking a break at Torii Beach. Ian Kay, 11, was burned on the second day after spilling his hot spaghetti dinner on his foot. Ellis Rodgers, 10, whose mother Joan is a budget analyst at Torii Station, and D.J. Edwards, 13, both got plantar fasciitis, an

Photo by Lauren HallBoy Scouts pick up trash Thursday at Yagaji Beach in Okinawa during their 100-mile hike across to celebrate the Boy Scouts of America’s centennial anniversary.

inflammation on the balls of the feet that is very painful and causes the feet to swell.

Edwards also got heat cramps on his ham-strings. Almost all the boys ended up getting

blisters somewhere on their feet.“It’s very tiring to walk in the wrong

shoes,” said Edwards, whose mother brought lunch out for everyone on Tuesday and Wednesday. “I started out wearing the wrong shoes, so I ended up changing them.”

There were volunteers who helped all along the way, making sure everyone stayed safe and healthy, providing assistance when needed.

“We have a medic with us, First Sergeant Chad Campbell, who’s been coming out to help us every evening,” Saxton said during the hike. “He’s gone over all [the scouts’] feet and has addressed any problems they’ve had, such as dressing their blisters. He’s been a lifesaver for us, that’s for sure.”

Two Marines from the Single Marine Program volunteered to help out on the hike, but one of them wound up going to the hospital on Thursday night with severe cellulitis, a bacterial infection that began when a blister burst.

“We were there to help out as road guards, lookouts and guides,” said Lance Cpl. Alec Tannenbaum, from Camp Schwab’s SMP.

The Scouts reached their 100-mile mark at Hedo Point and were met by their fami-lies before heading back to Okuma for a barbecue to celebrate their victory.

“We’ll load everybody up in cars and head back to Okuma,” said Saxton. “After they’ve hiked 100 miles, they’re not going to make it much further.”

BOY SCOUTS: Six-day hike takes group across Okinawa“It’s very tiring ... I started out wearing the wrong shoes, so I ended up changing them.”

-D.J. Edwards, 13Boy Scout in Okinawa

6 August 26, 2010 TORII

COMMUNITYTORII August 26, 2010 7www.torii.army.mil

U.S. Army’s ‘Flash Point’ plays at ATSUGI JAZZ NIGHTBy Tetsuo NakaharaTorii Staff

More than 15,000 people visited Hatopoppo Park in Atsugi City on Thursday and Friday during the annual Atsugi Jazz Night, which included performances from the 296th Army Band’s Flash Point.

Members of the Senshu University band “MJA Blue Coral” perform their fresh jazz sound while wearing yukata onstage Friday at the outdoor Atsugi Jazz Night.

Sgt. Edward Criswell, left, a member of the 296th Army Band’s “Flash Point,” assists the Nissan B&S Jazz Orchestra by playing bass guitar with them during their performance Friday at Atsugi Jazz Night.

Staff Sgt. Ryan Kight, a member of the 296th Army Band’s “Flash Point” band, plays a saxaphone solo onstage at Atsugi Jazz Night.

Members of the 296th Army Band’s “Flash Point” trombone team perform on stage Thursday at Hatopoppo Park. Photos by Tetsuo Nakahara

Members of Flash Point, the 296th Army Band’s “big band”-style jazz group, perform as the headliners at Atsugi Jazz Night, held Thursday and Friday.

More than 15,000 attendees were blessed with smooth musi-cal performances from several groups that came together for the two-day Atsugi Jazz Night event held Thursday and Friday at Hatopoppo Park in Atsugi City.

Atsugi Jazz Night is an outdoor music festival hosted annually in its namesake city, and which has been increasing in popularity ev-ery year since it debuted in 2003. The event, previously known as “Yu Suzumi,” took on its new moniker this year.

Flash Point, a band within U.S. Army Japan’s 296th Army Band, was invited to play as the headlin-ing act of the festival. The group, comprised of approximately 20 members, has a distinctly “big band” sound reminis-cent of the 1930s and ‘40s Swing Era.

“It’s really nice to play here because it’s a bilateral event – and we represent the U.S. Army at Atsugi City, which is close to Camp Zama, so it’s kind of like playing in our backyard little bit,” said Sgt. 1st Class Lance Powell, Flash Point’s band leader.

“We love playing for Japanese because they are very appreciative of music and culture. They are always a good audience.”

Flash Point performed six songs in front of the biggest crowd of the day, most of whom eagerly danced and clapped their hands to the band’s lively sounds. As an encore Flash Point played “In the Mood,” a jazz lover’s staple, which received a stand-

ing ovation from the entire park.There were more than 15 jazz bands that

played, including professional and amateur college groups.

“This is our biggest event for the sum-mer,” said Shohei Yokoo, a member of Senshu University’s band, MJA Blue Coral. “When we played here last year we saw the Army Band playing, and they were so

good. We want to be like them; they seem to enjoy playing mu-sic but they are so precise at the same time.”

The event was scheduled during the week as a means of convenience to encourage atten-dance from those whose weekend schedules are busy. Atsugi City is also known for its local gourmet. Various foods such as yakitori, locally brewed beer and Atsugi hamburgers were available for purchase during the event.

“We have many family activi-ties in Atsugi City, but this one is more for adults to enjoy music and good food,” said Yuichi Nishiumi, a division manager of industrial promotion for Atsugi City.

“Music is a universal lan-guage; it can reach everyone from

children to the elderly,” said Nishiumi. “We are so happy the U.S. Army Band joined the festival. After they played last year, many people gave great comments on their performance.

“People in Atsugi have been looking forward to seeing them play for the past year,”added Nishiumi. “We hope to see them next year, too.”

SPORTS & FITNESS8 July 29, 2010 TORII www.torii.army.mil

The Kings of Swing

Camp Zama intramural softball championship begins at RamblerBy Dustin PerryTorii Editor

Photo by Dustin PerryWilliam Badillo Jr. of Morale, Welfare and Recreation steps to the plate Tuesday during a game against 78th Signal Battalion.See SOFTBALL, Page 9

There is no question that all 10 teams in Camp Zama’s intramural softball league want to be playing in Saturday’s championship game at Rambler Field – it’s simply a matter of who wants it the most.

Games in the double-elimination tournament began Monday, and considering some of the surprise performances in the first two days of competition, this year’s first-place honors could truly be anyone’s to claim.

The 78th Signal Battalion, who finished second against the Camp Fuji Bulldogs last year, are considered by many to be one of the toughest teams in the league – a reputation certainly boosted by their first-place finish in this year’s regular season. The team dealt the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation a 15-5 loss Tuesday at Rambler – a particularly disheartening result,

considering DFMWR’s impressive performance the previous night during a comeback victory over the 78th Aviation Bn. Ninjas.

“Tonight we didn’t hit very well and our defense wasn’t as strong as it usually is, and that is what made the difference,” said Junior Jaquez of DFMWR. “With a team like Signal, they can hit anywhere they want. When you face a team like that, you have to play good defense – you have to play smart, not hard.”

Scheduling during the regular season resulted in 78th Signal wrap-ping up their games before Camp Zama’s annual Bon Odori Festival on Aug. 7, during which Rambler Field is used for the festivities. Returning after such an extensive break had a slightly detrimental – but very short-lived – effect on the team’s performance Tuesday.

“It’s been almost three to four weeks since we’ve played,” said Brent Skinner, who had a whopping seven RBIs against DFMWR. “The

other teams had some practice last week finishing up the season, so I think we started out a little rusty in the first two innings. Luckily our defense wasn’t too bad, and we really stepped up our game.”

Tawn Koyama, DFMWR’s right-fielder, earned two RBIs in the first inning. In the bottom of the inning, the team’s defense was characteristically solid, but 78th Signal’s roster of precision base-hitters and powerful sluggers were consistently able to find holes in both their opponents’ infield and outfield. William Popoff put 78th Signal on the scoreboard with an RBI single, bringing in teammate Narushima Masayuki. Then, with two runners on base, Skinner wal-loped a pitch into deep right field for an in-the-park three-run homer.

“Once we finally got our timing down swinging the bat, it all started to click innings – we started to hit, [we had] good, smart base running,

SPORTS & FITNESSTORII August 26, 2010 9www.torii.army.mil

Your Weekly Dose

Flu vaccines are available for Active Duty Soldiers at the clinic. MEDDAC-J will advertise once vaccines for the beneficiaries of Camp Zama are cleared for use. For more information, call 263-4028

Access to care at BG Sams U.S. Army Health Clinic is available 24/7. The clinic is not open 24/7 but our triage line is available 24/7. When calling the clinic at 263-4127, our staff will notify a provider who will call you back. The provider will advise you if you can wait until the clinic opens, or if you need to seek medical care elsewhere.

Recently we have noticed an increase of calls to the “911” number. This is the emer-gency number which activates the MPs, our ambulance, EMTs and translators. If you have a life-threatening medical emergency, call “911” on post or “119” off post. If you are feeling sick or have an injury that does not meet the criteria for life, limb or eyesight, call the clinic at 263-4127 and push option 1 for triage nurse or 24/7 medical advice. Our provider on call will advise you on what options are available.

Sports Briefs

ZAHS Football game, Aug.27Zama vs KinnickTime: 7:00 p.m.Place: Zama Football FieldGo Trojans!

Labor Day 5K RunA Labor Day 5K Fun Run is scheduled to be held Sept. 4 beginning at 8 a.m. at Yano Fit-ness Center here. There is no fee to enter this event. Register at the Yano Fitness Center issue counter by 5 p.m. on Sept. 3. There will be no registration on the day of the race. The packet pick-up will be Sept 4. between 7 and 7:55 a.m. at Yano. Awards will be presented to the top two adult men and women per age category. The age categories are 18 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59 and 60-and-above. Entrants who are 18 years must be out of high school. Commander’s Cup points will be awarded for this event. For more information, call 263-4664 or 263-7980.

Punt, Kick, Toss competitionA “Punt, Kick and Toss” competition is scheduled to be held 6 p.m. on Sept. 8 at Rambler Field here. The event is open to all military personnel at Camp Zama, Sagami Depot and Sagamihara Housing Area; retirees; Department of Defense civilians, AAFES employees, family members (18 years or older and not in high school); JGSDF members; and MLC employees. There will be both men’s and women’s divisions. Register at the Yano Fitness Center issue counter by 9 p.m. Sept. 7. There is no fee to enter this tournament. Commander’s Cup points will be awarded. For more information, call 263-4664 or 263-7980.

Bash for Cash IIIThe “Bash for Cash II” open softball tournament is scheduled to be held here Sept. 10 through 12. The tournament is open to any team. Participants must be 18 years or older and not in high school. Team trophies will be presented to the first- and second-place winners. The first-place team will receive $500; second-place will receive $400; and third-place will receive $300. Entries are due to the Yano Fitness Center issue counter by 5 p.m. on Wednesday. The entry fee is $20 per person, per team. The tournament format will be pool-play and double-elimination. This will be an all-day, all-night tournament. For more information, call 263-4664 or 263-7980.

IMCOM looking for team members to join new DoD ‘Fitness Challenge’By IMCOM Public AffairsSpecial to the Torii

U.S. Army photoInstallation Management Command has formed the “Army IMCOM” team to encourage participation in the Department of Defense’s “Leap Into Fall” Fitness Challenge.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The Depart-ment of Defense’s “Leap Into Fall” Fitness Challenge kicked off Aug. 16, challenging DoD personnel to include more physical activity in their daily routine.

Each participant is challenged to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity at least five days a week. The DoD goal is to log more than 1.5 million hours of physi-cal activity by the end of the challenge on Oct. 31.

Civilians are encouraged to assess their emotional, spiritual, social and family fitness with the Global Assessment Tool (survey). The GAT, located at www.army.mil/CSF, is part of the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program.

The vision of the CSF is to create an Army of balanced, healthy, self-confident Soldiers, families, and Army civilians whose resilience and total fitness enables them to thrive in an era of high operational tempo and persistent conflict.

The Army’s Installation Management Command is also encouraging its workforce to complete the GAT survey prior to joining the challenge. The tool allows participants to assess themselves on the dimensions of emotional, spiritual, social, and family fit-ness at www.army.mil/CSF/. The survey is available to Soldiers, Army civilians and family members.

Challenge contestants may choose from more than 100 activities, including a wide range of sports and games – even Nintendo Wii Sports. The emphasis is not on what participants do, but on working toward improved health and readiness in whatever way they find fun and motivating.

The Fitness Challenge is part of a year-long DoD employee wellness campaign that aims to increase employee awareness of and commitment to the elements of a healthy lifestyle, including physical activity. The DoD challenge is linked to the President’s Challenge, which began as a national youth fitness test and is now a series of programs designed to help improve anyone’s activ-ity level.

Installation Management Command has formed the “Army IMCOM” team to en-

courage command members to participate, their health permitting. To join the team, go to www.presidentschallenge.org and use the group ID number 90878.

The website also has information on how to register as an individual or start a group.

DoD personnel who log in at least 30 hours of physical activity from August through October will receive certificates of achievement, with special recognition going to the three individuals and groups who record the most hours over the three-month period.

SOFTBALL, From Page 8

and our defense held,” said Skinner.Mike Johnson of DFMWR briefly tied the game in the second

inning with a single that resulted in a pair of RBIs, but 78th Signal immediately earned those runs back in the bottom of the inning thanks to the clutch hitting of Joel Oterocolon.

DFMWR was scoreless in the next two critical innings. On the defensive side, they continued to do their best against 78th Signal’s impressive batting lineup, but the latter continued to rack up well-placed hits. That, combined with their aggressive base-running, put the team up 9-4 at the end of the fifth inning.

Despite having a comfortable lead at this point in the game – and being considered a favorite to reach the championship – the 78th Signal take nothing for granted.

“We all go into the game looking at ourselves as being the

underdog,” said Roosevelt Kimble. “We don’t take anything for granted; any team can be beat on any given day.”

There was no trace of underdog in 78th Signal’s fifth-inning performance. After limiting DFMWR to a single RBI from Greg Zaboski, the team brought out their bats for a final hurrah. Masayuki brought in two runs, followed shortly by two more from Skinner who reached second base after his line drive escaped the glove of DFMWR third baseman Mike Johnson. Signal’s batters contin-ued to get on base and, following an overthrow to first base from Johnson, two more runners scored. The mercy rule was enacted, and the game was over.

Any team that hopes to remain in the running for Saturday’s championship will have to have to “communicate and keep each other motivated and encouraged,” says 78th Signal’s Roosevelt Kimble. The finals are scheduled to begin 6 p.m., with a possible second game at 7:15 p.m.

Classifieds & Movies 10 August 26, 2010 TORII www.torii.army.mil

friday6:30 p.m......................Grown Ups (PG-13) 97 minutes9 p.m........................The Expendables (R) 135 minutes

saturday6:30 p.m.............Knight and Day (PG-13) 109 minutes 9 p.m........................The Expendables (R) 135 minutes

sunday3:30 p.m..........................Toy Story 3 (G) 103 minutes6:30 p.m......................Grown Ups (PG-13) 97 minutes

Movie sCHedUle aTsUGi Cinema 77

https://www.atsugi.navy.mil/ATSUGI/Mwr/index.html264-3789

saGaMiHaRa

friday7 p.m..........................Despicable Me (PG) 95 minutes9:30 p.m..............................Predators (R) 107 minutes

saturday4:30 p.m............The Last Airbender (PG) 103 minutes7 p.m........................Grown Ups (PG-13) 102 minutes9:30 p.m..............................Predators (R) 107 minutes

sunday2:30 p.m..........................Toy Story 3 (G) 103 minutes5 p.m..................Eat, Pray, Love (PG-13) 133 minutes8:30 p.m..............................Predators (R) 107 minutes

for your Tv schedule, visit www.myafn.net

http://www.aafes.com/ems/pac/zama.htm267-6111

Classified ads not pertaining to commercial profit are free to military personnel, DA Civilians, Family members and MLC/IHA employees. Ads should be 20 words or less with non-workplace E-mail or phone numbers listed. To submit a classified ad, E-mail tetsuo.nakahara4@us.army.mil. However, the Torii Newspaper reserves the right not to publish inappropriate advertisements. Deadline is no later than noon Mondays. Military community classified ads can also be placed for free on a commercial Web site at www.mymilitaryclassifieds.com/xzclf/162_Camp_Zama_ARMY_/.

Appropriated Fund (APF) and Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) job announcements and application instructions are available at http://cpol.army.mil. For questions regarding APF vacancies, please call 263-3608. NAF MWR job announcements and required forms are also available at http://www.usarj.army.mil/information/zama/employ.htm. For questions regarding NAF vacancies, please call 263-5800.

Non-appropriated fund Pacific Stars & Stripes job announcements are available online at http://cpol.army.mil. For more information, call the Job Information Center at 229-3163.

Japanese national position vacancies are posted on the Internet at http://www.usagj.jp.pac.army.mil/ima/sites/jeso/rp_jjobs_list_j.asp. Application forms are available on the same site. Selection status can also be checked. For more information, call 263-3325.

JobsOthers

Wanted

Other local positions

Pets

Vehicles for sale

animal adoption: Dogs and cats are available for adoption at the Camp Zama Veterinary Clinic. For more information, call 263-3875.

adoption seminar at Kadena air Base: Adoption Seminar, Sept 11th, 2010, Kadena Air Base, Shilling Community Center, Time: 11-1:30pm

ZaCsa’s east Meets West shop: located behind the dry cleaners on Camp Zama, carries vintage Japanese items and collectibles. Store hours are every Tuesday and the 2nd and 4th Saturday’s of the month from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Profits from the shop go back to the community in scholarships and welfare grants. For additional information please call 263-5533. Stop on by and check it out.

JaPaNese sPoUse ClUB: Would you like to socialize with other Japanese spouses, learn more about being a military spouse, share your experiences and support with others? If so, please call Meg at 263-8327 or e-mail jsczama@gmail.com for more information.

PCSing? I recently arrived and would love to have your flowers (potted or planted) for my quarters. Email me tsinjapan@gmail.com.

Keyboardist, drummer wanted: (B3 organ/piano). Zama-based rock band looking for mature musicians to play rock, blues, and country. Equipment and gig availability required. For more information, call Ron at 263-8277.

Rising Sun Lodge 151, F&AM. Stated Meeting 1st Thursday of every month at the Masonic Bldg, Sagami Depot. For more information contact: rsl151@gmail.com; website: risingsunlodge151.com; or call Dave 080-3467-7881.

Musician Program director for Handel’s Messiah : The USAG-J Garrison Chaplain’s office is looking for a qualified individual to contract for the conducting of the annual performance of Handel’s Messiah. Qualified individuals must have conducted orchestras and choirs in a semi-professional to professional level and are in the possession of a BA or high education in the field of Music or Music Conducting. The non-personal service contract consists of 11-12 rehearsals which include amateur as well as professional choir and professional orchestra members for a one time performance of Handel’s Messiah. The contractor is to provide:A professional orchestra with 10 – 20 players, Professional choir members to aid amateur choir members, Professional soloists, A pianist for all rehearsals and the performance. POC is SSG Thompson at 263-8068. Please apply by 1600, 10 September 2010

volunteer at U.s. army Garrison Japan Postal service Center : Volunteer opportunities are available in the USAGJ Postal Service Center, we will provide you with valuable training in Post Office and Unit Mailroom operations. Please contact Army Community Services at 263-8087 for details and assistance on volunteering your services.

english teachers: A small off-post home school(about 200 students) near Sagami Depot. First time teachers welcome! Classes available Mon. – Thu. 1pm to 9pm (No weekends or Fridays!) Call for details. Derek Partington English School, home 042-756-4483; cell 090-3082-4439 or E-mail: partngtn@jcom.home.ne.jp

english teachers: Sagami Home English School is looking for Native English speakers to teach English in their homes on the weekends. Please contact Tammy DeYoung at: tad3571@aol.com

Part-time english teacher: Pay is ¥16,000 to work four times per month. Two Mondays from 4 – 6:10 p.m., one Tuesday from 9 – 10 p.m. and one Friday from 7 – 8 p.m. Located 15 minutes driving distance from SHA in Minami-Rinkan area. For more information, E-mail Kaz at superkids-csc1190@nifty.com.

esl teacher: Seeking ESL teachers for two conversational group classes. One requires travel to Tama and is very accessible by car. Meeting times are the 1st and 3rd Sat. from 10:30 a.m. – noon for one class and Sat. from 3 to 4 p.m. for the second. Pay is ¥7,500 and ¥3,000 per hour respectively. Call 090-549-6725 or e-mail

Child and Youth Program assistant (level 2-4), (CYS, Zama & SHA), CY-1/2, RFT/RPT, $9.58 - $17.09, Closes: Open Continuous

Recreation assistant (lifeguard), RD, Flex, NF-02, $9.29, Closes: Open Continuous

lead Child and Youth Program assistant (sHa) (CYs), RFT, CY-02, $13.14 - $17.09, Closes: November 17, 2010, Open until filled

allied Telesis Customer service Representative @ Camp Zama: Requirements are: Must be 20 years old. Must have a High School Diploma. Must be a US Citizen or Resident Alien w/ Green Card for US. Must have knowledge of Basic Computer Systems and know how to use the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel & Access). Forward Resumes to shaun_bullman@alliedtelesis.com. Position to begin first week of August for training with the store Grand Opening on 16 August 2010.

anti-Terrorism/force Protection instructors wanted. Positions are available with Firearms Academy of Hawaii, Inc. Duties include instruction of marksmanship, watch standing and tactical team movements. Position location is Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan. Marksmanship instructor experience is a must. Tactical team movement experience is desired. Qualified candidates may call Christopher at 243-6171 or send resume to yeagleycj@yahoo.com.

substitute teachers: Zama American High/Middle School are currently accepting applications for substitute teachers. U.S. citizenship and a high school diploma or GED are required. For more information or any questions, please call 263-4005.

Physical Therapist, intermittent (240 hours): Provides physical therapy service in the areas of physical disabilities, neuromuscular and psychosocial dysfunctions in patients ranging

from adolescence to the very elderly. Must have license to practice physical therapy in the U.S. This is a contract positions open to SOFA status applicants. Resumes may be sent to Yoshiyasu.Aoki@us.army.mil. ALL applicants shall register in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) at www.ccr.gov.

Physical Therapist, intermittent (240 hours): Provides physical therapy service in the areas of physical disabilities, neuromuscular and psychosocial dysfunctions in patients ranging from adolescence to the very elderly. Must have license to practice physical therapy in the U.S. This is a contract positions open to SOFA status applicants. Resumes may be sent to Yoshiyasu.Aoki@us.army.mil. ALL applicants shall register in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) at www.ccr.gov.

Bookkeeper/ internal accountant: The West Pacific Girl Scouts is looking for a bookkeeper to maintain all financial records, produce monthly financial statements, perform other functions necessary to the position. Must be familiar with accounting procedures and principles, MS Excel and other accounting software. Full time, competitive pay with great benefits for someone with SOFA status. Please apply with a resume to westpacificceo@gmail.com or by calling Pam at 263-3597; resume may also be dropped off at the Girl Scout office in Bldng 533.

05 Nissan skyline fairlady Z/350Z:Dark Metallic Grey with auburn leather seats, Nismo Body, Immaculate Condition, Custom Design, 20/19” VIP Luxury Wheels, HKS exhaust titanium, 4” tips, Drill/Slot Rotors, Power everything, New JCI, TV, NAV, Mini Disc, Keyless, 6CD, Awesome sound: $14.800. Call 090-8517-9568 (2)

04 Yamaha, YZf R1: Immaculate Condition, Like New, Met Silver/Drk Grey, Limited color, 16,400km, Carbon Fiber parts, Garage kept, TOCE Extreme exhaust, Vortex racing sprocket/gold chain, Double wind screen, Pilot Power 2CT Tires, New JCI, Everything included $8,500 Call, 090-8517-9568 (2)

shantee12@yahoo.com.

instructor: Arts and Crafts Center seeks instructors to teach sewing, water color painting, washi paper craft and/or acrylic paint arts. Also looking for contracted framer who has at least three years experience in framing production.For more information, call Nodera-san at 263-4412.

instructor: If you interested to teach Hula, Jazz, Piano, Drum classes please contact Community Activity Center at 263-8892 or 3939

Queen size seRTa comfort top mattress, boxspring, metal frame.: Very clean, Encased inside cover. 3-years old. $540.00. ocean150@hotmail.com

For Sale

CoMMUNiTY CaleNdaRwww.torii.army.mil TORII August 26, 2010 11

Hisano Yamazakihisano.yamazaki.jp@yokota.af.mil

What’s Happening Outside the Gate?

Eagle 810, AFN Tokyo

UpcomingOngoing EventsWomen’s Equality Observance, Aug. 27Date: Aug. 27Where: Community Activity CenterTime: 3:30 to 5 p.m.Guest speaker will be Brig. Gen. Rhonda Cornum. All personnel are invited.

First-Aid, CPR, AED in SpanishFor the first time in Japan, American Red Cross will be offering CPR and first-aid training in Spanish.Sept. 8: First-aid, 5 to 10 p.m., Sept. 9 : CPR, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call 263-3166 for more details.

ZAHS Homecoming Parade, Oct. 28Zama American High School’s homecoming parade is scheduled to be held Oct. 28 beginning at 3 p.m.

Post-Combat Stress SupportA special support group to assist those experiencing symptoms of post-combat stress is offered from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays in the community room at Army Community Services. For more information, call Gary Woods at 263-8091.

CLEP and DANTES TestingCollege-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Defense Activity for Non-traditional Education Support (DANTES) testing sessions are held at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesdays. To schedule an appointment, call 263-5379 / 4691 or e-mail dspivey@asia.umuc.edu. To study for the CLEP tests, visit www. petersons.com. To study for the DANTES exams, visit www.getcollegecredit.com.

Reminder: Portable Basketball GoalsThe commander and command sergeant major of U.S. Army Garrison – Japan would like to remind all housing residents that portable basketball goals are to be erected for immediate use only, and are to be removed and stored immediately after use. Basketball goals are not permitted to be erected in parking lots or on streets. They should also not be set up in a manner where players will be running and shooting from the street. For identification purposes, all basketball goals are to be labeled with the sponsor’s name and dwelling unit number. Unlabeled basketball goals left in common areas may be confiscated and disposed of. Residents are also reminded to always be courteous of their neighbors and that quiet hours from 10:30 p.m. to 9 a.m. are to be observed. Parents are also reminded to appropriately supervise their children and that any damages to vehicles or other property will be their responsibility. Please consider utilizing the basketball courts available at Yano Fitness Center, the Youth Center, or at school grounds.

Foreign Born Spouse Support Group Whether your question concerns immigration and natu-ralization learning, the English language or how to take local transportation, Army Community Service Relocation Program provides assistance, weekly classes, and referrals. The Support group will be held on third Wednesday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the ACS Outreach Room. Call 263-HELP(4357) for pre-registration.

Harajuku Super Yosakoi Dance Festival @ Harajuku Ave., Tokyo, Aug. 28-29The Yosakoi Festival originated in Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island. Dancers at the festival hold a clapper called a naruko in both hands and are free to arrange the music any way they want, as long as the team incorporates the festival music called “Yosakoi Bushi.”

Koenji Awa Odori Dance Festival @ Koenji, Tokyo, Aug. 28-29More than 10,000 people will dance on the street, with up-beat music played by Japanese instruments. Women wear summer cotton kimono, or yukata, and dance in formation. Men wear happi coats and tabi socks, and dance with more freedom. Everyone keeps their hands and arms above their shoulders, and men don’t let their heels touch the ground.

‘Chara Hobby’ @ Makuhari Messe, Aug. 28-29One of the largest anime character goods and item events in Japan, including a gathering of amateurs dressing up in anime costumes.

Brazil Festival @ Yoyogi Park Outdoor Stage area, Tokyo, Sept. 4-5

FURNITURE, JEWELRY, POTTERY, ANTIQUES, KANJI CALLIGRAPHYARTS & PICTURES, KIMONOS, LAMP, BASKET, CARPETS, etc ...FURNITURE, JEWELRY, POTTERY, ANTIQUES, KANJI CALLIGRAPHYARTS & PICTURES, KIMONOS, LAMP, BASKET, CARPETS, etc ...

AUGUST

29SUN10 AM - 4 PM

Zama ITT Fall & Winter Escapade Tours on sale.Travel booth for information will be available.

For more information: ☎ 263-5273/4059

Zama ITTZama ITT

AUGUST

28SAT9 AM - 5 PM

AT THE CAMP ZAMA COMMUNITY CLUBAT THE CAMP ZAMA COMMUNITY CLUBFor more information : ☎ 263-5316For more information : ☎ 263-5316

12 August 26, 2010 TORII

Travel & CulTurewww.torii.army.mil

Kanagawa’s most popular temple: Kawasaki Daishi

Kawasaki Daishi, officially Heikeiji, is located in Kawasaki city in Tokyo. The temple is one of the most popular temples in the Kanto area and attracts visitors throughout the year.

Constructed in 1128, the temple is dedicated to the teachings of the Buddhist priest Kobo Daishi (774-835), known as “the father of Japanese Buddhism.” During the Heian era, Daishi introduced Shingon Buddhism to Japan, and he is still considered the founder of these teachings in Japan.

The centerpiece of the grounds, both physically and spiritually, is the massive Dai Hondo main hall, where participants are welcomed for the traditional ritual and where visitors can glimpse the proceedings from atop a set of broad, wooden stairs. Dai Hondo, like virtually all of Kawasaki Daishi, is actually a reproduction of the original 12th-century structure that was decimated during World War II. Nowadays, it is the only hint at the venerable history upon which the temple is founded.

Kawasaki Daishi is a very famous temple for Japanese to visit during the New Year as Hatsumode or “first temple visit of the year.” It ranked third as the most visited temple

during the holiday season, and held nearly 300 million worshippers during the New Year celebration (Jan. 1 through 3) in 2009.

There is also a great shopping street that can be seen when approaching the main gate of the temple. The variety of markets attract shoppers both young and old. You can get great souveniors such as kuzu mochi, good-luck Daruma dolls and local foods that will satisfy your appetite. The most unique sounds of the street are the rythmic knocking of flat-handled Japanese knives cutting pieces of mochi candy and the cheerful voices of vendors. The street has been chosen as one of the 100 best traditional sound scenes in Japan.

Getting there: From Sobudaimae station, take the Odakyu line to Ebina station. Take the Sotetsu line from Ebina and get off at Yokohama station. From Yokohama station, take the Keikyu line to Keikyu Kawasaki station and transfer to the Keikyu Daishi line. It’ll take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. The temple grounds are located about a 15-minute walk away.

Torii Staff report