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Couch Potato: Christmas movies to binge watch

Grab a warm cup of hot cocoa, a reindeer-shaped sugar cookie - or two - and snuggle up in a cozy blanket on the couch. It’s time for some Christmas movie magic!

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MY FAVES: Japan's year-end traditions

Just like in the States, the holiday season is the most cheerful - and busiest - in Japan.

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VIDEO: Speakin’ Japanese lesson: The holiday illuminations are brilliant!

We are finally in the holiday season. Towns and streets are covered in beautiful winter illuminations.

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VIDEO: Speakin’ Japanese lesson: Have a happy New Year!

The old year is finally coming to an end. Let’s hope the upcoming year will be one filled with happiness, safety, and prosperity.

Photo Of A Kadena dorm resident receives a bag of cookies from U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Sean Paulino, 18th Medical Group first sergeant, center, and Tech Sgt. Adrian Thompson, 718th Civil Engineer Squadron airman dorm leader, during the annual cookie drive at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 12, 2024.

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Baking a difference: Team Kadena 2024 Cookie Drive

The First Sergeants Council and volunteer spouses with the 18th Wing collected, sorted, packed and distributed 1,778 bags of cookies to Kadena dorm residents Dec. 12-13, 2024.

Photo Of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Okinawa leadership take a tour of Okinawa Southern Medical and Rehabilitation Center during a toy drive in Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 17, 2024.

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U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa spreads Christmas joy to local Japanese children

Staff from USNHO comprised active-duty civilians and MLCs joined Capt. Kathleen Cooperman will deliver toys to the Okinawan children.

Photo Of U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa’s Santa Claus greets local children from Takenoko and Pono-Pono daycare centers during a Holiday celebration in Yomitan Village, Okinawa, Japan, on Dec. 19, 2024.

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Sharing holiday cheer: USAG Okinawa connects with local community

U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa volunteers brought the holiday spirit to Yomitan Village, Okinawa, Japan, on Dec. 19, 2024, with a special visit to a local daycare center.

Photo Of a fighter plane with paint of christmas drop.

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VIDEO: Around the Air Force: Operation Christmas Drop 2024

In this week’s Around the Air Force, we highlight Operation Christmas Drop 2024: the Department of Defense’s longest-running humanitarian airlift operation, which brings U.S. and partner nations together to provide food, tools and clothing to more than 58 remote islands in the Indo-Pacific region.

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Ssssssneaky Sssssnakes! Watch out for Okinawa’s venomous habu

You may not believe this, but I once saw a habu beat a mongoose in a cross-species duel when I was a kid.

Photo Of A patron completes an afternoon workout on the outdoor exercise pad at Torii Fitness Center, Torii Station, Japan.

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USAG Okinawa Fitness Center: Strengthening community wellness together

Working out is essential for building a stronger body, but it’s just as important for mental health. Exercise reduces stress, enhances mood, and fosters a sense of connection.

Photo Of A man riding e-scooter

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Rules for riding e-scooters in Japan

With the recent uptick of violations and accidents involving e-scooters in Japan, I realized it might be time to catch up on the rules and regulations of using these vehicles.

Photo Of U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Daniel Ly, 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron expeditionary communications technicians, prepares to get in position during exercise Shogun Shield off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 4, 2024.

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Shogun Shield: rescue training in action

U.S. Air Force pararescuemen, assigned to the 31st Rescue Squadron, conducts a patient rescue demonstration with the 33rd Rescue Squadron during exercise Shogun Shield.

Photo Of Flyer promoting MMA Fight Night at Camp Foster. in addition to details about the event, two photo of the participants are used.

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MMA Fight Night coming to Camp Foster Dec. 14 

Watch competitors battle it out on the mat at Camp Foster’s MMA Fight Night on Dec. 14.

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NORAD launches its Santa tracker to users worldwide for 69th year

The North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Santa tracker launched Sunday and is ready to track Santa on Dec. 24 for the program’s 69th year.

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