Kumamoto International Archive

Archive of the Kumamoto International Facebook group, 2011–present.

Kirk here. This One Piece exhibition will last until May 24.
Quake recovery exhibition opens in Kumamoto with ‘One Piece’ tie-in
The exhibition showcasing reconstruction efforts after the April 2016 earthquakes runs from Friday through May 24.

Kirk here. I was near the castle today and was surprised to see the cherry blossoms on some trees nearly in full bloom. On other trees, the flowers were much fewer and farther between.

Kirk here. Tomorrow (Tuesday) at 9AM Kumamoto Kogyo takes on Osaka Toin, a school with a history of doing well in the Koshien tournament.
総合力に優れる大阪桐蔭、熊本工は堅守生かせるか　第6日の見どころ：朝日新聞
　（第98回選抜高校野球大会1、2回戦　第6日〈24日〉の見どころ。丸数字は試合順）　①熊本工―大阪桐蔭　10度目の甲子園大会優勝を狙う大阪桐蔭は総合力が高い。エース右腕の吉岡貫介に加え、力のある左腕…

Kirk here. This has gotten a fair amount of coverage in Japan. At first, I had trouble verifying it in English but I was finally able to do so. The overall rating for the airport is 4 stars (out of 5) and there are airports in the world with that 5 of 5 rating. But, for a little regional airport. I think Aso Kumamoto Airport is doing quite well.
https://skytraxratings.com/2026-world-airport-awards-are-announced

Kirk here. The other day Hari posted about Kumamoto-ben. (Thanks Hari! Enjoyed the post!) Here's my dialect related news item, translated and adapted by Claude AI.
--- start translation ---
"Please Say It in Japanese" — Grand Sumo's "Too Real" Kumamoto Dialect Commentary Leaves Fans Baffled: "I Can't Understand You" / "Give Us Subtitles"
Grand Sumo | March 20, 2026, 9:10 PM
---
THE MATCH
Grand Sumo Spring Tournament — Day 13 — March 20 — Edion Arena, Osaka
A head-to-head match between two wrestlers from Kumamoto Prefecture had a fellow Kumamoto native providing commentary — in gloriously full-throttle Kumamoto dialect. The result was a warmly chaotic moment, with fans pleading "wakarante (わからんて) — I can't understand you!" and "jimaku dashite (字幕出して) — put up subtitles!"
---
THE MATCH-UP
The bout featured Fujiaoun (Fujishima stable), a newcomer ranked at maegashira 13, against Shōdai (Tōitsukaze stable), a former ōzeki now ranked at maegashira 8. Fujiaoun is from Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City; Shōdai is from Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture — making this a true hometown showdown.
---
ENTER THE COMMENTATOR
Providing color commentary on ABEMA was Tenkaihou, also from Kumamoto — specifically Tamana City — a former maegashira himself. Before the match he said:
「藤青雲は中学校の後輩で、近所で子供の時から知ってます。頑張ってもらいたいところではあるんですけど、正代も同郷ですから、この取組楽しみです」
"Fujiaoun was my junior at middle school, and I've known him since we were kids in the neighborhood. I want him to do well, but Shōdai is from home too, so I'm really looking forward to this bout."
---
THE DIALECT MOMENT
Play-by-play announcer Seino Shigeki then asked:
「取組への期待を熊本弁で言うとしたら？」
"How would you express your excitement for the match in Kumamoto dialect?"
Tenkaihou delivered, without missing a beat:
「なんさんふたっともですね、けがせんごつですね。がんばってもらいちゃあって気持ちはあっとばってんですね」
Breaking it down:
- なんさんふたっとも (nansan futattomo) = とにかく二人とも = "Anyway, both of them"
- けがせんごつ (kega sen gotsu) = けがをしないように = "So that they don't get injured"
- がんばってもらいちゃあって (gambatte moraichaatte) = 頑張ってもらいたい = "I want them to give it their all"
- あっとばってん (atto baten) = あるんですけどね = "That's how I feel, but..."
Full meaning: "Anyway, I want both of them to give it everything they've got without getting hurt."
Announcer Seino applauded: "さすがネイティブ！(Sasuga neitivu!) — A true native speaker!" To which Tenkaihou laughed:
「大丈夫ですか（笑）？　けっこう自分かなりコテコテの。地元がそうなんですよ、熊本弁すごくて」
"Are you okay with that? (laughs) Mine is pretty thick. That's just what my hometown is like — the Kumamoto dialect there is really intense."
---
THE MATCH ITSELF
In the bout, Shōdai came out with strong forward pressure from the charge, worked in a left-arm underhold (sashi), and drove hard toward the edge — but at the rope, Fujiaoun executed a stunning last-moment twisting throw-down (tsukiotoshi) for a dramatic reversal. Fujiaoun earned his 9th win; Shōdai suffered his 6th loss. The arena erupted.
---
MORE DIALECT COMMENTARY
Reviewing the replay, Tenkaihou kept the dialect going:
「正代に左差されたけんが、タツキ（藤青雲）もやびゃーねーと思ったんですよ。ばってん、一回振っとってから右から突き落とし。このタイミング良かったですね」
Breaking it down:
- 〜けんが (ken ga) = 〜だから / 〜ので = "because / since"
- やびゃーねー (yabyā nē) = やばいよね / まずいよね = "That's bad, isn't it / Uh oh"
- ばってん (batten) = だけど / でも = "But / However"
Full meaning: "Since Shōdai got his left arm in, I thought Tatsuki (Fujiaoun) was in real trouble. But he shook him off once and then went for the throw-down from the right. The timing on that was great."
Announcer Seino reflected: 「熊本弁で聞くとまた違った印象がありますね」
"Hearing it in Kumamoto dialect gives it a whole different feel."
---
FAN REACTIONS
Tenkaihou's humor-filled dialect commentary charmed fans — though many threw up their hands:
- 「わからんて」— "I can't understand you!" (itself Kumamoto/Kyushu dialect for わからないよ)
- 「字幕出して」— "Put up subtitles!"
- 「日本語でお願いします」— "Please say it in Japanese!" (the joke being: he technically was)
- 「わかるようでわからんｗ」— "I kind of get it but kind of don't lol"
- 「そろそろ標準語で…」— "Maybe standard Japanese now..."
(Source: ABEMA / Grand Sumo Channel)
「日本語でお願いします」大相撲、“ガチすぎる”熊本弁解説にファン困惑「わからんて」「字幕出して」 | 大相撲 | ABEMA TIMES | アベマタイムズ
＜大相撲三月場所＞◇十三日目◇20日◇大阪・エディオンアリーナ　熊本出身力士同士の直接対決で、同郷の解説者が“愛あふれる”熊本弁解説を披露。その内容に「わからんて」「字幕出して」とファンが困惑する“ほっ....

Kirk here with an AI translation of something I found interesting. It rings true to me because I've had the pleasure of meeting some young people from other countries as they walk to work in a nearby hospital.
Foreign Care Workers in Kumamoto Prefecture Reach 1,107 — A Thousand-Person Increase in Five Years
2024-12-06
Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun
Article Summary
The number of foreign nationals working in care facilities in Kumamoto Prefecture has grown from 134 in fiscal year 2019 to 1,107 in fiscal year 2024. Indonesia, Cambodia, and the Philippines are the most common countries of origin, and approximately 60% of these workers hold "Specified Skilled Worker" residency status. The prefecture has begun offering rent subsidies to facilities that employ foreign care workers, and is working to further strengthen its capacity to receive them.
Against a backdrop of nationwide labor shortages in the care sector, Kumamoto Prefecture is projected to face a shortfall of 4,820 care workers in fiscal year 2026 and 9,554 by fiscal year 2040, making foreign workers an increasingly vital part of the workforce.

Kirk here with a translation of news about recent tremors.
--- start of ChatGPT translation ---
A series of earthquakes continuing in southern Kumamoto Prefecture is believed to be a “swarm,” possibly indirectly linked to the Hinagu Fault Zone, experts say, urging residents to prepare for further shaking.
Seismic activity has intensified over the past several days. At around 4:44 a.m. on March 18, an earthquake measuring intensity 3 was recorded in Minamata City and Tsunagi Town.
Since March 15, the area has experienced one intensity 4 quake, one intensity 3, four intensity 2, and seventeen intensity 1 tremors.
Professor Shinji Tōno of Tohoku University, who studies earthquakes including the 2016 Kumamoto quake, says the pattern points to a swarm rather than aftershocks.
“At first, it seemed like aftershocks from the March 15 quake,” he said. “But the continued occurrence of many small earthquakes in the same location over several days suggests a swarm.”
The region lies near the Hinagu Fault Zone, which the government classifies as “S-rank,” indicating a high likelihood of a major earthquake within 30 years.
However, Professor Tōno says the current activity is probably not occurring directly along the main fault.
“While it may not be on the Hinagu Fault itself, the area contains many smaller faults, so there could be an indirect connection,” he said.
He warns that moderate earthquakes can occur during swarm activity and is calling on residents to remain prepared.
--- end of translation ---
熊本県南部で続く揺れは「群発地震」　日奈久断層とは〝間接的に関連〟か　専門家「揺れに備えを」（RKK熊本放送） - Yahoo!ニュース
ここ数日、熊本県南部で地震が相次いでいます。今日（3月18日）も午前4時44分ごろに、水俣市と津奈木町で震度3を観測する地震がありました。この付近では3月15日から今日までに震度4と震度3をそれ

The Kengun Self-Defense Force base is in the news as the site of new long-range missiles that can reach the Asian mainland. I guess that puts us in the crosshairs once missiles start flying. - William
Long-range missile launchers shown in southwestern Japan before deployment
The Defense Ministry held an exhibition of missile launchers and other equipment Tuesday at a Ground Self-Defense Force garrison in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, ahead of a long-range missile deployment scheduled for March 31. The first such deployment comes as Japan seeks to acquire counterstrike c...

Kirk here. I once had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Ono. My impression was favorable. Nonetheless, as he himself admits, 152 kph cannot be condoned.
City mayor in western Japan has driver's license suspended for speeding | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
A city mayor in western Japan has had his driver's license suspended for 90 days for driving well above the speed limit on an expressway.

Kirk here with some strange local news. By the way, this driver survived but don't try to keep driving like this guy if your sweet potato truck catches fire. Parking and standing back is a much better strategy (though you get more views on YouTube if you keep driving ;) ).
I guess this is a rare case of someone delivering the fire to the fire station so the fire station didn't have to come and find him.
I Can't Stop Watching Video Of This On-Fire Japanese Sweet Potato Truck Blasting Through Red Lights To Get To A Fire Station - The Autopian
Japanese social media is buzzing with videos of a sweet potato truck engulfed in flames driving down the road to find a fire station.

Our friend Megan Pavlak announces another meeting of the Kumabon, Kumamoto's international book club. She mentions that you need not have read the book - it is the discussion that is important. - William

Kumamoto Prefecture has released a “Kumamoto Dialect Handbook" for Foreign Workers! 🌸
Designed to ease communication and help foreign employees feel more at home, the handbook introduces useful Kumamoto dialect phrases for daily life, healthcare, caregiving, and agriculture.
It’s a great resource for building stronger connections between local residents and international workers in Kumamoto! 💬🤝
Links:
Prefecture's news page:
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/soshiki/58/258611.html
Kumamoto Dialect Handbook (Spread/Double-Page Version)
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/uploaded/life/258611_794494_misc.pdf
Kumamoto Dialect Handbook (1-Page Version)
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/uploaded/life/258611_794495_misc.pdf
-Hari

Kirk here. Here's a link to an article about pets in public housing. As an elderly guy who appreciates the company of a pet, it sounds like a good idea to me.
Japan's Kumamoto Pref. to trial pets in public housing complex to combat elderly isolation
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260224/p2a/00m/0li/011000c

Kumamoto made the LA Times due to plans to deploy long-range (620-mile) missiles to the Kengun Jietai base. A concern is that this would make Kumamoto a target should hostilities with China break out. - William
Japan prepares for deployment of its first home-developed long-range missile
The upgraded Type-12 land-to-ship missiles will be deployed at Camp Kengun in Japan’s southwestern prefecture of Kumamoto by the end of March, completing the process of deployment, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said without giving details.

Kirk here. This is from the Japan Times but, naturally, what is happening here is not just national news; it's international news. If you Google "Kumamoto missiles" you'll get lots of hits. I was there for a short time Sunday night but went home before the missiles arrived. There were reporters at the main gate and the gate on the other side (where there were no protesters when I was there). I really respect the protesters who stuck it out in the cold at the main gate until the trucks arrived. I also admire the media people who had to bear the cold temperatures and put up with fatigue as they waited to record the event.
In first, Japan to deploy homegrown long-range missiles on March 31
The deployment, which the Defense Ministry moved forward by one year, comes as the Chinese military ramps up its training around Japan’s far-flung islands near Taiwan.

Kirk here. A few weeks ago, Atsuko posted about Okoshiki Beach. Shortly after that, RKK broadcast this. The occasion was the confluence of several key conditions (sunset timing, low tide, good weather, etc.). Such ideal conditions come around just a few times a year.
これぞ熊本の絶景　御輿来海岸から望む夕日をご覧ください！ | 熊本のニュース｜RKK NEWS｜RKK熊本放送
「日本の渚・百選」に選ばれている熊本県宇土市の御輿来（おこしき）海岸。今日23日は、引き潮と日没が重なる、年に数回しかない「絶景日」と言われています。「日の入り」は午後6時10分夕日が沈む直前の映像も合…

Kirk here. I just posted the news about missiles arriving in Kumamoto. Here's a call from a colleague of mine to gather in protest at Kengun:
--- translation of Japanese post by Claude ---
Tonight, long-range missile equipment will be transported to Kengun Garrison!
Today, Sunday, March 8, at 9:30 PM
Please gather in front of Kengun Garrison.
These missiles, with a range of 1,000 kilometers, are unconstitutional.
This is war preparation that cannot be ignored.
Let us stand together and make clear our opposition to war.
https://www.facebook.com/hideakitakabayashikgu/posts/pfbid02w89BXYQ8q5jHfeL3amQHzncFFeLedNRMTkMAoZbxv2S49LVHu3ZbvREBZ22qsp9l

Kirk here with a local report (RKK) on a local issue (missiles in Kengun) that is also a national issue (was on NHK's news last night).
https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/rkk/2515930?display=1&mwplay=1
P.S. A demonstration is planned for 9:30 tonight (Mar 8). I'll post about that separately.
---- Claude translation ----
Long-Range Missile Deployment at Kumamoto City Base — Defense Ministry Says "Transport Could Begin as Early as the Night of March 8" — Governor and Mayor: "We Were Not Informed in Advance"
It has been learned that the Ministry of Defense intends to begin transporting long-range missiles to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Kengun Garrison in Kumamoto City as early as the night of March 8.
Regarding the long-range missiles to be deployed at Kengun Garrison, the Kyushu Defense Bureau had previously explained that they would be deployed "for the purpose of deterrence — to discourage adversaries from launching attacks." Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara had also emphasized that "long-range missiles with counter-strike capability are necessary to deter armed attacks from other countries."
In response to the revelation of the specific transport timeline, Kumamoto Governor Takashi Kimura issued a statement saying: "Matters relating to national defense fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of the national government, and while deployment was scheduled to take place by the end of this fiscal year, no prior notice was given to Kumamoto Prefecture. As there are residents of the prefecture who feel anxious about the missile deployment, I intend to continue calling on the government for explanations that are clearer and more thorough than before."
Kumamoto City Mayor Kazufumi Onishi also commented: "I have a certain degree of understanding of the national government's decision to strengthen defense capabilities amid an increasingly challenging security environment surrounding our country. At the same time, I find it deeply regrettable that the City of Kumamoto was given no prior explanation and only learned of this through news reports. Kengun Garrison is located close to residential areas, and there is a possibility that various concerns will arise among our citizens. I intend to request that the Ministry of Defense provide careful explanations regarding the facts of the matter and its impact on the local community."
熊本市への長射程ミサイル配備　防衛省〝早ければ8日深夜にも搬入開始〟　知事・市長「事前に説明ない」 | 熊本のニュース｜RKK NEWS｜RKK熊本放送
熊本市にある陸上自衛隊健軍駐屯地への長射程ミサイルの配備について、防衛省が「早ければ3月8日深夜にも搬入開始する」考えであることが分かりました。健軍駐屯地に配備される長射程ミサイルについて、これまで、…

Andrew Mitchell and KEEP in the news again. Here's Claude's translation of part of the article (the rest is behind a paywall). -- Kirk
https://mainichi.jp/articles/20260307/ddl/k43/040/267000c
-----------
Keeping Foreigners Safe: "KEEP" — Disaster Preparedness Activities Nationwide After the Kumamoto Earthquake — Andrew Mitchell, Special Assistant Professor at Kumamoto University / Kumamoto
Mainichi Shimbun, March 7, 2026 — Regional Edition, 659 characters
Andrew Mitchell (41), a British-born special assistant professor at Kumamoto University, was caught in the Kumamoto Earthquake in April 2016. Having never experienced a major earthquake in his home country, he had no idea what to do. "Even after coming to Japan, there are few opportunities to learn about earthquakes. I don't want others to go through the painful experience I had" — with that feeling, he launched an organization in May of that year to share disaster preparedness knowledge with foreigners, and has continued the work ever since.
Aamoto University's doctoral program in April 2014, at the age of 29. On the night of April 14, 2016, when the first powerful shock — the "foreshock" — struck, he was at his apartment in Kumamoto City. "The only thing I knew was that I had to protect my head," he recalled. He scrambled to hide under the mattress of his bed.And
外国人の安全「キープ」　熊本地震被災　全国で防災活動　熊本大特任助教　アンドリュー・ミッチェルさん　／熊本 | 毎日新聞
　熊本大特任助教で英国出身のアンドリュー・ミッチェルさん（41）は2016年4月、熊本地震で被災した。母国で大きな地震に遭ったことはなく、どうすればよいか分からなかった。「来日しても地震について学ぶ機会は少な.....

Aso Noyaki.
Beautiful spring,Aso. Atsuko٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و