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The VIRUS

Here at Family Practice at Lester Naval Hospital. You can go there severely ill, or bring your kids there and they will look at you and tell you its a virus! But if it hasn't cleared up in 7-10 days to come back.

Here my 4yr old, had fever 104 degree's I waited for the 4th day before bringing her in. Even tho she was dehydrated and had fever its just a virus. No lab work was done to prove virus or bacterial, its a virus. It was less than a 5 min appointment. We were told to wait 7-10 days if she wasn't better to bring her back. But if she started vomiting or seizuring to bring her back ASAP.

Here as her mother I knew she was getting pneumonia. I kept calling for an appointment, but instead got transferred to a nurse. Who would tell me the same thing its just a virus and will be gone 7-10 days.

Here her lips turned purple and scabby looking, she was dry, but when I talked to a nurse she needed to be vomiting before they would see her. The nurse would tell me how to get the fever down.

The only other choice was to bring her to the ER, but from previous experience they get the fever down and send you home and have you follow up in the morning with your PCM who gives you the run around that its just a VIRUS.

Day 7, I take my daughter back to the clinic way beyond pissed off and told the same doctor we saw the first time, she should have ordered lab work, chest X-ray to see that she has pneumonia. Here this doctor kept trying to re-assure me its just a virus. This doctor kept telling me she looks good, her fever is down, nothing was wrong with her. The fever was down temporarily, finally she ordered a chest X-ray. And yes she had pneumonia - size of a golf ball.

Everytime we go to the Family Practice Clinic - everything is a VIRUS, they will tell you to come back every 7-10 days, so when you come back you see someone different then you have to come back in another 7-10 days, it never ends.

For them to say its not a virus, you have to be vomiting all over the place. Somebody would of had to carry you into the clinic, cuz if you can walk you are not sick according to them!

The pain scale means nothing according to several doctors there they don't believe a person can be above 7 in pain, even for a child. If you were a 7 in pain you would be in the ER not there.

That is somethings you have to put up with being stationed here. I rather be seen off base, where they listen and treat you with respect and help get you better vs just passing you off to the next doctor to pass you off again.

Okinawa Syndrome

Have you heard of the Okinawa Syndrome, AKA: WGAOS (Wah GAY OS) = Whats going around Okinawa Syndrome?

If you take your child to Camp Lester Pediatrics the doctors will tell you that your child has "Whats going around Okinawa" And tell you to make a follow-up either for the next day or 3 days from then. And when you go to the follow-up appointment you will most likely be seeing someone else who will tell you the same thing. Well, there is nothing we can do for you "your child has whats going around Okinawa". Please make an appointment for tomorow, and then you end up going there everyday.

Then you have the nurse and doctors complaining that you are there too much. Then you have a nurse who always says: "Mrs. XXXXX your kids are always sick, or Mrs. XXXXX, your kids were here last week why do you think you need to be seen this time? So when you can't get around the annoying nurse, and the doctors have no clue how to be an actual doctor, I have ended up taking my kids to the ER to find out they have pneumonia or a severe ear infection. And then the ER questions you why you didn't take them to Pediatrics.

What is going around Okinawa? Basically, they don't know whats wrong with your child, so they use that lame excuse on everyone.

In all this, the doctors NEVER noted in the medical records that they requested the parents for a follow-up!

So that makes you look bad and them look good.

Child Care for Kadena AB

Child and Youth Registration and Referral
Child Care Resource and Referral
Fairchild Avenue
Bldg. 1850
18 SVS/SVY Unit 5135 Box 10
APO, AP 96368-5135

Phone 011-81-611-732-7693
011-81-611-734-3464
(DSN) 315-632-7693
Fax 011-81-611-634-1402
Fax (DSN) 315-634-1402


Child Development Centers (CDC)
http://www.kadenaservices.com/childdev.html

All Kadena Child Development Centers have been accredited by the national Association for the Education of Young Children. Wakaba achieved accreditation in 2000. Both Shimo No Ko and Niko Niko were accredited in 2002. Accreditation ensures the highest quality of care for the children in our centers. Staffing in our overseas location is our greatest challenge. If you live on Okinawa or are PCSing to Okinawa, consider a career in Child Development. Training is provided on the job and the rewards are great.

Centers on Installation Kadena currently has 3 centers on base:

Shima No Ko located in Building 4081
Niko Niko located in Building 334
Wakaba located in Building 132

The centers serve children between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years of age and currently have more than 600 children enrolled in the programs.

Programs Offered
Before and after kindergarten programs are available and a part-day preschool program is offered for children 3-5 years of age. All 3 facilities provide full-day care. In addition, an hourly care program is offered at each facility for children 6 months to 5 years of age.

Costs
Weekly fees are based on total family income in accordance with DoD guidelines. Fees for hourly care are $4.00 per hour and reservations may be made for up to 10 hours of care per week.

Availability
Families arriving on Kadena need to know that there is a waiting list for full time care. Priority is given to single and dual military families; however, families should be prepared to contact family child care homes for care upon arrival. Waiting times for center-based care may vary depending upon the age of the child. For information about the waiting list for full day care, please contact the Child Development Center at DSN 315-632-7693.

Registration
A copy of the sponsor's orders and completion of a DD Form 2606 for each child is required to place children in the CDC.

Family Child Care (FCC)
http://www.kadenaservices.com/familychild.html

Family Child Care (FCC) is offered to children in licensed providers' quarters. Anyone who provides child care for 10 hours or more per week on a regular basis must apply to be licensed. Homes are strictly regulated by AF instruction. Care groups are small in FCC homes, never more than 6 children. FCC programs offer a nurturing home environment that supports each child's development in a family setting.

Programs Offered
The FCC program offers a wide variety of quality services including early infant care, before and after school care, extended duty care (for temporary shift changes, early morning PT), full time and drop-in care.

Child Care for PCS
Some FCC providers participate in the free PCS'ing Child Care Program paid for by the Air Force Aid Society. All ranks are eligible for 20 hours of care per child within the first 60 days after arrival on Okinawa and the last 60 days before departure on a space-available basis. If a shortage of care spaces exists, priority will go to E5s and below.

Returning Home Care (RHC)
Offered to families with a service member who recently returned from a deployment. A specially trained provider operates the Mildly Ill FCC home, which cares for children who are mildly ill, but not well enough to participate at their normal childcare site. There is no additional charge for this service.

School Age Program (SAP)
The Youth Programs operates a School Age Program. The purpose of the Before and After School Program is to provide supervised care for young, school-aged children and to give the children of working parents a place to stay in those hours before and after school time when no one is at home. The program offers organized activities and games in peer groups which allow the children to learn and play together. This program is held in Buildings 439 and 4081. It is open to children 6 - 12 years of age.

The Kindergarten Program
Located in Building 326.

Meals are served at the following times:
Breakfast 7:30 - 8:00am
Lunch 11:00 - 12:30pm
Snack 3:00 - 3:45pm

The Bob Hope and Kadena Elementary Program Housed in the cafeterias of the two schools with Stearley Heights attending the KES Program and Amelia Earhart attending the Bob Hope Program.

Meals are served at the following times:
Breakfast 7:30 - 8:00am
Snack 3:30 - 4:00

When school is let out before noon, a sack lunch is provided.

Clinic phone numbers

The Naval Hospital, at Camp Lester, is a full service hospital providing outstanding medical support compared to most stateside medical facilities. It also runs a Joint Blood Program. While the main facility at Camp Lester provides the primary care, family care is also located at the Bush Clinic at Camp Courtney, Kinser Family Practice, Evans Clinic at Camp Foster, and the Kadena Clinic.

Clinic hours are from 0730 until 1600 Monday through Friday. The Camp Lester Clinic also has appointments available Saturdays from 1000 until 1400. The Military Family Medicine Clinics offer a wide variety of preventive, diagnostic and definitive care services to Active Duty Service Members, Retirees, DoD Civilians and their family members. There are four main Family Medicine clinics:

Evans MFM Clinic (Camp Foster)
Phone : 011-81-611-745-7617
DSN 645-7617

Lester MFM Clinic (Camp Lester)
Phone : 011-81-611-743-7509
DSN 643-7509

Bush MFM Clinic (Camp Courtney)
Phone : 011-81-611-722-7632
DSN 622-7632

Kinser MFM Clinic (Camp Kinser)
Phone : 011-81-611-737-3995
DSN 637-3995

Other Clinics & Contacts

EFMP Coordinator
Phone : 011-81-611-745-2104
DSN 645-2104

Flight Line Clinic
Phone : 011-81-611-734-1922
DSN 634-1922

Futenma Clinic
Phone : 011-81-611-736-3150
DSN 636-3150

Hansen Clinic
Phone : 011-81-611-723-4681
DSN 623-4681

Kinser Group Aid Station
Phone : 011-81-611-737-1881
DSN 637-1881

Schwab Clinic
Phone : 011-81-611-725-2234
DSN 625-2234

Torii Clinic
Phone : 011-81-611-744-4322
DSN 644-4322

U.S. Naval Hospital Emergency Room
Phone : 011-81-611-743-7338
DSN 643-7338

White Beach Clinic
Phone : 011-81-611-742-2378
DSN 642-2378

Tri Care Health Benefits Advisor
Phone : 011-81-611-743-7499
DSN 643-7499

Okinawa Housing Agency's

www.ishiken-housing.com

www.kozahousing.jp

www.tokuzato-hsg.jp/index.html

http://oki-us.com/Default.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

http://www.central-housing.jp

The Housing Agency's will ask for your rank. They will show you houses around what your BAH would be.

Tips:

If they show you a house or apt. you really like but is more than your BAH you can usually talk them down to your BAH rate.

If you are not military, you can sometimes get it for the Japanese rate of cheap rent! Example: My Japanese friends rent a 3 bedroom house for 45,000 yen per mo ($450.00) now if military member's lived there rent would be based on their rank. So an E5 BAH would be about 180,000 yen ($1800.00 month). If you find a private owner or tell them you are not military you can really get good deals.

When looking at off base housing check to see how many AC units are in the house and where they are located. If there are no AC unit in the bedrooms you are going to be sweating all night. Unless you keep your windows open all night long. Most houses don't have AC unit in kitchen, so make sure there is a window.

Parking: Make sure you find out about the parking. Do you have to park in the street, find parking somewhere else? Will your car(s) fit in the assigned parking area? Do you have to have a mini car? Do you have to pay for parking?

Also need to aks if its gas or kerosene?

Military Housing in Okinawa

When you arrive on Okinawa with a family, you will be living in temporary quarters until you occupy permanent housing, either off-base or on-base. To help offset you costs while living in temporary accommodations, you will be reimbursed for your expenses by receiving Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA). TLA will normally cover lodging and meals. It is only available until you find permanent housing. 30 days are authorized but in some instances extensions can be made with the approval of the commander. All housing on the island is handled through the Air Force Housing Office on Kadena AB. Procedures for advanced housing application: Incoming personnel should contact their local housing office for an application form. This form should be mailed along with a copy of orders to the following address:
Kadena Air Base Housing Office 718 CES/CEH, Unit 5261 APO AP 96368-5261

This application does not put you on the housing list for base quarters. It aides the housing office in projecting the future needs. You will be placed on the housing list as soon as you process in at the housing office. A member's duty location determines the housing area they can reside in (North, Central, or South. Your sponsor should make a housing appointment for you prior to your arrival. Housing appointments for Army personnel are scheduled each Wednesday. This briefing acquaints the member with the housing policies and procedures. All off-base housing must be approved by the Housing Office before leases are signed. Pets are not authorized in any of the on-base towers. Bedroom authorization is based on rank, number, age and sex of children. There are 8,128 military family housing units, located in 19 different areas island wide. The majority of on-base units here are quadraplexes, although there are a number of duplexes, single family homes and high-rise apartments as well. Depending on the time of year, while summer housing requests being the largest, command-sponsored families can expect about a 4-12 month wait before moving on base.

The following furniture is provided for accompanied or command sponsored tours:

Off-base

1 double bed
1 single bed per family member and/or bunk beds to those who qualify
1 chest of drawers per person
1 dresser per bedroom occupied
2 night stands per master bedroom
1 night stands per other bedroom
1 sofa
2 easy chairs
1 coffee table
2 end tables
1 desk and chair
1 dining table
6 dining chairs
1 china cabinet
1 buffet
1 bookcase
1 mirror
Washer, dryer, refrigerator, and range

ON BASE -
You get the same as above but without the Washer, dryer, refrigerator, and range

Okinawa Overseas Screening - Disapproval

Medical Conditions That May Result in Disapproval

These criteria can be grouped into four different categories

Overseas clearance may be disapproved if a family member has/requires:

Braces/splints (difficulty in obtaining parts, supplies, and/or repair services)

Prosthetics for major limbs (difficulty in obtaining parts, supplies, and/or repair services)

2.Services:
Overseas clearance may be disapproved if a family member requires care by the following sub-specialists more than once a year:

Cardiology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, Bowel or Bladder rehabilitation services (routinely available only through Medevac)

Medications not available on island and without an easy substitute

Laboratory monitoring required in a timely fashion that is not available on island (i.e., drug levels)

3. Any specialty requiring Medevac more than once a year Specific medical conditions:

USN dependants with EFMP category 3 assignment or equivalent conditions with other services

Bilateral deafness (non-hearing, requiring full time sign language translator)

Family members with chronic medical conditions that have required or have a high probability of requiring ICU facilities may be disapproved

Cancer patients that have required or have a high probability of requiring ongoing oncology services may be disapproved

Medical conditions which have a high probability of resulting in ICU admissions, e.g., insulin-dependent diabetes

Morbid Obesity (BMI >40 kg/m2 or 35 kg/m2 in the presence of comorbidities)

Chronic Pain syndromes requiring multidisciplinary pain therapy

Gastroenterology disorders such as Chron's disease, Ulcerative colitis, Liver cirrhosis

Urologic pain disorders

Pediatric disorders requiring subspecialist management

4. Psychiatric Conditions:
Major Depression

Anxiety Disorder

Personality Disorder

Adult ADHD

Substance Abuse/Dependence 10 years prior to arrival on island

Mental Health Conditions in which the family member or active duty member has not achieved a one year therapy free and medication free stable status

Okinawa Overseas Screening - Automatic Denial

Medical Conditions That Will Result in Automatic Denial For Overseas Screening Assignment

USN family Members with EFMP Category 4 Assignment or equivalent conditions with other services

USNH family members with EFMP Category 5 or 6 assignment or equivalent conditions with other services.

USN family Members with EFMP Category 6 Assignments should have resolution of condition and be re-evaluated and given new category.

Medical Conditions
Family members with tracheostomies and/or home ventilators have medical needs that cannot be met here

Home oxygen (difficulty obtaining equipment, no oxygen concentrators, equipment not delivered)

G-Tube/Feeding tube (difficulty obtaining equipment)

Wheelchair/Walkers (difficulty obtaining parts, supplies and/or repair service, no housing modifications, no vehicle modifications)

Family members with ventriculoperitoneal shunts for treatment/management of hydrocephalus have medical/surgical needs that cannot be met here

Amputation of major limb within he past 2 years

Dialysis

Family members with asthma who have had 2 or more ICU admissions in past 2 years

Medical conditions which require follow-up by specialty services not available at Naval Hospital Okinawa Such as Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology or any other sub-specialties not available at Naval Hospital Okinawa

Such as facility limitations, i.e. as the capabilities of specialty services continue to grow there are and there will become certain facility limitations at Naval Hospital Okinawa that will result in automatic disapproval (e.g. Bowel or bladder rehabilitation services)

Medical condition which have a high probability of resulting in ICU admissions, e.g.,

Brittle/Labile Type I Insulin-Dependent Diabetes (Insulin Depending Diabetic Mellitus)

Status Post Gastric By-Pass for morbid obesity or any related subsequent complications due to the surgery or the related morbid obesity with-in the past 3 years

Psychiatric Conditions

Which have required 1 or more inpatient hospitalizations in past 10 years

Psychiatric conditions in which there is a history of admission to or recommendation for “Day Hospital” or “Partial Hospital” in past 10 years

Psychiatric conditions where there is a history of admission to or recommendation for “Residential Treatment” in past 10 years

Mental Health Conditions which required on-going individual/family therapy

Aggressive, destructive and/or illegal behaviors

Active or substantiated family advocacy case within the past 2 years

Psychiatric conditions where the patient is on antipsychotic medications

Substance abuse/dependence over past 10 years (multiple addictive substances are prevalent on Okinawa)

Schizophrenia

Bipolar Disorder

Dementia

Suicide attempt/gesture within past 2 years

Dissociative disorder

Sexual Addiction (specialist not available)

Eating disorder (specialist no available)

DSM diagnosis and/or requiring psychotropic medications who are not sable for at least one year prior to moving overseas

Orthopedic Conditions:
Any limb amputation requiring prosthesis

Scoliosis undergoing surgical or brace treatment, or being followed by Pediatric Orthopedics

Cerebral Palsy requiring orthopedic surgery or bracing

Children being treated for limb length inequality

Patients with anticipated need for joint replacement surgery

Pediatric Conditions
Pediatric Conditions that result in automatic disapproval

Any Navy/USMC dependent child assigned EFMP 4 (major medical INCONUS) or higher, or equivalent assignment in other services.

Any child with asthma that:
Is diagnosed, or treated, as moderate or severe persistent
Has required 2 or more hospitalizations in the last 3 years

Need for wheelchairs, walkers, AFOs, and/or other orthotic devices.

Hearing impairment

G-tube/Feeding tubes

ventriculoperitoneal shunts

Type I diabetes mellitus

Congenital heart defects that have required, or are likely to require, significant surgical intervention

Cystic fibrosis or currently being evaluated for possible cystic fibrosis. Approval will not be considered until after workup is completed

Allergic conditions requiring immunotherapy (allergy shots)

History of leukemia or other pediatric cancer

Any condition that requires regular follow-up by a pediatric subspecialist (such as pulmonology, cardiology, endocrinology, hematology, oncology, GI). Only general pediatrics and developmental pediatrics are available here.

Mental health/behavioral conditions:

psychotic, bipolar, or eating disorder

required any kind of inpatient treatment in the last 3 years

history of recent or chronic suicidal ideation or behavior, self-harm, self injurious behavior, or suicide attempts

that have required multiple emergency room visits

Aggressive, destructive, and/or illegal behaviors

Any history of juvenile convictions or parole

History of substance abuse

Any foster care placement in the last 3 years

Pediatric conditions that require more information or are likely result in disapproval
Any Navy/USMC dependent child assigned EFMP category 3 (no overseas assignment), or equivalent categories in other services.

Minor congenital heart defects that require annual, or less than annual, pediatric cardiology follow-up.

Autistic spectrum diagnoses will only be considered on a case-by-case basis. However, strongly discourage autism spectrum disorders due to lack of community resources and mental health services.

Mental health/behavioral conditions:
conduct disorder, ODD, intermittent explosive disorder, or disruptive behavior disorder
require ongoing individual and/or family therapy

required any type of inpatient treatment in the last 5 years

require treatment with anti-psychotic medications (will consider if stable for 2 years on current regimen)

has required more than once-a-month treatment in the last year

any foster care placement in the last 5 years

placement in reform school or alternative school

Chronic ear or sinus conditions requiring follow-up with ENT (otorhinolaryngology).

Stable medical conditions that have been followed by a pediatric subspecialist but do not require follow-up during the duration of sponsor’s tour (e.g, hypothyroidism stable on medications)

Okinawa Overseas Screening

The purpose of an Overseas Screening (OSS) is to identify medical, dental, educational and potential duty limiting conditions or requirements of both service and family members. Completing a screening will ensure that both the family and service member are qualified for overseas, operational duty, and remote duty assignments.

Clinical Services
Ambulatory Procedure Unit
Anesthesiology
Community Health/Health Promotion
Dermatology
EDIS
Emergency Medicine
ENT
Family Medicine
General Surgery
Internal Medicine
Laboratory
Maternal Fetal Medicine*
Mental Health
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit*
Neurology
Neurosurgery*
Obstetrics/Gynecology
Ophthalmology/Optometry
Oral Surgery/Dental
Orthopedics/Podiatry*
Pediatrics
Pharmacy
Physical Therapy
Radiology/Nuclear Medicine
Specialty/Intensive Care Unit
Urology

US Naval Hospital Okinawa

US Naval Hospital Okinawa
Commanding Officer
PSC 482
FPO AP 96362-1600

24 hour Information Desk
DSN 315-643-7555
Commercial telephone 01181-611-743-7555

http://www.oki.med.navy.mil/

U. S. Naval Hospital Okinawa is the largest overseas hospital in the United States Navy. We provide professional health care for the more than 55,000 beneficiaries on Okinawa and referral services for nearly 175,000 beneficiaries distributed around the Pacific.

Yen exchange and traveling

Before you leave to come to Okinawa Japan, you really don't need yen right away. Once you get to mainland Japan go to the exchange counter to change your currency to yen, it would be at a low rate, but its better than ordering it weeks in advance from a bank. Its best to carry dollars on you before you get on the plane! Also keep those pennies at home, here in Japan on the military bases they don't have pennies everything is rounded up.

Many places in Japan accept credit cards. And there are many places off base to exchange dollars to yen or yen to dollars. On base is always a lower rate than off base. Many places like Jusco or San-A have currency exchange machines but certain locations have different rates.

Jusco in Chatan is usually the local bank rate (open from 1000-2200 daily)
Jusco in Gushikawa is usually 2 - 3 yen lower
San-A in Hamby town usually 3-5 yen lower (open from 1000-1900)
Lucky LTD are higher yen rates than a bank, Jusco, San-A, and on base. Lucky LTD are the only one's I know that accept large exchanges over $1000.00 to yen or vis-versa.

Travelers Checks
Travelers checks, in yen or dollars, are a safe way of taking larger sums of money to Japan. However, they are not widely accepted in retail locations and must first be cashed at a bank, post office or major hotel. Interestingly enough, some banks offer a better exchange rate for travelers checks in U.S. dollars than they do for U.S. dollars in cash. Identification (Passport) is required to cash travelers checks.

Credit Cards
Credit cards can be used (where accepted) to make purchases at a fairly good exchange rate, but some cards will charge a percentage (usually 5%) of each transaction. Cash advances using credit cards should be avoided if possible, since cash advance fees are high and most credit card companies begin charging interest from the day of withdrawal (no grace period). Cash advances almost always require a pin number, which must be set up in advance.

ATM's
ATM's are perhaps the best option for getting yen. Although there are usually two service charges applied (one from the ATM and one from the card issuing institution), the exchange rate offered is usually quite close to the true (mid-market) exchange rate. To avoid multiple service charges, it is best to take out larger amounts each time. One important thing to note is that most ATM's in Japan are open only during regular banking hours, though in larger cities there has been a trend toward 24-hour ATM's.

Most stateside credit cards/debit cards will not work at Japan ATM's. You have to take money out on base.

To find the yen rate at military bank locations check out: http://dodcommunitybank.com/home/products/currency_exchange

Youth Center

Youth Center
Fairchild Avenue
Bldg 1849
18 SVS/SVYY Unit 5135 Box 10
APO, AP 96368-5135


Phone: 011-081-611-734-0500
DSN Voice: 315-634-0500
DSN Fax: 315-632-7056

Website: http://www.kadenaservices.com/youthcenter.html

If you have kids and would like a Youth Sponsor for your child(ren) you can sign them up at http://www.kadenaservices.com/youth/sponsorapplication.html they will have someone contact your child(ren) within a few days.

Women Infants & Children Overseas (WICO)

The Women, Infants and Children Overseas (WICO) Program was established on Okinawa in February 2001. While not a program of U. S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, it is a significant resource for the health of our community. Call 645-WICO (9426) for more information.

Women Infants & Children Overseas (WICO)

LeMay Street

Bldg. 428

18 MDG/WICO

Unit 5142

APO, AP 96368-5142

Phone: 011-81-611-732-942

Fax: 011-81-611-732-6262

DSN Voice: 315-632-9427

DSN Fax: 315-632-6262

645-WICO (9426)
Camp Foster, Building 5677
Kadena Air Base, Building 428
Camp Kinser, Building 107
Camp Courtney, 4416

Educational & Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS)

Educational & Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS)

A department of the U.S. Naval Hospital, EDIS offers help to children with special needs, through federally mandated Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) programs and non-IDEA services. The mission of EDIS is to maximize the potential of children who are identified or at risk for delays and intervene in their development. EDIS promotes family-based care, closely involving families in the development of treatment plans. The staff of EDIS comes from a variety of fields to include: audiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, psychology, social work, community health nursing, and early childhood special education. There are two programs within EDIS: Early Intervention, for children from birth to age 3, and Related Services, for children from ages 3 to 21. Care is provided in the least-restrictive environment; in the home for Early Intervention and in the school for Related Services.

What should I do if I have concerns about my child’s development?
A referral for Early Intervention (0-3 yr. old) may be made by a parent, physician, or other community member. If your child is 3-21 years old, a referral for Related Services can be made through your child’s school.

What happens after a referral is made for Early Intervention Services (ages 0-3)?
A service coordinator will contact the child’s parent to schedule an appointment to review our program, discuss concerns, and schedule an evaluation

A team of professionals will evaluate your child in five areas: social, self-help, movement, communication, and thinking skills. The evaluation can occur in the child’s home or at the EDIS clinic.

The team will discuss the findings of the evaluation with the family.

A meeting will be scheduled to formally review the results, and written report, and determine if your child is eligible for services.

What happens if my child is eligible for Early Intervention Services ( ages 0-3)?

Service coordinators, parents, and early intervention professionals will discuss recommendations and concerns.

Child’s family and early intervention professionals will develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). An IFSP is a plan developed by the team members, to include the parents, that helps guide your child’s development. Parents may decline at any time during the process.

What happens after a referral is made for Related Services?

Your child’s referral will be sent to the Child Study Committee (CSC) at your home school. A formal evaluation of the areas that may have an impact on your child’s education will begin, if necessary. The evaluation areas may include fine and gross motor, social, emotional, communication, and cognitive skills. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be implemented, if your child is found eligible for Related Services.

Children with disabilities, through support of programs like EDIS, have the opportunity to fully development their physical, social, emotional, communication, and cognitive potential. Today these children are achieving higher levels of education. EDIS hopes to further the development of special needs children, bridging the gap between them and children without disabilities.

US Naval Hospital Okinawa
PSC 482
Educational & Developmental Intervention Services
FPO, AP 96362-1600
Phone: 011-81-611-734-2740 / 2747
Fax: 011-81-611-734-2708
DSN Voice: 315-634-2740 / 2747
DSN Fax: 315-634-2708

Kadena Base Hospital

18th Medical Group
Vincent Avenue
Bldg. 626
18 MDG Unit 5142
APO, AP 96368-5142



Phone: 011-081-611-730-4817
Fax: 011-81-611-630-4894
DSN Voice: 315-630-4817
DSN Fax: 315-630-4894

The 18th Medical Group, the Air Force's largest free standing ambulatory clinic in terms of assigned personnel, provides extensive medical, dental and support services to Kadena and other Department of Defense beneficiaries living on Okinawa. More than 70 medical and dental providers care for nearly 800 patients every day. Specific services include family practice, pediatrics, gynecology, optometry, mental health (including adult and child psychiatry), physiological training, and a health and wellness center. Four squadrons with 500 people comprise the medical group.

The 18th Medical Operations Squadron provides family medicine, internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, women's health, allergy, immunizations, pediatrics, ambulance and comprehensive counseling services. The family medicine team assigns its provider staff to wing units promoting continuity of services. Squadron members also staff a 14-bed neonatal intensive care unit, located at the U.S. Naval Hospital on Camp Lester. The U.S. Naval Hospital is located near Kadena and is only a 10- to 15-minute drive away. For more information about the Naval Hospital, visit their web site at www.oki.med.navy.mil/

Base Housing pictures and floor plans

Base Housing Phone Number: DSN 315-634-0582
Base Housing Website:

Want to learn how to dive?

Here is a pretty comprehensive list of all the courses Dave can teach. Please click on a course to link to the PADI webpage about that course:

Bubblemaker (children 8+ years)

Seal Team (children 8+ years)

Discover Scuba Diving
Open Water Diver

Advanced Open Water Diver

Rescue Diver
Divemaster

Deep Diver

Digital Underwater Photography
Enriched Air (Nitrox)

Equipment Specialist

Night DiverSearch & Recovery Diver

Underwater NaturalistUndewater NavigatorOxygen Provider (as a DAN certification and a PADI Distinctive Speciality)
DSAT Gas Blender

Emergency First Response (EFR) courses and can teach the following:
EFR Primary Care

EFR Secondary Care
EFR Care For Children

About Dave - In August 2006 he passed the Instructor Examinations and became a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor.

Email or call Dave Webb - email soldave@okinawa.email.ne.jp or call 090-6865-4396 if you’re in Okinawa and are interested in doing any of these courses. He would be more than happy to introduce you to the underwater world or help you continue your diving education.

Japanese language learning links..

A listing of free learning resources for the learners of the Japanese language. All are freely available on the web - no payments, no logins (with one exception which works with anonymous guest login), no subscription requirements.



Japanese Verbs



Kanji A Day



The following links is helpful for those interested in taking the JLPT, Japanese Language Proficiency Test.



Online Japanese Language Study MaterialsPrintable Hiragana/Katakana Flash Cards



Kana Teacher Online -



This links is an automatic translator for users of Mozilla Firefox



Automatic Translator



Kanji Land



Jim Breen's WWWJDIC Japanese Dictionary Server



http://www.hesjapanese.com/http://www.dartmouth.edu/~damell/Japanese/exercise.html



http://www.elanguageschool.net/



http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/user/int/study/gakusyu/index.html - If you are learning Kana (Hiragana and Katakana)

Prohibited items - Can't bring to Okinawa

Prohibited items

In accordance with the policy letter, US Forces Japan (USFJ) Policy Letter 11-12B, it is prohibited to bring into the country of Japan from ANY OTHER COUNTRY “OR FROM OKINAWA”, any of the following mentioned items:

Plants, parts of plants, seeds and bulbs for propagation and cultivation.

Fresh fruits and fresh vegetables (to include frozen articles)

Grains and legumes (and products of same) used for foods, forage or oils, which have notundergone heat treatment.

Raw materials of condiments and non edibles, such as coffee beans, cocoa beans, pepper, tobacco leaves etc.

Dried fruits which have not undergone heat treatment and/or which are not vacuum packed.

Coarse fiber, such as flax, hemp, abaca, and straw goods, such as straw bags, ropes etc.

Timber with bark.

Packing materials or containers of the articles specified above.

Any controlled substance as defined by U.S. Federal Law (including Narcotics, Hallucinogenic Drugs, Amphetamines, Barbiturates, Marijuana, etc.)

Goods made by convict labor, force labor, or indentured labor under penal sanctions.

Destructive Devices (explosive caps, hand grenades, tear gas projectiles, artillery simulators, explosives, flammables, white phosphorus matches, etc.)

Counterfeits of coins, securities, obligation, postage or revenue stamps and colored illustrations of postage stamps of the U.S. or other Foreign Countries.

Counterfeits of DVD Movies, Games, Music, Clothing or other unauthorized copies or reproductions of copyrighted goods.

Obscene and immoral Articles which include ALL forms of PORNOGRAPHY such as books, pictures, playing cards, films(vhs or dvd to include but not limited to Girls Gone Wild), magazines or other publications devoted solely to the portrayal of Sexual acts, including homosexual or with animals. (ANY NUDITY OF THE FEMALE ANATOMY FROM THE WAIST DOWN IS CONSIDERED PORN BY JAPANESE CUSTOMS OFFICIALS. )

Lottery Tickets and advertisements of any lottery.

Matter, which is seditious, treasonable or insurrectionary toward the United States or the country of Japan.

Articles or Medication for the inducement of Abortion.

Absinthe or liquors, which contain wormwood.

Animals, poultry, bird’s eggs, wild bird feathers, poultry products and byproducts, and animal products and byproducts, to include meat extracts, secretions.

Mixed or outdated medications whether over the counter or prescription. ( example: Tylenol mixed with Advil)

Any food product that is not still commercially sealed.

FIREARMS and AMUNITION ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO BE SHIPPED TO JAPAN. PISTOLS ARE ILLEGAL. YOU NEED TO FIND STORAGE FACILITIES IN THE U.S. PRIOR TO PCS'ing.

KNIVES WITH BLADES LONGER THAN 3 INCHES LOCKING BLADES -- AUTOMATICALY OPENING KNIVES -- GRAVITY OPERATED KNIVES-- SWITCH BLADES OR BUTTERFLY KNIVES-- ANY OTHER DANGEROUS DEVICES

How to get a vehicle

How to get a vehicle:
There are used car shops located off base, immediately outside the main gate and gate 2. Also, you may want to check out the lemon lots around the bases in Okinawa. Other places to check out:

U.S. Auto Sales - is located right out side of Kadena Air Base, Gate 1, on Highway 58.

Exchange New Car Sales We are a worldwide organization that is the only on-base, factory-authorized distributor for Chrysler, Ford, Harley-Davidson, and Buell to military personnel stationed, or on TDY assignment, abroad for at least 30 days. In Japan you are now able to drive them off base!

Kadena Lemon Lot


Japan Update Classifieds


Ezcarz - Some offers do not include warranty.


BC Street Auto - outside gate 2

Military Banking

Exclusive Military Account

To show our appreciation of our retired and active-duty military members, Global Credit Union has developed an account with extra benefits at no cost to our military members.

If you are a retired or active-duty military member with your checking and DFAS direct deposit at Global Credit Union, switch to the free Military Account and enjoy extra benefits! If you currently have the Presidential Club Account, click here to compare with the Military Account to see which account is right for you.

Account Benefits
- Membership fee waived ($15 savings)- Free checking with no minimum balance

- Advantage Early Pay—receive your DFAS direct deposit up to two days early

- No annual fee VISA Classic (On approved credit)- No fee traveler's checks, money orders and cashiers checks (except Cheques for Two, Travel and Gift Cards)

- Visa Classic card with no annual fee (on approved credit)

- No-fee Travelers Cheques, money orders and cashier's checks (except Cheques for Two, Travelers Cheque Card and Gift Cards )

- No annual fee ATM/Debit Card—with worldwide access and the $.50 non-Global ATM fee is waived

- Free Advantage eBranch at www.globalcu.org and Free Advantage ePay- Free access to STARS, our 24-Hour Telephone Teller

With your Global Credit Union membership you have access to over 2400 Shared Branch locations in 46 states and six countries through the Shared Branching Network. To find a Shared Branch location click here to view more on the Global Web site. Or you can visit www.cuswirl.com or call (888) CUSWIRL.

Global Credit Union has been serving the men and women of the Armed Forces since 1954. We have been honored to receive the 2004 Army Distinguished Credit Union Service Award and the Best Credit Union in the Air Force in 1996. We continue our commitment to provide world-class member service worldwide.


Shared Banking
Making deposits and withdrawals, loan payments and getting cash advances are just a few of the services offered. All you need to provide are the name of your credit union, account number and a valid ID. Whether you're on vacation or just across town, Shared Branching is a great way to save time for you and your family!

Services
Services Available at CU Service Centers® Locations, Deposits and Withdrawals, Loan Payments and Loan Advances, Visa and/or MasterCard Cash Advances,

Additional Services Available at Most Locations
Transfers Between Sub-Accounts, Statement Prints (Recent Account History), Check Withdrawals, Fax Services and Photocopies, Money Orders, Travelers Checks, Notary Services

Requests Optional (May not be available at all locations or may be restricted)
Change of Address or Phone Number, Loan Services

Hotel prices in Okinawa

Hotel prices in Okinawa

The hotel's here are priced per person not per couple. Only Grand Mer charges per person and also gives military rates. All prices below are in Yen.

The Beach Tower Okinawa
Limited services and no room service available (2:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m., 10km)
8-6 Mihama, Chatan-cho, Okinawa, 904-0115
TEL: +81-98-921-7888 / FAX: +81-98-921-7267
22,800 - 50,100
24,600 - 51,900

The Busena Terrace
(2:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m., 49km)
1808 Kise, Nago-city, Okinawa, 905-0026
TEL: +81-980-51-1333 / FAX: +81-980-51-1331
31,500 - 61,215
42,000 - 61,215

Manza Beach Hotel and Resort
(2:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m., 44 km)
2260 Seragaki, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0493
TEL: +81-98-966-1211 / FAX: +81-98-966-2210
31,500 - 33,600
46,200 - 50,400

Hotel Nikko Alivila Yomitan Resort Okinawa
(2:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m, 21 km)
600 Gima, Yomitan-son, Okinawa, 904-0393
TEL: +81-98-982-9111 / FAX: +81-98-958-6620
29,400
37,800

Renaissance Okinawa Resort
(2:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m., 22 km)
3425-2 Yamada, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0416
TEL: +81-98-965-0707 / FAX: +81-98-965-5011
27,300
37,800

Kariyushi Beach Resort Onna
(2:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m., 63 km)
2591-1 Yashibaru, Nakama, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0401
TEL: +81-98-967-8731 / FAX: +81-98-967-8730
24,150
27,300

Hotel Moon Beach
(2:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m., 28km)
1203 Maeganeku, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0414
TEL: +81-98-965-1020 / FAX: +81-98-965-0555
22,050 - 24,150
27,300 - 31,500

Rizzan Sea-Park Hotel Tancha Bay
(2:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m., 40km)
1496 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0496
TEL: +81-98-964-6611 / FAX: +81-98-964-6660
22,050 - 31,500
29,400 - 48,300

Sun Marina Hotel
(2:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m., 37km)
66-1 Fuchaku, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0494
TEL: +81-98-965-2222 / FAX: +81-98-965-5480
22,050
31,500

Coco Garden Resort Okinawa
(2:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m., 40km)
501 Iha, Ishikawa-city, Okinawa, 904-1115
TEL: +81-98-965-1000 / FAX: +81-98-965-5011
21,525
32,550

Okinawa Zanpamisaki Royal Hotel
(2:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m., 23km)
1575 Uza, Yomitan-son, Okinawa, 904-0394
TEL: +81-98-958-5000 / FAX: +81-98-958-3970
21,000 - 27,300
25,200 - 31,500

Hotel Grand Mer
(2:00 p.m. / 12:00 p.m., 15km)
1205-2 Yogi, Okinawa-city, Okinawa, 904-2174
TEL: +81-98-931-1500 / FAX: +81-98-931-1509
21,000 - 27,300
25,200 - 31,500

Kise Beach Palace
(3:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m., 49 km)
115-2 Kise, Nago-city, Okinawa, 905-0026
TEL: +81-980-52-5151 / FAX: +81-980-52-7788
14,700
18,900

AREA: Naha-city

The Naha Terrace
(12:00 p.m. / 12:00 p.m., 10 km)
2-14-1 Omoromachi, Naha-city, Okinawa, 900-0006
TEL: +81-98-864-1111 / FAX: +81-98-863-3275
14,700
18,900

Okinawa Harborview Hotel
(2:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m., 11 km)
2-46 Izumizaki, Naha-city, Okinawa, 900-0021
TEL: +81-98-853-2111 / FAX: +81-98-853-2992
19,950 - 23,100
25,200 - 29,400

Loisir Hotel Okinawa
(2:00 pm / 11:00 am, 12km)
3-2-1 Nishi, Naha-city, Okinawa, 900-0036
TEL: +81-98-868-2222 / FAX: +81-98-860-2340
20,000 - 28,800
26,000 - 34,800

Hotel Nikko Naha Grand Castle
(2:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m., 11 km)
1-132-1 Yamakawa-cho, Shuri, Naha-city, Okinawa, 903-8601
TEL: +81-98-886-5454 / FAX: +81-98-887-0070
19,950 - 26,785
24,895 - 31,625

Okinawa Miyako Hotel
(1:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m., 11 km)
40 Matsukawa, Naha-city, Okinawa, 902-0062
TEL: +81-98-887-1111 / FAX: +81-98-886-5591
17,000 - 19,500
20,000 - 25,000

Hotel Sun Palace
(3:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m., 11 km)
2-5-1 Kumoji, Naha-city, Okinawa, 900-0015
TEL: +81-98-863-4181 / FAX: +81-98-861-1313
15,015 - 18,480
20,790 - 25,410

Hotel Seibu Orion
(2:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m., 10 km)
1-2-21 Asato, Naha-city, Okinawa, 902-0067
TEL: +81-98-866-5533 / FAX: +81-98-862-9039
15,000 - 17,000
22,000 - 24,000

Okinawa Hotel
(2:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m., 10 km)
35 Daido, Naha-city, Okinawa, 900-0066
TEL: +81-98-884-3191 / FAX: +81-98-885-2102
14,000
19,000

Naha Central Hotel
(3:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m., 10 km)
2-16-36 Makishi, Naha-city, Okinawa, 900-0013
TEL: +81-98-862-6070 / FAX: +81-98-862-6109
9,450 - 13,860
17,220

Okinawa Washington Hotel
(2:00 p.m. / 10:00 a.m., 10 km)
2-32-1 Kume, Naha-city, Okinawa, 900-0033
TEL: +81-98-869-2511 / FAX: +81-98-864-2164
11,000 - 12,900
18,800

Okinawa Rainbow Hotel
(3:00 p.m. / 10:00 a.m., 10 km)
1-19-17 Matsuo, Naha-city, Okinawa, 900-0014
TEL: +81-98-866-5401 / FAX: +81-98-863-4163
8,400 - 12,600
14,700

Pacific Hotel Okinawa
(2:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m., 11 km)
3-6-1 Nishi, Naha-city, Okinawa, 900-0036
TEL: +81-98-868-5162 / FAX: +81-98-868-8876
12,075 - 19,950
15,750 - 24,150

Okinawa Fuji Hotel
(4:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m., 10 km)
1-6-1 Nishi, Naha-city, Okinawa, 901-0036
TEL: +81-98-868-1118 / FAX: +81-98-868-2189
11,000
15,000

Hotel Sun Okinawa
(3:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m., 10 km)
1-5-15 Kumoji, Naha-city, Okinawa, 900-0015
TEL: +81-98-866-1111 / FAX: +81-98-863-8715
10,500
14,700

Ekka Hotel Okinawa
(3:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m., 6 km)
1068-9 Ameku, Naha-city, Okinawa 900-0005
TEL: +81-98-867-5111 / FAX: +81-98-868-1783
10,251
15,304

Also check out Kadena ITT discount prices: http://www.kadenaservices.com/tours.html and http://www.mccsokinawa.com/tours/attractions.asp

Reservations can be made for:
• The Beach Tower Hotel• Busena / Naha Resort• Chisun Resort• Club Med-Ishigaki Island• Dynasty Dinner Cruises• Hotel Nikko Alivila• Laguna Garden Hotel• Loisir Hotel• Manza Beach Hotel• Naha Terrace• Okinawa Marriott Resort & Spa• ORCA Glass Boat• Pricia Resort (Yoron)• Renaissance Resort• Tokashiku Marine Village• Tokyo Dai-ichi Hotel Okinawa Grand Mer Resort• YYY Club Ie Resort• YYY Club Birthday Plan

Daycares off base in Okinawa

Daycares off base in Okinawa

Name: Okinawa Montessori School
Location: Chatan
Phone # 936-6044
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 0715-1700
Kinder: 0800-1400
Half Day: 0800-1200 or
1000-1400
Age Group: 2-6 yrs.
Fees:
Kinder: $800 per month
Half Day: $500 per month
Before & After School: $350 per month
Curriculum: Montessori

Name: Genesis Christian Pre-School
Location: Chibana
Phone # 939-3807
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 0600- 1800
Age Group: 2yrs and up
Fees:
$100 per week all ages
Curriculum: Varied


Name: Busy Bee School
Location: Okinawa City
Phone # 932-5024
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 0630-1730
School Hours: 0800-1530
Age Group: 18 mos.-7yrs.
Fees:
¥35,000 Registration fee
¥4,000 Supply fee, per yr.
¥40,000 Tuition per month
Book Fee:
Pre-K ¥3,000 per yr.
Kinder ¥9,000 per yr.
First Grade ¥1 1,000 per yr.
Curriculum: A Beka Book Curriculum


Name: Casa De Nino's Montessori
Location: Okinawa City
Phone # 930-0607
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 0600-1800
School time 0900-1500
Age Group: 2-6 yrs.
Fees:
¥3 90,000 per year
¥10,000 before or after school
¥15,000 both before and after
Curriculum: Montessori

Name: Cherry Blossom Preschool
Location: Nakagusku Village
Phone # 935-2780
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri
0830-1500 (full-day)
083 0-1 200 (half-day)
Age Group: 2 1/2-5 yrs.
Fees:
¥40,000 per wk (full-day)
¥25,000 per wk (half-day)
Curriculum: Eclectic

Name: United Christian Day Care and Pre-K Academy
Location: Chatan
Phone # 936-6993
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 0600-1800
Age Group: 6 mos.-5 yrs.
Fees:
6-18mos.:$120perwk
1 8-24 mos. $110 per wk
2-5 yrs. $100 per wk
Curriculum: Caits Curriculum

Name: Wee Care International Preschool
Location: Chatan
Phone # 926-2549
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 0600-1 800
Age Group: 6 wks.-6 yrs.
Fees:
6 wks-2 yrs $96 per wk
3-6 yrs $88 per wk
Curriculum: Annual Curriculum


Name: Santa Monica International Kid School
Location: Chatan
Phone # 936-3656
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 0600-1 800
School Hours 0900-1 500
Age Group: 1-6 yrs.
Fees:
l-2yrs. ¥28,000 per month
3-6 l/2 yrs. ¥ 35,000 per month
Curriculum: Montessori


Name: Kids Kampus
Location: Chatan
Phone # 930-0203
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 0700-1730
Age Group: 2-6 yrs.
Fees:
$25 Registration fee
$25 Work sheet fee
$96 Full time
$52 (20 hrs per week)
Curriculum: Varied

Name: Rainbow Montessori Education Center
Location: Chatan
Phone # 936-2060
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 0600-1 800
School Hours 0900-1500
Before School 0600-0900
After School 1500-1 800
Age Group: 6 wks.-6 yrs
Fees:
¥6,000 Registration fee
¥20,000 Supply fee
¥400,000 per year (0900-1500)
¥16,000 before and after school care
¥8,000 Before or after only
Curriculum: Montessori


Name: New Life Academy
Location: Chatan
Phone # 930-3893
Hours of Operation:
3-5 yrs 0800-1 500
6-18 yrs 0815-1515
Age Group: 3 – 18yrs
Fees:
¥470,000 per year
Curriculum: A Beka Book Curriculum

Name: East West Montessori School
Location: Chatan
Phone # 983-7303
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 0630-1 730
School time 0830-1430
Age Group: 2-6 yrs
Fees:
2-3 1/2 yrs. ¥460,000 per yr.
3 ½ -6 yrs. ¥430,000 per yr.
Curriculum: Montessori

Shopping on Okinawa (Sizes)

Shopping on Okinawa

If you go shopping for clothing or shoes in the local Okinawan shops, you will notice a big difference in the sizing tags from those we are used to seeing in our department stores back home.

Shoes marked "size 25" or blouses in "size ML or LL" most always get a second glance and a questionable look from the American shopper. This list may take a little of the confusion away and help make your shopping trips more pleasurable and rewarding.

Women's Shoes Japanese Size: 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
American Size: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,

Men's Shoes Japanese Size: 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28
American Size: 7, 7 ½, 8, 8 ½, 9, 9 ½, 10

Socks (Adult) Japanese Size: 22, 23, 24, 25, 26
American Size: 8, 8 ½, 9, 9 ½, 10

Shirts (Men's) Japanese Size: 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
American Size: 14, 14 ½, 15, 15 ½, 16, 16 ½, 17

Sweaters (Men's) Japanese Size: M, ML, L, LL
American Size: 34, 36, 38, 40

Dresses/Coats (Women's) Japanese Size: ML, L, LL
American Size: 10, 12, 14

Dresses/Coats (Children's) Japanese Size: 3, 4, 7, 9, 11, S, M
American Size: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15

For those who need additional info check out:
http://www.85b.org/bra_calc.php

Buying a car

So you want to get a car on Okinawa? You really have 2 choices when deciding on the price you can pay and deciding the JCI. JCI - Japanese Compulsory Insurance. Every 2 years JCI is due and it has to be paid all at once, not in payments!


If you want to own a personal vehicle in Japan, you have to purchase/complete:
Insurance:

Liability Insurance:
The minimum amount required by U.S. Military Law is ¥30,000,000 for bodily injury and ¥3,000,000 for property damage. Insurance may be purchased from an authorized Japanese agency.

Japanese Compulsory Insurance (JCI):
It must be purchased by a company licensed in Japan. Japanese law requires vehicle owners to carry in their cars at all times a form certifying that the second type of policy has been purchased. A firm selling the policy issues the form. The Japanese government determines level of JCI coverage. Failure to maintain current Japanese Compulsory Insurance (JCI) for your POV will result in suspension or revocation of driving privileges for up to one year.

Inspection:
Owners will be required to get their vehicles a biennial safety inspection. The inspection is based upon Japanese safety standards. This is a requirement under Japanese law and is required for all A/E/Y plated vehicles. This requirement is for vehicle inspections to be accomplished every two years within 30 days of the JCI expiration date.

Vehicle Registration:

It is located on Camp Foster by the commissary and the bowling alley.

Road tax & car purchase:

When you purchase a car, road tax is due every May. The amount of the road tax depends on the # found on the license plate: a 300-series plate will cost you 17000Y (about $155/year) versus a 500-series plate which will cost you 7500Y (about $65/year). This is because the 300-series vehicles have bigger engines.

Buying a Car Off Base...Any Benefits or Downsides???

Advantages
• Up to 18-month loan at 0% interest at the local dealerships (great if you make payments on time and do not have the money to pay upfront)
• 6 month to 12 month warranties (generally covering A/C, engine, transmission)
• Generally newer selection of vehicles versus the warranties
• JCI usually good for 2 years after purchase (JCI is a very extensive Japanese inspection done every 2 years on EVERY vehicle and runs from $250-750+, depending on problems found with the vehicle)

Disadvantages
• No test drive (that's right, NO test drive. You can start the engine and tour the car, but since
• Higher price paid on vehicle (you are paying extra for the warranty and the dealership's overhead costs); Also - warranty "replacement car" that some dealerships talk about...don't count on it. BC Motors has a 1 month waiting list, Payless Motors is much shorter

Buying a Car On Base...

Advantages:
• You can find better savings, especially from those with just days left on island who really need to sell their cars and are willing to discount

Disadvantages:
• No 0% interest loans. Need full cash value up front or loan arranged via a bank beforehand.
• No warranties on the vehicle. Make sure you give the car, van, or truck a good test drive. Check the air conditioning - you will want this!!!
• JCI inspection may be coming due shortly (due every 2 years). Make sure you check on the last date this was accomplished. These must be done on all vehicles and they can be quite expensive, depending on the vehicle.

Japanese Insurance Requirements

Japanese Insurance Requirements

Every two years, cars on Okinawa must pass a Government of Japan (GOJ) inspection that usually costs between $400 - $600 depending on the rate of exchange. This includes the Japanese Compulsory Insurance (JCI), which is similar to liability insurance in the United States.

JCI is required by Japanese law and covers death and serious injury. American insurance, which is property damage insurance, is also required to drive on base. The rates for this insurance is determined by a driver's age and rank.

Japanese Insurance Rates
U.S. Forces Personnel Only Automobile Liability Insurance Rates
Type of Vehicle



Classification of Rate
I II III IV V
Sedan small B.I. 13,050 16,960 19,570 23,480 26,090
(V/Class:5) P.D. 14,880 19,350 22,320 26,790 29,770
Total 27,930 36,310 41,890 50,270 55,860

Rate Class
Pay Grade Age Class Code
Officers, Civilians, & 30 and older I

Enlisted Personnel 26 - 29 I

(E-8 & E-9) under 26 II

Enlisted Personnel 30 and Older I

(E-5 thru E-7) 26 thru 29 II

26 thru 29 Under 26 III

Enlisted Personnel 30 and Older III

(E-1 thru E-4) 26 thru 29 IV
Under 26 V

Prices are listed in Yen and vary in dollars according to the exchange rate.

Insurance rates listed include Bodily Injury (B.I.) of 30,000,000 Yen and Property Damage (P.D.) of 3,000,000 Yen.

Class 5 vehicles includes cars, vans, and some SUV's.

Annual Road Tax's
Annual road taxes are due each May for all registered vehicles on Okinawa. The tax ranges from 7500 yen to 19000 yen which is $60 to $160 depending on the yen rate. The annual road tax can be paid at almost every base on specific dates and location times which are advertised from the beginning of April each year.

Japanese Weight Tax list
INITIAL REGISTRATION

10/100/40/400 SERIES PLATES: (1 YEAR REGISTRATION)
40/400 10/100
1,001-2,002 kg ¥ 6,500 ¥ 6,600
2,001-2,500 kg ¥ 8,000 ¥ 8,100
2,501-3,000 kg ¥ 9,900 ¥ 10,000

50/500 & 77 SERIES PLATES: (30/300 Series add ¥100)
2 YR REGISTRATION 3 YR REGISTRATION - NEW
Up to 1,000 kg ¥ 12,000 ¥ 16,200
1,001-1,500 kg ¥ 16,200 ¥ 22,500
1,501-2,000 kg ¥ 20,400 ¥ 28,800
80/800 SERIES PLATES:
Up to 1,000 kg ¥ 7,900
1,001-2,000 kg ¥ 12,100
2,001-3,000 kg ¥ 16,300

RE-REGISTRATION / RE-INSPECTION
10/100/40/400 SERIES PLATES: (1 YEAR REGISTRATION)
40/400 10/100
1,001-2,002 kg ¥ 5,800 ¥ 5,900
2,001-2,500 kg ` ¥ 7,300 ¥ 7,400
2,501-3,000 kg ¥ 9,200 ¥ 9,300

50/500 & 77 SERIES PLATES (2 YEAR REGISTRATION) (30/300 Series add ¥100)
Up to 1,000 kg ¥ 11,300
1,001-1,500 kg ¥ 15,500
1,501-2,000 kg ¥ 19,700

80/800 SERIES PLATES: (2 YEAR REGISTRATION)
Up to 1,000 kg ¥ 7,2100
1,001-2,000 kg ¥ 11,400
2,001-3,000 kg ¥ 15,600

MOTORCYCLE:

126cc-250cc ¥ 3,600
251cc and above ¥ 4,600

MINICAR:

¥ 1,400 Inspection fee paid at Mini Car Center
¥ 4,400 (2 year registration) ¥ 5,900 (3 year registration)
Purchase a Japanese Compulsory Insurance (JCI) Policy.

In order to start/complete your inspection you must have a minimum of 2-years remaining on your JCI policy. JCI policy can be purchased from any insurance company (such as ACE, AIU etc for about ¥13,000).

1. Obtain temporary plates, if needed.
If the inspection is expired you will be required to purchase temporary license plates.

2. Write down the mileage of your vehicle and bring it in to Joint Services Vehicle Registration Office (JSVRO).

3. Pay vehicle tonnage tax (Weight tax).
You will pay a Weight Tax fee to the Land Transportation Office Association (LTOA). Payment must be made in ¥EN only. Fees will vary depending on the type of vehicle. The LTOA hours of operation are 0900-1130 and 1230-1530.

4. Pay inspection fee.
Walk to the Inspection area and pay $20.00 cash or check for the inspection.

5. Vehicle inspection.
Return to your vehicle and drive to lane 5, driver only, for the inspection. Before the inspection remove all wheel cap covers.

6. Inspection complete

Vehicle fails
If the vehicle fails inspection you will fix the repairs. Repairs completed on the same day no no re-inspection fee will be assed just return to lane 5 for a re-inspection. If you return the following day a re-inspection fee of ¥1,400 (¥1,500 for 300 series license plates) must be paid at the LTOA section before the inspection.

Neo Park Okinawa

Neo Park

Enjoy nature and its rare animals and birds Okinawa. Neo Park has nurtured a natural park introducing all the bounties of Okinawa’s climate. With "Flamingo Lake" spreading, visitors are welcomed by a multitude of birds free-flying, symbol of pure freedom. The park houses replicas of animal habitats found in the Amazon jungle, African savannah, Southeast Asia and Oceania. While feeding the many rare animals and birds of the park, there are many promenade courses within the facility. And don’t forget to discover the giant tortoise in the "giant tortoise farm".

Features/Amenities

Entrance fee
Adult 630 yen 　
Junior/Senior High School students 315 yen
4 - Elementary School students 210 yen 　

Hours
Under normal circumstances 9:00 - 17:30
Summer time (July 21- August 31) 9:00 - 19:00

Closing Day Open year-round
Last Entry: 17:00 (Summer time: 18:30)

Descriptions/Additional Information
6 baby car are available (300 yen - 500 yen deposit refundable)

Access/Directions
From Naha Airport Approximately 90 by car (via highway)
From Okinawa Expressway : Kyoda I.C. Approximately 20 by car (via highway)
From Nearest bus stop : Kencho Kitaguchi Approximately 30 on foot (Stop for line : 65, 66, 67, 72, 73)

Parking：available Number of Parking Space : 533

Address
4607-41 Nago, Nago City, Okinawa 905-0012

Phone Number
0980-52-6348

FAX Number
0980-52-6329

E-mail
neopark@yanbaru.ne.jp

Web Site
http://www.yanbaru.ne.jp/~neopark/

Nago Pineapple Park

Nago Pineapple Park

A theme park that cultivates about 100 types of pineapples. Boarding a pineapple-shaped shuttle bus, take a tour in pineapple fields and multi-colored tropical gardens. There are also a promenade allowing plant enjoyment and an observation platform to fully discover views of the whole park. Visitors can also discover the process of pineapple cultivation, explore the parks winery and enjoy samples of pineapple and pineapple wine. As a complete pineapple world, Nago Pineapple Park also features a souvenir shop and restaurant.

Features/Amenities

Entrance fee
adults 500yen 　
children 250yen 　

Hours 9:00 - 18:00
Closing Day Open year-round

Access/Directions
From Naha Airport Approximately100 by car (via highway)
From Okinawa Expressway : Kyoda I.C. Approximately 25 by car (via highway)
From Nearest bus stop : Watajabaru Approximately 5 on foot (Stop for line : 70, 76)

Address
1195 Bimata, Nago City, Okinawa 905-0005

Phone Number
0980-53-3659

FAX Number
0980-53-0421

Okinawa Fruits Land

Okinawa Fruits Land

A subtropical paradise abounds with birds, butterflies and fruits of the south.

The facility exhibits rare tropical/subtropical fruit trees. Begin your tour from the Fruit Zone, which showcases rare fruits of the south, on to the Butterfly Zone to get a good look at tree nymph butterfly, the biggest butterfly in Japan, and then through the Bird Zone to listen to the humming of the colorful birds. This all-weather facility also houses restaurants, a fruit parlor and gift shops.

Features/Amenities

Entrance fee
Adults 800 yen

Children 400 yen

Hours
Summer season 9:00 - 18:30
Winter season 9:00 - 18:00
Closing Day Open year-round
Last entry: 17:50 ( Summer season ) / 17:30 ( Winter season )

Access/Directions
From Naha Airport Approximately 100 by car (via expressway)
From Okinawa Expressway : Kyoda I.C. Approximately 5 on foot (Stop for line : 70, 76)

Parking：available Number of Parking Space : 150 （Free）

Address
1220-71 Bimata, Nago City, Okinawa 905-0005

Phone Number
0980-52-1568

FAX Number
0980-52-1104

E-mail
info@okinawa-fruituland.com

Web Site
http://okinawa-fruitsland.com/

Sightseeing Info

Sightseeing Info

Museums and Folkcraft Centers

Awamori Masahiro Gallery
Address: 5-8-1 Nishizaki Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 994-8080

Bashofu Hall
Address: 1103 Kijoyoka Ogimi-son
Telephone: (0980) 44-3033
Closed Sundays and National Holidays.

Ginoza Museum
Address: 232 Ginoza Ginoza-son
Telephone: (098) 968-4378

Himeyuri Peace Prayer and Memorial Museum
Address: 671-1 Ihara Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 997-2100

Hirara City Comprehensive Museum
Address: 1166-287 Higashi-Nakasonezoe Hirara-shi
Telephone: (098) 073-0567
Closed Mondays and National Holidays.

Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum
Address: 4-1 Tonoshiro Ishigaki-shi
Telephone: (098) 082-4712

Ishikawa City History and Folklore Museum
Address: 2865-1 Ishikawa Ishikawa-shi
Telephone: (098) 965-3866

Kihoin Temple Shushuin Treasure House
Address: 108 Taketomi Taketomi-cho Yaeyama-gun
Telephone: (098) 085-2202

Kyoei Glasswork Factory
Address: 85 Fuchaku Onna-son
Telephone: (098) 965-3090

Moromi Folklore Hall
Address: 3-11-10 Moromi Zato Okinawa-shi
Telephone: (098) 932-0028

Motobu Town Museum
Address: 847-1 Ohama Motobu-cho
Telephone: (0980) 47-5217

Nago Museum
Address: 1-8-11 Agaire Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 53-1342
Closed Mondays and holidays.

Nago Shellfish Exhibition Hall
Address: 1004 Miyazato Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 53-7501

Naha City Traditional Craft Center
Address: 1-1 Toma Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 858-6655

Nakagusuku Castle Museum
Address: 563 Oshiro Kitanakagusuku-son
Telephone: (098) 935-3347

The Nakamura's Residence
Address: 106 Oshiro Kitanakagusuku-son
Telephone: (098) 935-3500

Nakijin Village History and Culture Center
Address: 5110 Imadomari Nakijin-son
Telephone: (0980) 56-5767

Okinawa City Hometown Museum
Address: 235-3 Uechi Okinawa-shi
Telephone: (098) 932-6882
Closed Mondays and National Holidays.

Okinawa Craft Village
Address: 6203-1 Onna Onna-son
Telephone: (098) 966-2910

Okinawa Peace Prayer and Memorial Hall
Address: 448-2 Mabuni Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 997-3011

Okinawa Prefectural Museum
Address: 1-1 Shuri Onaka-cho Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 884-2243
Closed Mondays and National Holidays.

Okinawa Shellfish Specimen Hall
Address: 486 Kushi Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 55-2153

Prefectural Peace Prayer and Memorial Museum
Address: 604 Mabuni Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 997-2874

Ryukyu Glasswork Village
Address: 169 Fukuchi Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 997-4784

Ryukyu no Yakata
Address: 5-11-2 Nishizaki Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 992-1000

Sakima Art Museum
Address: 358 Uehara Ginowan-shi
Telephone: (098) 893-5737

Tama-udun
Address: 1-3 Shuri Kinjo-cho Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 885-2861

Tropical Nature Museum
Address: 527 Yonehara Ishigaki-shi
Telephone: (098) 088-2124

Urasoe City Art Museum
Address: 1330 Nakama Urasoe-shi
Telephone: (098) 879-3219

Yomitan Village Art Museum
Address: 708-6 Zakimi Yomitan-son
Telephone: (098) 958-2254
Closed Mondays and National Holidays.

Yomitan Village History and Folklore Museum
Address: 708-4 Zakimi Yomitan-son
Telephone: (098) 958-3141
Closed Mondays and National Holidays.

Yomitan Village Traditional Craft Center
Address: 2974-2 Zakimi Yomitan-son
Telephone: (098) 958-4674
Closed Sundays and National Holidays.


Sightseeing Spots

Busena Resort (Underwater Tower)
Address: 1744-1 Kise-busenabaru Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 52-3379

Chinen Marine Leisure Center
Address: 676 Kudeken Chinen-son
Telephone: (098) 948-3355

Dogashima Orchid Center
Address: 961-30 Kadekaru Ishikawa-shi
Telephone: (098) 965-3400

The Former Japanese Navy's Headquarters in the Underground Shelter
Address: 236 Tomigusuku Tomigusuku-son
Telephone: (098) 850-4055

Fukushu-en (Chinese-Style Garden)
Address: 2-29 Kume Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 869-5384

Gyokusendo Kingdom Village & Habu Park
Address: 1336 Maekawa Tamagusuku-son
Telephone: (098) 949-7421

Himeyuri Park
Address: 1300 Maehira Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 997-3111

Kin Kannodera Limestone Cave
Address: 222 Kin Kin-cho
Telephone: (098) 968-8581

Matsuyama-goden
Address: 1-12 Shuri Tobaru Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 885-1690

Mexican Cactus Park Sarabanda
Address: 1010 Odo Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 997-3355

Mogulin (Underwater 30m Cruise)
Address: Marina in Sun Marina Hotel, Onna-son
Telephone: (098) 964-5555

Nago Paradise
Address: 1774 Koki Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 52-6262

Nago Pineapple Fields
Address: 1195-1 Bimnata Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 53-3659

Nakagusuku Castle Park
Address: 503 Oshiro Kitanakagusuku-son
Telephone: (098) 935-5719

Nakijin Castle
Address: 4874 Imadomari Nakijin-son
Telephone: (0980) 56-4400

Nankai Okoku Ryukyu no Kaze
Address: 1040 Takashiho Yomitan-son
Telephone: (098) 958-1111

Neo Park Okinawa
Address: 4607-41 Nago Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 52-6348

Okinawa Children's Park (Island Park)
Address: 5-7-1 Goya Okinawa-shi
Telephone: (098) 933-4190
Closed Tuesdays.

Okinawa Commemorative National Government Park (Oceanic Culture Pavilion, Aquarium, Tropical Dream Center)
Address: 424 Ishikawa Motobu-Cho
Telephone: (0980) 48-2743
Closed on Thursdays.

Okinawa Expo Land
Address: 148 Bise Motobu-cho
Telephone: (0980) 48-2980

Okinawa Fruits Land
Address: 1220-71 Bimata Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 52-1568

Orion Beer Factory
Address: 2-2-1 Agaire Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 52-2136
Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays.

Ostrich Farm
Address: 309 Heshiki Nakijin-son
Telephone: (0980) 56-5608

Paradise Ryugu-jo of Herbs and Butterflies
Address: 390-1 Yamakawa Motobu-cho
Telephone: (0980) 48-3456

Pineapple House
Address: 684-1 Kyomizu Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 858-9009

Ryukyu Village
Address: 1130 Yamada Onna-son
Telephone: (098) 965-1234

Shikina-en
Address: 421-7 Maji Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 855-5936

Shuri Castle Park
Address: 1-1 Shuri Kinjo-cho Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 886-2020

Southeast Botanical Garden
Address: 2146 Chibana Okinawa-shi
Telephone: (098) 939-2555

Tomishiro Castle Park
Address: 863 Tomigukusu Tomigusuku-son
Telephone: (098) 850-0031

Water Sightseeing Boat "Naha"
Address: 3-25-1 Maejima Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 869-4701

Wine House
Address: 1195-1 Bimata Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 53-3659

Yanabaru Sub-tropical Park
Address: 1024-1 Nakayama Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 53-0007