Okagesamade

There are many Beautiful Japanese phrases that cannot be translated. 美しい日本語でなかなか通訳できない言葉のひとつ『お陰様で』 の解説。"Okagesamade" (Oh-kah-gay-sa-ma-deh) is one of them.

Generally it is translated as, "thanks for asking" but the true meaning behind it is,
"With everyone's help, being in our shadow, everything is going well or everything went well" 

This phrase is used on a daily basis for answering, "How are you doing?", "How is your work?" or "How is someone's condition?" The Japanese will say "okagesamade".

This phrase encompasses gratitude for the efforts of everyone involved.  For example, a Japanese Traditional Dance Performance (Nihon-buyo).   There are many things that require attention to detail. It is not just about the performers but also the sensei's efforts in teaching and the master teacher's guidance. There are so many people involved including those doing hair and make-up, those who set-up for the event, and the guests who came to watch. Without all of these people, the performance would not have been possible.

So when asked how the performance went, the Japanese will say "okagesamade" ("with everyone's help being in our shadow, everything is going well/everything went well." ).

You can tell that this phrase has a very deep meaning but unfortunately it is translated simply as "Thanks for asking."

(Info adapted from a post by Naomi Ohara on Okinawa Natural Herb Meal's FB page.)
(Image from https://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6106/6883412552_0dfd4bd8df_z.jpg)

Sueyoshi Park & Shrine

Sueyoshi Forest is located in the heart of Naha city and yet you can drive right past it and not even notice that it is there.  Which is a shame really.

O and I went there to wander the forest and see the Sueyoshi Shrine.  I had heard about it on Map It Okinawa and was eager to go.  I think the amount of walking he mentioned was down-played... he said be prepared to do a lot of walking.  That's it.  What he meant was this is a HUGE park in the city and be prepared to do TONS of walking.

It's a beautiful park though.  A river runs straight through the middle of it and you can see some pretty nice waterfalls.  O is currently obsess with snails and we were able to see some huge ones on the bottom of the overgrown flaura.  There were lots of birds flitting about as well.  And O's favorite discovery were the "shiny bugs", you know, those bugs that have exoskeletons that are like opal colors.  Well, even if you don't, they were really neat.

O and I stuck to the main walking trail.  This means we didn't get off of the winding flat route once.  No stair diversions, no side routes, nothing.  Just the path that, if it weren't made of uneven rocks, I would say was the handicap accessible path.


Even still, by the time we crossed through the forest (all parking lots are a ways away from the shrine... I think we parked at the one farthest away), we were ready for a snack and a rest.  Luckily, there was a playground and a bathroom to be found just below our chosen route.

The playground structure is completely made of wood but was in very good condition.  I was worried about splinters at first but was pleasantly surprised to find it a minimal concern.  It is obviously geared towards older children, but O (3) was doing pretty well on it.

After a little R&R, we went back up the hill to this nice monument.  I'll have to do a little research to find out what it's for.  But I really like the detail.  This basically marks the end of the winding flat trail.  Just after it is a set of stairs that leads you into the wildlife protection area.  It's unsure footing and greenery all the way to the shrine from there.

Luckily for us, they had recently swept through and cleared the paths to the shrine.  Even still, a nice Japanese man we talked to said he saw 2 mongooses while he was there and to make sure not to let O near any of the rock crevices because of the chance a habu was hiding in there.  We didn't see anything ourselves.

He also kindly escorted us up the hill as he had gotten lost himself several times trying to find the shrine and was tired.  I had O on my back, so he didn't want the same thing to happen to us.  Really, this was so thoughtful of him I can't express how grateful I was for this gesture.

Anyways, you make a right at the top of the stairs and continue straight until you find a white obelisk.  Make a left here and you'll see stones for the Sueyoshi Shrine.  Continue straight up, up, up until you see a shrine like structure on the right.  This building is where you buy shrine items.  It and the shrine were closed, but you can walk around.  The shrine itself is just past here.

Do NOT go through the stone tunnel.  If you look up, you'll see the shrine.  Take the stairs to the right of the tunnel and follow the steps up to the main shrine.

We climbed up to the shrine itself instead of stopping at the collection box.  The view from there was well worth the climb just to take it in.

We really enjoyed sitting there eating some bread and just looking out over the forest and past the city in the background.  A nice breeze coming over the hill also took the edge off the heat of the day.

By this point, it was nap time and we were still far away from the car.  Going back was much quicker since we were going down the rugged terrain and then I carried O up the winding path.  Still, juice and Anpanman cookies were a much appreciated treat at our arrival to the car.

Overall, we were hot, sweaty, sticky and tired at the end, but the beauty and peace of the morning was well worth it.  I hope you are able to visit this park sometime.

Japanese New Year - Nengajo (New Year Cards)

Features of Nengajo:

1.  Duty -

Japan has various customs where you give something to someone because it is your social duty.  Nengajo is on of these.  Basically, you should send nengajo to everyone you know.  Many people are more selective of who they send nengajo too.  However, if you receive a card from someone, you are expected to return the favor (known as a giri card).

2.  Design -

Many nengajo feature the animal from the upcoming year's zodiac.  It is believed that the years represented by the animals affect the characters of people. 

Chinese Zodiac (animals and their characteristics):

• Rat - an animal with spirit, wit, alertness, delicacy, flexibility and vitality, adaptable, clever and adorable, personable and materialistic, thoughtful, sensible, judiciously and curious, timid, lack concentration and stability, timid, obstinate and selfish
• Ox - persistent, simple, honest, and straightforward, industrious, patient, and cautious, do things steadily, tender-hearted, obstinate and poor at communication
• Tiger - brave, cruel, forceful and terrifying, tolerant, staunch, valiant, and respected, intelligent, faithful and virtuous, short-tempered, over confident and traitorous
• Rabbit - tender and lovely, gentle, sensitive, compassionate, amiable, modest and merciful, and have strong memory, soft-spoken and welcoming, homebody and hospitable, amorous and not determined, soft in appearance and stubborn inside
• Dragon -  token of authority, dignity, honor, success, luck, and capacity, lively, intellectual, energetic and excitable, magnanimous, romantic and sensitive about their reputation, ambitious, arrogant and impatient, over- confident, eccentric, tactless, fiery, intolerant and unrealistic
• Snake - malevolence, cattiness and mystery, good tempered, skilled at communicating, sympathetic, determined, intense and passionate, perceptive, jealous and suspicious, courteous   but headstrong
• Horse - energetic, bright, warm-hearted, intelligent and able, clever, kind to others, cheerful, perceptive, talented, earthy but stubborn, impatient and hot blooded, independent
• Sheep - gentle and calm, delicate and precious, tender, polite, filial, clever, and kind-hearted, wise and compassionate, worriers who are shy, pessimistic, moody, indecisive, over-sensitive, week-willed and puzzled about life
• Monkey - clever, lively, flexible, quick-witted and versatile, self-assured, sociable and innovative, with competent practical ability, jealous, suspicious, cunning, selfish and arrogant, tend to look down upon others, impatient and mouthy
• Rooster - fidelity and punctuality, deep thinkers considered to be honest, bright, communicative, ambitious, capable and warm-hearted, eccentric and have difficulty relating with others, critical, positive but selfish, caustic and too outspoken, narrow-minded and vain, refuse suggestions but would like to lecture others, arrogant
• Dog - understanding and obedient, faithful, courageous, dexterous, smart and warm-hearted, straightforward, stubborn, cold emotionally, irritable and anxious
• Pig - laziness and clumsiness, honest and frank, chivalrous and gallant, tolerant and optimistic,  kind and light hearted, loyal, hot-tempered and impulsive

Photos are also common along with common phrases and greetings.

3.  Phrases -

Phrases and Greetings are commonly used on nengajo and can be paired up with design elements as well.  The phrase or greeting you use should be adjusted to reflect the recipient and the level of respect you wish to convey.

Conventional nengajō greetings include:

• kotoshi mo yoroshiku o-negai-shimasu (今年もよろしくお願いします) (I hope for your favour again in the coming year)
• (shinnen) akemashite o-medetō-gozaimasu ((新年)あけましておめでとうございます) (Happiness to you on the dawn [of a New Year])
• kinga shinnen (謹賀新年) (Happy New Year)
• gashō (賀正) (to celebrate January)
• shoshun/hatsuharu (初春) (literally "early spring", in the traditional lunar calendar a year begins in early spring)
• geishun (迎春) (to welcome spring)

For more on writing greetings and expressions visit Writing New Year's Cards.

4.  Lottery -

Store bought cards come with a lottery number on each and every card allowing the recipient to participate in a national lottery.  Prizes vary and winning numbers are announced in mid-January.

5.  Restrictions -

If someone has died in your family that year, you send "Mourning Postcards" earlier in the year to let everyone know that they should not send nengajo out of respect for the deceased.

Sending Nengajo

Addressing and personal messages are usually written by hand or painted with an ink brush to offer the individual a chance to show off their Japanese calligraphy (書道 shodō).

Cards purchased at a stationary store or the post office have pre-paid postage within Japan.  When sending nengajo abroad, fill them out like this.  The post office guarantees delivery of nengajo on 1 January if post-marked by 25 December.

To find out more about Japan and it's customs, consider visiting the Zooming Japan Blog.  It is full of in-depth information about sites and customs.  I got the majority of my info on nengajo from them.  :D

Hamagaa Ugan Ruins (Chatan Worship Site)

So the in-laws and I had some extra time between Christmas shopping and meeting up with Z, so we decided to check out some hidden sites I found on Okinawa Hai while the kid was sleeping in the car and they were in the PX purusing merchandise.

One of these sites was the Hamagaa Ugan Ruins.  It was a nice 5-10 minute stop right next to Kadena Gate 1.  A surprisingly peaceful spot right next to a very busy road.

The following information is from a sign posted at this prayer site:

The Hamagaa Ugan Ruins were designated as a Cultural Asset / Historic Site located within Chatan Town on March 26, 2004.

The Hamagaa Ugan is a place of worship made at the foot of a limestone rock.  It is called Shimamori Yoriage no Taki (holy name: Ishi no Oibe) in the Ryukyu-koku Yuraiki, 1713 (Historical records of the Kingdom of the Ryukyus).

A tomb of a fuedal lord is located to its east.

The worship area and a large Akou tree (Ficus superba Mig. var. Japonica Miq) are found to the south.  In the worship area, there is a small house-shaped limestone shrine with a Yosumune-style hip roof and three incense burners.

The Shimakusarasaa, a ritual held in lunar February to prevent evil from entering the community, and the Kami-Ushiimii, a ritual to pray to gods held in lunar March, were held here before the war.

The Twun no Kami and Ryuuguu Shin deities are also enshrined in the south side of the premises.

A shell mound dating from the 8th to 10th centuries is found north of the Hamagaa Ugan.  It is believed that refuse was di

scarded from the top of the hill, presenting the possibility that a worship area might have existed on the top.  Excavation of this site is considered required.  A similar ruin known as Agigitara shell mound is found in Izena Village.

Directions:

This location is at the intersection of the 58 and 23. right before Kadena Gate 1. At that intersection is a store called “Music Lab”. In the back is a parking lot, and if you park there, you can’t miss the tree. You can see the tree from 58.

If you are traveling north on 58, simply turn into the Music Lab parking lot and go to the back.

 If you are traveling south on 58, turn right at the light right past the 23. Then take your first right and drive down the road a little bit. You’ll see the back entrance of the music store and the tree on your right.

Nakamurake Old House (Nakamura House)

O has a viral infection that keeps her from hanging out with other kids right now.  So we decided that the best way to get her out of the house today was to go see one of the local tourist sites.  We chose the Nakamura House.

Nakamura House is a traditional Okinawan style house, dating from the 18th century, when it served as the residence of the Nakmura family.  Nakamura House has been designated a major cultural asset by the Japanese government and is open to the public.  (See below for some brochure information)

There are several really nice aspects to going to the Nakamura House.  One, it is only a couple km down the road from Camp Foster which makes it very convenient for us to get to.  Two, it is set back away from any major streets and is secluded from the surrounding houses.  So the atmosphere is very laid back and relaxing.  Time literally seems to slow down and you become more calm. Three, the house is so well preserved and furnished as if someone still lived there that you can really get a feel for the residence and how it's inhabitants would have spent their days.  Lastly, if you aren't ready to go home when you're done looking around, Nakagusuku Castle is just a little farther down the road.

Upon arriving, we approached an old house with a pond out front.  The bottom level was a gift shop where you purchase your entry tickets.  We found out later that your entry fee includes complimentary hot or cold tea and sugar cane jelly that is served at the tables inside the gift shop.  (O liked the jelly so much the hostess gave us the recipe.  See below.)  You are also able to purchase a few noodle dishes and some other foods.  I think next time we'll eat our lunch here.  The food looked and smelled really good.  I'll definitely bring more yen too.  The gift shop was awesome and offered a large variety of items.  They sell fish food too if you want to feed the koi out front.

We wandered around the house looking into each of the rooms and seeing a flashback into another era.  All the equipment used for stabling the animals were on display, the kitchen was set up and stocked with pots and pans as if someone were going to cook dinner later on, each room was furnished with tables, chests, laquerware, etc that was appropriate to its function, and even the alters were ready to be prayed at.

Before returning to the gift shop, we walked the stone pathway around the house which actually winds up and down the walls through a narrow garden mostly level with the rooftop.  This change in viewpoint really offers a great way to experience the house from another perspective... although I'm not sure how nice it would have been if the house was still a working farm due to the rising odors from the pig pen and horse stables... but I suppose you would be used to those. :D

Nakamura House Info:
Open 0900-1730 everyday except holidays.
Adults 500 yen, 12-18 300 yen, under 12 200 yen.
Groups of 20+: Adults 450 yen, 12-18 270 yen, under 12 180 yen.







Some Brochure Info:

Family History:

The history of the Nakamura family dates back to the early part of the 15th century when Gahi, an ancestor of the family, moved his residence to Nakagusuku from Zakimi in Yomitan.  The reason for the move was because Lord Gosamaru of Zakimi had received an order from the king in Shuri to relocate his castle to Nakagusuku.  Gashi served as Gosamaru's teacher until his downfall at the hands of Lord Amawari of Katsuren Castle.
With the Nakagusuku Castle in ruins, Gashi and his family also suffered from their lord's adversity.  It was not until 1720 that fortune came back to the Nakamura family when one of the ancestors was called upon to serve as a Jitoshoku (village headman) by the royal government in Shuri.  It was around this time when the first foundations of the Nakamura house was set in.

Structure:
The Nakamura house is a typical style of a rich farmer's residence.  The basic structural method dates back to houses found in mainland Japan between the Kamakura and Muromachi periods (1185-1572).  The house was originally of thatched roof and it was not until the time of the 7th generation when it was reroofed using the Okinawa traditional red tiles.  This reflects the rising social standard of the Nakamura family since rigid regulations at the time restricted commoners' homes in size and appearance.

Brown Sugar Jelly Recipe (word for word from the paper)

Materials: Brown Sugar 100g, Water 500ml, Gelatin powder 10g, soybean flour with liking

1.  Brown sugar and water are put into a pan and it applies to fire.
2.  If brown sugar melts, fire is put out, and gelatin will be added and it will melt.
3.  2 is put into a container and a refrigerator cools.
4.  It is completion, when dishing up in the vessel put into mind and covering soybean flour.

Okinawa Dance Night

Every year, MCCS hosts Okinawan Dance Night at the Foster Community Center the Friday after Thanksgiving as a way to relax and unwind with the family while experiencing some local culture.

Okinawan dances are passed down from generation to generation to preserve their unique local culture from the era of the Ryukyu kingdom.

This years' program featured dances that would be seen if the dancers were entertaining for the royal court.  All dances and accompanying music are performed by local nationals who volunteer their time to share their culture with the military community.  Before each piece is performed, a brief description of the dance style and its significance is given.



Unfortunately, we were only able to stay for the first half of the event.  Hopefully we'll be able to attend next year.  :)