Kumamoto International Archive

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

Joe Tomei here with a job posting from Kenta Ishii from the NPO GLAD. (http://alt.npo-glad.org/) Please address any questions to his email, listed at the bottom.
========
Now we’re looking for an ALT who wants to work in Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture.
So please let me know if you are interested in!
What if you were given the chance to work in a company with a strong support system
- A company which allowed you to explore new areas, get competitive pay, and took care of you by helping you and handing all the pains of trying to find a new place?
Would you take that opportunity to embark on a new adventure from June?
If so...
Teach as an ALT in Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture. We will support you as much as we can so that you can enjoy your adventures as much as possible (Driver's license required)
Shoreline drives, picturesque west-Japan sunsets, and starry-skies, this port-town is quite charming.
We will provide you with the warm support and stability through these new adventures of yours.
Please read the awesomeness of Uki City at bottom of this page
[About Us]:
Hi, We're NPO GLAD. We were founded by a group of former Japanese teachers with a vision to support the growth of Global-minded students in Japan.
We believe that foreign teachers will be the bridge between the world and the key to modernizing Foreign Language Education here.
In addition to our strong and genuine support system here at NPO GLAD, we try to make living in Japan as easy and stress-free as possible.
With us and you can enjoy your time here as much as you can. We welcome you to our family!
[Position details]:
The placement will be in Elementary School(s) and/or Junior High School(s) across Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture.
Contract term: June 1, 2020 - March 31, 2021 - Must be willing to move before this date
[Conditions]:
・Competitive compensation: From ¥240,000 per month + transportation allowance
・Consistent working hours: Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
・Placement: Elementary School(s) and/or Junior high school(s) throughout Uki City
[Benefits]:
・Weekends, national holidays, BOE calendar holidays
・Transportation subsidized
・Housing and relocation assistance
・Continual training and support
・Rental Car provided if you need
[Successful Candidate Criteria]:
・Native speaker of English or individual who has acquired an education in English for at least 12 years
・Holder of a university Bachelor's degree (or higher) in an English-speaking country
・One year of Assistant Language Teaching experience or equivalent
・Holder of a valid visa status that allows work in Japan
・Able to drive in Japan legally
・Able to speak conversational Japanese
Note:
For us, communication is crucial for planning and creating lessons with Japanese teachers of English.
We also highly encourage that teachers be able to be involved with the communities here. Our mission is to foster global understanding, after all.
[About Uki City, Kumamoto]:
Uki city is located right in the center of Kumamoto prefecture in the Kyushu area of Western Japan.
It is easily accessible by train, and 2 hours away from Fukuoka by car. The population is nearly 60 thousand people. Uki city is surrounded by mountains and the sea. There is a World Heritage site of Triangle West port which was established at Meiji era (1887). The quiet port town is full of historical buildings and reminiscent of ancient mystery. There are some famous hot springs as well. A neighboring city to the East, Misato provides natural outdoor activities within the mountains. To the north, Uti City holds the Taiko Drum Collection House filled with the tradition of Taiko. You will find many great views and things around Uki city! Check out this cool video of Uki City: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcOsVFROCqU
[Apply Now!]:
Apply now, and get a head start on your application process! There isn't much time! We have many applicants applying from all over Japan and will close our shortlist on the end of May.
Thank you and we are looking forward to hearing from you!
https://jobs.gaijinpot.com/job/view/lang/ja/keywords/uki/job_id/137455#.Xri4PC8_B0s
If you have any questions, please kindly send me email as below.
[email protected]
UIMA世界遺産を撮影～三角西港～（熊本県宇城市）
撮影者：ささもも熊本県宇城市 http://www.kankou-uki.jp/ 2015年、世界文化遺産に登録された「三角西港」そこで行われた撮影コンテスト「DRONE CHALLENGE in 三角西港」にエントリーした作品です。是非ご覧ください。

Joe Tomei here with another update from the JET Prefectural advisors, Bilal Khan & Lily McDermott.
========
First new confirmed case in Kumamoto in 12 days (8 May)
On 8 May, Kumamoto City announced that a clinical technologist in his 20s who works at the Kumamoto Regional Medical Centre was infected with COVID-19. Last month, 2 nurses and another lab technologist at the same hospital tested positive. The hospital has once again halted taking on any new patients and emergency outpatients for the time being.
https://this.kiji.is/631505354396386401?c=92619697908483575
https://this.kiji.is/631989371595981921?c=92619697908483575
Two deaths of patients previously confirmed to be infected and hospitalised have been announced. One, the 32nd case in the prefecture, a male taxi driver who was in his 60s from Kita-ku Kumamoto City, passed away on 4 May. The 25th case, a doctor in his 70s at Kuma Hospital, Hitoyoshi, passed away on 9 May.
https://this.kiji.is/629876474870891617?c=92619697908483575
https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/item/n/606927/
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare revises criteria for consulting health centre
The health ministry has revised its guidelines for people seeking to be tested for COVID-19. Previously, guidelines mentioned having a fever of 37.5 degrees Celsius or higher continuing for four days.
If you have relatively mild cold-like symptoms, you can contact the health centre after four days. However, if you have a high fever, difficulty breathing, or strong fatigue, you now are encouraged to contact your local health centre immediately without waiting for 4 days. Furthermore, if you are elderly or have underlying medical conditions, you may contact the local health centre immediately as soon as you experience any cold-like symptoms.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200508_32/
https://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20200508-00000167-kyodonews-soci.view-000
School re-opening decision to be made after 20 May expert meeting
In April, the prefecture decided to close schools until 31 May. However, on 7 May, Governor Kabashima indicated that schools may re-open. The Prefectural Board of Education is planning to make a decision on when to re-open schools after the City-Prefecture joint meeting of experts on 20 May next week.
https://this.kiji.is/631264595568821345?c=92619697908483575
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism orders nationwide extension of shaken validity
If your shaken (vehicle inspection, 車検) expires this month, its validity will be automatically extended until 1 July due to the extension of the state of emergency.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20200508/k10012421711000.html?utm_int=all_side_ranking-social_003
Prefectural positive test rate figures
For the period between 3 May and 9 May, the average positive rate for PCR tests performed in Kumamoto Prefecture reached 0.4 per cent, the lowest since the period between 8 and 14 March. You can read more about the positive rate and the number of tests performed here:
https://this.kiji.is/632351760108307553?c=92619697908483575
【新型コロナ】熊本地域医療センターの技師感染　県内４７人目｜熊本日日新聞
熊本市は８日、同市中央区の熊本地域医療センターに勤務する２０代の男性臨床検査技師（東区）が、新型コロ...

Joe Tomei here. A Kuma-i reader related that they had gone shopping and had their food in their bike basket and stepped away from the bike for a moment and returned to find a crow picking thru it and wondered if there was anything to be done/that should be done by the city, so I thought I would post it here for people to comment.
I can't imagine that the city can do anything, but I would remind everyone, the fact that there is a lot less food from restaurants etc going out means that scavengers like crows and other animals are going to be looking for other sources of food. Crows in particular can post a great threat because their nesting season is from late April to early July, they are very territorial and will be searching for food for their nestlings. They are also very intelligent, and so will take advantage of any habitual behavior on your part.
As a trivia side point, the Japanese soccer association has a three-legged crow as their mascot, which is related to an Asian mythological creature known as a 三足烏 in China (chinese:sān zú wū, Japanese: sanzoku) and 八咫烏 in Japan (yatagarasu)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-legged_crow
that represents the sun and rebirth. Despite that, you still shouldn't let them take your groceries...
Three-legged crow - Wikipedia
The three-legged (or tripedal) crow (simplified Chinese: 三足乌; traditional Chinese: 三足烏; pinyin: sān zú wū) is a creature found in various mythologies and arts of East Asia.[1] It is believed by East Asian cultures to inhabit and represent the Sun.

Joe Tomei here. This is the Foreign Workers Union in Osaka, but I think there might be some good information for people. While the focus is going to be on education workers, I think that other fields will be covered as well.

Joe Tomei with something a bit more cheerful (finally!!) This announcement is for an ACET Zoom meeting. May be of interest to some folks here.

Hi friends.
To keep Aso, to protect Aso,
I don't go to Aso Now.
But sharing the beautiful green view to feel Aso a little.ーAtsuko╰(´︶`)╯
https://www.facebook.com/1697872573768866/posts/2719248374964609/

Hi friends.
Japanese enjoy Tsukimi. We watch the beautiful moon, talk and drink together.
It might heal your stress and tired, then give you lots power to live.
This is tonight's full moon, Super Moon, Flower Moon.
It's nice to walk under the Moon.
It's also good to talk with your family near the window, on your verandah,.
Let's enjoy your precious time in the moonlight.
Thanks Lovely photo, @Seiichi Miyamoto
ーAtsuko(ˊ˘ˋ)♡

Hi friends.
These movies tell you how to submit the documents to get 10man yen in 12 languages in 15 seconds.
Yes, these are movies.
Please check and share it with your friends, especially the person who are worried about it.
No need to worry, hurry, you have 3months.
ーAtsuko(｡•̀ᴗ-)و ̑̑✧
#特別定額給付金15秒動画
〈収録言語一覧〉
①インドネシア語 Indonesian
②スペイン語 Spanish
③タイ語 Thai
④タガログ語(フィリピン) Tagalog
⑤ネパール語 Nepali
⑥ベトナム語 Vietnamese.
⑦ポルトガル語 Portuguese.
⑧ミャンマー語 Myanmar
⑨英語 English
⑩韓国語 Korean
⑪中国語 Chinese
⑫日本語もちろん😁
特別定額給付金動画 - Google Drive

Joe Tomei here. I'm sharing something from another group that I've recently joined, about a form to pass on suggestions concerning the current situation and other topics to the Japanese government in English.
Additionally, if you would like to submit your suggestions in Japanese, you can go here
https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/forms/goiken_ssl.html

Joe Tomei with another update from the JET Prefectural Advisors, Bilal Khan & Lily McDermott. I would highlight the link about Special Fixed Benefits – 特別定額給付金 “Tokubetsu Teigaku Kyuufukin” below has a sample English translation of the application form.
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Yesterday was the last day of the State of Emergency that was originally called on 7 April 2020. However, as you probably already know, on Tuesday 5 May 2020 the national government officially made the decision to extend it until 31 May, and so the country remains under a state of emergency.
At a press conference announcing the extension made on Tuesday, the prime minister mentioned that nearly 10,000 people throughout the country are still undergoing COVID-19 treatment. While as many as 100 people each day are being discharged and the basic reproduction rate of the infection has been significantly reduced, it is still necessary to reduce the number of new infections to be lower than the number of people being discharged each day. As a result, the government believes that at least one additional month is required to bring the outbreak under control, based on the advice given by the expert committee outlined in the previous e-mail (full summary of the expert committee analysis and advice here in Japanese).
However, the government intends to convene the expert committee meetings weekly in order to determine if it is possible to lift the state of emergency before the end of the month. The prime minister has asked the expert committee to draft a set of guidelines outlining what conditions should be met in order to determine when the state of emergency can be lifted. (https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20200506/k10012419741000.html?utm_int=news_contents_news-main_001_relation_001)
"Special Alert" and "Limited-Case" Prefectures
In the same announcement on the extension of the state of emergency, the national government made the observation that the country can be divided into two different categories: 13 “special alert” prefectures (特定警戒都道府県, tokutei keikai todо̄fuken), and the remaining 35 prefectures which only have a limited number of new cases (新規感染者数が限定的となった地域, shinkikansenshasuu ga genteiteki to natta chiiki). Fukuoka is currently classified as a "special alert" prefecture, and Kumamoto and the remaining 6 prefectures of Kyushu are considered to be areas in which there is a limited number of new cases.
The prime minister explained that self-restraint from non-necessary and non-urgent outings in order to reduce contact with others by 80% will remain necessary in "special alert" prefectures, but also said that places such as public parks, museums and art galleries could re-open as long as special precautions are taken. On the other hand, in the 35 remaining prefectures, the expectation of reducing interactions by 80% can be relaxed and economic activities can be restarted gradually as long as people do not travel to and from other prefectures, and faithfully observe "New Lifestyle" recommendations.
NHK World News article about this (in English): https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/1073/
Full press conference transcript: https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/98_abe/statement/2020/0504kaiken.html
"New Lifestyle" (新しい生活様式) Specific Examples
The national government explained that the fight against the spread of coronavirus will be a long-term challenge and that we will have to learn how to co-exist with the virus. As a result, it is encouraging people living in prefectures with a limited number of new cases, such as Kumamoto, to begin a "New Lifestyle" as we look toward the re-opening of social and economic activity.
The government provided the following examples of what this "New Lifestyle" should look like:
-Continue avoiding the "3 Cs." (closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places with many people nearby, and close-contact settings such as close-range conversations)
-Continue avoiding dining at restaurants that involve customer service interaction. When dining out, go only in small numbers, sit side by side rather than across from the people you are dining with, and order individual rather than shared dishes.
-Continue avoiding movement across prefectural boundaries; other non-necessary and non-urgent outings are OK.
-Enable GPS tracking features on your phone/maintain a daily record of where you went and who you interacted with so that you can more easily re-trace your steps in the event that you are infected.
-When going outside, continue wearing masks, maintain physical distance of 2 metres, and frequently wash your hands for 30 seconds.
-Upon returning home, wash your face as well as your hands, change your clothes, and take a shower.
-Telework/time-lag commuting should be continued where possible.
-Continue shopping at times when shops are not crowded, and order online when possible.
-Avoid public transport during rush hour; instead, walk or bike when possible.
-Requests to close businesses may be retraced, and schools may be re-opened by prefectural/local authorities based on the local infection situation.
You can read more about it here - "New lifestyle" recommendations (in Japanese): https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/special/coronavirus/view/detail/detail_08.html,
Kumamoto Response to the National Government Announcement
There have been no new cases confirmed in Kumamoto Prefecture for 10 days. At a meeting of the Kumamoto Prefectural and City joint specialist advisory committee for COVID-19 response on Tuesday 5 May, experts advised the prefecture and city that the request to close entertainment facilities should be extended until 20 May. At the same time, they said that some facilities in other sectors of the economy can be re-opened as long as they take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. (https://this.kiji.is/630265466196657249?c=92619697908483575)
On 7 May (today), the following facilities/businesses may re-open on the condition that they implement measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
-Educational facilities such as universities, vocational schools, cram schools, driving schools, English conversation schools, international schools, ballet, igo/shogi classes, music classes, ikebana/tea ceremony/calligraphy classrooms, and gymnastics classes
-Schools such as elementary schools, junior high schools, senior high schools, kindergartens, and special needs schools*
-Exercise facilities such as gymnasiums, swimming pools, bowling arenas, skating rinks, judo/kendo dojo, sports clubs (gyms), hot yoga/yoga studios
-Function/assembly halls, rental meeting rooms, exhibition rooms, cultural centres, and multipurpose halls, etc.
-Theatres, cinemas, planetaria, stadiums, amusement parks, etc.
-Museums, art galleries, libraries, science centres, zoos/botanical gardens, aquariums, memorial halls, and hotels/ryokan (only parts used for meetings)
-Commercial facilities such as DVD/video stores, video rental stores, stores selling outdoor goods or sports goods, golf shops, aestheticians, nail salons, hair removal salons, tanning salons, photo studios, pet shops (except places where pet food is sold), second-hand shops (except for pawnshops), show homes, model railway stores, toy stores, souvenir shops, art/jewellery stores, and travel agents, etc.
*Schools may re-open, but following the decision made earlier last month, school closures will remain in place until further notice.
On 11 May, the following businesses/facilities may re-open:
Entertainment facilities such as snack bars, bars, internet cafés, manga cafés, bookmakers, mahjong parlours, pachinko parlours, and game centres
The following entertainment/amusement businesses/facilities may not re-open due to the unavoidability of the "3 Cs":
^Cabarets, nightclubs, discos, karaoke boxes, live houses (concert houses), sports bars, adult entertainment facilities (soaplands etc)
https://this.kiji.is/630401833705047137?c=92619697908483575
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP-b6quRnfc
The prefecture is asking re-opening businesses to open their doors, prevent people from sitting across from one another, and restrict the number of people entering the business at any given time. The full checklist is on the prefectural website here. https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/common/UploadFileOutput.ashx?c_id=3&id=32491&sub_id=47&flid=233131
The checklist is extensive and contains many requests to business owners. For example, it asks re-opening restaurants to ask customers for their contact information in case someone is confirmed to be infected. Some other measures include preventing the use of common towels/hand dryers, and ensuring the use of masks, regular washing of employee uniforms, etc.
Pachinko parlours are being asked to reduce the volume of their background music so that people do not need to speak loudly, and to turn away customers from other prefectures.
Prefectural Government PPT: https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/common/UploadFileOutput.ashx?c_id=3&id=32491&sub_id=44&flid=233119
About Special Fixed Benefits – 特別定額給付金 “Tokubetsu Teigaku Kyuufukin”
A sample English translation of the application form is now available on the Support Center for Foreign Residents website: http://www.kuma-koku.jp/support-center/page174.html.
The form used by your municipality may be different. The translated sample form is currently available in English, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog and French.
Event cancellations
Many events that would have been held this summer have been cancelled including the Hinokuni Festival, Ezuko Fireworks Festival, and the The Great Festival of Fujisaki Hachimangu Shrine (https://www.fnn.jp/articles/-/37789). You can find a list of cancelled events in this article by Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun here: https://this.kiji.is/605202893814056033?c=92619697908483575
In addition, the 61st International Speech Contest in Japanese has also been cancelled. (https://www.jpf.go.jp/e/project/japanese/education/benron/61.html)
安倍首相「緊急事態宣言解除の判断基準専門家に依頼し作成」 | NHKニュース
【NHK】緊急事態宣言の延長を受けて、安倍総理大臣は６日夜、インターネット番組に出演し、今月半ばをめどに専門家から意見を聴き、宣言…

Joe Tomei here with another update from the JET Prefectural Advisors,

Joe Tomei here. This is an English translation of the Japanese information located at https://note.stopcovid19.jp/n/nbc124bd1d18b
There is no negative certificate 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/1-Ex7AJ6v4SCmOvGDeTxg8yMkg1IXhNCIiPQpYvHbYTw/edit?usp=sharing
There is no negative certificate of COVID-19!
新型コロナの陰性証明はできません！ There is no negative certificate of COVID-19! Public Advisory Group of Experts on COVID-19 29 April 2020 00:10 Have you ever been asked by your workplace to submit COVID-19 test results or heard about this from others around you? Recently, we liste...

Joe Tomei here. This is an English translation of the Japanese information located at https://note.stopcovid19.jp/n/n42157210f1af
Be prepared for COVID-19 = #感染時に備えよう
What to do when you feel unwell (updated on 27 April)
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/1NGdNdk-Ex8IqEco6OT8X3iAdkEomJWyw0JA6shAfKow/edit?usp=sharing

Joe Tomei here. This is an English translation of the Japanese information located at https://note.stopcovid19.jp/n/n42157210f1af
What is the clinical trial of existing drugs for 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/1NGdNdk-Ex8IqEco6OT8X3iAdkEomJWyw0JA6shAfKow/edit?usp=sharing
What is the clinical trial of existing drugs for COVID-19?
新型コロナのための既存薬の「治験」とは？ What is the clinical trial of existing drugs for COVID-19? Public Advisory Group of Experts on COVID-19 26 April 2020 17:00 Many people may be wondering how drug development is proceeding. I want to talk about the clinical trials of existi...

Joe Tomei here. This is an English translation of the Japanese information located at https://note.stopcovid19.jp/n/n7bef9991fb56
What are the precautions for medication for 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://drive.google.com/file/d/1nsAHpppoE94furTHsM_ZV_9A3cNWLXhF/view?usp=sharing
What are the cautions for the medication of COVID-19.docx

I've got coronavirus, and it ain't fun. There's a deep pain in the lower back and persistent fatigue. All, please take care to avoid this. - William

Joe Tomei here. This is an English translation of the Japanese information located at 濃厚接触者の定義から私たちが学ぶこと

What We Learn from the Definition of Close Contact
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.
What We Learn from the Definition of Close Contact
濃厚接触者の定義から私たちが学ぶこと What We Learn from the Definition of Close Contact Public Advisory Group of Experts on COVID-19 22 April 2020 18:37 I am Koji Wada, a member of Public Advisory Group of Experts on COVID-19. A definition of people in close contact has been change...

Trade is cool. We can send stuff to you and in return receive your stuff. But sometimes that stuff includes unwanted passengers. It has been reported that the Asian giant hornet (suzumebachi, スズメバチ) has been found in the US. These guys are not to be toyed with - even my dog is instinctively terrified of them. If a nest is found in Kumamoto, a barrier will be erected until the nest is removed. Respect that. - William
The World's Biggest Wasp | Bite, Sting, Kill
The giant hornet gorges itself on other insects and can kill a human. ➡ Subscribe: http://bit.ly/NatGeoWILDSubscribe ➡ BITE, STING, KILL AIRS MONDAY MAY 29 a...

Kumamoto is in the news again for being a few decades out of date on the equality front. Dads - spend Golden Week watching movies! Grandads - take it easy! Grandmas - cook up some amazing meals! Mums - clean your house! Apparently this was the advice given in Kumanichi newspaper.
Fiona

Good morning friends.
I posted this article on my own facebook page yesterday to share this heartwarming movement.
''Residents give thanks messages to delivery workers and garbage truck workers to show residents' appreciation of daily essential work even in these Corona isolation.''
It's a good movement, I think. I also would like to do same so.
Sometimes, I've heard something troubles and complain about throwing gabages between international residents and the local residents and the workers before. We, Kumamoto-i has tried to explain and introduce to reduce these troubles here.
I think it's a nice opportunity to know each other.It's not only Japanese movement. It's Japanese residents, you too, movement!!
If you feel thanks for their work, how about to join this movement. If you show your appreciation for the workers, they know and feel you well, closely.
They might know '' Oh, the area has lots international people, we should explain in their language too.''
They might feel ''Oh, not only Japanese but also international citizen feel gratitude for our works!!''
Your language is good. Easy Japanese ありがとう is also Lovely, I think.
Now, the community and relationship are separated, then so, we can notice and feel, we should show our thanks for neighbors.
I strongly hope you feel them closely, they know you well.ーAtsuko╰(´︶`)╯