Kumamoto International Archive

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

Hi everyone, Joe Tomei here with a non-Covid related post (imagine that!) The Open Research Center for Minamata Studies has been working on making archival material available on the net and there is an English portal. With the upcoming movie about Minamata and Eugene Smith, you may want to take a look thru some of the materials that have been collected.
水俣学研究プロジェクトの構成と講義プログラム紹介、活動案内

Joe Tomei here with another update from Lily McDermott & Chase Sutherland, JET Prefectural Advisors. Want to give my deepest thanks to them for letting me post these updates here this year.
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Here are some updates concerning COVID-19 in Kumamoto and Japan.
Address from Kumamoto Governor Kabashima
On 18 December, Governor Kabashima addressed the prefecture as the two week period of "concentrated measures" came to a close. The following is a summary of the points he raised:
① Regarding the period of concentrated measures:
- From 3 December until 12 December we have asked residents for the co-operation in a two-week period of concentrated implementation of basic measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
- However, the infection situation in the prefecture continues to worsen, and in the one-week period from 11 December to 17 December, 198 new cases were confirmed.
- Furthermore, the number of hospitalised patients was 162, and the percentage of beds being used was 40.5%, the highest since the start of the pandemic.
- As we approach the end-of-year/new year holiday, which is usually accompanied by the concentrated movement of people, it is possible that the infection could spread even more. In response we have decided to extend the period of "concentrated measures" to last until 11 January next year.
- Kumamoto Prefecture's infection situation does not currently meet the national government's criteria for a "Stage 3" Area. However, the Prefecture has decided that if cases continue to increase, and Kumamoto Prefecture becomes a "Stage 3" Area, then prefecture will implement stronger measures such as requesting food and drink establishments in central Kumamoto City to shorten their business hours. With the cooperation of Kumamoto City, the Prefecture is currently considering what areas/districts and types of businesses the restrictions should apply to together.
② Regarding the strengthening of the provision of medical care:
- In order to respond to the rising number of cases, 20 additional hospital beds have been secured for hospitalising COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, the second hotel for mild cases will open on 24 December, providing an additional 80 rooms.
③ Requests to residents of the prefecture:
- In order to prevent the spread of infection, it is important that each individual resident of the prefecture acts cautiously to avoid being infected or infecting others.
- Please continue implementing basic measures to prevent the spread of infection such as properly understanding coronavirus countermeasures, and continuing mask wearing, regular hand washing, and maintaining physical distance between yourself and others.
- We are now heading into the end-of-year/new year holiday. For those of you who live in areas where the virus is spreading, please think about your friends and family in your hometown and avoid returning to Kumamoto during the New Year Holiday.
- COVID-19 is a disease that anyone can catch. We ask members of the public to not under any circumstances, discriminate, be prejudiced against, or say harmful things about people who are infected, their families, or medical professionals.
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/uploaded/attachment/124455.pdf
Hiroshima, Okayama, Kanagawa and Kyoto added to list of prefectures to avoid travel to
As mentioned in the previous updates, Kumamoto Prefecture is continuing to ask residents to avoid travel to prefectures in which the number of new cases per 100,000 population over a 1-week period is 15 or higher.
Based on the numbers for the last 1-week period, this now applies to Hiroshima, Okayama, Kanagawa and Kyoto Prefectures, in addition to Tokyo, Osaka, Kochi, Ehime, Saitama, Hokkaido and Hyogo. https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/soshiki/30/78301.html
Entry to Japan by arrivals from the UK subject to additional restrictions
Entry to Japan by individuals arriving from the UK will be subject to new restrictions as of tomorrow (24 December). This is in response to the spread of a variant form of the SARS-CoV-2 virus connected to South East England.
The main points of the new restrictions are:
1. Foreign nationals arriving from the UK and in possession of new visas issued since 1st October will not be permitted to enter Japan.
2. The waiver for the 14-day quarantine period extended to so-called "business-track" travellers will be ended, so all Japanese nationals and foreign nationals with status of residence in Japan returning to Japan, even those on short-term business trips, will have to undergo a full 14-day self-isolation.
3. Japanese nationals and returning foreign nationals with an existing status of residence in Japan will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of re-entry to Japan. Furthermore, arrivals will be asked to agree to save their location information and install the COCOA tracing app when entering Japan.
4. The UK has been subject to a "Level 3, Do not travel" advisory by MOFA since 31 March. The Japanese government reiterates its existing request to all residents of Japan, both Japanese nationals and foreign nationals alike, to exercise self restraint and avoid any short-term travel to the UK with the intent to return to Japan (Japanese wording is 自粛要請 jishuku yosei regarding travel to the UK).
https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/info/pcwideareaspecificinfo_2020C086.html
Cluster at Yatsushiro Elementary School and bars in Kumamoto City
On 21 December it was announced that a cluster of cases have occurred in connection to Sencho Elementary School in Yatsushiro City. 42 students and 31 members of staff were tested, of which 4 students and 1 staff member tested positive. The remaining 68 individuals considered close contacts were tested and found to be negative. The school was closed on the 21st, underwent disinfection on the 22nd, and will remain temporarily closed for the time being. This is the first time a cluster has been declared at an elementary school in Kumamoto.
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/uploaded/attachment/124334.pdf
https://kumanichi.com/news/id32249
Additional clusters have been detected at food and drink establishments in Kumamoto City. One is the dining bar/izakaya "ZINO Kumamoto", a restaurant/bar often used for after parties/after-wedding receptions. As of 21 December, 5 staff members and 16 patrons have tested positive.
Another bar, "3Peace" located in Shimotori, has also been established as the center of a cluster of 7 cases--2 staff members and 5 customers. Finally, one additional case has been confirmed in association with the cluster at the host club "Club Zero" bringing the total of linked cases to 27 (16 staff and 11 patrons).
https://kumanichi.com/news/id32249
八代市・千丁小でクラスター　新型コロナ、熊本県内１４人目の死亡も | 熊本日日新聞社
　熊本県は２１日、八代市の千丁小で県内２２例目となる新型コロナウイルスのクラスター（感染者集団）が発生したと発表した。小学校では初めて。県内で１４人目となる感染者の死亡も発表。県と熊本市が同日公表した...

Joe Tomei here with another update from the JET program prefectural advisors, Lily McDermott & Chase Sutherland. My deepest gratitude for sharing these with us.
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Dear Kumamoto,
Kumamoto Prefecture has raised the prefectural Risk Level to Level 5. For more information please read the rest of this e-mail:
Kumamoto Prefecture raises risk level to Level 5
Yesterday evening (14 December), Governor Kabashima announced that the prefecture's independent Risk Level would be urgently raised to Level 5. This is the first time Level 5 has been announced since the new scale was implemented The following are some of the remarks made by the governor in the announcement:
- In the 6-day period from December 8 to 13, 155 new cases have been confirmed. In addition, the percentage of hospital beds currently being used is 30.8%. Both of these numbers correspond to Level 5 in Kumamoto's Risk Level System.

- At present, the infection situation in Kumamoto does not correspond to "Stage III" of the four-stage scale used by the national government in Tokyo. However, large numbers of cases are emerging throughout the prefecture every day, the proportion of cases without a known link has also increased, and the hospital bed usage rate has increased sharply.
- About two thirds of confirmed cases are of residents of Kumamoto City. In addition, there have been new clusters in entertainment clubs/bars such as host clubs, and the number of infected people related to these clusters has reached 32 over the last week. In addition, there are cases where these infected persons are causing further infections in their homes and offices.
- As a result, the prefecture will implement two major emergency measures.
The first is to strengthen infection prevention measures at food and drink establishments with entertainment. Until now, regarding the use of restaurants, etc., we have asked residents of the prefecture to refrain (Japanese: 控える hikaeru) from going to establishments that have not taken infection prevention measures. From now, we officially request (Japanese: 要請する yо̄sei suru) that members of the public do not go to food and drink establishments with entertainment, specifically host clubs and cabaret clubs where infection prevention measures are not being implemented. Please check the implementation status of infection prevention measures by confirming the sticker posted by the establishment or by calling the establishment in advance.
-The second measure is to strengthen the medical care provision system. It is necessary to secure a system to ensure that elderly people and those with underlying illnesses are hospitalized. Currently the bed usage rate in Kumamoto City exceeds 70%. We are currently making urgent arrangements to further increase the number of available beds by 400. Furthermore, today (14 December) we signed a contract to rent a second hotel building to host up to 80 additional patients with mild symptoms.
- Finally, we are requesting the citizens of the prefecture to strengthen the measures they are taking to prevent the spread of infection during this period of "concentrated measures" lasting until 18 December. If further measures are required based on the infection situation in the whole country or prefecture, we will announce them on the 18th.
- If the trend of increasing numbers of infections continues as it is, we may ask for stronger measures, including requests for business to shorten their operating hours or business closures. In order to prevent such a situation, we strongly request that the citizens of the prefecture implement infection prevention measures with even stronger awareness.
See: https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/soshiki/1/77252.html
Go To Travel Campaign to be suspended nationwide from Dec. 28 to Jan. 11
Yesterday the Prime Minister announced that the Go To Travel campaign will be suspended from 28 December to 11 January.
Avoid travel to Kochi and Saitama Prefectures
As mentioned in the previous updates, Kumamoto Prefecture is continuing to ask residents to avoid travel to prefectures in which the number of new cases per 100,000 population over a 1-week period is 15 or higher.
Based on the numbers for the last 1-week period, this now applies to Kochi and Saitama Prefectures, as well as Osaka, Hokkaido, Tokyo, Okinawa, Aichi and Hyogo. You can check the list on pg. 5 of the document here: https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/uploaded/attachment/123150.pdf

Hi there, I’m Jeff Morrow, and in case you’re not exactly sure who I am, I started Jeff’s World Bar in 1999 and I taught part-time at Kumadai, Gakuendai, and Kendai for many years. I worked full time at Tokai University and now I’m at Kumamoto Kenritsu University where I teach English and research tourism in Kyushu. I’ve had many opportunities to go to Aso both for research and relaxation and over the past two year or two and I’ve been watching the building of the new Aso Big Bridge. I’ve compiled a little slideshow of pictures taken from around the lower paralleling Choyo Bridge (I think that’s its name) and I thought it may be of interest to some readers. It’s an amazing process; it looks like they built it outwardly from the suspended boxes you see in the pictures. It was interesting to watch it progress little by little from the center until both sides were connected. From what I hear we’ll be able to drive over it come March. It’s much higher than the old big bridge and might be pretty scary to go over on a motorcycle on a windy day!

Hi, Joe Tomei here with another update from JET Prefectural Advisors Lily McDermott and Chase Sutherland
=====
Dear Kumamoto,
Here are your updates:
New: 24/7 Multilingual Phone Interpreting for COVID-19 Consultations
Kumamoto Prefecture has set up a new multilingual phone interpreting hotline which allows residents of the prefecture to speak to the COVID-19 Consultation Center with the help of an interpreter. The service is free and you only need to pay regular phone operator fees.
The number to call for this service is 092-687-7962. 19 languages are supported.
The hotline can advise people who suspect they may have COVID-19 (for example if they have met with a confirmed case, visited somewhere where there is a cluster, or received a notification from the COCOA app etc.), give information about which clinics can perform a test for COVID-19 if the caller develops a fever, and also give general information about the current COVID-19 situation.
Please click through to the page explaining more about this service on the homepage of the Kumamoto Support Center for Foreign Residents:
http://www.kuma-koku.jp/support-center/page249.html
Kumamoto Risk Level: Level 4 maintained for another week
Yesterday the decision was made to keep the Prefectural Risk Level at Level 4. In the one week period between 1 and 7 December, an additional 78 cases were confirmed in Kumamoto, of which for 30 the route of infection remains unknown.
Cases of a variety of origins are continuing to occur across many regions of the prefecture. The number of cases for which the route of infection is unknown is also high. In order to be able to see through a peaceful end to the year, the prefecture is asking the public to implement thorough measures to prevent the spread of infection especially during this period of "concentrated measures" which lasts until 18 December.
Kumamoto City has seen the occurrence of clusters at food and drink establishments with entertainment/close customer-service interactions (接待を伴う飲食店, settai wo tomonau inshokuten) as well as many cases of transmission between family members, and between friend groups of university students. Furthermore, within the jurisdiction of the Kikuchi Health Center, many cases have been found in association with dining in groups as well as infections at the workplace.
For a full list of cases updated daily in English, please check the list on the homepage of the Support Centre for Foreign Residents here: http://www.kuma-koku.jp/support-center/page156.html
Hyogo added to list of prefectures to avoid travel to
As mentioned in the previous update, Kumamoto Prefecture is continuing to ask residents to avoid travel to prefectures in which the number of new cases per 100,000 population over a 1-week period is 15 or higher.
Based on the numbers for the last 1-week period, this applies to the following prefectures: Osaka, Hokkaido, Tokyo, Okinawa, Aichi and Hyogo. You can check the list on pg. 8 of the document here: https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/uploaded/attachment/123150.pdf
Meanwhile, in the rest of Japan...
The infection situation in other parts of the country is worsening significantly. Today (10 December), the number of cases in Tokyo exceeded 600 in one day for the first time since the start of the pandemic. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20201210/k10012756231000.html?utm_int=all_side_ranking-social_001
Other highlights include Osaka exceeding 70% of hospital capacity for COVID-19 patients (https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/73198). Yesterday also saw the highest number of deaths nationwide in one-day at 47 (https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20201208/k10012752941000.html).
Asahikawa, the second largest city in Hokkaido, has called in the Self-Defence Forces as medical reinforcements are badly needed following multiple large-scale clusters at hospitals in the City. Over the past month over 197 people have been infected at Yoshida Hospital in Asahikawa City. Asahikawa City is implementing measures such as requesting the public to avoid all unnecessary and non-urgent outings until 25 December. http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13997305, https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/4542bcd68624dda96051c4912ba6cb78ba9d4058
Government lays groundwork for vaccine distribution: Residents to receive vaccine from their local government based on their registered address
With vaccine distribution in Japan expected to start sometime in the first half of 2021, the Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare has announced that in general, residents will be required to receive the vaccination from the municipality in which their addresse is registered (based on their juuminhyo 住民票).
Japan has signed contracts to import vaccines from 3 companies which have succeeded at developing a vaccine based in Europe and the United States, with the aim to begin distribution at some point within the first half of next year.
A meeting of experts today considered how the vaccines should be distributed. According to what was discussed at the meeting, in general municipality governments will send a coupon in the mail directly to the homes of all residents of the municipality, in the order in which they can receive the vaccine. After receiving the coupon in the mail, residents can make a telephone reservation and then receive the vaccine at a medical facility or municipal facilities such as community centres or communty gymnasiums at no cost. Priority will be given to the elderly or those with underlying conditions as well as medical staff.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20201210/k10012756911000.html
新型コロナワクチン接種原則住民票登録の市町村で厚生労働省 | NHKニュース
【NHK】来年前半に接種が始まる見通しとなっている新型コロナウイルスのワクチンについて、厚生労働省は、原則住民票を登録している市町…

Hi Joe Tomei here with another update from the JET Prefectural advisors, Lily McDermott and Chase Sutherland
———-
Dear Kumamoto,
We hope everyone's Monday is off to a good start. Here are some updates regarding the situation in Kumamoto and Japan:
Kumamoto Risk Level raised to Level 4
Kumamoto Prefecture's independent Risk Level was raised to Level 4 on 1 December, the second highest level on the 6-stage scale (0 being the lowest and 5 the highest). This is the first time Level 4 has been announced since the new scale was announced on 28 October.
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/uploaded/attachment/122587.pdf
We have attached the translation of the new Risk Levels to this email if you would like to reference them again.
The following points were mentioned in materials released to the press by Kumamoto prefecture:
- The number of cases for which the route of infection is unknown has increased to 28, making up 47.5% of cases (up from 39.1%) in the previous 1-week period.
-Nationwide, there are regularly over 2000 cases per day. Although until relatively recently the number of cases in Kyushu has not seen such a dramatic increase, unfortunately the number of new cases is increasing and as a result increased vigilance is necessary.
-If residents have any symptoms such as a fever, the prefecture asks for them to stay home from work and contact their regular physician or the fever hotline as soon as possible.
Since the risk-level increase, the Prefecture has announced some additional requests, as well as explained some of the new measures that are being implemented. The whole document is rather lengthy (you can see it here: https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/uploaded/attachment/122522.pdf) but if you don't want to read all of it you can read on for some of the highlights.
New request from Kumamoto Prefecture concerning domestic travel
Ever since the general request to avoid any travel to other prefectures was lifted on 23 September, the prefecture issued a general request to all residents to avoid traveling to prefectures in which COVID-19 is spreading, but did not specify which particular prefectures that applied to.
In light of the Risk Level being raised to Level 4, the prefecture is issuing the following request to residents concerning avoiding domestic travel:
Please avoid travel to prefectures in which the number of new cases per 100,000 population over a 1-week period is 15 or higher. If you must travel for unavoidable reasons, the prefecture requests residents to thoroughly implement measures to prevent the spread of infection and to avoid the 3 Cs at their destination.
The prefecture will compile a list of the case totals and per 100,000 population for all 47 prefectures and publish it on the prefectural website for residents to refer to.
For the 1-week period between 25 November and 1 December, 5 prefectures exceeded the 15 cases per 100,000 cutoff given by Kumamoto Prefecture. They are as follows:

Hokkaido - 1,500 cases (28.6 per 100,000)
Osaka - 2,451 cases (27.8 per 100,000)
Tokyo - 3,114 cases (22.4 per 100,000)
Okinawa - 322 cases (22.2 per 100,000)
Aichi - 1,198 (15.9 per 100,000)
(For comparison the number for Kumamoto is 45 cases, 2.6 per 100,000)
Furthermore, the Human Resources Division of Kumamoto Prefecture has issued a request to prefectural employees to avoid business trips and personal travel to these prefectures. The corresponding division of your own contracting organisation may have issued a similar request for their employees that applies to JETs also.
Other new measures implemented by Kumamoto Prefecture
There are some new announcements regarding measures the prefecture is taking to address the infection situation.
- 609 different medical institutions have now been designated as able to treat and test patients, enabling a quicker response to cases in which individuals present with symptoms such as a fever.
- 15 different patient information centres have been established in 15 different regions of the prefecture in order to be able to refer people to one of the 609 institutions in the case they have symptoms.
- In addition to PCR tests, implementation of simplified antigen test kits will allow a daily testing capacity of approximately 8,600/day.
- The number of hospital beds designated for coronavirus patients has been increased to 400, and the number of hotel rooms for patients with mild symptoms has increased to 1,430.
- 31 medical institutions have been designated as "focal medical facilities" in order to quickly admit patients who test positive.
National and prefectural governments: 'Take "concentrated" measures over the first two weeks of December'
Over the end of year holidays, it can be anticipated that the number of gatherings will increase. The government is conducting a public awareness campaign with various bits of advice concerning how the public should go about conducting these gatherings.
Most of the guidelines will sound familiar (for example, avoiding the 3 Cs, wearing a mask when not eating, not attending if feeling unwell, visiting places with good ventilation). In addition, the Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare requests that if you are going to consume alcohol with others, please (1) do it in small numbers over a short period of time, (2) drink with people who you are usually together with (3) avoid heavy drinking and visiting more than one establishment in one outing.
A similar message regarding this has been uploaded to the website of the Kumamoto Support Center for Foreign Residents, so you can read about it here in English:
http://www.kuma-koku.jp/support-center/page230.html
http://www.kuma-koku.jp/support-center/page234.html
【English】All residents are asked to take particular care during the coming holiday period to prevent the spread of infection. / 熊本県外国人サポートセンター / 熊本県国際協会
【English】All residents are asked to take particular care during the coming holiday period to prevent the spread of infection. 最終更新日：2020年11月30日【English】All residents are asked to take particular care during the coming holiday period to prevent the spread of infection. Y.....

A very good way to participate in a very good cause

Hi there! If you happen to be near Torokunoboritachi Park・渡鹿昇立公園 this Friday 11th or on the morning of Saturday 12th December, then pop along to this Mini Marche fundraiser I'll be hosting for the チームトナカイ Christmas Gifting effort🎄✨ https://fb.me/e/3fE3CxRGx All proceeds go towards Team Tonakai's 2020 activities and if you have handmade items (or something similarly suitable) to add to the booth then please comment below and drop me a DM. If you can't make it, please drop a direct donation via the JP PO details below. Many thanks in advance - Ruth (and Team Tonakai) 🙏

Hello friends.
It's cold but good weather today.
Corona patients seem to increase these days.
I always get information by Kumamoto LINE.
It's useful because they tell information automatically everyday. It is written in Japanese but has lots useful information.
You can know the details by Kumamoto city HP also linked.
Please, Be safe, be healthy,
and Enjoy Special month MaximumーAtsuko(Ü)
https://www.city.kumamoto.jp/hpKiji/pub/detail.aspx?c_id=5&id=29800

Kumamoto's チームトナカイ・Team Tonakai is still out there, people!! This year we will continue to carry out the volunteer work that has spanned 30+ years of donations and presents for orphans in Kumamoto. Of course it'll be on a smaller scale, with no fund-raising events, or auditions for Rudolph (AKA レッドノーズ忘年会 🍷) but donations are accepted for Christmas 2020 PRESENTS for ORPHANS in Kumamoto✨🎁
Atsuko Kumabear隈部古江敦子 is once again spearheading this Christmas Toy-giving cause, so, in the absence of fund-raising events, and opportunities to meet up in person, please drop a donation into the designated JP Post Office account:
ゆうちょ銀行
17140 33544101
フルエカンナ
お尋ねあったので、ありがたく、お願い致します。団体の口座作る時間なかったので、チビッ子代表ってことでAtsukoの娘さんのカンナのゆうちょ銀行口座 👌 大事に活用致します。And, if you feel safe and healthy, and can help in some other way (shopping for or dropping off presents) please reach out to Atsuko Kumabear隈部古江敦子 🎄✨ Please check out the Team Tonakai page for past activities and updates! 　　
Thank you in advance once again for your support and help. Updates will follow as funds allow, and as manpower is allocated. 宜しくお願い致します!! - Ruth

Hi again.
I would like to add some more information about my previous post.(I couldn't add these pictures once I posted.)
During Kumamoto castle illuminated, 城あかり, 竹あかりTAKEAKARI, bamboo illumination is held around 二の丸 NINOMARU also.
Last year, I joined the TAKEAKARI festival as a volunteer. This year, it seems to be held only around Kumamoto castle not around the streets. It's so pity but it's good we can enjoy the beautiful view.
You don't need to pay around NINOMARU and Hosokawa Gyobutei, I've posted beautiful Ginkyo tree before. The written entrance fee is only around Kumamoto castle area.
Enjoy Minimum but MaximumーAtsuko(๑˃ᴗ˂)و♡

Hi friends.
From today, 20th November to 6th December, Kumamoto castle will be illuminated from 5pm.
The lighting-up is the first time after Kumamoto earthquake.
Hoping you enjoy beautiful Autumn and Winter Kumamoto.ーAtsuko(ˊ˘ˋ)♡
Here is the youtube movie from the sky.
https://youtu.be/j3QqRkH02TM
These information comes from KUMANICHI LINE.

Joe Tomei here with an update from , Kumamoto JET program coordinators Prefectural Advisors, Lily McDermott & Chase Sutherland
=======
Dear Kumamoto,
Yesterday, the number of new cases in one day across the country reached 2201 people, the highest single-day increase since the start of the pandemic. Here are the updates we have:
Kumamoto Prefecture - Risk Level Stays at Level 3
For the third week in a row, the Prefectural Risk Level remains at Level 3. The number of cases is continuing to increase, with 70 in this one-week period, 22 for which the route of infection was unknown.
In terms of the characteristics of the new cases, the number of new cases associated with restaurants, etc. in central Kumamoto City has decreased, and the proportion of cases for which the route of infection is unknown remains unchanged. In order to prevent another increase, the prefecture will continue pursuing the "cluster strategy".
In contrast with the decrease in restaurant-linked cases, this week the area of the Ariake Health Center saw an increase in cases including transmission in households, workplaces as well as a cluster at an outpatient rehabilitation facility in Tamana City (9 cases). The prefecture has promptly dispatched the cluster countermeasure team (CMAT) to prevent the further spread of infection.
Use the "Fever Hotline" if you have a fever this winter
The Prefecture is also reminding the public that the steps involved in seeing a physician have changed this winter. If you have a fever, please first call the office/clinic that you usually go to ahead of time and make an appointment. If you are uncertain about which medical institution to go to, please call the "Fever Hotline" (TEL:0570-096-567).
If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, or receive a notification on your COCOA app, etc., please continue using the Coronavirus Consultation Hotline (096-300-5909).
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/common/UploadFileOutput.ashx?c_id=3&id=32300&sub_id=195&flid=258943
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/common/UploadFileOutput.ashx?c_id=3&id=32638&sub_id=68&flid=258886
About Tokyo
Today, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government reported 534 cases of COVID-19. This is the highest number of cases in one day since the start of the pandemic and the first time the daily total has exceeded 500. Yesterday also broke a record with 493 cases. The number of new cases as well as the proportion of those cases with an unknown link have both increased. In response Tokyo has increased their independent warning level system to the highest level (Stage 4).
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20201119/k10012719751000.html?utm_int=news-ranking_access_list-items_010
The increase in new cases/positive test results, a small decrease in the number of cases in serious condition was seen (-3).
Government's Coronavirus Subcommittee and Japan Medical Association remarks
Shigeru Omi, the head of the government's subcommittee on COVID-19 said in a press conference Wednesday (18 November) that "clusters are diversifying and the positive rate for PCR tests are increasing gradually. There is a possibility that the situation will become such that it is difficult to control by the efforts of the population alone, and stricter measures may have to be taken. In order to prevent this from happening, now is the time to once again tighten our belts and follow the advice given by the subcommittee, avoiding places with an increased risk of infection."
The head of the Japan Medical Association said that this upcoming 3-day weekend should be the "Weekend of Gaman (perserverance/self restraint)", emphasizing that it is important for individual members of the public to take steps to prevent the spread of infection.
Prime Minister Suga said that he believes that by taking appropriate measures it is possible to reduce the risk of infection due to travel, and as a result is not currently considering requesting the public to avoid travelling across prefectural lines. Suga went on to request people with symptoms avoid outings, that people wear masks and avoid the 3Cs over this long weekend.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20201118/k10012719061000.html?utm_int=news-ranking_access_list-items_009
"The 5 Situations"
Alongside the other Greatest Hits, "the 3 Cs" and the "New Lifestyle Recommendations", the Government of Japan is currently conducting an awareness campaign about "The 5 Situations" which present an increased risk of infection due to COVID-19. We mentioned the "5 Situations" in a previous e-mail, but we just tracked down the official translated infographic so please take a look so you know which situations to avoid. Here's the link!
>>>>https://corona.go.jp/prevention/pdf/en.5situations.pdf<<<<

Kirk here with some information about a learning opportunity for English speaking children. Here's part of a 'classified' about the group that was on Fukuoka Now:
"As a fellow parent trying to survive the COVID-19 pandemic – with kids – in Kyushu – I would like to invite you to join our online pandemic learning pod cooperative. It’s a special pod designed for children who are English native or heritage speakers, and/or Japanese 'returnee' children who might miss speaking English."
https://www.fukuoka-now.com/en/classified/learning-pod-for-english-speaking-children/
They plan to get started on 21st (Saturday). If you're interested, please contact Meg Nakamura at [email protected].
Learning Pod for English-Speaking Children! | Fukuoka Now
As a fellow parent trying to survive the COVID-19 pandemic – with kids – in Kyushu – I would like to invite you to join our online pandemic learning pod cooperative. It’s a special pod designed for children who are English native or heritage speakers, and/or Japanese “returnee” children ...

Kyushu Gakuin Lutheran High School (Oe, Chuo-ku) has a few part-time ALT positions to fill starting April 2021. They are looking for Native English speakers who have a university degree and are comfortable working in a school with a Christian ethos. I'm told that it may be possible for these part-time positions to turn into full-time employment after the initial contract is completed, so, if that is of interest to anyone applying, please discuss this at the interview stage.
Interested parties should prepare a Resume and a Letter of Motivation; these can be written in English, though please note that successful candidates may be later asked to prepare Japanese versions for admin purposes.* These documents can either be dropped into their offices or sent via post. It's stated on the website that those interested should ring first to inquire if the position(s) are still available - Ruth https://kyugaku.ed.jp/about/bosyu2020-11.html?fbclid=IwAR3cBglOMPIyRH5US5JggLMsAJwLLvTHmHXvIa2fEP_kx6VMZlSgxHtNbAA
2021年度　九州学院中学・高等学校　講師募集　|　九州学院ホームページ
　試験日及び試験内容：書類選考の上、詳細は応募者に担当より個別連絡　　　　　　　　　　　いたします。（応募者の事情に合わせ調整可。）

I drove through Sendai once on a tour of Southern Kyushu. It's a beautiful town, and I recommend a visit, but I did notice the surveillance at the nuclear power plant: cops immediately spotted me and trailed me as I traveled through the town. - William

Good morning friends.
Last night( from7pm to 7:30pm) I heard and noticed firework sounds but didn't know the place they were held. I could enjoy them from my apartment but far from there. Some of you might have been same as me.
The fireworks seem to have been held at Shirakawa riverbank.
Sharing for my friends who wanted to watch them as 2020 memoryーAtsuko٩( ᐖ )۶
BTW, on 28th November, they will hold ''Shirakawa Yoichi take out Park'' from 16:00 to 22:00. It's a kind of 夜市yoichi. Many shops will gather at Shirakawa river bank(緑の区間Midori no kukan). They ask you not to eat and spend there but buy foods and take them back, take out style because of Corona.
https://fb.me/e/3yjDjzOWq

While you are admiring the magnificent ginko tree at the Hosokawa Gyobutei Bus Stop, wander along behind the natural history museum / planetarium (or better yet, drop in and then wander behind it) and up the path that leads to the back of Fujisakidai baseball stadium. You will find some amazing ancient camphor trees looking very venerable and noble. I love living in a country where trees are National Treasures. Also, the Gyobutei gardens are not open now, but will be open from the 20th for their annual fall foliage light up (from 17:00 to 21:00 I believe)

Hi friends.
Do you enjoy the Brilliant Kumamoto Autumn Yellow?
@細川刑部邸 Hosokawa Gyobutei, Hosokawa ResidenceーAtsuko(ˊ˘ˋ)♡

Hi, Joe Tomei here, with another update from the JET Prefectural Advisors, Lily McDermott & Chase Sutherland. Stay safe everyone.
======
Hello Kumamoto,
Yesterday, 1661 new cases of COVID-19 were announced across Japan, the highest number of new cases in one day since the start of the pandemic. In addition, yesterday 10 people across the country passed away due to COVID-19 (https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20201112/k10012708541000.html)
To shed some light on the recent situation, here is a snapshot of the news stories we have seen:
Kumamoto Risk Level remains at Level 3
On Wednesday, 11 November, Kumamoto Prefecture announced that it would keep the Risk Level set at Level 3. However, in the same statement the Prefecture acknowledged that the numbers of cases are continuing to increase and are approaching the criteria for Level 4. In the one week period prior to the announcement (3-9 November) there were 48 new cases, an increase of 10 compared to the preceding week. The number of new cases for which the route of infection is unknown was 17. Two thirds of new cases are residents of Kumamoto City.
The increase in cases is attributed to two new clusters at drinking establishments with close customer service interaction (cabaret/host clubs); "YG Kumamoto" and "Club Latour". The Prefecture and the City said they will continue to work together to strengthen measures in the entertainment district of central Kumamoto City. Given the national infection situation and ongoing increase in cases, the prefecture has already begun implementing some Level 4 measures (https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/common/UploadFileOutput.ashx?c_id=3&id=32638&sub_id=66&flid=258299).
Requests to members of the public, such as a general request to refrain from drinking into the late hours of the evening in central Kumamoto City and basic precautions such as mask wearing and handwashing, and choosing to patronise businesses which are implementing measures to prevent the spread of infection remain unchanged from last week.
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/common/UploadFileOutput.ashx?c_id=3&id=32638&sub_id=66&flid=258298
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/kiji_37323.html
Japan Medical Association suggests Japan is in the midst of a "third wave"
On Wednesday, the head of the Japan Medical Association suggested in a press conference that the recent increase in new cases could mean that Japan is experiencing a "third wave". https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201111_37/
For reference, on Wednesday Osaka saw 256 new cases, the highest since the start of the pandemic. The Governor of Osaka also agreed that Osaka is experiencing a third wave: https://mainichi.jp/articles/20201110/k00/00m/040/155000c
The head of the Japan Medical association added that the situation in Hokkaido is particularly worrisome. Hokkaido has also recently seen very high numbers of new cases over the past several weeks. Yesterday, 230 new cases were announced (also the highest number since the start of the pandemic), and the number of new cases has not fallen below 100 per day for 8 consecutive days. https://news.yahoo.co.jp/pickup/6376291
Measures such as shortening operating hours of certain businesses have been implemented in parts of Sapporo City (Susukino District). https://www.city.sapporo.jp/2019n-cov/jigyosha/susukino_yosei.html
Nearly half of patients hospitalised in Wakayama have persistent long-term symptoms
Wakayama Prefecture released the results of a survey of coronavirus patients hospitalised in the prefecture since the start of the pandemic until mid-September. Of the 163 respondents, nearly half (46%) reported having persistent symptoms. 30 had impairment to their sense of smell, 26 had chronic fatigue, 20 had impairment to their ability to taste, 20 had difficulty breathing and 12 experienced hair loss.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20201113/k10012710441000.html?utm_int=news_contents_news-main_005
Stay safe and have a good weekend everyone,
コロナ退院後も半数近くが後遺症とみられる症状和歌山県調査 | NHKニュース
【NHK】和歌山県が新型コロナウイルスに感染して入院した人の退院後の健康状態について調査したところ、半数近くの人が後遺症とみられる…