Aug 13, 2009www.torii.army.mil

Serving the U.S. Army Japan community

July 29, 2010VOL. 38, NO. 29

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

See EXERCISE, Page 2

Photo by Dustin PerryYOKOHAMA NORTH DOCK – A Light Medium Tactical Vehicle is driven up a ramp and aboard the Green Dale, a large cargo vessel, Thursday during a two-day deployment exercise conducted by the 35th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. The exercise incorporated driver’s training, convoy operations, on- and offloading vehicles and cargo, and utilizing In-Transit Visibility tracking systems. Also involved were Soldiers from the 623rd Movement Control Team and the 836th Transportation Battalion.

Exercise readies Soldiers for deployment ops By Dustin PerryTorii Editor

CAMP ZAMA – Time is of the essence when preparing for a deployment, and for one unit here, a two-day exercise allowed more than 20 Soldiers the opportunity to effectively reinforce the skills needed to streamline that process, their commander said.

Members of the 35th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, based at Sagami General Depot, completed a deployment exercise Thursday at Yokohama North Dock that incorporated convoy

operations, advanced driver’s training, and utilizing advanced cargo tracking systems.

“Our ability to be able to, on short notice, get our equipment together, pack it up, put it on a vessel or an aircraft in support of a humanitarian-assistance, disaster-relief operation or some other mission, is very critical,” said Lt. Col. Stacie Townsend, 35th CSSB commander. “The skills that the Soldiers have learned over the past couple of days will help compress that timeline and make us even more responsive.”

The DEPEX was carried out in

several phases, the first of which required the Soldiers to properly prepare their cargo – in this case four Light Medium Tactical Ve-hicles and five Humvees – for transportation to North Dock. This involved in-depth inspections of each vehicle to ensure they were fully operational, followed by the proper affixation of In-Transit Visibility tracking systems like radio frequency identification tags and military shipping labels. These ITVs allow a unit to track their cargo at any time while it is in transit.

Assisting the 35th CSSB with

this portion of the exercise were 12 members of the 623rd Move-ment Control Team, a sister unit also located at Sagami Depot, staffed solely with transporta-tion management coordinators whose job it was to ensure their fellow Soldiers’ equipment was “squared away” prior to arriving at the port of embarkation, said the unit movement officer for the 623rd MCT.

“We [ensured] that everything went smoothly during the trans-portation portion of the exercise,” said 2nd Lt. Ashian Izadi. “That is probably the most critical por-

tion [of preparing equipment for deployment].”

Once all nine vehicles were authorized for movement, the Soldiers of 35th CSSB conducted a convoy to bring them from their base in Sagamihara to the port of Yokohama, located approximately 27 kilometers east. Venturing outside the confines of a secure military installation and onto the highways of Japan amid unpredict-able traffic was beneficial in giv-ing some of the less-experienced Soldiers in his unit some critical

2 July 29, 2010 TORII www.torii.army.milNEWS

Zama Briefs

Family Matters BlogA former editor and writer for the American Forces Press Service has launched the Family Matters Blog to provide resources and support to military families as well as encourage a dialogue on topics ranging from deployments to the challenges of everyday life. The blog features current, up-to-date postings that matter to military families. To view the blog, go to http://afps.dodlive.mil/.

Lodging InformationLodging renovations are complete. As of May 14, the front desk and offices have relocated back to Bldg. 552. The temporary bus stop located on Sand Road, between Bldgs. 552 and 780 were removed and relocated to Bldg. 552 as of May 17. All lodging phone numbers will remain the same, with the front desk reachable at 263-3830.

Mail DispositionDue to space limitations at the Camp Zama Consolidated Mailroom (Bldg. S-383), any customer planning on taking leave or going on temporary duty for more than 30 days must make arrangements for disposition of their mail during their absence. Customers may fill out a DD Form 2258 (Temporary Mail Disposition Instructions) to forward mail to a temporary address or utilize PS Form 3801 (Standing Delivery Order) to authorize someone to pick up their mail. For more information, call 263-8587.

Victim AdvocacyVictim advocacy is a free service for all personnel in the military community and is located in Bldg. 402 at Army Community Service. Victims are allowed to come and talk to a trained victim advocate and inquire about available services. To contact a victim advocate, call 263-4853 or 080-6772-6735.

Voter AssistanceThe Federal Voting Assistance Program has launched an online voter registration assistant to help more than 6 million military, their voting age dependents, and overseas voters better navigate the registration process. The new online FVAP Voter Registration Assistant helps automate a once cumbersome, manual process in advance of the mid-term elections. Go to www.fvap.gov to register and request your absentee ballot.

Bon Dance LessonsCome learn the graceful steps of the Japanese Bon Dance. Free Bon Dance lessons began July 20 to help members of the community prepare for the annual Camp Zama Bon Odori Festival. Lessons will be offered today, Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Community Activity Center (formerly known as the Community Cultural Center). No pre-registration is required, just show up and learn the moves. For more information, call the USAG-J Community Relations Office at 263-7156.

Photo by Dustin Perry

Blood in, blood outNaoki Yasui, a master labor contract employee assigned to the Central Accounting Office here, has an intravenous tube removed from his arm by nurse Shiori Narita after having a pint of blood drawn July 21 in a mobile medical station. MLC employees here were invited to donate during a daylong blood drive coordinated by the Japanese Red Cross Society.

EXERCISE, From page 1

“time on the road,” said Sgt. 1st Class Brian Reeder, who acted as convoy commander for the 35th CSSB during the exercise.

The final day of the DEPEX saw the two units to working together with the Soldiers and civilian members of the 836th Transpor-tation Bn., the unit at Yokohama North Dock that oversees the loading and unloading of cargo on and off vessels docked at the instal-lation. This exercise required the drivers to board the Green Dale, a large commercial shipping vessel with the capacity to hold a wide array of military vehicles to include Humvees and helicopters.

Boarding a stationary watercraft – and safely maneuvering a vehicle once inside it – is a complex task for a driver when compared to simple on-road driving, said Capt. Shannon Virgadamo, the operations officer for the 836th Trans. Bn. The DEPEX provided those Soldiers with a unique op-portunity to employ those crucial skills, she said.

“The tricky thing about loading onto a vessel like the Green Dale is that there are multiple levels,” said Virgadamo. “Backing up a large LMTV or a Humvee with a trailer is not easy, and it’s not any easier once you get inside a vessel that you’ve never been in before.”

The drivers in his unit tackled the “unique challenges” presented by the Green Dale safely and proficiently, said Capt. David C. Williams, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 35th CSSB. Safety is the No. 1 factor during the exercise, and the Soldiers worked together to make the mission “a great success,” he said.

Photo by Dustin PerryA Humvee is driven up a ramp and onboard the Green Dale, a large cargo vessel, Thursday at Yokohama North Dock during a deployment exercise conducted by Soldiers assigned to the 35th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion.

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 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 Commanding General: Maj. Gen. Francis J. WiercinskiGarrison Commander: Col. Perry HeltonGarrison Public Affairs Officer: Edward H. RoperDeputy Public Affairs Officer: Christopher BushEditor: Dustin PerryStaff : Tetsuo Nakahara

TORII July 29, 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 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 AffairsU.S. Army Garrison JapanATTN: TORII EditorUnit 45005, IMPC-JA-HNR/PAAPO AP 96338

Annual bilateral medical conference strengthens U.S. Army-JGSDF bond By Tetsuo NakaharaTorii Staff

Photo by Tetsuo Nakahara(From left): Maj. Gen. Yasuhide Uwabe, director of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force Medical Department, gives JGSDF Medical Department aprons to Col. Donald Gagliano, executive director at the Department of Defense/Veterans Affairs Vision Center of Excellence, and Col. Kathleen Ryan, commander of the BG Crawford F. Sams U.S. Army Health Clinic here, during an annual bilateral medical conference held Friday at the Camp Zama Community Club.

The annual bilateral medical confer-ence between the U.S. Army and Japanese Ground Self Defense Force was held Friday at the Camp Zama Community Club here.

More than 30 medical practitioners from U.S. Army Medical Department Activity – Japan, U.S. Army Public Health Command – Pacific, the JGSDF Medical Department, Central Service Support at JGSDF, the Na-tional Defense Medical College at JGSDF, the JSDF Central Hospital, and JGSDF Medical School discussed medical agendas, exchanged information and explored the ways in which their professions can make an impact.

The conference has been alternately hosted by each side, and this year’s was hosted by the U.S. Army. This year also marked the 15th anniversary with the theme of “Strong Minds and Strong Bodies.”

The conference kicked off in the morn-ing with opening remarks by Col. Kathleen Ryan, commander of the BG Crawford F. Sams U.S. Army Health Clinic here, and Maj. Gen. Yasuhide Uwabe, director of the Medical Department at JGSDF.

“I would like to remind you of the two major objectives at this conference,” said Uwabe in his opening remarks. “One is to learn new medical topics. I would like you to discuss and learn. The second is to pro-mote our partnership. Enjoy this conference, enjoy discussing. You are all professionals and you respect each other. We can be good friends, and we can be good partners.”

The full-day conference covered various topics and agendas presented from both side, includes suicide prevention, the JGSDF’s medical capabilities, and a presentation on “Adverse Childhood Experiences in the U.S. Army Population.”

Col. Donald Gagliano, executive direc-tor for the Department of Defense/Veterans Affairs Vision Center of Excellence, was invited to the conference as the guest speaker. He presented speeches on topics such as “Medical Education and Training Campuses” and “DoD/VA Vision Center of Excellence: A Joint Interagency Ap-proach.”

“The conference continues to foster the partnership that we have with Japan,” said

Ryan. “I was born in Camp Zama many years ago, so it is an honor to come back and learn about my heritage and how the medical department operates in the JGSDF. We know each other and we both know our operational abilities. It’s not only edu-cational, but also in case of an emergency, we have an idea of what we’re capable of. We hope to continue this friendship and partnership with the Japanese people.”

An AMEDD birthday dinner was held at

the CZCC following the conference, during which attendees had time to talk each other as part of one medical department family.

“This is my fourth time to attend this conference,” said Uwabe. “We have gained many benefits from this bilateral conference. We would like to carry on the bilateral re-lationship and continue to improve it. It is important to keep searching for the solution by discussing medical issues together in this partnership.”

COMMUNITY4 July 29, 2010 TORII www.torii.army.mil

Photo by Dustin Perry

Movie, starsA couple sits on the Zama Soccer Field during a screening of Astro Boy Thursday night as part of Outdoor Cinema Night, sponsored by Morale, Welfare and Recre-ation. The free event is scheduled twice more this summer: Thursday at Sagamihara Housing Area Field near the Child Development Center, during which The Spy Next Door will be shown; and Aug. 19 at the Zama Soccer Field, during which Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs will be shown. The films will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Talent show attracts eclectic group of performers Story and photos by Dustin PerryTorii Editor

Josh Jones, who served as the emcee Friday during a talent show organized by the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program, tells jokes onstage outside the Community Activity Center. The show included singers, dancers and even a poet.

Bringing the community together for a showcase of eclectic and entertaining performances in a noncompetitive environ-ment was genesis of a talent show held here Friday, the event’s organizer said.

More than a dozen acts took to the out-door stage at the Community Activity Center and were given the opportunity to sing, dance, joke and do just about anything else for an eager crowd during the event, which was sponsored by the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program.

The idea for an all-ages, installation-wide talent show sprang from a BOSS brainstorm session for possible fundraising events, said Sgt. Valery Valtrain, president of the orga-nization. Valtrain, who was volunteering as a youth softball coach at the time, attended one of her player’s dance recitals and was amazed at what she saw.

“I was just blown away by the amount of creativity that the dancers had,” said Valtrain. “I thought maybe Soldiers would have that same creativity, so I thought it would be good to open [the talent show]

not just to children, but to everyone.”After posting flyers with the tagline, “So

You Think You’ve Got Talent?” the entries quickly began to come in, said Valtrain. The BOSS president’s hope was that the show would attract a variety of perform-ers, she said.

“I didn’t want it to be just singing and dancing,” said Valtrain. “I wanted whatever – gymnastics, jugglers – I wanted everyone to come out and see what they had to offer. I didn’t want it to be hostile in any way; it was a friendly competition all the way through, and that’s what we strived for.”

The show began with a pair of dance routines – one choreographed, one largely improvised – that succeeded in getting the crowd amped for the rest of the night. Maiko Beale, who was part of the aforementioned recital seen by Valtrain, put together her rou-tine at the last minute because she said she hoped it would help her get over her fear of performing solo in front of an audience.

“I have performed in recitals, but it was with other people,” said Beale. “I’ve done solos, but a teacher would teach me some-thing. At first I was nervous – last night I couldn’t sleep – but … once I got up there,

I just did my thing. It was fun.”Beale’s elegant and acrobatic perfor-

mance, set to Alicia Keys’ “As I Am,” was eventually chosen as the first-place winner

in her age category at the event.Hopes for a diverse show were fulfilled

by a healthy mixture of unique acts – a cappella singing, piano and acoustic guitar

COMMUNITYTORII July 29, 2010 5www.torii.army.mil

Director Nolan, all-star cast deliver immaculate Inception By Dustin PerryTorii Editor

(Right:) Victoria Reynolds sings Rihan-na’s “Take a Bow” Friday onstage at the Community Activity Center during a tal-ent show organized by the Better Oppor-tunities for Single Soldiers program.

There are movies you watch several times because you enjoy and are consis-tently entertained by them. And then there are complex and intricately layered movies that demand repeat viewings in order to fully grasp every detail and missed clue within their narratives. Inception, the latest film from writer-director Christopher Nolan, is a dazzling example of cinematic grandeur that falls squarely within the latter category.

Nolan, who proved his skill behind the camera right out of the gate with 2000’s Memento, achieves with Inception the dif-ficult task of creating a hugely ambitious film that pays off in every way – the acting, the plot, the performances – without ever losing steam or exhausting viewers.

Built on a premise that is equal parts The Matrix and Synecdoche, New York, this mind-bending thriller is set largely within the dreams of its central characters. As with other films that deal with the questioning of one’s reality versus the unreal, Inception relies on its audience’s ability to likewise be able to distinguish between the two.

In the ever-popular not-too-distant future, the practice of entering a person’s dreams and stealing information from their subconscious is a lucrative business. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Dominic Cobb, a professional thief who specializes in the unique skill. The film opens with Cobb and his partner Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) inside the mind of a Mr. Saito, a power-

ful Japanese businessman played by Ken Watanabe. An attempt to steal a highly guarded corporate secret from Saito goes awry and Cobb is forced to partner with his former target.

However, the job Saito presents is a difficult one: Rather than stealing an idea from someone, Cobb is told he must plant a thought inside a man’s head so that he thinks it was his all along – a concept known, of course, as inception. That man is Robert Fischer (Cillian Murphy), the son of one of Saito’s rivals, and Cobb must manage – from within Fischer’s dream – to convince him to dismantle his father’s empire.

The final two-thirds of Inception take place almost entirely within the characters’

collective minds. And it is during this portion of the film that Nolan, taking full advantage of an environment where the laws of reality do not apply, is able to stage some of the most amazing action sequences seen on the big screen in the last decade. Just try to keep your jaws off the floor as you watch Arthur fight a security guard in a hotel hallway while gravity shifts and the walls tumble and rotate around them.

In the world of dreams, literally nothing is what it seems: minutes are hours, city blocks can fold over themselves, and even people are merely personifications of one’s subconscious. As the film delves deeper and deeper within itself, and the actions of characters in one dream begin to directly

affect their duplicate selves in another dream, staying along for the ride becomes an exhilarating exercise in surrealism.

The characters provide exposition on the film’s many complex psychological and physiological nuances without ever pander-ing to the audience or over-explaining, a common mistake made by lesser films and lesser filmmakers. It sounds impossible, but Inception is laid out in a way that will allow viewers to follow it even when they’re not fully following it.

Credit for that accomplishment goes largely to Nolan, who has a knack for craft-ing dialogue and linking scenes so that they fall together perfectly while still managing to slip in occasional “Whaaa?” moments that catch the audience off guard.

The performances here are also worth noting, with DiCaprio carrying most of the film’s narrative weight. He effectively brings to life a troubled character with a dark past, much like the one he played in the interesting but flawed Shutter Island.

The 2010 summer movie season has been largely disappointing, with several hyped films (Knight and Day) and established fran-chises (Iron Man 2) falling short. Inception is not only the perfect remedy for this year’s pack of duds, but also an early contender for a dark horse slot in the now-expanded list of Best Picture nominees. (And I certainly can’t be alone in thinking that this bodes extremely well for the millions of filmgoers who are eagerly awaiting 2012, the year Nolan’s follow-up to The Dark Knight is expected to hit theaters.)

performances, karaoke, and even a poem reading. Josh Jones, a Soldier assigned at Camp Zama, acted as emcee during the event, but also flexed his skills as a stand-up comic in between sets.

“It’s a tough thing – not just emceeing or doing stand-up comedy, but performing in front of people,” said Jones. “I thought it was awesome that we had a bunch of different talents out there. It showed the diversity of the people in this community.”

Jones was genial when introducing each act and pleasantly self-effacing when admitting his jokes weren’t getting a warm response from the audience. However, the biggest laugh of the night – unintended though it may have been – came from performer Gregory Smith.

Initially lip-syncing to rapper Drake’s song “Best I Ever Had,” Smith had his performance cut short when the lyrics became too explicit for the child-filled crowd. After a short break, he returned to the stage to attempt the Eagles’ hit “Hotel California.”

Smith swayed with the microphone in his hand and waited as an extended flamenco guitar riff played over the speakers – “I hope this is not an instrumental version,” he said. It wasn’t, but when the vocals finally did kick in, it was not the familiar voice of Don Henley that was heard. Rather, it was a Spanish-language cover version of the song performed by the Gipsy Kings. Smith, unfazed, improvised his way through the set with the eager help of Jones.

“I’ve never performed in a show in my

life,” said Smith. “It didn’t go as well as I planned, to say the least, but I think I did alright. I worked with it, put my heart into it, and I gave it that good old Army try.”

Performing in the talent show was some-thing he enjoyed “immensely,” Smith said. He was also pleased with the talents of his fellow competitors and said he believed the audience enjoyed themselves as well.

“A lot of the performers tonight had never been on a stage before, so this was something new for them,” said Smith. “It took a lot of heart and courage just to go out there in front of a crowd. It’s an experience, to say the least.”

Even before the performers who had properly registered for the show were done, Jones put an offer out to the audience encouraging them to take the stage if they wanted to showcase their talents. A young woman clad in neon clothing and striped socks who went by the stage name “Colors” sang an a cappella version of a popular Miley Cyrus, and later a woman sat down for an impromptu and dizzyingly fast piano rendi-tion of “Flight of the Bumblebee.”

“I didn’t want anyone to go out there feeling pressured,” said Valtrain. “In fact, a lot of [the performers] started to buddy up, and I encouraged that. We are hoping that this becomes an annual event and that we can make it bigger. We want to welcome everybody to showcase their talent.”

6 July 29, 2010 TORII

COMMUNITYTORII July 29, 2010 7www.torii.army.mil

SOULTHE

CAPTURING

STORY AND PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY DUSTIN PERRY, TORII EDITORALL ADDITIONAL PHOTOS BY CHAPLAIN (COL.) JOHN POWERS

for more than three decades, col. john powers has been an avid photographer with a natural gift for seeing the world’s beauty through his camera lens. the key to creating lasting images is simple, he says – it’s all about …

Looking at any given photo taken by Col. John Powers evokes a myriad of feelings within the viewer –

warmth, awe, exhilaration – but perhaps most overwhelming is the immediate desire to see more of his photos.

Whether they’re of vast landscapes, colorful flowers, ancient architecture or willing human subjects, Powers’ images consistently manage to capture singular moments in time that linger in the mind long afterward the way only truly great photos can.

Powers, the command chaplain for U.S. Army Japan and I Corps (Forward), has maintained an interest in photography that spans 35 years. Having spent three years in the Army after being drafted in 1971, the then-20-year-old Philadelphia native first “cut his teeth” by taking simple snapshots using black-and-white film and developing the prints himself at his base’s Arts and Crafts Center.

“I needed a creative outlet,” says Pow-ers, now 56. “As work got more stressful, I needed to release that creative edge, and photography provided that for me. As I developed my skills – no pun intended – I saw that I had a pretty good eye [for it] and I said, ‘Hey, this is fun, and I seem to be OK at this.’”

Throughout a military career during which he has been stationed in places like Vietnam, Italy, Germany, Kuwait, Hawaii,

and of course Japan – he is currently on his third tour here – Powers says he continued “trying to capture the images of what I was seeing around me.”

Powers’ hobby became a serious endeav-or about five years ago when he switched to shooting exclusively with digital cameras. He now subscribes to “three or four” pho-tography magazines and attends various workshops as often as he can – the most recent being a three-day course in Tokyo – in an ongoing effort to hone his craft.

Although he describes his choice of subjects as “very eclectic” – his extensive portfolio includes wildlife, bustling city-scapes and news photography – it is portrait work that Powers considers to be his strong suit. It should come as no surprise that he counts Steve McCurry, whose famous “Af-ghan Girl” portrait graced a 1985 cover of National Geographic, as one of the main inspirations for his work.

“I do a lot of portrait work and family photos, and when I’m out and about … my eye just gravitates toward people,” says Powers. “Last night I was at a festival taking pictures of the mikoshi (a portable Shinto shrine), but I was reviewing them when I got home and most of my photos were of people.”

Inanimate objects and nature scenes can easily be brought to vivid life by a sufficiently skilled photographer. However, when an already living person is on the

A priest switches his glance while waiting to transport a mikoshi (a portable Shinto shrine) during the annual Fire Festival last August in Fujiyoshida. This photo won Col. John Powers third place in the 2009 All-Army Digital Photography Contest.

Hanayagi Tomomaika, a dancer, performs onstage at Harmony Hall in May 2010.

A close-up of the well-known daibutsu, or “Large Buddha” statue, located in Kama-kura, Japan. The statue was built in 1252 and has remained intact ever since.

other side of his camera lens, Powers says the trick is “trying to capture the essence of [their] personality.” He does so by framing his subjects tightly and employing stun-ning depth of field, a technique in which the dominant element is put in sharp focus while the background is blurry.

With their rich culture – not to mention a history that includes the wearing of elaborate kimonos, Edo-era chonmage hairstyles, and powder-white geisha makeup – the people of Japan are ideally suited to Pow-ers’ fondness for portraiture. All he has to do is venture to a wedding ceremony or theatrical performance where the sight of such traditional at-tire is common, and the only problem is deciding who to photograph.

“I want people to look at my por-traits and say, ‘Wow. You really caught them,’” says Pow-ers. “That’s a real challenge – to cap-ture the soul.”

As the command chaplain, Powers leads an extremely demanding profes-sional life, yet he admits he is “always taking pictures.” When asked how he manages to balance his creative pursuits with his duties and obligations as a Sol-dier, he provides a two-word answer: time management.

“It’s just a matter of what you want to do,” says Powers. “A lot of people go to the mov-ies, watch TV, go golfing … while they’re doing all those things, I’m taking pictures. I carry my camera with me all the time, and I have something to show for it.”

There are several photography buffs on Camp Zama who regularly go on out-ings to popular picturesque spots in Japan like Kyoto, Harajuku and Kamakura and compare and critique each other’s work. Eric Armstrong, the Information Technol-ogy plans manager for the G-6 office here,

became acquainted with Powers when he discovered they had both entered the 2009 All-Army Digital Photography Contest. The two now have plans to start a photography club on the installation.

Working with and learning alongside Powers has been instrumental in advancing his own skills, says Armstrong.

“He has a good eye for noticing a good composition when it comes to people,” Armstrong says of Powers. “I’m more of a nature photographer. I’ve always wanted to do portrait photography, and he’s kind of in-spired me into moving in that direction.”

Though his work has been recognized at a professional level – including a third-place finish in the AADPC, a Kodak award for “Photographic Ex-cellence” and two Fujifilm “Master-piece Awards” – Powers says he only enters competitions to receive affirma-tion from his peers.

“My friends tell me I do wonderful work, but they’re my friends – they’re biased, they’re sub-jective,” says Pow-ers. “When I can submit my stuff to be looked at and judged by profes-sionals, that helps me become a better photographer.”

To hear Powers talk about his favorite pastime is to hear a person completely steeped in the technical and artistic aspects of the craft. He peppers his conversation with camera terms like “f-stop,” “ISO” and “tripod” the way a car enthusiast might fawn over horsepower or 0-60 mph times. After a while, it becomes apparent that, to him, photography is more than a mere hobby.

“It’s in your blood, I think,” says Powers. “Most of us are very sensual individuals – when we see things or hear things, we respond. If you see a good photo, it strikes your heart. It speaks to the soul.”

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

Zama youth get stoked for Summer Soccer ClinicBy Tetsuo NakaharaTorii Staff

Photos by Tetsuo Nakahara(Above): Two Camp Zama youth show their dribbling skills during the Summer Soccer Clinic hosted by the British Football Academy Tuesday at the Camp Zama soccer field. (Left): More than 50 children attended the clinic.

Boys and girls on Camp Zama bravely chased soccer balls under the summer sun during the annual Summer Soccer program, which began Sunday and was hosted by members of the British Football Academy.

More than 50 youth from 5 to 18 years old attended the five-day clinic hosted by the Youth Sports and Fitness program here. The children were coached by members of the BFA from Tokyo, and their training will conclude Friday.

The British Football Academy is a professional soccer coaching organization established in 2004, which operates out of a number of locations in the Kanto area. It brings the British style of football education and competition to youngsters in Japan. This marks the fourth time the academy has visited Camp Zama.

Shade and plenty of drinks and fruit were provided by the YSF staff to prevent heat injuries among the children during the day. The program was divided into two groups: the 5-to-8-year-olds, and the 9-to-18-year-olds.

Soccer has been one of the top sports among youth at Camp Zama, said William Badillo Jr, a CYS program assistant.

“Soccer is a very easy sport to put togeth-er because all you need is a ball and goals,” said Badillo. “Definitely, for the older age group, the World Cup had some influence on them signing up for the clinic.

“All summer sports programs we provide are pretty much for getting kids ready for the regular sports season in the fall,” added Badillo. “Every time after this clinic, the kids ask us if these BFA guys will come back. They love these coaches.”

“I think football is getting more popular in older kids,” said Dave Callaghan, head coach for the BFA. “I want them to enjoy the game, and I hope they continue to play football. I saw some of the same faces from last year’s clinic, and I’m happy to see they’re improving.”

The youth had a chance to learn not only a variety of soccer skills, but also sportsman-ship and teamwork, through the clinic.

“I’ve been playing soccer for about three years,” said Michael Tolentino, 8. “I like soccer; it’s fun. The thing about soccer is thinking cleverly about what you have to do next.”

SPORTS & FITNESSTORII July 29, 2010 9www.torii.army.mil

Fitness FilesBy Jane KupkowskiCamp Zama Fitness Coordinator

Your Weekly Dose

Access to care at BG Sams U.S. Army Health Clinic is avaialble 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 till the clinic opens, or if you need to seek medical care at either Yokosuka Navy Hospital, Yokota AFB Hospital or at a Host Nation Hospital or Clinic.

Recently we have noticed an increase of calls to the “911” number. This is the emergency number which activates the MPs, our ambulance, EMTs and translators. Of course, if you have a life threatening medical emergency such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or trauma, please call “911” on post or “119” off post. If you are feel-ing sick, or have an injury that does not meet the criteria for life, limb or eyesight, please call the clinic first 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, such as Yokota AFB hospital, Yokosuka Navy Hospital or a local Host Nation clinic/hospital, in which case we would arrange for a translator to assist you.

Sports Briefs

Holes 1, 5 change at CZGCEffective immediately, the following measures are to be taken when hitting from Holes 1 and 5 at the Camp Zama Golf Course:

- Tee shots are “Irons Only” (no hybrids) from range mats with fixed tee height not to exceed 1/2 inch.

- Twenty-foot nets will be installed on Holes 1 and 5 during the week of June 21 through 27.

- The left edge of the cart path on Hole 1 is now out of bounds. A drop area is in place for any balls that go OB. Players must hit their fourth shot from the drop area – no provisionals.

- Players who hit a ball over the net will be suspended (see suspension policy below).

Suspension Policy:

- Any player who hits a ball over the net on Hole 1 or 5 will be suspended for 30 days. The penalty for a second offense is a 90-day suspension, and the penalty for a third offense is a one-year suspension.

- All players who have previously hit a ball over the net will receive a separate memo from the commander advising them of the policy change. Therefore, they should take the appropriate risk-reduction measures to ensure they are not affected. For more information, call 263-3694.

Labor Day 5K RunA Labor Day 5K Fun Run is scheduled to be held Sept. 4 beginning at 8 a.m. at Yano Fitness Center here. There is no fee to enter this event. Register at the Yano Fitness Center issue counter by 5 p.m. 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.

The Positives and Negatives to Exercis-ing and your Sleep Pattern

Exercising vigorously right before or within about three hours of your bedtime can actually make it harder to fall asleep. This surprises many people; it is often thought that a good workout before bed helps you feel more tired. In actuality, vigorous exer-cise right before bed stimulates your heart, brain and muscles, leaving your nervous system at a higher level and unable to relax into a catabolic state. Exercise raises your body temperature right before bed, which, you’ll soon discover, is not what you want.

Morning exercise can relieve stress, improve mood and keep your energy throughout the day without needing that morning caf-feine fix to keep you awake. These effects can indirectly improve sleep, no doubt. To get a more direct sleep-promoting benefit from morning exercise, however, you can couple it with exposure to outdoor light. Being exposed to natural light in the morning, whether you’re exercising or not, can improve your sleep at night by reinforcing your body’s sleep-wake cycle. When it comes to having a direct ef-fect on getting a good night’s sleep, it’s

vigorous exercise in the late afternoon or early evening that appears most ben-eficial. That’s because it raises your body temperature above normal a few hours before bed, allowing it to start falling just as you’re getting ready to go to sleep. This decrease in body temperature appears to be a trigger that helps ease you into sleep. The most vigorous type of workout is a cardiovascular workout, such as running, walking and biking. That means you engage in some activity in which you keep your heart rate up and your blood circulating through your musculoskeletal system for at least 25 minutes. Although strength-training, stretching, yoga and other methods of exercise are beneficial, none match the sleep-enhancing benefits of cardiovascular exercise. So next time you want to get a great night’s sleep, either wake up and enjoy the sunshine in the morning or take a nice walk on your lunch break to get your sleep pattern back to its normal routine.

Home run derby sluggers swing for fencesGOING ... GOING ... GONE:By Dustin PerryTorii Editor

Photo by Dustin PerryBrandon Boehmer connects with a pitch Saturday at Rambler Field here during a home run derby sponsored by Morale, Welfare and Recreation. Fifteen men and two women competed in the event. Boehmer won third place with four home runs.

“When hitting, you have to be patient and wait for that one good pitch before you swing,” said Angel Cendejas, the men’s winner of a home run derby held Saturday at Rambler Field.

Power was the name of the game in an event that pitted 15 men and two women against each other who were all aiming to send as many softballs over the outfield fence as they could.

Cendejas, assigned to the 35th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, belted six out of the park over the course of two rounds. Margie Collins, assigned to the 623rd Movement Control Team, was the women’s winner after knocking three balls past the shortened 150-foot mark.

In the first round, each batter was given an unlimited number of pitches to hit as many home runs as possible before reach-ing eight outs. An out was counted if a ball sailed foul or failed to go over the fence. The second round gave the players a five-out cap, and their home run total was tallied from both rounds.

“I’ve been participating in the home run derby for the last three years,” said Cende-jas. “I just finished climbing Mount Fuji yesterday. I was exhausted, but I wanted to do my best and come out here to participate for my battalion.”

Collins initially only came to the event to support her unit but later decided to sign up and compete. She played softball in high school but had never before participated in a home run derby.

“For me, it was all about taking all my energy and putting it on the ball,” Collins said of her performance.

The derby is a showcase of players who have skill when it comes to pure power,”said Stefan Thompson, the director of Sports Fitness and Aquatics here. The competition was host to “the best sportsmanship I have seen all year long,” he added.

Classifieds & Movies 10 July 29, 2010 TORII www.torii.army.mil

friday6:30 p.m...The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (PG) 105 minutes9 p.m............................Inception (PG-13) 148 minutes

saturday6:30 p.m...The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (PG) 105 minutes 9 p.m............................Inception (PG-13) 148 minutes

sunday3:30 p.m..................Letters to Juliet (PG) 105 minutes6:30 p.m.......................Inception (PG-13) 148 minutes

Movie sCHedUle aTsUGi Cinema 77

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

saGaMiHaRa

7 p.m...............................Killers (PG-13) 100 minutes9:30 p.m.......................Inception (PG-13) 148 minutes

saturday4:30 p.m.....................Despicable Me (PG) 95 minutes7 p.m...............................Killers (PG-13) 100 minutes9:30 p.m..........Get Him to the Greek (R) 109 minutes

sunday2 p.m...............................Marmaduke (PG) 88 minutes4:30 p.m.......................Inception (PG-13) 148 minutes8:30 p.m. ........Get Him to the Greek (R) 109 minutes

friday

for your Tv schedule, visit www.myafn.net

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 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.

Jobs

Others

Wanted

Other local positionsPets

Vehicles for sale

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

For sale

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

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.

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 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.

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

operation assistant (Community Club), BD, Flex, NF-1101-01, $9.00, 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.

instructor/facilitator: Camp Zama Education Center is looking for a Instructor/Facilitator to conduct daytime Online Academic Skills Course formerly called FAST. Bachelor’s Degree and Teaching License/Certificate preferred.Will be paid for 240 classroom hours per year. Call 263-5055 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. Bachelor’s Degree and Teaching License/Certificate preferred.Will be paid for classroom hours taught per year.Call 263-5055 for more information.

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.

‘98 audi a4 avant Wagon: Excellent condition. Beautiful car inside and out. Brand new ABS brake system. JCI good until Nov 2011. 6 CD changer. Keyless entry. 46,000 miles. Available now, PCSing: $6,500 OBO. Call 080-3173-0067 or 267-6454.

01 Nissan CUBe: 4 DOOR, SILVER, 21,000 K, great AC, RADIO, CD, NEW TIRES, $3,500. AVAILABLE 19 JULY. CALL 267-6286 (3)

04 Yamaha, YZf R1: Immaculate Condition, Drk Grey,13km, Carbon Fiber parts, Garage kept,TOCE Extreme 4/quad pipe exhaust, Vortex racing sprocket/gold chain, Double wind screen, Pilot Power 2CT Tires, New JCI, Plus much more $7,800. PCSing: Call 090-8517-9568 (5)

‘04 dRZ400: JCI to June 2012, great tires, shiny paint, 25K Km, no rust or dents, very clean. Jet kit and after market exhaust are the only mods. All original parts come with it. $2700. Call 090-3451-0524 or 267-6525 or drubekrb@hotmail.com with “DRZ” as subject”

Softbank cell phones, only 18 months old. Buy one or two. One is black Panasonic, other is pink Sharp. Both have text and camera. Optional internet and int'l calling packages available. English instructions, battery charger included. Cost $187 ea new. Yours for $90 each, or $150 for both. Call Tom at DSN 263-8349, or 080-3708-3281, pls lv msg. Or tom-zama@softbank.ne.jp. (5)

Misc items: Canon EOS Rebel XS 18-55mm lens kit with BG-E5 grip and additional battery, like new condition. Asking $450.00, Giant Escape R3 Hybrid bicycle, brand new, never ridden, very light and always kept indoors. Asking $400.00 If interested in any of these items, please contact Mike at BAL1969@HOTMAIL.COM or at 090-6311-9177. (5)

CoMMUNiTY CaleNdaRwww.torii.army.mil TORII July 29, 2010 11

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

What’s Happening Outside the Gate?

Eagle 810, AFN Tokyo

UpcomingOngoing Events51st Annual Bon Odori FestivalCamp Zama’s 51st annual Bon Odori Festival is scheduled to be held from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 7 throughout the installation. As always, the event is open to the public and will include numerous activities throughout the day. A variety of children’s games, family entertainment, live music and entertainment, food, fireworks, and of course a traditional bon dance centered around a large platform in the middle of Rambler Field are among the scheduled activities. In advance of the festival, free bon dance lessons will be offered beginning Tuesday and continuing on July 22, 27, 29 and Aug. 3 and 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. each day. For more information, call the U.S. Army Garrison Community Relations Office at 263-7156.

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 Goals

The 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.

Fireworks Fest @ Yokohama North Dock, Aug. 1Fireworks Fest, an annual event at Yokohama North Dock, is scheduled to be held on Aug. 1. This will not be an open-base event, with only Status of Forces Agreement personnel, their immediate family members and authorized guests allowed to attend. For more information, call 269-6528.

Traditional Thai Festival “Loi Krathong” @ Hibiya Park, Tokyo, Aug. 7-8 This festival features a floating lantern service to drive away evil spirits and appreciate the spirit of water for harvest. Plus, you can enjoy Thai food, beverages, dance, music and Muay Thai kick boxing. Admission is free.

Japanese Paper Lamp-Stand Festival or Bonbori Matsuri @ Tsurugaoka Hachi-mangu Shrine, Kamakura, Aug. 6-9400 paper lamp-stand or bonbori made by famous Japanese artists, novelists and other celebrities will be lit on an entrance path to the shrine during the nighttime. The bonbori have pictures and calligraphic works on them, which are drawn by Japanese artists, novelists, and other celebrities.

Asakusa Samba Carnival in Asakusa, Tokyo, Aug. 28

Opportunity for Extra IncomeThe Camp Zama Garrison Chaplain’s Office is taking bids for contract child watch providers and musicians at Zama Chapel and Sagamihara Family Housing Area Chapel Interested? Apply at the Camp Zama Chapel. Please contact SSG Thompson (263-8064) or CPL Webb (263-8066), Deadline date: 30 August 2010

www.torii.army.mil

Travel & CulTure

Story by Tetsuo NakaharaTorii Staff

Styling with ‘Yukata’ in SummerVisitors at the 2009 Bon Odori Festival dance on Camp Zama’s Rambler Field while wearing a yukata, a lighter version of the kimono that is worn during the summer.

12 July 29, 2010 TORII

Fireworks, Bon dancing and traditional ceremonies: sum-mer is the festival season in

Japan during which all ages can enjoy the warm weather and fun atmosphere. And the yukata is the perfect outfit for such events. Because they see it as a hallmark of culture in Japan, Japanese people are fond of wearing yukatas dur-ing this festival season.

The yukata is a summer kimono worn by both men and women. The name “yukata” comes from the words “yu” (bath) and “katabira” (under clothing). Today, the traditional Japanese yukata is widely used for everything from fes-tivals, ryokan, or even daily summer wear and nighttime attire. In contrast to the kimono, which is more suited for formal occasions, the yukata was origi-nally designed to be worn in summer after bathing as a cool and comfortable alternative.

Yukatas are becoming more popular, as retailers have begun offering an in-creasingly wide selection, ranging from traditional designs to more contemporary ones featuring frilly accessories and other such embellishments. Reasonably priced yukata sets, which include an obi (sash) and a pair of geta (wooden clogs), are now widely available, making these traditional garments more accessible to young people as well.

Every year, many Camp Zama Com-munity members wear yukatas and dance at the installation’s annual Bon Odori Festival.

“I’m glad that Americans really

(Above left): There are various combinations of obi and yukata. (Above right): Japanese teenagers wear yukatas. (Below): Misako Okamoto, a kimono fitting instructor with the All-Japan Kimono Consultant Association, has instructed people on how to wear yukatas for more than 10 years at Camp Zama for the annual Bon Odori Festival.

like traditional Japanese yukatas and kimono,” said Misako Okamoto, a kimono fitting instructor with the All-Japan Kimono Consultant Association. “When I see an entire American fam-ily wearing yukatas at the Bon Odori Festival and enjoying Japan, I feel so happy.”

Okamoto has been helping Camp Zama members for more than 10 years, teaching them the proper way to wear kimonos and yukatas. She has also traveled to more than 100 countries as an ambassador of kimono instructors.

“I had an opportunity to make inter-national friendships through [teaching about] kimonos,” said Okamoto. “Ev-ery time I go to Camp Zama, people are very welcoming to me and interested in kimonos.”

It is not only women who enjoy wearing the yukata; the number of men who don the outfit every summer has also steadily increased.

Reflecting the recent demand for yukatas, mass retailers are selling sets that include an obi and geta at prices as low as $40 to $70, and these deals have even attracted customers with no experience in wearing traditional clothing. At the other end of the price spectrum, high-end department stores sell exquisitely crafted yukata made from the finest materials for about $700 to $1,000.

“Yukatas can fit anyone if you know the proper way to fit them,” said Okamoto. “I recommend Camp Zama members staying in Japan to wear a yukata at least once.”

Photos by Tetsuo Nakahara