Serving the U.S. Army Japan community Serving the U.S.

Army Japan community

Aug 13, 2009 January 28, 2010

VOL. 38, NO. 4

www.torii.army.mil www.torii.army.mil

The reflection of fitness

Photo by Dustin Perry

CAMP ZAMA Jane Kupkowski, center, the Camp Zama fitness coordinator, leads a group of people in an exercise Jan. 20 at Yano Fitness Center as part of a weekly one-hour class that combines high-impact and core-training workouts. The class is free and open to the public. For more on this story, see Page 8.

AFAP delegates choose top 5 issues of Soldiers, families

By Rob McIlvaine
FMWRC Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. On Thursday, the final day of the 2010 Army Family Action Plan conference, delegates broke from individual working groups and voted on the top five issues that Army senior leaders will discuss at the General Officer Steering Committee meeting in June. This feedback, they believe, can lead to policy changes that will encourage families to consider the Army their home. Overall, the conference, held Jan. 11 through 15, brought 82 issues originating from installation-level AFAP conferences

held during the past year. With these issues came nearly 100 delegates to whittle the original list of concerns down to the 16 considered to be of the highest priority. Resolving such problems help to elevate the standard of living for Soldiers, retirees, family members, survivors and civilian employees, said conference participants. Indeed, this ongoing process is considered paramount by Army leaders, especially Secretary of the Army John McHugh. Our challenge is to provide for Soldiers and families as best we can, he told conference attendees. Your role is essential to help us focus on implementation of these programs; to ensure theyre the best to

provide whats needed. Families, though, include children who also want a say in their own issues and they want it seen from their point of view. Therefore, accompanying the adult delegates were 13 teenage panel members representing the younger Army family. The group, led by Anthony Merriweather, presented two posters designed for teens needing a boost in self-esteem and encouragement. The posters are a method to get teens involved in many activities developed at each garrison. We used a different kind of English than most of you are used to, smiled Merriweather to the mostly adult audience. We

spoke to teens in the language of texting, a shortened form of communicating. The teens also presented a 30-second commercial, another method to encourage teens in becoming involved in youth centers, Army-wide. The applause and cheers from senior leaders including Gen. Peter Chiarelli, Army vice chief of staff, and Gen. George Casey, Army chief of staff meant they also reached an audience who can deliver changes they want. Before the top issues were voted upon, Casey briefed conference members on Army plans for the coming year. See ISSUES, Page 3

I NSIDE the TORII

2 News 4 Education 6 Community 8 Sports 11 Calendar 12 Travel / Culture

NEWS
2 January 28, 2010 TORII www.torii.army.mil

Zama Briefs
Narita Bus Schedule to Undergo Changes
Effective Feb. 1, the schedule for the bus to Narita Airport will change as follows: A bus will leave Bldg. 780 (Army lodging) on Camp Zama at 8:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.; the Camp Zama Community Club at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and the Sagamihara Housing Area bus stop at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. A bus will leave Naritas Terminal 1 parking lot at 4 and 7 p.m., delaying departure until 8:30 p.m. for late-arriving manifested passengers.

Pen mightier than the sword: Students honored for expressing Voice of Democracy during essay competition
By Tetsuo Nakahara
Torii Staff

DeCA Scholarships
Scholarship applications for the 2010 Scholarships for Military Children Program are available in commissaries worldwide and online through a link at www.commissaries.com and directly at www.militaryscholar.org. Dependent, unmarried children, younger than age 21 (age 23 if enrolled as a full-time student at a college or university) of active duty personnel, Reserve, Guard and retired military members, survivors of service members who died while on active duty, or survivors of individuals who died while receiving retired pay from the military may apply for a scholarship. Applicants should prepare to submit an essay. Applications must be turned in to a commissary by close of business Feb. 17. For more information, stop by the Commissary.

Local winners of the 2009-2010 Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen annual essay contests were recognized at an honor ceremony held Friday at the Zama American High School auditorium. Awards were given to the top three winners in the Voice of Democracy division, and the top overall winner in the Patriots Pen division. The ceremony was hosted jointly by the ZAHS Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps and Camp Zamas Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. The first- through third-place winners in the Voice of Democracy division were Crystal Quinn, a ZAHS senior; Jalyn Jones, a sophomore; and Jake Harris, also a senior. The three were awarded U.S. savings bonds in the amounts of $1,000, $500, and $100, respectively. The winner in the Patriots Pen division was Mary Camele, a seventh-grader at Zama Middle School, who was awarded a $100 saving bond. The VFW first initiated the two essay contests in 1947, and they designed to foster patriotism by allowing students the opportunity to voice their opinions in an essay based on an annual theme chosen by the VFW commander-in-chief. The theme is purposely kept broad in scope to allow

flexibility in interpretation to encourage originality. Since the VFW is a patriotic organization, the annual theme is typically related to patriotism. This years theme was Does America Still Have Heroes? The competition included writing a 300- to 500-word essay and recording it in a length of a minimum of three minutes and no more than 10 minutes. The two essays are geared toward separate age groups Patriots Pen being for seventh- and eighth-graders, and Voice of Democracy for ninth- through 12thgraders. More than 15 Camp Zama students participated. This opportunity improves students writing skills and also gives them the opportunity to see what the world is really about, said Sgt. Maj. George Dale, the ZAHS JROTC commandant. The students have to sit, think and do little research and also talk to other people to write the essay. This years theme gave them a chance to see the world really does have heroes, added Dale. The world has situations where you have to step up and do something. Its hard for some students, but theyre encouraged and sometimes pushed to do that. The ceremony was attended by approximately 70 people, including the competitors families, JROTC members and friends.

I never heard of the opportunity to receive a big scholarship like this when I was in school, said Dale. Ill have to keep encouraging and pushing students. Its hard, but its all for them. First-place winner Quinn and her essay will go on to compete in the Japan Far East level, and then all first-place VFW department winners will compete at the national level for a chance to win a $30,000 scholarship, paid directly to the recipients American university, college, vocational or technical school. It was great, said Quinn. My motivation is my parents and my [JROTC] sergeant major, but most importantly, God. He helped me get through this. Without him, I could not have done this. Im thankful to him for everything. One of the more unique essays from this years Voice of Democracy competition was written by Joshua Domingo, a sophomore, in Japanese. The subject of Domingos essay was his mother. She was encouraged to enter in the contest even though he had just transferred from a Japanese school and possessed limited English-speaking ability. The theme for the 2010-2011 Voice of Democracy essay is Does My Generation Have a Role in Americas Future? The deadline of the essay scholarships application is Nov. 1, 2010.

DFAC Hours
The Camp Zama Dining Facility has implemented new operating hours. The new hours of operation are: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: Breakfast: 7 to 9 a.m.; Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Dinner: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday: Breakfast: 5:30 to 8 a.m.; Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Dinner: 4:30 to 6 p.m. On weekends and holidays, the DFAC will serve brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner from 4 to 5 p.m.

New Customs Forms

Effective Feb. 1, the Post Office will stop accepting PS Form 2976 (customs declaration) dated Jan. 2004, this is the Green Form. All customers will be required to use the new PS Form 2976 dated Sept. 2009. Customers may begin using the new form immediately which are available in the Post Office lobby and continue to use the old form until Jan. 30. Call 263-8587 for more information.

Housing Hours Change

Effective Feb. 1, the Camp Zama Housing Management Divisions new office hours will be as follows: Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri., 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 4 p.m. Thurs., the hours will be 8 a.m. 12 p.m. Call 263-4503 for more information.

Photo by Tetsuo Nakahara

A ceremony for Voice of Democracy and the Patriots Pen essay contest winners was held Friday in the Zama American High School auditorium. In the Voice of Democracy division, the first-place winner was Crystal Quinn, a ZAHS senior (at left). In the Patriots Pen division, the overall winner was Mary Camele, a seventh-grader at Zama Middle School.

NEWS

Torii Talk

www.torii.army.mil

TORII

January 28, 2010

Favorite restaurant
By Tetsuo Nakahara
Torii Staff

ave you ever wished your favorite restaurant was here at Camp Zama? This week, we hear from some community members answering the question, Which restaurant or fast-food chain do you want to bring to Camp Zama?

I think we should have Applebees in Camp Zama, says Sgt. Erica Steele, Japan District Veterinary Command. They have really good chicken Alfredo pasta. Its awesome. I like Applebees better than Chilis.

I think my favorite is Long John Silvers, says Michael Larkin, assistant manager at the Camp Zama Community Club. Fish and chips was my favorite there. It comes with corn bread. Its been five years since I went there last time.

Chick-fil-A is my favorite, says Candace Buffington, along with her son Joshua. Its really good. I also want a Sonic drive-in in Camp Zama. I miss their slushes

[I want] La Lechonera in Camp Zama, says William Badillo-Barrios, chief administrative officer, U.S. Army Garrison Japan Command Group. Thats in Puerto Rico. They roast pig and you can order skin or meat, and they cut it right in front of you. Its good.

ISSUES, From page 1

The Secretary of the Army, John McHugh, and I have six major objectives for 2011, said Casey. We will continue our efforts to restore balance to the Army by 2011; execute Afghanistan plus-up and responsible drawdown in Iraq; sustain Soldiers, families and civilians; establish an integrated Army management system; implement an Army leader development strategy; and establish the Army of the 21st century. But the most important thing we will do

is to increase the time Soldiers stay home, Casey said to enthusiastic applause. Other programs, Casey noted, have been introduced and running for more than a year but need to be revisited to ensure they continue to grow and gain acceptance. The Army Family Covenant is one of the programs that we will continue to put the right amount of funding into so that family programs provide for all Soldiers and their families. Lieutenant General Rick Lynch, Installation Management Command commanding general, is just the man to get this job done right, Casey said.

With $225 billion budgeted for the service, Casey said the funds are enough to ensure the six objectives he and McHugh developed will be met, while ensuring Soldiers are well-trained and supported. As for the selected final AFAP issues that will all be forwarded to the senior leadership meeting in June, Im sure it was difficult to arrive at these top five out of the 16 you worked on all week, said Ronnie Thomas, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command chief of Strategic Integrations Division. - The five issues selected were:

- Provide a monthly stipend to ill or injured Soldiers for non-medical caregivers. - Fund service dogs for wounded warriors. - Provide for behavioral health services shortages by increasing the number of readily available behavioral health providers and services and the use of alternative methods of delivery such as tele-medicine. - Authorize family readiness groups to fundraise in public places external to National Guard armories, Reserve centers and military installations.

o 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 Newspaper 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 Newspaper 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 Newspaper, e-mail your letters to the deputy PAO at christopher.i.bush@us.army.mil, or send by regular mail to:

HNR / Public Affairs U.S. Army Garrison Japan ATTN: TORII Editor Unit 45005, IMPC-JA-HNR/PA APO AP 96338

Sound Off!
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 Newspaper is distributed every Thursday. Submissions may be e-mailed to the deputy public affairs officer at christopher.i.bush@us.army.mil. The Torii 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
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.

Commanding General: Maj. Gen. Francis J. Wiercinski Garrison Commander: Col. Perry Helton Garrison Public Affairs Officer: Edward H. Roper Deputy Public Affairs Officer: Christopher Bush Acting Editor: Dustin Perry Staff : Tetsuo Nakahara

COMMUNITY
4 January 28, 2010 TORII www.torii.army.mil

Honoring his dream: Torii Station celebrates A Day on, Not a Day Off
By Lauren Hall
Torii Station Public Affairs

TORII STATION, Okinawa Soldiers, civilians, family members and Japanese employees of the Army on Okinawa celebrated the life, accomplishments and dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a celebration at the Coral Cove on Torii Station Jan. 21. The Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday, the third Monday each January, was designated by Congress in 1994 as a national Day of Service A Day On, Not a Day Off to encourage citizens to participate in community service programs. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has become the icon for the entire Civil Rights movement and was the catalyst of change in America and the world, said guest speaker Lt. Col. Michele Thompson-Shoates, commander of the 505th Quartermaster Battalion. This years theme, A Day On, Not a Day Off, is fitting in a world and in an Army where the fabric of the Army combat uniforms we wear typifies the fact that our strength lies in our diversity; that our strength lies in the fact that we bond together in the name of democracy and respond to split-second changes in our structured world, she said. As Soldiers, we are the conveyors of our societys humanity, the welders of our nations freedoms, and the ambassadors of our nations will. The world of uncertainty that we live in today is no different from the uncertain world Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born into, added Thompson-Shoates. He was born into an American culture recovering from the perils of World War I, an America that operated on the institutionalized racist and sexist premise of separate but equal, an America ravaged by the economic turmoil of the great depression. He grew up in a society that reminded him of his second-class citizenship status daily with Whites Only signs and blatant segregated living. King, who attended segregated public schools in Georgia, graduated from high school when he was only 15 years old and entered Morehouse College, earning a bachelors degree. He then headed north to complete seminary studies in Pennsylvania and received a doctorate from Boston University. His goal was to follow in the path of his father and become a southern Baptist preacher, said ThompsonShoates. His transition from a small town in the south to the big city life of New York and Boston offered him was life-changing. In the north, Dr. King became exposed to the equities of living a desegregated existence and he returned to the south a changed man, added Thompson-Shoates. While completing his theological degrees, he had been exposed to the teachings of great philosophers of all ages and these teachings, their principles, inspired his intellect and touched his heart. He returned to Montgomery, Alabama a bastion of deep-rooted institutionalized racism unaware of the course his life would soon undertake, she continued. His life and contributions changed the landscape of 20th-century America. His actions set in motion the wheels of change that we still witness in our lives today. Extraordinary changes by an ordinary man who brought notice to the executive branch of this great nation the disparities that its own citizens were living under. Dr. Kings legacy is rooted in the way he conveyed his political-social ideals through nonviolent emotion and the love for humanity. His determined actions and his ability to touch the consciousness of a people is what changed the social conscience of America. Each of us must understand

the power that propelled his spirit the same spirit that powered a group of social engineers called abolitionists who, armed with only personal courage, helped liberate African slaves. The same spirit guided courageous individuals in Europe who, armed only with moral convictions, shepherded European Jews to safety while an anti-Semitic government marched countless others to their deaths. How, armed only with acts of honor and respect, a British soldier of Indian descent named Mohatma Ghandi laid down his sword and shield for the crown of England and took a stand with his native Indian brothers to assist in their liberation from imperial British rule. As uniformed members we all understand three words that capture the essence of freedom: duty, honor and country. We have pledged to protect and defend this nation and, if necessary, give our lives in the pursuit of this goal. And in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for this year and in years to come, we can forever attest that as global citizens, as ambassadors of freedom, in order to move forward, to be victorious and to achieve honor, we must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools, concluded Thompson-Shoates. King became pastor of a Baptist church in Alabama in 1954 and also became a member of the executive committee of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He lead the first nonviolent civil rights demonstration in the U.S., the bus boycott that lasted 382 days, prompted by Rosa Parks refusal to give up her seat for a white passenger on Dec. 1, 1955. Finally, on Dec. 21, 1956, the Supreme Court declared laws of segregation on buses to be unconstitutional, but not before Kings home had been bombed and he had been arrested several times. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for what is referred to as his I Have a Dream speech given on Aug. 28, 1963, from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., where more than 250,000 civil rights activists participated in the historically significant March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, calling for racial equality and an end to discrimination, which includes the following excerpts: When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was the

promise that all men yes, black men as well as white men would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone. I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. The speech is credited with desegregation and prompting the 1964 Civil Rights Act, earning King the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 35 the youngest man to have received the prize. He donated his prize money of $54,123 to help further the advancement of civil rights. King was assassinated by James Earl Ray on April 4, 1968, while standing on the balcony of his motel room in Memphis, Tenn., where he had gone to support a sanitation workers strike. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

edUCaTION
www.torii.army.mil

ZAHS unveils new building addition

By Grant Sattler
Japan Engineer District Public Affairs

TORII

January 28, 2010

Department of Defense Dependant Schools and community representatives from Camp Zama and Naval Air Station Atsugi cut a ribbon Friday, officially opening the latest addition to Zama American High School here. ZAHS students assembled for the midday event, complete with a performance by the high school band and Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps color guard and formation. The opening of Building 911 was especially meaningful to both the music students and JROTC cadets taking part in the ceremony. ZAHS Principal Candice Wojciechowsky said the two-story reinforced concrete structure is a very important addition. It houses our main office, it houses the JROTC for the first time on campus, and a beautiful new rehearsal room for the music students, which opens more doors for opportunity in their musical lives, Wojciechowsky said. Additionally, the new space has allowed some classes to be relocated from temporary buildings, she said. Student Council President Nathanielle Sybico summed up what the new buildings location means to students in her opening remarks. JROTC now has more time for class and they dont have to walk all the way through Dewey Park. Now the band doesnt have to share the auditorium with the middle school, she said. Now that we have this permanent building, it solidifies our school standing as a whole. The building is the latest addition to be completed to meet the needs of the school in Phase 2 of the Japan Facilities Improvement Program project AR313, funded by the Government of Japan, said Japan Engineer District Project Engineer Jun Arai. Construction of the 16,100-square-foot building began in January 2007. Additional Phase 2 work due to be finished this spring includes a 7,400-square-foot gymnasium extension building, covered sidewalks, two tennis courts and an outdoor basketball court.

Photo by Tetsuo Nakahara

Representatives cut the ribbon to celebrate the opening of the new building at Zama American High School during a ceremony Friday. More than 300 people, including ZAHS students, Soldiers and family members attended the ceremony.

Retired Command Sgt. Maj. George Dale, JROTC commandant, thanked everyone involved in the construction, including the South Kanto Defense Bureau, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Japanese contractors, and the Directorate of Public Works. We finally have a first-class building for a first-class operation, said Dale. Ive been in the other building for over nine years and JROTC for more than 18, and its unbelievable. We needed it. The other building was old ... this is far light years ahead of what we had.

The feeling was the same for the 60-plus students in the music program. This is the first time in years and years that Zama has had a nice rehearsal hall [and] sufficient space for the music program, so were really, really excited about it, said ZAHS Music Director Kevin Hanson. He said the new facility provides space for rehearsal for the full concert band, or smaller ensembles. Weve got practice rooms, we have space for our music library, space for instrument storage lockers things we really needed.

SCHOOL NEWS
Zama Child Development Center:263-8081 SHA Child Development Center: 267-6153 School Age Services: 267-6013
School Age Services (SAS) supplements the school schedule with a wide variety of after school activities for youth from 1st grade through 6th grade.SAS offers care for Before/After school, Hourly care Open Recreation Program, School Day Out and Summer Camp Program. Before/After school with options for before school only or after school only. Each of these options entitles program participants to full day care services during out of school periods, excluding Federal Holidays, during the school year. Additionally, separate SAS Camps were operated during Winter and Spring breaks for those patrons who normally do not require daily before and after school care. During the Summer Month, SAS operated a full day camp option, in eleven, one-week sessions. SaS OPeN ReCReaTION PROGRaM: Parents! Are you looking for programs that your school-aged children can participate in? Children! Are you looking for things that will keep you active and busy outside of the house? If so, then the OPEN RECREATION PROGRAM events are for you! All events guarantee fun! School Age Services is offering open recreation opportunities in the weekday and Saturday afternoons for youth currently enrolled in grades one to six. Registration: To register your child or for more information please stop by the CYS Central Enrollment Registry Office in Bldg 533 on Camp Zama, or call 263-4125 or SAS at 267-6013.

Zama American Middle School: 263-4040 Zama American High School: 263-3181
Visit the Web at www.zama-hs.pac.dodea.edu/ for information pertaining to Zama American High School. Sports Physical: A physical sports exam is required for any student to participate in team sports before practice begins, according to DoDEA regulations.

School Transitions: What Every Parent Should Know

Camp Zama will host a Parent to Parent Workshop that will feature a seminar that focuses on the social and academic impact on school transitions for children of all ages. The workshop will also feature numerous break out sessions that will cover a wide variety of topics. The workshop will be held Feb. 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Camp Zama Community Club and then from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at John O. Arnn Elementary. For reservations, call 263-3241.

Financial Aid Seminar

A seminar on the process for applying for federal student financial aid will be held tonight at 5:30 at ZAHS. The seminar will demystify the most popular financial aid program and prepare you to complete and file your FAFSA. Other tools to assist families in the financial aid process will also be covered to help families estimate the true costs of higher education.

John O. Arnn Elementary: 267-6602

Visit the Web at www.arnn-es.pac.dodea.edu for information pertaining to John O. Arnn Elementary.

University of Phoenix - Asia: 263-5846

To apply online, visit https://myapply.phoenix.edu/apply/register. asp?TeamID=109397

TRAVEL & CULTURE

6 January 28, 2010 TORII www.torii.army.mil

TRAVEL & CULTURE

TORII January 28, 2010 7

Talk with the animals at Zoorasia

*
Story and Photos by Dustin Perry, Torii Editor
elcome to the zoological trip around the world, reads the motto of Yokohamas Zoorasia, one of Japans most widely known and best-kept animal sanctuaries. And its true: The massive park is home to more than 150 species of mammals, birds and reptiles from four continents. Opened in 1999, Zoorasia has enjoyed immense popularity as a favored destination for visitors of all ages because of its easily navigable layout, extremely reasonable admission fee, and of course the wide variety of magnificent creatures that can be seen within its walls. The park is divided into seven sections, each named after a different region of the world. The sections contain several animals native to the respective regions, making a walk through Zoorasia genuinely seem like a progressive tour of the planets diverse wildlife. First is the Asian Tropical Forest, which kicks off visitors entrance to the park with a glimpse of the majestic Indian elephant. Standing anywhere from 6 to 11 feet tall and weighing between 6,000 to 10,000 pounds, the Indian elephant is one of the largest land mammals in the world. Also found in this section of the zoo are a large selection of native birds, apes and monkeys the pileated gibbon and Francois leaf monkey being two notable highlights and a pair of large wild cats: the Sumatran tiger and Indian lion. Aquatic and cold-weather animals dominate the Subarctic Forest, home of the playful Eurasian otter and Humboldt penguin, the South African fur seal, the polar bear and the red panda, among others. Also located here is a walk-in bird cage, full of several brightly colored avian species. A brief walk through the adjacent Oceanic Grassland and Central Asian Highland affords the opportunity to see two types of an iconic Australian marsupial the Goodfellows and common red kangaroo, respectively and additional primates like the proboscis monkey and Tibetan macaque.
*

In keeping with its name, the Japanese Countryside section has on display a number of species native to the country. First are the Oriental white stork and the red-crowned common crane, the latter of which is significant enough to be featured in the logo for Japan Airlines. Japanese variations of the badger, raccoon, red fox, black bear and macaque can also be seen here, as well as the Tsushima leopard cat similar in size to a common house cat, but which can only be found in the wild exclusively on Tsushima Island. The Amazon Jungle includes five animals that thrive within the 7 million square kilometers of South Americas famed rainforest: the giant anteater, the small bear-like bush dog, the ocelot, the common wooly monkey and the spectacled bear. During the spectacled bears appointed feeding time, a zookeeper places several pieces of fruit around its den, after which the bear emerges to find the hidden food and dine at its leisure. The final section of the park, the African Tropical Rain Forest, literally saves the best attraction for last. Among glimpses of the African crested porcupine and a troupe of grinning chimpanzees is unquestionably Zoorasias most popular animal, the okapi. A truly unique-looking creature, the okapi resembles a cross between a horse and a zebra, but is most closely related to the giraffe. A trip to Zoorasia is bound to be a familypleasing event any day of the week, as well as a chance to see some of the worlds most memorable wildlife. Getting there: By car, take Route 246 and drive toward Shibuya or Tokyo. Get off Route 246 and take Route 16 toward Yokosuka. Exit route 16 at Shimokawi and follow the road signs that lead directly to Zoorasias 2,200-capacity parking lot. By train, get on the Odakyu Line at Sobudai-mae station and get off at Machida. Switch to the JR Yokohama Line and go four stops to Nakayama. From there, a nearby bus stop offers a shuttle service to Zoorasia. One-way train fare is 340 per person.

Two African elephants, the first animals that can be seen upon entering the Asian Tropical Forest section of Zoorasia, touch trunks.

Animals cannot actually talk. Individual results may vary.

A baby Francois leaf monkey is clutched by its mother and father. The contrast between their fur color is immediately noticeable.

Zoorasia Information
Business Hours:
- Wednesday through Monday: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Closed Tuesday and Japanese Holidays

Admission Fees:

- Adults: 600 - High School: 300 - Elementary and Middle School: 200 - Under Elementary School: Free

Parking:
A chimpanzee, located in the African Tropical Rain Forest section of Zoorasia, squats on a tree and eats leaves from a branch. Chimpanzees are a species of ape in the genus Pan and are native to west and central Africa, along the Congo River. A polar bear, no stranger to cold weather, shakes off after wading in the icy waters of its den.

- Open 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.: 1,000

A New Caledonian pigeon perches on a branch to get some sun.

SportS & FitneSS

8 January 28, 2010 TORII www.torii.army.mil

Fitness class rocks participants to their cores

By Dustin perry
Torii Editor

Youre going to hate me for this next one but youll thank me later, says Jane Kupkowski as she prepares to demonstrate a particularly strenuous-looking modified abdominal crunch to a group of sweat-drenched men and women following her lead. It is a Wednesday evening, and the instructor and her students are spread out in the cardio room on the second floor of Yano Fitness Center here. Kupkowski, Camp Zamas newly hired fitness coordinator, is almost finished with the second of two back-to-back classes she offers there every week. And judging from their increasingly frequent grunts of exasperation, the group is getting a sufficient workout. About 15 minutes remain in Kupkowskis hourlong session, and thus far she had led the group through a series of stretches,

exercises and aerobic maneuvers meant to serve as what she calls a whole-body conditioning program. The first of the two classes is known as High Intensity Training, or HIT, a form of strength training popularized in the 1970s that was founded on the idea that exercise should be brief, infrequent and intense. The second is Core Challenge, a class that focuses on developing the approximately 29 muscles that comprise the lumbo-pelvichip complex. You can look at it either as one program or two separate workouts, said Kupkowski. If someone is a beginner, they can come to the first half-hour if they feel more comfortable with just a high-intensity workout. Or if they just want to work on their core, they can come to the second half. If a person is more advanced in their workout [regimen], they can come to the full hour. The class, which is free and runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., has been offered at

Yano for three months and counting, but Kupkowski began teaching it more than five years ago when she served as the head director of recreation, fitness, sports and aquatics, as well as the head strength-andconditioning coach at Hampden-Sydney College, an all-male school in Virginia. The athletes there wanted an effective total-body conditioning workout, so Kupkowski began culling research studying different sports, biomechanical movements, and the fitness methodology known as CrossFit and also drew from her extensive background in exercise kinesiology in order to develop it. HIT provides a sports-specific attitude about fitness, said Kupkowski. Its not a choreographed thing set to music; its more endurance-based, stamina, getting a persons heart rate up, learning what types of techniques are going to prevent certain injuries, and at the same time, increasing your flexibility, coordination [and] balance. Core development one of the most widely misunderstood exercise regimens, Kupkowski says was mostly dormant in the fitness world, but re-emerged as the de rigueur workout following the premiere of the film 300 in 2007, she said. The actors portraying the ancient Greek warriors all had sinewy arms, jutting pectoral muscles, and impossibly chiseled six-pack abs. Once again at the behest of her athletes, Kupkowski began developing what eventually became Core Challenge. A lot of people think your core is just one solid muscle group, and its actually different components and different areas; you need to break that up and learn what each component is, said Kupkowski. Over a couple of weeks, months or years of taking a class like this, you can start doing more activities climb Mount Fuji, go snowboarding or skiing or you can just lose weight, get in shape, and feel a little better about yourself. Nora Gonzales, an Army family member, has been attending the classes since they began. She visited the gym regularly before then, but only to do brief cardio exercises. Completing the HIT and Core Challenge

workouts every week has been extremely effective in improving her fitness level, Gonzales said. When I leave I really feel sore, but it is because its a good workout, said Gonzales. Its very effective because [Kupkowski] includes strength training, upper- and lower-body training, and a little bit of everything else. The everything else aspect of her classes is an important one, Kupkowski says, because employing an ever-changing lineup of exercises in her routines is crucial when trying to, as she bluntly puts it, shock the body. I think mainly what people do is, they come into the gym or they do a workout consistently, said Kupkowski. Consistency is good over a period of a few weeks, but eventually whats going to start happening is, your body is going to start getting used to it and its going to start adapting. What we need to do is kind of shock it and have it go into a different direction. The desire to expand on the physical training he conducts as a Soldier was what led Lt. Col. Rick Davis to begin attending the HIT and Core Challenge classes about six weeks ago. The Armys PT program focuses primarily on running, and Davis said he wanted to work more on developing his upper body, abs and legs. I can definitely feel my core getting stronger, my upper body, and its a good cardio workout, too, said Davis, the deputy commander of the Japan Engineer District. It involves a lot less impact than running. Its definitely the only workout you need for the day. Kupkowski reiterates that the classes are tailored to meet the needs of anyone regardless of gender, age, fitness level or experience and that she hopes it provides a unique and beneficial outlet for the community. I want to make sure people are excited about coming and are guessing what were doing next, said Kupkowski. I want new people to shuffle in and out. When they walk away from a class like this, they can take it to another installation and say, This is something that I know works.

Jump-start

Photo by Dustin Perry

Nakia Rogers, left, of the Zama American High School girls varsity basketball team, shoots the ball over defender Anika Taylor of Christian Academy in Japan during a regular-season game held Saturday at Yano Fitness Center here. The ZAHS Trojans beat the CAJ Knights in overtime by a score of 44-37.

Photo by Dustin Perry

Jane Kupkowski, the Camp Zama fitness coordinator, demonstrates a modified abdominal crunch during Core Challenge, a class she offers along with a High Intensity Training workout every Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m at Yano Fitness Center.

SportS & FitneSS

www.torii.army.mil TORII
January 28, 2010

ZAHS wrestlers give consistent, strong performance at weekend dual meet

By Dustin perry
Torii Editor

Your Weekly Dose

H1N1 vaccine
The H1N1 vaccine is available to all personnel on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Immunization Clinic at BG Sams U.S. Army Health Clinic while supplies last. Please call 263-4838.

Witnessing the growth and progression of his relatively inexperienced team has been far more fulfilling than scrutinizing their win-loss record, said the Zama American High School wrestling coach. The Trojans placed last in Saturdays dual meet against Kinnick and Yokota high schools, but his wrestlers performed very tightly during their two matches, said Christopher Iredale. Since November, Iredale has seen his team all but three of which are first-year athletes in the sport evolve from a group of individuals to a cohesive unit that both teaches and learns from one another. Theyve pulled together really well, and theyre starting to unify a little bit and mentor each other, said Iredale. Weve got a pretty young group, but the older ones are taking them aside and going over new techniques with them. Weve actually been fairly consistent and strong [this year]. The Trojans first match, against Yokota, included some of the teams best performances. Among them was the match between ZAHS Michael Spencer and Yokotas Tyler Crandell. The two grappled for several intense minutes before Spencer was awarded the win by technical fall. However, the match ended with the Trojans closest loss margin of the day: a tough 32-31 decision in the Panthers favor. Near the end of their match against Kinnick, the Trojans trailed by an easily manageable 10 points. Spencer was up again, this time against the Red Devils Nichalous Gibbons. A defending Far East

Suicide Prevention
The USARJ Community has 24/7 access to assistance for suicide prevention by dialing 911 for immediate on-site assistance for those who may hurt themself or someone else, call 263-4127 for medical, behavioral or chaplain advice, or 145 for direct access to Military OneSource. Military OneSource representatives will provide support through advice and counseling to the population previously listed. These services are also available for our USARJ community members in Okinawa.

Medical Advice
For expedient medical advice 24/7, call the BG Sams Health Clinic at 263-4127. After hours, calling is faster than walking to the clinic.

Emergency Numbers
Photo by Dominic Labrador

Nick Jorgenson, top, of Zama American High School, holds Bryan Pfirman of Kinnick High School to the mat during a wrestling match Saturday at the ZAHS gymnasium. The two schools, along with Yokota High School, competed in a dual meet. Jorgenson pinned Pfirman and won the match, but ZAHS placed third overall in the meet.

champion, Spencer was surprisingly teched and then pinned by Gibbons in the span of two short periods. Kinnick swept the next three matches and ended with a 47-17 win over ZAHS. Because their team is comprised mostly of new wrestlers, the Trojans have mainly been working toward getting themselves familiarized with the sports many complex techniques, said Lee Spurling, one of the

team captains for ZAHS. Weve definitely made an improvement since the beginning of the season, said Spurling. I mean, some people didnt know how to do a proper [takedown] shoot when they came in, and now theyre pinning people left and right. We came in last today, but it provided a lot of experience for our new wrestlers as well as the returning members.

In case of a medical emergency, all cell phone users stationed on mainland U.S. Army Japan installations may program the following number on their speed dial: 046-407-2911. Land line users on all U.S. Army Japan and Garrison installations, including those located outside the Kanagawa Prefecture, may dial 911. SOFA-status members living off-post may dial 119.

Sports Briefs
35 & Over Basketball
The 35 & Over basketball league will begin Sunday at 3 p.m. at Yano Fitness Center. Games will be held every Sunday at 3 p.m. through March 28. For more information, call 263-7980.

Three-Point Shootout
There will be a Three-Point Shootout held Saturday at Yano Fitness Center. There will be mens and womens divisions. The women will start at 9 a.m., and the men at 9:45 a.m. The event is open to all anyone 18 years of age or older and not in high school. Please register at the Yano Fitness Center issue counter by Jan. 29. For additional information, call 263-4664 or 263-7980.

Shuttle to Atsugi Pool

MWR began a free shuttle service Monday to take patrons to the Atsugi swimming pool while renovations are being done to the Yano Fitness Center pool until March 23. The shuttle departs Yano Mondays and Tuesdays at 11 a.m., and picks up from Atsugi at 3 p.m. Admission to the Atsugi pool is free for active-duty servicemembers and $1 for all others. Please bring ID card. The schedule is fixed, and it is the responsibility of users to be at pick-up and drop-off points on time. MWR is not responsible for patrons who miss the scheduled times.

Classifieds & Movies

10 January 28, 2010 TORII
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 nonworkplace 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_/. authority on force protection policies, plans and operations. Required skills: Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft applications In-depth knowledge of DoD security policiesSecret Security ClearanceAbility to live/work in Japan (relocation not available, How to apply: Submit resume to www.lockheedjobs.com and post to requisition 112836 OR contact Linda Avers at linda.avers@lmco.com 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. Certifies Professional authority in the Women, infants, and Children overseas Program at Camp Zama: Choctaw Archiving Management Services Enterprise has a fulltime job opening for a Certifies Professional Authority in the Women, Infants, and Children Overseas Program at Camp Zama. Position requires a BS in Nutrition, Nursing, or Home Economics. Experience in prenatal, maternal, or infant nutrition is requires. A Registered Dietician or experience in WIC is preferred. Must have a drivers license and be a U.S. citizen. Please email or fax your resume to: Virginia Johnson (fax: 226-9585, email: Virginia.johnson.ctr@misawa.af.mil, phone#: 226-5592. 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. instructor/facilitator: Camp Zama Education Center is looking for a Instructor/Facilitator to conduct daytime Online Academic Skills Course formerly called FAST. Bachelors Degree and Teaching License/Certificate preferred.Will be paid for 240 classroom hours per year. Call 2635055 for more information. instructor/facilitator: Torii Station Education Center is looking for a Instructor/Facilitator to conduct daytime Online Academic Skills Course formerly called FAST. Bachelors Degree and Teaching License/Certificate preferred.Will be paid for classroom hours taught per year.Call 263-5055 for more information.

www.torii.army.mil
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. Officials: Officials for all intramural sports (flag-football, softball, basketball, & volleyball), aerobic & yoga instructors, fitness trainers and massage therapists. For more information, call 263-4664 / 7980. sports photos: The Torii Newspaper wants to publish your action sports photos for sports of all ages, all seasons. To showcase your team or your childs team, e-mail your digital action sports photos less than two weeks old (with captions) in .jpg format of 3mb or more to tetsuo. nakahara4@us.army.mil. 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 shantee12@yahoo.com.

Jobs
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 in the Microsoft Exchange public e-mail folders and on the Internet at www.usarj.army.mil/ scripts/jn/cpo/index.asp. Application forms are available on the same site. Selection status can also be checked. For more information, call 263-3325. Child and Youth Program assistant (level 2-4), (CYS, Zama & SHA), CY-1/2, RFT/RPT, $9.58 - $17.09, Open Continuous. Cook (CYs), NA-04, Flex, $10.01, Closes: May 7, 2010 Recreation assistant (lifeguard/Pool operator), RD, NF-02, $9.26, Closes: January 12, 2011 Recreation assistant (lifeguard), RD, Flex, NF-02, $9.29, Closes: January 12, 2011 Hotel desk Clerk (Zama lodging), BD, RFT, $7.25 - $9.00, Closes: June 28, 2010 Management analyst (aBC), NAF Support Service, RFT, NF-4, $34,500 - $40,000, Closes: June 16, 2010 operations assistant, BD, RFT, NF-2, $8.71, Closes: February 3, 2010

Vehicles for sale

05 Nissan skyline fairlady 350Z: Nismo body, Dark Met Grey with heated auburn leather Seats, showroom condition no dents/scratches, 20 ,Petrol Luxury Wheels, HKS exhaust system, 4 ,Titanium tips, Drill/Slot Rotors, Power everything, New JCI, DVD, TV, NAV, Mini Disc, 6CD, 64klm; The best looking Z on the streets for, $18,500. Call 090-8517-9568 04 Yamaha YZf R1: Immaculate Condition, Like New, Met Silver/Drk Grey, Limited color, 13,400klm, Carbon Fiber parts, Garage kept, TOCE Extreme exhaust, Vortex racing sprocket/ gold chain, Double wind screen, Pilot Power 2CT Tires, New JCI, Plus much more $8,800 Call, 090-8517-9568 01 Mitsubishi RvR: $3500- Silver, 1800cc, Original owner with less than - 40,000 kilometers, JCI - May 2010, Car navigation/t.v. (Japanese), Keyless entry, CD player, C: 0909364-2619 (5)

Others
ZaCsas 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 Saturdays 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. fUReai, Japanese Personnel Newsletter is issued and distributed electronically. This newsletter is for MLC/MC/IHA personnel and US personnel who have Japanese subordinate employees. It is available at https://intranet. zama.army.mil/?linkid=fureai. The Women, infant, and Children, (WIC) overseas program at Camp Zama offers valuable nutritional information and food subsidizes. For more information, call 263-8960.

Wanted
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

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

Other local positions

Position description: Military operations analyst-112836: This position serves as the Antiterrorism Program and Training Manager for the United States Army Japan. Performs force protection surveys and assessments, and assesses force protection policies and systems to ensure that a comprehensive, active viable force protection program exists within subordinate organizations. Serves as the liaison with primary USARJ staff and the Chief of Staff on force protection issues/concerns/ recommendations. Provides advice and guidance to other USARJ staff sections, specialists and subordinate commands to ensure successful integration of work into a comprehensive force protection plan. Develops and implements clearly articulated force protection program requirements for the USARJ headquarters and subordinate commands. Incumbent is the

Movie sCHedUle
saGaMiHaRa
http://www.aafes.com/ems/pac/zama.htm
267-6111

aTsUGi Cinema 77
https://www.atsugi.navy.mil/ATSUGI/Mwr/index.html
264-3789

friday 6 p.m...............The Twilight Saga: New Moon (PG-13) 130 minutes 9 p.m........................The Book of Eli (R) 119 minutes saturday 6:30 p.m............................This is It (PG) 111 minutes 9 p.m........................The Book of Eli (R) 119 minutes sunday 3:30 p.m..............................Old Dogs (PG) 88 minutes 6:30 p.m..........The Twilight Saga: New Moon (PG-13) 130 minutes

friday 2 p.m...............................Bolt (Free) (PG) 96 7 p.m..........The Princess and the Frog (G) 97 9:30 p.m...................The Book of Eli (R) 119 saturday 4:30 p.m.................Fantastic Mr. Fox (PG) 87 7 p.m..............................Armored (PG-13) 88 9:30 p.m...................The Book of Eli (R) 119 sunday 3 p.m..................................Old Dogs (PG) 88 5:30 p.m............Everybodys Fine (PG-13) 95 8 p.m. .....................The Book of Eli (R) 119

minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes

for your Tv schedule, visit www.myafn.net

CoMMUNiTY CaleNdaR
www.torii.army.mil TORII
January 28, 2010

11

UpcomingOngoing Events
Post-Combat Stress Support
A 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.

NSPS Town Hall Meeting

The U.S. Army Garrison Japan will host an NSPS employee town hall meeting Friday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Community Cultural Center. For more information, call Warren Kimball at 263-3784.

Whats Happening Outside the Gate?

Hisano Yamazaki
Eagle 810, AFN Tokyo

Beginners Japanese Class

Beginners Japanese class is available at Army Community Service every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. For more information, call at 263-8091.

hisano.yamazaki.jp@yokota.af.mil

New Parent Support Program

The New Parent Support Program, a division of the Family Advocacy Program, specializes in assisting and offering services to new and expecting parents. Play Morning, an interactive playgroup for parents and children up to age 6 is held 9:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays at the Zama Chapel and the same time every second, third and fourth Thursday at SHA CDC. Breast Feeding Support Groups are held on the first Thursday of the month, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at ACS and the third Monday of the month, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at SHA CDC. Baby Bundles is a program that provides information and supplies for new and expecting parents. They are available, along with electric breast pumps, for loan by contacting 263-2382.

ART BAZAAR 2010 @ Bunkamura Gallery, (Admission free), Jan. 14-31

Three hundred masterpieces of famous artists from around the world will be on sale at special prices, e.g. oil paintings, watercolor paintings, woodblock prints, illustrations, etc. Artists: Andy Warhol, Chagall, Salvador Dali, Picasso, Japanese artists and more.

Army Family Action Plan

AFAP is a year-round process. To submit and AFAP issue, log onto http://www.mwrjapan.jp.pac.army.mil and click on Submit an AFAP Community Idea/Concern. Issues can be submitted anonymously and will be sent directly to the AFAP program manager.

Gate 7
Gate 7 and the area along Coomer Drive is expected to be under construction every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Jan. 28. POC: MP desk sergeant at 263-3002.

Setsubun: the Bean-Throwing Ceremony or Mamemaki Feb. 3

Mt. Takao Yakuo-In Temple, Tokyo, Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, Gokoku-ji Temple, Tokyo, Ikegami Hongan-ji Temple, Tokyo, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura City, Kawasaki Daishi Temple, Kawasaki City

CLEP and DANTES Testing

College-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.

USAGJ 2009 NSPA Employee Town Hall

When: Friday, 29 January, Time: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., Place: Camp Zama Community Cultural Center

Jan 24-Jan 31 Michael Jackson MJ46 Comeback Tour @ Roppongi Hills (Closed on Jan 28. Admission free)
Recording of Interview with Michael Jackson & Jackson 5--1st Release in the whole world , Michael Jacksons Vacuum Form Life Masks from the Wiz , Michael Jacksons Hand-Drown Sketch

Travel & CulTure

12 January 28, 2010 TORII www.torii.army.mil

Out with you, Demons!

By Tetsuo Nakahara
Torii Staff

or those of you venturing out in town on Feb. 3, be sure to watch out for flying beans and fleeing ogres. The Japanese celebrate Setsubun at the beginning of February to mark to the preparation for the upcoming planting season. The Feb. 3 ceremonies across the nation celebrate the risshun or birth of spring. The important transition of the seasons offers Japanese people come together as a community to manage their anxieties about the upcoming year and cleanse themselves of demons and evil spirits. Shinto priests can be seen performing a variety of exorcisms and purification rituals at this time of year most notably the mame-maki or bean throwing ceremony at homes and shrines. The goal is to drive out sinister demons and ogres or oni that pollute the local environment. Participants fill wooden masu or cups with roasted soybeans and throw them in and around their homes while shouting Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi! or Out with demons! In with happiness! This incantation is performed to bring in good fortune and drive out the evil spirits that have been lurking about during the dark and cold winter months. It is also customary for the devout to pick and eat a number of beans which corresponds to their age. What started out as a cleansing ritual for superstitious country farmers has grown into a national pastime celebrated at schools, corporate offices and private residences. Setsubun, which literally means change of seasons, ceremonies are a rollicking affair that can be viewed at thousands of Shinto shrines throughout Japan on Feb. 3. Well-known people such as politicians, sumo wrestlers and actors are often invited to the festivals to throw out beans for good luck for all those present. Mame-make originally began as an imperial event on New Years Eve to get rid of demons and welcome in a happy new year. It later mixed with indigenous customs of throwing beans at the time of rice-seedling planting. Since the Edo period (1603-1867), the rite of throwing roasted soybeans inside private homes has been performed on Setsubun. A popular myth states that if a person consumes an entire sushi roll silently on Setsubun facing that years lucky direction, their dreams will soon come true. A sushi roll is eaten to symbolize good fortune being rolled into one. The roll is not cut to symbolize good relations will not be cut off during the upcoming year. Sushi eaters take note; this years lucky direction is west-south-west. Dozens of regional myths are also closely related to the Shinto holiday of Setsubun. The holiday is celebrated in different ways throughout the counttry If you would like to purchase some roasted soybeans for your house, you can usually find them in a special Setsubun section of Japanese grocery markets at this time of year. You can also bring in some beans to the office in case your boss or supervisor happens to be an ogre and needs casting out.

Photos by Tetsuo Nakahara