Christmas

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Have a holly, jolly meal: Commissaries offer deep savings for holiday menus

The colorful lights, the music, the decorations, the smells, the holiday movies on repeat – all converge to create a Christmas warmth within us that’s hard to describe.
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: Mexican

Ho-ho-holiday margaritas

The holidays are quickly approaching and so are the (sometimes much needed) holiday cocktails! This yummy concoction is one my family is anxiously awaiting.
File photos
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MY FAVES: Japanese year-end traditions

Just like in the States, the holiday season is the most cheerful - and busiest - in Japan. With endless bonenkai celebrations heralding the season in the beginning of December, the party doesn’t end until early the following year.
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Nostalgia-inducing holiday decor of yore

I can’t remember that my reading glasses are perched on my head, where I parked my car at the commissary or where I left my cup of coffee, but I have many vivid recollections of my childhood.
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NORAD tracks Saint Nick around the world

It’s that time of the year and Santa Clause is busy getting ready to see all the children who have been good this year. Santa knows where those children are even if you and your family are stationed on faraway bases in the Pacific.
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Mental Notes with Hilary Valdez: Christmas in Japan

Only about 1 percent of the whole population in Japan is Christian. In 1552, the small city of Yamaguchi was host to Japan’s first Christmas celebrations initiated by a visiting Jesuit missionary.
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Pacific Okinawa Players presents their upcoming production of Holiday Follies Dec. 6-8

Come celebrate the holiday season with Pacific Okinawa Players production of Holiday Follies! Holiday Follies is a production dedicated to getting people into the holiday spirit.
Photo courtesy of Christmas Fantasy Planning Committee
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Illuminations on Okinawa: Light up for Christmas in paradise

Although a white Christmas is unlikely, every year a season of lights surely comes to Okinawa. Starting late November, illuminations begin at many locations to set the mood for a holiday season.
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My FAVES: Illumination Fun in Japan

Today, the holiday season in Japan is synonymous with amazing illuminations throughout the country. Beginning in November, various parks, buildings and gardens are set ablaze by the brilliant illuminations that help ring in the holiday spirit with their dazzling beauty.
Photo by Miyuki Takiguchi
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VIDEO| Japan’s all lit up for the holidays – Illuminations

From late autumn through winter, elaborate and colorful light displays throughout the nation ring in the holiday spirit with dazzling brilliance.
Photos by Shoji Kudaka
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: Japanese

Start 2020 off right with a Japanese tradition

Although there are many “good luck foods” for the new year in this world, the majority of locals in Okinawa have only one thing in their mind New Year’s Eve: Okinawa soba.
Photo by Shoji Kudaka
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Have a happy and sticky new year on Okinawa

Given that it’s made from sticky rice, just like the Japanese rice cake, and how similar the names are, it’s understandable to assume mochi and Okinawan muchi are the same.
The Mexican Taco Burger from Captain Kangaroo on Okinawa features a chunky beef patty, melted cheese, guacamole, tomato, sour cream and chili beans. AYA ICHIHASHI/STARS AND STRIPES
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: American, Mexican

Captain Kagaroo popular with tourists and locals for good reason

Imagine a juicy meat patty blanketed by warm melted cheese, topped with delicious guacamole, crispy lettuce and a tangy tomato slice. Ladle over it a spoonful of chili sauce and sandwich it all nicely in a chewy, toasty sesame-seed bun.
Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi
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Tapioca designated as Japan’s dish of 2019

It’s official — tapioca has been named Japan’s dish of 2019. The tea drink with tapioca pearl balls has hit the country by storm, prompting Gurunavi Research Institute, a survey company, to select it for the designation.
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: Japanese

Enjoy traditional Okinawan cuisine at Irohatei

Anyone in search of a meal with an authentic local taste will be pleased to find Irohatei, a restaurant specializing in traditional Okinawan cuisine.
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: Italian

Salvatore Cuomo at Manza Beach serves authentic Neapolitan food

There are 34 locations in Tokyo alone. Here on Okinawa, ANA Intercontinental Manza Beach Resort is the only place where people can enjoy the popular taste. But having pizza and wine on the beach is sure to match any experience at a Tokyo branch.