Kumamoto International Archive

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

Hi friends.
This announcement was shared from Kumamoto University International Students Office.
https://www.facebook.com/kumamotouniversityiso/
They gathered lots useful information for international students. Not only KUMADAI students.
It also has information of SUPPORT TO CONTINUE RESIDING IN JAPAN
and
SUPPORT TO CONTINUE WORKING IN JAPAN
It includes the support(学生支援緊急給付金 I've posted before) for students who reduced their part time job's income because of Corona isolation.
Please check this facebook page below not only check the mext link. https://www.facebook.com/1476304485945579/posts/2639097312999618/
It's so good KUMADAI gathered and share good useful information for international students!!!
If we can share good information for them, many good international students, researchers, professors might come to Kumamoto!!
Let's make our life more livable!!ーAtsuko(๑˃ᴗ˂)و♡
https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/koutou/ryugaku/1405561_00007.htm
To All International Students Studying in Japan ＜List of Programs Available to International Students＞ (Updated May 21)：文部科学省
＜SUPPORT TO CONTINUE STUDYING IN JAPAN＞ Special Cash Payments For those who are registered with Basic Resident Registration System as of April 27, 2020, special cash payments of 100,000 yen per person will be available. -Home page of Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications for Special Ca...

Hi friends.
Don't worry, the sounds is fireworks.
From 8pm, only 5minutes, at somewhere- the place is secret not to gather many people- in Kumamoto prefecture, in all prefectures in Japan, today, there will be fireworks for praying our health,for getting over Corona virus!!
Don't worry the sounds and the lights are for cheering and encouraging all of you! ーAtsuko٩( ᐖ )۶
Even if you can't find and watch it, you can enjoy at #cheeruphanabi
「Cheer up！花火プロジェクト」
6月1日の午後8時から5分間
#cheeruphanabi
（日本語記事リンク）
https://www.itmedia.co.jp/news/articles/2006/01/news069.html
(in English)
https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/news/japan-is-planning-to-launch-fireworks-simultaneously-in-all-47-prefectures-this-summer-060120?fbclid=IwAR26jGzHt_p2ZG-EiSbR9b40rvb0pkvtVCISM_4V2SlrlhRqcGOETINbqwU
Psst... Japan is launching fireworks simultaneously in all 47 prefectures on this date
The organisers have confirmed that the 'Cheer Up! Hanabi' nationwide fireworks display is happening on June 1 at 8pm

Joe Tomei here, got this email
Any advice on finding transportation for a large object like a love seat? Is a big taxi the only option? Thanks!
-The DIY stores let you borrow a light pickup truck with a purchase
-You may be able to call akabou (handyman) which includes the person (5000 yen for 2 hours)
-renting a small truck?
any other suggestions?

¿Qué tal?, Joe Tomei aqui. Here is another set of Spanish translations of the COVID information. If you are a Spanish speaker and know of a similar list in Japan for Spanish speakers, feel free to pass these on and contact me if you'd like to get them more directly. If you do post them to a Spanish speaking list, here is a disclaimer in Spanish
Esta es una traducción al español de la información japonesa ubicada en https://note.stopcovid19.jp/. Estamos informando sobte COVID-19 para transmitir la información que está saliendo en japonés. Las medidas que se tomen por estas traducciones,en caso de que surjan problemas, les informamos de que no nos hacemos responsables. Estamos haciendo esto en inglés, pero agradeceríamos ayuda no solo para eso, sino también para traducciones en otros idiomas.
¿Qué hay que tener en cuenta sobre el tratamiento de Nuevo coronavirus?
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KRtUH2WfTKhekD9xXLYyEoDEIXZ79vN8/edit
Sobre "ensayo clínico" de los medicamentos existentes contra Nuevo coronavirus
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-Qjmn_fs2Kv2aXlmt5tjRv_ZhQHKd9Wq/edit
¡El Nuevo Coronavirus no puede ser probado como negativo por el análisis!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zFISjdGLEOO7rmykHjq-n_vLgniBWuh8/edit
Lo que cambia / Y lo que no cambia después del nuevo alerta que renovaron (5 de mayo actualizado)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yEtIunGUW5mLcglrcuFyJ-mNOriNVDgW5Kb3j4Ng6ug/edit?usp=sharing
¿Qué es la prueba de antígeno aprobada a nivel nacional?
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZYNIQFb8ARtVZVA7NdiQiPTGJat4yHPT/edit

Joe Tomei here. This is an English translation of the Japanese information located at
https://note.stopcovid19.jp/n/n558bd9806dab
What's going on with the research about the status of COVID-19 in Japan?
We are doing this in order to pass on the information that is coming out in Japanese. While the translations are done to the best of our ability, please be aware that we take no responsibility for any issues that may arise based on actions taken on account of these translations. We are doing this in English, but would welcome help not only for that, but also for translations in other languages. Contact me off list if you can help.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I-r_hLwKHY7SewsA9sgSdcJJs_Wyi7Nh0rrHNkGqqJk/edit?usp=sharing
What's going on with the research about the status of COVID-19 in Japan?
新型コロナの感染状況の調査はどうなっているの？ What's going on with the research about the status of COVID-19 in Japan? In the previous article, we told you about the implications and challenges of antibodies. This time, I want to tell you the pitfalls of antibody retention ra...

Joe Tomei here with another article translated by the volunteers from the COVID-19 project, located at
https://note.stopcovid19.jp/n/n10cd82fecec9
What is the implication of investigating antibodies of COVID-19?
We are doing this in order to pass on the information that is coming out in Japanese. While the translations are done to the best of our ability, please be aware that we take no responsibility for any issues that may arise based on actions taken on account of these translations. We are doing this in English, but would welcome help not only for that, but also for translations in other languages. Contact me off list if you can help.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YTNJSgasx4Sov_PLm1ooSDQ0slL-0VBLqEYbPLjaCBA/edit?usp=sharing
Antibody tests
新型コロナの「抗体」を調べる意義とは？ What is the implication of investigating antibodies of COVID-19? What are the ‘antibodies’ you hear a lot recently? We will tell you about the significance of investigating antibodies in infectious diseases and their challenges. What is a...

Joe Tomei 여기 있습니. When I was in Korea, I was able to catch up with Tomomi Kumai, who delivered a plenary at our SUTLF (Sojo University Teaching and Learning Forum). I was able to recommend her to do a plenary at the KoTESOL National in March, which amazingly converted to an online conference, and she did a great job. I just chatted with her recently and she asked that I pass on a resiliency workshop she will be conducting.
https://www.tomomikumai.com/events/2020/6/2/7-week-resilience-workshop?fbclid=IwAR1TeO6e9F0jYdnwt3vM-3Z9ohabhtqKvdBBlvpaWqsldT-gratYjeL95Bs
If you are interested, please check it out. A good chance to 'get out' (albeit virtually) and make some new acquaintances!
[ps. that's probably not how you say Joe Tomei here in Korea, just wanted to shake it up a bit]
7 Week Resilience Workshop (Starting on June 2nd Korea Time) — Tomomi Kumai: Connect Learn Empower
“Great workshop! I would recommend if you feel you are facing some challenges, or you want to make your life better.” - past participant of 7 Week Resilience Workshop

Hi friends.
My friend あなんえいこ invite me this
Online consultation for foreign residents regarding COVID-19.
It seems online consultation, no need to go to meet. I've invited but can't join,Sorry.
I hope they might help your problem and worry.
Please check and share it for your friends too.ーAtsuko(๑˃ᴗ˂)و♡
https://facebook.com/events/s/%E5%A4%96%E5%9B%BD%E4%BA%BA%E3%81%AE%E3%81%9F%E3%82%81%E3%81%AEweb%E7%9B%B8%E8%AB%87/299378121070614/?ti=as

Here is Joe Tomei, with another update from the hardworking JET Prefectural assistants, Bilal Khan & Lily McDermott
===========
Here are some more updates:
Kumamoto Prefecture lowers infection warning level
Given the fact that Kumamoto Prefecture has not seen any new confirmed infections for an additional one-week period from 19-25 May, the prefecture has decided to once again lower the warning designation for the whole prefecture, this time from "an area in which infections have been confirmed" (感染確認地域, kansen kakunin chiiki) to "an area in which infections have not been confirmed" (観戦未確認地域 kansen mikakunin chiiki). This is the second lowest level on the prefecture's scale.
From 26 May, the following events may take place given measures are taken to prevent the spread of infection:
1. Concerts, exhibitions and local festivals (as long as the number of participants can be controlled and the anticipated visitors are from a specific area)
2. Indoor events of 100 people or fewer where the number of participants is less than half of the capacity of the venue.
3. Outdoor events of 200 people or fewer in which the distance between participants can be maintained (preferably 2m)
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/kiji_32638.html
Kyushu Governors: Self-restraint request on out-of-prefecture travel to be relaxed in stages starting 1 June
Yesterday (26 May) the governors of the prefectures in the Kyushu Region agreed to permit travel between prefectures in stages, starting 1 June.
However, travel to prefectures for which the state of emergency was lifted on the 25 May (i.e. Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba and Hokkaido) must be conducted "with caution" until 18 June. The wording in Japanese is: "移動は慎重にしてください" (idо̄ wa shinchо̄ ni shite kudasai, please travel with caution).
https://this.kiji.is/637861450502734945?c=92619697908483575
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/common/UploadFileOutput.ashx?c_id=3&id=32638&sub_id=8&flid=235251
Recent uptick in new cases in Kitakyushu
Over 40 municipal facilities in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka have been closed after a new flare-up in case activity over the past several days. The Mayor of Kitakyushu is calling for increased vigilance, stating that he feels like the city is on the brink of a second wave. No new infections were confirmed for 23 consecutive days until last Friday, 22 May. However, since that time new infections have been confirmed for 4 consecutive days, totaling 14 new cases. Kitakyushu City is calling for residents to once again refrain from non-necessary and non-urgent outings.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20200527/k10012446511000.html?utm_int=news_contents_news-main_004
Ministry of Justice: South Africa among countries added to entry ban effective 27 May.
As of 0:00 today (27 May) foreigners with travel history over the preceding 14 days to South Africa as well as 10 additional countries may not enter Japan. This includes anyone with a valid visa or status of residence in Japan such as long term and permanent residents. Travellers from a total of 111 countries/regions are now subject to a ban on entering Japan.
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/cfb84dd432f6b0aeb81c1ba3458c7f8d261717af
http://www.moj.go.jp/content/001318288.pdf

This is from Yoriko Sakuma, and outlines the problesm with the proposed student support here in Japan.
NGO Joint Statement：Calling for the Provision of the “Cash Handouts to Support Students” to All the Students in Need
移住連は、今ここにある移民社会のために多様性を豊かさと捉える社会を目指して活動するNGOです。在日外国人人口は324万人を超え、日本には、多くの移民が暮らし外国にルーツをもつ日本国籍者も増えました。日本人の定...

Hola, Joe Tomei aqui. While we have never had a formal policy on language here, Kumamoto-i has generally been predominantly English. However, I know we have speakers of other languages and below are the links for the Spanish translations of the COVID information. Apologies for the listing, but I think for Spanish, the best way is to do it as sets of translations rather than one by one. If you are a Spanish speaker and know of a similar list in Japan for Spanish speakers, feel free to pass these on and contact me if you'd like to get them more directly. If you do post them to a Spanish speaking list, here is a disclaimer in Spanish
Esta es una traducción al español de la información japonesa ubicada en https://note.stopcovid19.jp/. Estamos informando sobte COVID-19 para transmitir la información que está saliendo en japonés. Las medidas que se tomen por estas traducciones,en caso de que surjan problemas, les informamos de que no nos hacemos responsables. Estamos haciendo esto en inglés, pero agradeceríamos ayuda no solo para eso, sino también para traducciones en otros idiomas.
And the articles
Para todas las generaciones
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GNrOlYD4ScZh0jw81xzj-lEqgO9PFVCA/edit
Lo que podría suceder en cuidados intensivos
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O4c4YAcF1Ur-tv_ckhkdI1Y48ZSR2NUV/edit
# Lo que tiene que hacer cuando no se siente bien
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O4c4YAcF1Ur-tv_ckhkdI1Y48ZSR2NUV/edit?dls=true
Preguntas y respuestas sobre el nuevo coronavirus (patógeno y vacunas)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I_8Hb2Um2mXf1GcFhPDauqgOaD6w3Uor/edit
Al terminar GW, ¿se acabará la batalla contra el Nuevo coronavirus?
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kOf1K_v24HkSYmFGbCwsOwu_mwOpfbps/edit?dls=true
¿Cómo cuento el "contacto con las personas"?
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YQPlC-LQA9dE4bxBm0sNmnB2bn5zbsZ8/edit
Este sitio está dirigido por expertos y voluntarios privados..docx

Joe Tomei here with another update from the JET Prefectural Advisors, Bilal Khan & Lily McDermott
=======
Dear Kumamoto,
Here are some updates:
State of Emergency Ending
The State of Emergency was lifted in Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto on Thursday last week, and the national government is currently making final arrangements to lift the state of emergency for the remaining 5 prefectures (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama and Hokkaido) later this afternoon.
Three prefectures in the national capital region (Tokyo, Saitama and Chiba) have met the numerical targets (an average of 0.5 or fewer new cases per 100,000 people in a given one-week period). Although Kanagawa and Hokkaido have not yet cleared this target, the government is going ahead with lifting their state of emergency, explaining that the routes of infection for most new cases are known, and the capacity for provision of medical care overall has improved.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20200525/k10012443571000.html?utm_int=news_contents_news-main_001
Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who is in charge of the government's COVID-19 response, remarked that while the first wave of infections has settled down, new infections are likely to continue emerging sporadically for the foreseeable future, so it is important to continue taking proper measures to prevent infections, such as wearing masks, avoiding the 3 Cs and partaking in the "new lifestyle" recommendations.
In Tokyo, high-risk venues where clusters have previously been confirmed such as night clubs, live houses and gyms will remain closed. The Metropolitain Government has published a "road map" outlining the stages in which restrictions may be eased in the national capital. http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13397404
Reopening of municipal facilities
No new cases in Kumamoto have been confirmed since 8 May. Kumamoto City facilities such as the Kumamoto Castle Hall, Kumamoto City Museum, Contemporary Art Museum, libraries, community centres and gymnasiums (except for pools) have been re-opened. On 1 June, the tourist facility Josaien near Kumamoto Castle will re-open. https://this.kiji.is/635981351321257057?c=92619697908483575
Abenomask distribution in Kumamoto
Distribution of cloth masks to all households has begun in Kumamoto Prefecture, and distribution is expected to be completed for the whole prefecture by the end of the month. https://kumanichi.com/news/1469494/
Government-sponsored contact tracing application to be released in June
A smartphone application is currently being developed by the Japanese government to help trace close contacts of people confirmed to be infected. The application, when downloaded, will use a smartphone's Bluetooth capability to track "close contacts" (濃厚接触者 noukou sesshokusha), defined as being within 1 metre of another person for 15 minutes or longer. If a user of the application tests positive for COVID-19, they can voluntarily report it using the application, which then sends a notification to all other users detected as "close contacts" from the preceding 2 week period. If you receive a notification saying you were in close contact, you can then report to a local health centre. In order to protect user privacy, specific information such as the location and time of contact will remain confidential. https://mainichi.jp/articles/20200524/ddm/001/040/066000c
緊急事態宣言首都圏と北海道の解除は妥当との見解諮問委員会 | NHKニュース
【NHK】緊急事態宣言をめぐり、政府が専門家に意見を聴く「諮問委員会」が開かれ、東京など首都圏の1都3県と北海道で解除し、全国の解…

Joe Tomei here. This is an English translation of the Japanese information located at
https://note.stopcovid19.jp/n/na5c0aa510f58
and https://note.stopcovid19.jp/n/n9543130a35cd
For everyone who lives with pets (Parts 1 and 2)
We are doing this in order to pass on the information that is coming out in Japanese. While the translations are done to the best of our ability, please be aware that we take no responsibility for any issues that may arise based on actions taken on account of these translations. We are doing this in English, but would welcome help not only for that, but also for translations in other languages. Contact me off list if you can help.
Part 1
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Scpjq6z89QEkELCIlZ9p_VN3ZY-ooXV-e4kG9JKJJu8/edit?usp=sharing
Part 2
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dAP4rIBywRUdTFAXRAqVoJZrpTL8MGzO_EEtqupeig0/edit?usp=sharing
For everyone who lives with pets
ペットと暮らすみなさんへ Original article published on 12 May 2020 For everyone who lives with pets You or your friends and acquaintance might be living with pets such as dogs and cats. At present, no details are known about the transmission of COVID-19 between animals and humans. Howeve...

Joe Tomei here. This is an English translation of the Japanese information located at
https://note.stopcovid19.jp/n/na5c0aa510f58
and https://note.stopcovid19.jp/n/n9543130a35cd
For everyone who lives with pets (Parts 1 and 2)
We are doing this in order to pass on the information that is coming out in Japanese. While the translations are done to the best of our ability, please be aware that we take no responsibility for any issues that may arise based on actions taken on account of these translations. We are doing this in English, but would welcome help not only for that, but also for translations in other languages. Contact me off list if you can help.
Part 1
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Scpjq6z89QEkELCIlZ9p_VN3ZY-ooXV-e4kG9JKJJu8/edit?usp=sharing
Part 2
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dAP4rIBywRUdTFAXRAqVoJZrpTL8MGzO_EEtqupeig0/edit?usp=sharing

Joe Tomei here. This is an English translation of the Japanese information located at
https://note.stopcovid19.jp/n/n39ce45e14481
What is the “antigen test” the government has approved?
We are doing this in order to pass on the information that is coming out in Japanese. While the translations are done to the best of our ability, please be aware that we take no responsibility for any issues that may arise based on actions taken on account of these translations. We are doing this in English, but would welcome help not only for that, but also for translations in other languages. Contact me off list if you can help.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/12HZbZ2KkOVxtVv-5wvaOcLcPQm8USmRA/edit
What is antigen test that the government has approved.docx
国が承認した「抗原検査」ってどんなもの？ Original article published on 15 May 2020 What is the “antigen test” the government has approved? Public Advisory Group of Experts on COVID-19 2020/05/14 02:22 Change History: 1. Chart has been updated 2. <Note: About "diagnosis" of CO...

This is an important point from Joe's post:
"People can go back to daily lives after 14 days of medical treatment for mild symptoms at an accommodation facility or at home. MHLW give the same standard for returning to the workplace in the administrative communication to the local governments on 1 May. 'In other words, after 14 days of medical treatment and health care professionals decide to complete treatment, the person can go back to their workplace.'"
If you feel you have COVID19 and wish to seek treatment, prepare for a two-week hospitalization. - William

Joe Tomei here. This is an English translation of the Japanese information located at [ed. japanese link corrected]
https://note.stopcovid19.jp/n/n74204fb1d5f1
Get ready to return to your daily life (after a COVID infection)
We are doing this in order to pass on the information that is coming out in Japanese. While the translations are done to the best of our ability, please be aware that we take no responsibility for any issues that may arise based on actions taken on account of these translations. We are doing this in English, but would welcome help not only for that, but also for translations in other languages. Contact me off list if you can help.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OTbT_Tfts1JRWSBusiqwNmYMf2H4U5eK8dZF4wNwTbQ/edit?usp=sharing
Get ready to return to your daily life = # 復帰に備えよう
# 復帰に備えよう　「軽症者」が日常生活や職場に戻るとき Get ready for returning to your daily life = # 復帰に備えよう When people had mild symptoms return to everyday life and the workplace In the series of ‘Be prepared for COVID-19’ or # 感染時に備えよう,...

Hi students!
If you work as part time job and you get less money during Corona isolation because of it,
Apply and get another 100000yen!
I don't know about your situation and economic environment but if you have a chance to get government support, you should check it at school office!!
It's so pity many students seem to give up getting this support before they ask and check,I think.
It helps international students also.
Students belong to University, College, 4th, 5th grade of高専, 日本語学校 also!!
If they ask and apply it, they can get 100000yen support from government.
Unfortunately it might be written in English.The movie tells how to apply it. But nothing tells, Sorry.
At first, students need University, school QR cord. University office might help students, i hope, i wish so.
The support name is 学生支援緊急給付金がくせいしえんきんきゅうきゅうふきんgakuseisienkinkyukyuhukin.
Students can get this support if they don't get lots money, lots support from their family.
The system seems VERY easy.
Hoping to get and try it.
I also suggest my daughter to get this one.
If she can get her University QRcord, I'll introduce the details ASAP.ーAtsuko(｡•̀ᴗ-)و ̑̑✧
https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASN5Q6VXKN5QULFA034.html?ref=amp_rellink
https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/koutou/hutankeigen/mext_00686.html
https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/koutou
https://youtu.be/I1n5tiDzQx4
学生支援緊急給付金はLINEでも申請できます。給付金の詳細はこちらの文科省のHPへ https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/koutou/hutankeigen/mext_00686.html 金融機関コードはこちら https://zengin.ajtw.net/ 募集時期は大学等によって...

Joe Tomei here. This post by Yoriko Sakuma highlights a problem with the prefecture's support grants for university students. The information for the grants is here
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/kiji_33085.html
But Yoriko called and discovered that this is only for Japanese students. I think that she is right, this should be extended to foreign students. I imagine one reason why it is not is that they might not be able to accurately assess family income, but in a crisis such as this, I'd prefer that the prefecture help international students, I think that it is a matter of paying things forward, though some may disagree. If you agree with me, you may wish to register your feelings with the government directly at the link below.

Hi friends.
You might know and love this song if you are residents in Kumamoto.
Yes, it's おてもやん Otemoyan, very famous Kumamoto local song.
They are 熊本北高 Kumamoto Kita High school students. They are members of its brass band team.
Of course, they couldn't go to school and practice together. But they tried to make remote music.
Yes, don't complain what you can't.
Yes, Let's do and try what we can now!
I would like to cheer and share their wonderful music and smiles.
Hoping their music makes you Happy too.ーAtsuko٩( ᐖ )۶
https://youtu.be/dzHZfs2eEyc
https://higojournal.com/archives/kitakou_remote.html
熊本北高等学校吹奏楽部リーモト演奏会で「おてもやん」
熊本北高等学校の吹奏楽部のみなさんが、休校によりみんなで一緒に練習できない中、それぞれが演奏した映像をまとめて、１つの動画にしました。演奏したのは「おてもやん」。会えなくても、みんなで１つの曲を。詳...