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Stripes' Trip: My first trip to Japan

My worktrip to Tokyo in June was amazing. There are many parts that I enjoyed and many more that I will not soon forget.
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Look at all great events planned on Okinawa

There's some great events coming up, so get off base and check them out!
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History flourishes at Irifuneyama Park in Kure, Hiroshima

Nostalgic, beautiful and even whimsical were the three words that came to mind as I passed under the gate topped with a wrought-iron arch and into the park.
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My list of must-do stuff on Okinawa

Okinawa may not be the biggest island, but is sure has a long list of fun things to do. Between all of the subtropical islands, the adventure never ends. Sometimes though, you just need to know where to go. Here is a look at some of the island’s highlights.
 
LOCAL FESTIVALS
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Camp out at Okinawa's White Beach

White Beach Naval Facility is not just for ships making port calls to replenish their food supply and load up troops. The U.S. base is also a great place for servicemembers and families to enjoy some recreation and rejuvenation on Okinawa.
 
Photos by Shoji Kudaka
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Participate in the Naha Tug of War on Oct. 13

Naha Tug of War, a Guinness-certified event, will return Oct. 13 for its 49th installment. Route 58, arguably the busiest street in Okinawa, will once again be filled with a crowd of 270,000 or more.
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Take a trip to Okinawa's terrific Torii Beach

Although Torii Station may not stand out when comes to its size and the number of servicemembers it hosts, the small Army base is home to a beachside recreational area that will leave a big smile on your face: Torii Beach.
Photos by Shoji Kudaka
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Stones on the watch: The Ishigantou story

Shisa dog-lions are not the only guardians that defend Okinawa from demons and evils.
Ishigantou is a kind of stone slab with the Chinese characters “石敢當” carved onto their surface. “Ishigandou” or “Sekkantou” are other pronunciations for the slabs.
Photos by Marion Salaün Fairbanks
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My Paradise: A family adventure in India

Our family of four (with two children, ages 6 and 7) and our friends went on a wonderful 16-day vacation to India this past Christmas. December/January is the high tourism season to visit Rajasthan, and the weather was perfect overall.
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VIDEO| Kudaka Island off Okinawa’s coast is an ‘Island of God’

Only about a 20-minute ferry ride from the southeast coast of Okinawa’s main island, Kudaka Island is a popular destination for tourists. The island is often referred to as an “Island of God” where the origins of Ryukyu Kingdom (1429－1879) reside.
Kenrokuen, photo by Sarah B. Hodge
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Go for the Gold: Exploring the riches of Kanazawa, Ishikawa

Kanazawa, easily accessible via the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station, offers travelers a wide range of experiences, from hands-on craft and cooking classes to strolling beautiful Japanese gardens and samurai and tea districts.
At Hoshizuna Beach on Iriomote Island visitors can find star-shaped sand. (AYA ICHIHASHI/STARS AND STRIPES)
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Iriomote Island’s land-based treasures include waterfalls, gardens and scrumptious snacks

Iriomote is only 45 minutes by ferry from the neighboring island of Ishigaki and 50 minutes by air from Naha on Okinawa.
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See what's happening on your base!

Check out all the great things happening on your base. Events are as accurate as possible at press time. Since times or event schedules can change, please verify events before attending. (This was updated October 10)
Gnash will join will join forces with singer-songwriter Marc E. Bassy for a series of free shows sponsored by Armed Forces Entertainment. JIMMY FONTAINE
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Rapper Gnash, sing-songwriter Marc E. Bassy set to tour US bases in Japan this month

A pair of chart-topping musicians are bringing their talents on a tour of U.S. military bases in Japan, according to Armed Forces Entertainment.
Photos by David Krigbaum
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Shiroyama Elementary School: Nagasaki’s atomic bomb-surviving school

If you’ve visited or are planning to visit Nagasaki, you know that the Atomic Bomb Museum, the Peace Park and the hypocenter are the city’s most common sites associated with the Aug. 9, 1945 bombing.
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Zampa & Manzamo - Okinawa's tale of two capes

Incredible ocean views, a gigantic replica of a mythical “shisa,” and enough room for 10,000 people to picnic? Sounds like the perfect recipe for another completely free Okinawa adventure.