Torii U.S. Army Garrison Japan weekly newspaper, Mar. 25, 2010 edition

8/3/2019 Torii U.S. Army Garrison Japan weekly newspaper, Mar. 25, 2010 edition

1/8

Serving the U.S. Army Japan community

www.torii.army.milVOL. 38, NO. 12March 25, 2010

Photo by Dustin Perry

Get red upKAWASAKI Japan Members of the All-Kanagawa football team comprised of Japanese players from four high schools in the prefecture pump each other up


2/8

2 March 25, 2010 TORII www.torii.army.mil

NEWS

Zama Briefs


Staff Sgt. Kia White, assigned to the 35th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion,

gives a short biography of Hillary Clinton during a showcase of notable women

throughout U.S. history, which was part of the Womens History Month observance

held Friday at the Community Activity Center here.

WOMEN, From page 1

Stacy Townsend, commander of the 35th

CSSB, called the observance a vehicle

for highlighting and celebrating the count-

less accomplishments and contributions of

women to society.

Its also a great opportunity to create

conversation about issues facing women to-

day and to recognize that is it values, such as

our Army Values, that dene each persons

worth and abilities not their gender, said

Townsend. Women continue to have

a profoundly positive impact throughout

society and our Army.

Townsend mentioned prominent female

gures from the past and present, such as

Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, the rst U.S. mili-

tary woman to achieve the four-star rank;Sandra Day OConnor, the rst woman to

become a Supreme Court judge; and Maggie

Lena Walker, the rst female bank president

in the U.S.

[These women] have made critical and

indelible contributions to the American way

of life, said Townsend. This perspective

can encourage everyone to think larger and

bolder, and provide a fuller understanding of

the contributions that females have made

and continue to make in our history.

Owens concluded by commenting on thesignicant strides that have been made in

the arena of womens rights, but added that

progress can continue to be made.

Globally, there still remains much work

to be done; in many other countries, women

are still considered second-class citizens,

said Owens. Through education, employ-

ment, discussions and accomplishments,

this will pass.

Yano Pool reopeningAll aquatic services at Yano FitnessCenterincluding the swimming pool,

Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room will

reopen today after having been closed for

three months due to annual maintenance.

The pool is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to

6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more

information, call 263-3954.

BOSS DayAn event sponsored by Camp Zamas

Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers

program is scheduled to be held from 1

to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Warrior Zone.

The event will include a Texas Hold Em

poker tournament beginning at 1:30 p.m.

and a table tennis tournament beginning at

2:30 p.m. There will also be door prizes,

a video game competition, a bungee run,

and a hot-dog-eating contest. For more

information, Soldiers can contact their

unit BOSS representative.

Easter Egg HuntAn Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled to be

held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Camp

Zama Youth Center. The event is open to

all members of the community. For more

information, call 263-5441.

Easter Sunrise ServiceA sunrise service for Easter is scheduled

to be held from 6 to 7 a.m. April 4 at the

Camp Zama Golf Course Club House.

The event is open to all members of the

community. Breakfast will be servedfollowing the service.

Credit, debit now availableat Zama Post OfceThe credit and debit card machines at

the Camp Zama Post Ofce are now

operational and available for customers.


3/8

NEWSwww.torii.army.mil TORII March 25, 2010 3

U.S.-Japan relations remain strong, ofcial says

WASHINGTON U.S. military relations

with Japan remain strong despite disagree-

ments over basing and other aspects of the

bilateral security agreement, the Pentagons

head of East Asian relations said here Mar.

18.

The strength of U.S.-Japan security

relations can be seen in the totality of its

50-year relationship and progress moving

forward, Michael Schiffer, deputy assistant

defense secretary for East Asia, told the

House Foreign Affairs Committee.Japans desire to relocate U.S. Marines

on Okinawa, the governments recent halt of

refueling operations in the Indian Ocean and

other disagreements do not match deeper

challenges the alliance faced in years past

and have not prevented the two countries

from moving forward, Schiffer said in pre-

pared testimony to the committee.

Public support for the alliance is high in

both countries, and bilateral relations are

strong on nuclear nonproliferation and mis-

sile defense, reconstruction in Afghanistan

and stability in Pakistan, counter-piracy

efforts and preserving open sea lines of

communication, Schiffer said.

The Japanese government has made

clear its commitment to the U.S.-Japan alli-ance, as well as to principles of transparency

and accountability in a vibrant democracy,

he said. By working patiently and persis-

tently through areas of disagreement, we

will ensure the continued expansion and

strengthening of our relationship, even as

core commitments remain unshaken.

Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoya-

ma, who was elected in September, has

said he will resolve by May the years-long

debate about relocating Marine Corps Air

Station Futenma, Schiffer said. He reiter-

ated the U.S. position that the base should

stay on Okinawa.

The only readily deployable U.S.

ground forces between Hawaii and India

are the U.S. Marines located on Okinawa,Schiffer said. The 3rd Marine Expedition-

ary Unit has a broader role than responding

to military contingencies in the area, he

said, noting that they led the U.S. effort to

respond to natural disasters in Indonesia,

Bangladesh and Burma.

At the same time, existing U.S.-Japanese

agreements call for more joint training

between the two militaries on Okinawa

and Guam, and for co-location of air and

missile defense commands at Yokota Air

Base and the Ground Self-Defense Forces

Central Readiness Force with a transformed

U.S. Army command and control structure,

Schiffer said.

Forces who have established ingrained

patterns of cooperation, deep friendships,

and a better understanding of each other splans and decision-making processes will be

better equipped to respond with speed and

efciency in a crisis situation, he said.

Schiffer noted other progress, most im-

portantly strengthened ties in the trilateral

relationship among the United States, Japan

and South Korea. He also cited Japans

contribution of four Aegis destroyers for

ballistic-missile defense for the region, its

collaboration with the United States on the

land-based missile-defense system planned

for Europe, and its assistance with humani-tarian relief to Haiti and other areas.

Moving forward, Schiffer said, the

United States hopes Japan will provide more

funding for its defense, relax restrictions

on its military operations, and continue its

support in broader Asia and in Afghanistan

and Pakistan.

Much more will be required of Japan

and our alliance in the coming months and

years, he said. I am condent that Japan

will continue to step up and nd ways to do

more. It will do so not because the United

States asks it to, but rather because Japan

has interests at stake, responsibilities to bear,

and the capacity to make a difference.

By Lisa Daniel

American Forces Press Service

By working patiently and persistentlythrough areas of disagreement, we will

ensure the continued expansion and

strengthening of our relationship.

Michael Schifer

Deputy Assistant Deense Secretary, East Asia

DoD authorizes nonchargeable recuperation leave for Iraq, AfghanistanBy Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON Some de-

ployed servicemembers will not

be charged for rest and recupera-

tion leave under a new Defense

Department policy.

The new policy allows service-

members in designated areas to

go on rest and recuperation leave

without charge to their leave ac-

commander must recommend it

through the Joint Staff for approval

by the undersecretary of defense

for personnel and readiness, Re-

therford said.

To qualify for the program,

members must be serving in a

leave restricted area, where no

dependents are allowed. They

must be receiving hostile-re pay

and in areas where travel in and

out of the country is restricted.

deployment, there is very little

in their leave accounts for rest,

recuperation and reintegration to

the family and community, he

said. So this program means they

will not be charged for the R&R

leave, and they will have that leave

upon redeployment.

Inability to take leave upon

returning from a deployment is a

problem. The services want their

people to take leave so they can


4/8

4 March 25, 2010 TORII www.torii.army.mil

Community Calender

Hs [email protected]

Whats Happening

Outside the Gate?eg 810, aFn tk

SCHOOL NEWS

UpcomingOngoing Events

Post-Combat Stress SupportA special support group to assist those experiencing

symptoms of post-combat stress is offered from 11:30a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays in the community room at

Army Community Services. For more information, call

Gary Woods at 263-8091.

New Parent Support ProgramThe 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 onthe rst 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.

Camp Zama Red Cross ClassesThe Camp Zama/Naval Air Facility Atsugi continues to

offer classes to the community. For March, the following

courses will be offered: Mar. 6 First Aid, for the CPR/

AED (at NAF Atsugi), Mar. 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 for the

Instructors Course, Mar. 8, 10, 12 and Mar 20 First Aid,

CPR/AED at Camp Zama. Pre-registration is required for

all courses. Call 263-3166 for more information.

Free Bowling ThursdaysZama Bowling Center is open for free

bowling from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays to

promote family time. Free bowling is also offered from

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday with a lunch

purchase of $4.50 or more. Pre-paid bowling cards are also

available. For more information, call 263-4780.

CENTRAL ISSUE FACILITYThe CIF will be closed to conduct required semi-annual

inventory form March 22 - 25.We will be open for emergency

issues and turn-ins. For emergencies, please call Mr. Bishop

at 263-5880 or Mr. Sakata at 263-7454.

Army Family Action PlanAFAP is a year-round process. To submit and AFAP issue,

log onto http://www.mwrjapan.jp.pac.army.miland click

on Submit an AFAP Community Idea/Concern. Issues

can be submitted anonymously and will be sent directly

to the AFAP program manager.

Military Personnel DivisionThe Military Personnel Division (MPD) will be conducting

a Soldier Readiness Processing (SRP) exercise from 29

March 2 April which will result in limited services during

this timeframe. Please contact the MPD at 263-397

The Animal-Dressed Brass QuintetZoolasian Brass Live Performance @Yokohama Zoological Gardens, Mar 28The band members including the conductor dress as dif-

ferent animals while playing music arranged in a classical

or jazz style

Japan Flower Design Contest 2010 @

Pacico Yokohama, Mar 26-28Classic Car Show Nostalgic 2 Days@ Pacico Yokohama, Apr 3-4

Mar 26-28 Tokyo Motorcycle Show @Tokyo Big Sight, Mar 26-28http://www.motorcycleshow.org/english/index.shtml

Tokyo International Anime Fair 2010@ Tokyo Big Sight, Mar 27-28http://www.tokyoanime.jp/en/

Fertility Festival Kanamara Matsuri@ Wakamiya Machimangu KanayamaJinja Shrine, Kawasaki City, Apr 4

Samurai Warriors Parade @ YugawaraTown, Kanagawa, Apr 4

Zama Child Development Center:263-8081

SHA Child Development Center: 267-6153 m. 30: Library Time (Zama and SHA CDC), 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

meet some of the eligibility criterion are encouraged to apply. These criterion include:children of low birth rates, child has a parent who was a teenager when the rst childwas born, child has a parent whose primary language is not English, child has a parentwho has not graduated high school, child is in family headed by a single parent or dualmilitary, child in a family with E-1 to E-4 or GS-1 to GS-4 or NSPS pay band 1 or NAF-1or NAF-2 equivalents take rst priority. (E-5 to E-6 or GS 5 to GS 6 or NAF 3-4 take


5/8

Communitywww.torii.army.mil TORII March 25, 2010 5

English classes are offered at ACSts nkhTorii Staff

Photo by Tetsuo Nakahara

(From left) Cheryl Rendon, Camp Zama Army Community Services Exceptional Family Member Program coordinator, utilizes

various periodicals to teach the English as a Second Language class at the ACS ofces March 17. ESL classes are held every

Wednesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 7 p.m. For more information, call 263-8327.

Learning a second language can be a

challenging endeavor and it takes a lot of

time and effort to master a foreign tongue.

With the introduction of a new program,

the Camp Zama Army Community Services

ofce is now ready to assist some Zama

community members on their journey to

master the English language.

The new English as a Second Language

classes at ACS are designed for non-native

English speakers in the Camp Zama com-

munity including family members, master

labor contract employees or any other

Japanese workers. The class is set to up to

develop students conversational English

skills and introduces various aspects of

American linguistic culture.

Students utilize newspaper articles and

other sources to deepen their conversational

vocabulary as well as increase their knowl-

edge of American life. The class also uses

chapter books designed for 3rd and 4th grade

American students to help develop read-ing abilities, according to Cheryl Rendon,

the Camp Zama ACS Exceptional Family

Member Program coordinator.

I started teaching English last May,

Rendon said. At rst, it was kind of differ-

ent because Ive never taught a language. It

actually has been a lot of fun. The students

are very friendly and Im learning Japanese

culture at the same time I am teaching

English to the students.

The class has also ventured outside the

gates of Zama for eld trips to ramen shopsand special karaoke sessions that require the

students to sing songs with English lyrics,

Rendon said.

Keeping the lessons interesting and

topical has created an atmosphere more

conducive for learning, according to several

of the students.

Ive taken many other English classes,

but Cheryls class is very understandable and

I feel at home in her class, said Fumiko

Yamamoto, a U.S. Army Garrison JapanDirectorate of Logistics master labor con-

tract employee. I love her personality, too.

She always picks out things that are very

interesting to learn. I work with all men

and I really wanted to take English classes

from a woman. Its really fun to be in this

class and learn from her.

Many of the students in the class hope to

utilize the knowledge and skills they develop

in the course to advance their careers but for

some, the class is just a way to have a goodtime learning English. Currently, the class

averages between three to six students.

I think the key to learning a new lan-

guage is being motivated and having a lot

of patience, Rendon remarked. Englishis a difcult language. Sometimes, I dont

even know how to explain some things

about the language but I hope they all get

something out of this class.

ACS has two ESL classes open to the

community every Wednesday. The rst isfrom 1 to 2:30 p.m. and the second is from

5:30 to 7. For more information, call theCamp Zama ACS ofce at 263-8327.


6/8

Classifieds & Movies6 March 25, 2010 TORII www.torii.army.mil

Classied ads not pertaining to commercial prot

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 classied ad, E-mail tetsuo.

[email protected], the Torii

Newspaperreserves the right not to publish

inappropriate advertisements. Deadline

is no later than noon Mondays. Militarycommunity classied ads can also be placed

for free on a commercial Web site at www.

mymilitaryclassieds.com/xzclf/162_Camp_

Zama_ARMY_/.

Appropriated Fund (APF) and Nonappropriated

Fund (NAF) job announcements and applicationinstructions are available at http://cpol.army.mil.For questions regarding APF vacancies, pleasecall 263-3608. NAF MWR job announcementsand 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 fundPacic Stars & Stripes job announcements are available online athttp://cpol.army.mil. For more information, callthe Job Information Center at 229-3163.

Japanese national position vacancies are postedin the Microsoft Exchange public e-mail foldersand on the Internet at www.usarj.army.mil/scripts/jn/cpo/index.asp. Application forms areavailable on the same site. Selection status canalso be checked. For more information, call263-3325.

Jobs

OthersWanted

Pets

Vehicles for sale

For sale

anm ptn: Dogs and cats are availablefor adoption at the Camp Zama Veterinary Clinic.For more information, call 263-3875

fr t Good hm: Greyhound, 8 yrs old,gentle, female, good with other pets/people.Pl ll G t 090 3594 3615

Ch n Yuth Prgrm atnt (l

2-4), (CYS, Zama & SHA), CY-1/2, RFT/RPT,$9.58 - $17.09, Closes: Open Continuous

Ck (CYs), NA-04, Flex, $10.01, Closes:Open Continuous

Rcrtn atnt (lgur/P

oprtr), RD, NF-02, $9.26, Closes: OpenContinuous

Rcrtn atnt (lgur), RD, Flex,NF-02, $9.29, Closes: Open Continuous

f src Wrkr (Bwng), BD, Flex,

Phyc Thrpt, intrmttnt (240 hur):

Provides physical therapy service in the areasof physical disabilities, neuromuscular andpsychosocial dysfunctions in patients rangingfrom adolescence to the very elderly. Must havelicense to practice physical therapy in the U.S.This is a contract positions open to SOFA statusapplicants. Resumes may be sent to [email protected]. ALL applicants shallregister in the Central Contractor Registration(CCR) at www.ccr.gov.

Phyc Thrpt, intrmttnt (240 hur):

Provides physical therapy service in the areasof physical disabilities, neuromuscular andpsychosocial dysfunctions in patients rangingfrom adolescence to the very elderly. Must havelicense to practice physical therapy in the U.S.This is a contract positions open to SOFA statusapplicants. Resumes may be sent to Yoshiyasu.

[email protected]. ALL applicants shallregister in the Central Contractor Registration(CCR) at www.ccr.gov.

intructr/fcttr: Camp Zama EducationCenter is looking for a Instructor/Facilitator toconduct daytime Online Academic Skills Courseformerly called FAST. Bachelors Degree andTeaching License/Certicate preferred.Willbe paid for 240 classroom hours per year. Call263-5055 for more information.

intructr/fcttr: Torii Station EducationCenter is looking for a Instructor/Facilitator to

conduct daytime Online Academic Skills Courseformerly called FAST. Bachelors Degree andTeaching License/Certicate preferred.Will bepaid for classroom hours taught per year.Call263-5055 for more information.

ZCsa et Mt Wt shp: located behindthe dry cleaners on Camp Zama, carries vintageJapanese items and collectibles. Store hours areevery Tuesday and the 2nd and 4th Saturdaysof the month from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Protsfrom the shop go back to the community inscholarships and welfare grants. For additionalinformation please call 263-5533. Stop on by

and check it out.

Th Wmn, innt, n Chrn, (WIC)overseas program at Camp Zama offers valuablenutritional information and food subsidizes. Formore information, call 263-8960.

JaPaNese sPoUse ClUB: Would you liketo socialize with other Japanese spouses, learnmore about being a military spouse, share yourexperiences and support with others? If so, pleasecall Meg at 263-8327 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

fUReai, Jpn Prnn Nwttris issued and distributed electronically. Thisnewsletter is for MLC/MC/IHA personnel andUS personnel who have Japanese subordinateemployees. It is available at https://intranet.zama.army.mil/?linkid=fureai.

Rising Sun Lodge 151, F&AM. Stated Meeting1st Thursday of every month at the Masonic Bldg,Sagami Depot. For more information contact:[email protected]; website: risingsunlodge151.com; or call Dave 080-3467-7881.

99 subru frrtr: Black, AWD, clean,well maintained, low mileage, fun to drive.1+ yr on JCI. Selling b/c spouse PCSd.$3,800. Call/ email Andrew at 08033368305

[email protected] (2)

97 Nn Trrn:power everything, new tires,CD, Road Tax paid, PCSing, available NOW.Asking $2750. Call Greg 090-3594-3615

engh tchr: A small off-post homeschool(about 200 students) near Sagami Depot.First time teachers welcome! Classes availableMon. Thu. 1pm to 9pm ( No weekends orFridays!) Call for details. Derek PartingtonEnglish School, home 042-756-4483; cell090-3082-4439 or E-mail: [email protected]

Prt-tm engh tchr: Pay is16,000 towork four times per month. Two Mondays from4 6:10 p.m., one Tuesday from 9 10 p.m. andone Friday from 7 8 p.m. Located 15 minutesdriving distance from SHA in Minami-Rinkanarea. For more information, E-mail Kaz [email protected] .

Ofcials: Ofcials for all intramural sports(ag-football, softball, basketball, & volleyball),aerobic & yoga instructors, tness trainers andmassage therapists. For more information, call263-4664 / 7980.

sprt pht: The Torii Newspaper wants topublish your action sports photos for sports ofall ages, all seasons. To showcase your teamor your childs team, e-mail your digital actionsports photos less than two weeks old (withcaptions) in .jpg format of 3mb or more to [email protected].

esl tchr: Seeking ESL teachers for two

conversational group classes. One requires travelto 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 [email protected].

engh tchr wnt: Seeking conversationalEnglish teacher for the summer. A group of vewomen would like to meet every Monday, timeand place is negotiable. Please contact Deniseat [email protected]

intructr: 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.

263-4619, Email: [email protected] (4)

1 ea afN dcr t rc afN Tv

Chnn o-B: $275.00 OBO.Tel: 263-4619 or 046-293-2979. email: [email protected] (4)


7/8

sPoRTs & fiTNessTORII March 25, 2010 7www.torii.army.mil


Michael Gonzales of U.S. Army Japan attempts a layup duringthe Camp Zama intramural basketball championship match, held

Thursday at Yano Fitness Center here.

USARJ wins third straight basketball titleBy dutn Prry

Torii Editor

Say this three times fast: U.S.

Army Japan are the Camp Zama

intramural basketball champions.

The phrase doesnt make for

a particularly difficult tongue

twister, but its one the USARJ

team can rightfully proclaim after

last week.

For the third consecutive year,

the unit emerged as the winners

of the double-elimination tour-

nament. The teams undefeated

journey through the brackets

culminated with a 38-27 win over

the 78th Signal Battalion during

an intense nal match Thursday

at Yano Fitness Center here.

The games overriding theme

was conservatism. This was not

guns-blazing basketball; both

teams passing and movement on

offense was initially precise and

methodical.

USARJs and 78th Signals du-eling defenses likewise prevented

each other from taking too many

trips to the inside lane. Nine of

USARJs 16 points in the rst half

came from three-pointers, two of

which were sunk by leading scorer

Anthony Ward. He was aided by

teammates Luis Caraballo and

Kenneth Johnson, who continued

to rack up impressive numbers

throughout the game.

I think we both played strongball in the rst half; I dont think

either of us wanted to take un-

necessary shots or over-pursue on

defense, said Johnson. I think both teams were just trying to

make smart shots and get inside

the paint.

A low eld-goal percentage

combined with a lack of crucial

rebounds ultimately contributed to

78th Signals uncharacteristically

less-than-stellar showing in the

rst half. As it stood, four play-

ers Brandon Boehmer, Robert

Rogers, Ernest Smith and Marlon

Walker combined for a meager 10

points in the rst 20 minutes.

Both teams displayed contin-

ued determination from the start

of the second half. Alex Santiago,

the teams leading contributor

on offense, nally came into his

own after going scoreless in the

rst half; he earned an impressive

seven points in the span of only a

few minutes. A three-pointer from

Santiago gave 78th Signal their

rst lead of the game, but the team

entered a stream of foul troubleshortly thereafter that ultimately

led to their downfall.

It began with three fouls against

USARJ that yielded only a single,

game-tying point with still min-

utes to play, this was by no means

a killing blow. But 78th Signals

loose hands relented, and Johnson

sank an and-one layup on the

very next play. His subsequent free

throw put USARJ up by three.

USARJ earned four additionalpoints from the charity stripe fol-

lowing three consecutive fouls

committed by 78th Signal. The

crowd began applauding theUSARJs inevitable win after

Manny Colon sank the nal two

free throws of the game but the

team wasnt nished yet. On 78th

Signals last possession, they lost

the ball on a turnover that was

lobbed to Johnson, who closed out

the game with a thunderous dunk

at the buzzer.

Beating 78th Signal who, it

should be noted, took rst place

in the regular season with an 11-1

record in the seminal round

gave his team a much-needed

edge in the championship game,

said Johnson.

Our coach kept telling us a

good offense makes a good de-

fense, so I think we tried to strike

where we saw an opening, drive

inside the paint, and try to draw

the foul, said Johnson. We had

to get the ball to our strikers on

offense, like Ward and [Daniel]

Dulay, and try to get them to takeoutside shots.

Brent Skinner of 78th Signal

lauded his teams comeback effort

late in the game, but he conceded

that overcoming their earlier loss

ultimately proved to be too daunt-

ing a task.

We knew it would denitely

be tough winning two games

against anybody back-to-back,

said Skinner. [USARJ are] our

toughest competitors normallyand they came red up, too. They

came ready to play.

U.S., Japanese football teams clash at Camellia BowlBy dutn Prry All-Kanagawas runners and picking their


8/8

Travel & CulTure

8 March 25, 2010 TORII

Story and photos by Tetsuo Nakahara

Torii Staff

Welcome to Ramen nation

When people talk about Japanese food, they probably name tempura or

sushi rst but no conversation about Japanese food

would be complete without a discussion of ramen.

Ramen remains the premier fast food in Japan and

many Japanese people are obsessed with nding

the perfect bowl of ramen.

For many non-Japanese, the only contact with

ramen is often the cheap cup-of-noodles or pack-

ages they nd in convenience stores or the com-

missary. However, the store-bought noodles cant

even come close to the parade of tastes and avors

that the culinary artisans of Japans thousands of

ramen shops serve up on a daily basis.

Ramen is basically a bowl of noodles, various

vegetables and meat, and broth, but in regards totaste, ramen is so much more than the sum of its

parts. The noodles come in various shapes and

length. They may be fat, thin, or at as well as

straight or wrinkled. The dish is usually eaten with

chopsticks and a Chinese-style spoon. The chop-

sticks are used to pick up the noodles and toppings

while the spoon delivers the rich broth.

The Japanese also consume ramen in an in-

teresting way which may seem a little strange to

Westerners. In ramen shops, a loud symphony of

slurps emanates throughout the restaurant as diners

suck in the steaming noodles. While it may take

some getting used to for gaijin, the melodious slurping is almost an e ssential

element of the ramen experience.

Once the noodles are consumed, many ramen enthusiasts ditch the chop-

sticks and spoon and just pick their bowls up and drink the soup broth.

Ramen, like many delicacies of Japanese cuisine, was initially introduced

to the country from their Chinese neighbors. However, noodle connoisseurs took the

original concept of noodle soup and harnessed its potential over many decades to mold

the dish into something distinctly Japanese. In fact, many regions of the country have

invented their own unique styles of ramen.

Some of the most famous styles of ramen include:

Miso: Sometimes called Sapporo Ramen, it features a

broth that combines large amounts of miso (soybean paste)

blended with oily chicken or sh broth. Miso ramen broth is

known for its robust, tangy avor. This ramen style, named

for the largest city on Japans northern island of Hokkaido,

usually features butter, corn, bean sprouts, ground pork and

chopped garlic. The noodles are typically thick, curly and

slightly chewy.

Tonkotsu: This style has a cloudy soup made with a heavy

dose of pork. The color can range from pale white to dark brown

depending on what ingredients are added to form the broth.

Tonkotsu ramen is known for its extremely rich broth.Shoyu: This style of ramen is often referred to as Tokyo

style ramen. It features a dark, relatively light soup that

derives its color from a soy sauce base. It also includes sh

stock and sometimes has a strong shy taste that can range

from salty to sweet.

Shio: Shio ramen has a thin, light soup that has a salty avor

(shio is the Japanese word for salt). The broth is made with

pork but not enough to make it cloudy or thick. Shio ramen

relies much more on the avor of the condiments as the soup

itself is thinner than the other types.

The average price of ramen is about 1,000 yen. Most ramen

shops stay open fairly late and many Japanese will enjoy a large bowl after a night of

heavy drinking just prior to heading home. Ramen is an ideal meal for solitary diners

and is enjoyed by people of all ages in Japan and many people will wait in line for

hours for a bowl of their favorite noodles.When you hear the distinct sounds of slurping, dont hesitate to stop in for a serving

of bliss-in-a-bowl.

(At left) Chashumen with a shoyu-based soup has tender and juicyroast pork as the topping, and is one of the popular ramen dishes. Most

noodles are made from four basic ingredients: wheat our, salt, water,

and kansui, which is essentially a type of alkaline mineral water.

Documents

Torii U.S. Army Garrison Japan weekly newspaper, Mar. 25, 2010 edition