Kumamoto International Archive

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

If you've got connections to Montana in general or The University of Montana in particular, you may already have heard about the university sending non-renewal notices to a 30-odd professors in the past weeks. Though the professors are not necessarily being fired for sure, they've basically been reminded that their contracts are ending and that the university COULD decide not to rehire them for next semester depending on a variety of factors, including student enrollment in classes and programs. This is part of a series of actions the university is taking to deal with a budget problem in part caused by decreasing enrollment numbers.
I feel like the humanities often bear the brunt of such cuts, and looking at a list of the professors who were sent non-renewal notices paints a depressing picture about the university administration's views about these departments - of 33 letters, for example, 10 went to professors in the English and languages departments, departments that are already small and understaffed but which still strive to provide excellent programs for UM students. If you aren't connected to Montana in any way, you might not know that UM has a strong history of exchange with Kumamoto Daigaku. Both schools have rich humanities programs that attract students from all over the world, and I wouldn't be who or where I am today without their incredible professors and programs.
I'm not sure how much can be done to sway the UM administration's eventual decision about renewing contracts, but this is not how hard-working, dedicated professors deserve to be treated. I've shared an article about the letters as well as a link to a petition that, if it gathers enough signatures, might at least help the university realize how unhappy many of its alumni and supporters are about its behavior. Please think about adding your name!
-Grace
Here's a link to an article with some more information:
http://missoulian.com/news/local/university-of-montana-sends-non-renewal-notice-to-estimated-lecturers/article_53e30d72-4a57-50b7-80a7-e6f1430b1d7b.html
Stand with Anna Louise Stene
434 signatures are still needed! University of Montana Students : Protest the University of Montana's sending 33 lecturers non-renewal notices mid-year!

Our friend Jay hails from the San Francisco bay area, one of the great pâtisseries of the world (sourdough!). He and his wife, Chikae, have been gradually rolling out a full-service deli-style cafe, Out of Step, and will take a big step towards realizing their dream by adding hand-kneaded bagels to their menu of muffins, cupcakes and sandwiches (eat in or take out) from tomorrow, 9/19. Cream cheese is available; lox (home made, of course) and capers are envisioned in the near future.
You want to eat bagels. Jay and Chikae want to sell bagels. This is thus a very good thing. Their address is 2 kawaramachi, Kumamoto, 860-0023. Their phone number is 080-8380-3679. The menu changes daily, hours are unstable during the rollout, and special orders are available, so it might be a good idea to call ahead. Out of Step's Facebook page is at the link. Good luck, you two - and thanks for the bagels! - William
https://www.facebook.com/outofstepbagels/

Kirk had written about destruction of the basalt columns near Tateno by construction workers intent on stabilizing the gorge - ironic, since those columns, having been there for some 300,000 years, were not likely going anywhere. While construction workers being unaware of the geologic value of a cliff is understandable, that their superiors didn't realize this is inexcusable. Perhaps some disaster mitigation is possible.
Aso underwent four eruptions from 300,000 to 90,000 years ago; earlier eruptions led to creeping, slowly-cooling basalt that crystallized into hexagonal-shaped columns, while the last ejected an amount of material equivalent to the volume of Mt. Fuji which covered half of Kyushu and resulted in the caldera that we know today. (Still want to live in Tokyo, knowing that?)
Takachiho gorge displays basalt columns from the earlier eruptions topped by tuff deposited when Aso went complete kablooey in its grand finale 90,000 years ago; the two rock types are clearly seen in the below photo. Takachiho has made the list of the 11 most beautiful basalt columns in the world. See the article below for more info and beautiful photos. - William
P.S. - I know of a stunning location of crystallized basalt that plunges into the sea down in southern Kagoshima and is accessible to the slightly adventurous. If interested, PM me.
https://www.fromthegrapevine.com/nature/11-intriguing-basalt-formations-around-world

These two photos show Tateno Gorge before and after government construction. If the gorge had been damaged by the earthquake that would have been one thing, but this seems to have been a human decision -- one in which not even the government of Kumamoto Prefecture was consulted:
"The restoration work in the area includes the construction of a new bridge designed to replace the Great Aso Bridge that collapsed following the Kumamoto earthquake disaster in April 2016. The central government, however, did not inform the Kumamoto Prefectural Government that it would be tearing down the naturally formed columnar joints in the process.
The vertical cracks, which were created after lava from nearby Mount Aso cooled down and solidified, are considered to be a geological phenomenon. The demolished cracks were discovered by a member of a citizens' group on Aug. 30."
-- Kirk
http://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20170914/p2a/00m/0na/024000c

The typhoon has made landfall on Kagoshima. It will probably hit Kagoshima and Oita harder than it will hit us, but this does not mean that people in Kumamoto have nothing to worry about. Some rivers in the southern part of the prefecture are near flood level. Take care!
-- Kirk
http://www.jma.go.jp/en/suigaimesh/flood.html

On September 6th, RKK's "JUST" (their evening news show) aired a segment about the establishment of "Kumamoto International School," led by Matthew Ohm. Mr. Ohm also runs Picasso International School, an English-language preschool. There are several English-language preschools in Kumamoto but many years have passed since the last international elementary school in the prefecture closed. Currently, it seems that the majority of the parents who are interested in enrolling their children are Japanese people who would like their children to become fluent in English but, of course, the school may also be a good choice for the children of expats.
According to the RKK report, there are plans for the establishment of international junior and senior high schools to allow the children to continue their education in English.
-- Kirk
P.S. I wish I could link to the video but it seems to have been deleted from RKK's website. When the program was aired, I had just left the country and have only now had time to view my recording of the news program.
School Vision | Kumamoto International School
From the principal In April, 2018, we will begin the next leg in our journey as a school. Picasso was founded in 2003 in downtown Kumamoto, on the third floor of an office building with no playground. We began with fewer than 15 students, and my own son was one of our first three graduates. In 2006,...

The storm is on our doorstep. The image you see represents current wind strengths according to http://www.tropicalstormrisk.com as of 5 AM Japan time. The site says that we are highly likely to experience tropical storm winds in the next 12 hours. The path is slightly to the south of us, which is good. Earlier this year we experienced a typhoon that came in just to our north, which caused it to have an impact that was disproportionate to its basic strength. Still, it's hard to know just how bad or mild the situation will be here. Right now it's fairly calm (light rain, not much wind) but that will change -- the only question is how much.
-- Kirk

The image is of a Google translation of evacuation information on a Yahoo page. It's hard to know just how bad or how mild the storm will be here in Kumamoto but it's better to err on the side of caution, especially if you are in a vulnerable area. Take care!
-- Kirk
https://crisis.yahoo.co.jp/evacuation/43/

Kumamoto City is the first municipality in the nation to say "no" to government calls for an evacuation drill in preparation for a possible missile attack from North Korea. Mayor Onishi has explained that he made the decision not to hold such a drill, in which sirens would blare and J Alerts would be sent to mobile devices, because he deemed it more important to avoid traffic accidents that might result from confusion caused by such a drill, which was to be scheduled for November:
"大西市長は「訓練のサイレン音やメールで交通事故などが起きるのを避けるため中止した」と説明しています。"
http://rkk.jp/news/index-google.php?id=NS003201709151940110111
Personally, Mr. Onishi's position makes a good deal of sense to me. I suspect that the government's call for drills is largely an attempt to be perceived as taking some sort of action, regardless of how much practical benefit can reasonably be expected from the action. Such a drill might function to heighten fear and thus make people more inclined to rally around (or at least not oppose) the government but do little to actually promote public safety. Given the current mood in the country, I think that, politically, it would have been easier for the mayor to go along with the proposed drill instead of refusing to participate. I admire the courage Mayor Onishi has shown in this regard.
-- Kirk

Rescheduled for October 9th due to the typhoon.
-- Kirk
藤崎宮秋の例大祭2017は台風接近の為“順延”引用元：http://fujisakigu.or.jp/藤崎八幡宮の公式HPからのリリースによりますと検討の結果、台風18号の進路・勢力等を考慮し本年の神幸式を延期する事と決定致しました。ちょうど開催日の17日に最接近してしまった台風18号。引用元：https://news

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/09/14/national/kumamotos-shattered-pottery-reborn-wajima-lacquer-twist/#.WbsM6q2B364
-- Pasted by Kirk
Akira Otaguro was organizing an online photo exhibition of pottery works with a potter friend in Kumamoto Prefecture when a series of powerful earthquakes

Gakuendai Fuzoku Koukou (学園大付属高校) is the high school attached to Kumamoto Gakuen University, where our fearless editor-in-chief, Kirk, who teaches in the Economics Department.
The high school is famous for its summer uniform, a crisp light-blue linen-like one-piece with a white sailor collar and sleeve stripes as it is "fresh and cute". The uniform is not only popular among the students; it was recently selected of all female HS uniforms nation-wide as ideal for fictitious productions such as movies and TV shows.
A movie playing during the first week of October at Denkikan called "Harahara Nanoka" (はらはらなのか, Aren't You Excited?) prominently features the uniform. The school's alumna club aided production by collecting over 40 uniforms from school graduates for use in the movie. The movie's producer remarked, "The audience has commented favorably on how cute the uniform is." The photo below is from the movie.
So there you go: if anyone ever asks you what the cutest uniform in Japan is, you'll have an informed answer.. - William (Disclaimer: My son's girlfriend is a graduate from that school.)
学園大付の夏服「かわいい」　映画の衣装に／テレビでも紹介 - 熊本日日新聞
学園大付高の制服が衣装として使われている映画「はらはらなのか。」の一場面　（Ｃ）２０１７「はらはらなのか。」製作委員会学園大付高の女子夏服。女子１期生がデザインしたワンピースは、在校生にも人気という＝熊本市中央区　学園大付高（熊本市中央区大...

As William has already pointed out, a typhoon is approaching. TropicalStorm.com says that we are very likely to experience tropical storm winds by Sunday. Of course, wind is not the only threat; storm surge and heavy rain can also be dangerous. Take care!
-- Kirk
http://www.tropicalstormrisk.com

Typhoon update. While some forecasts show the typhoon passing over Kagoshima, JMA shows Kumamoto in the crosshairs. Either way is bad: the center gets stronger wind but less rain, the outer bands less wind but stronger rain - and typhoons coming from the west drop a lot of rain on the west side of the island.
Of greater concern: The typhoon has slowed down. Originally expected to come ashore Saturday morning, that time now appears to be Saturday evening; nighttime typhoons are a bit scary. Furthermore, as it meanders over the warm East China Sea, it is strengthening - from a projected 960 HPa yesterday to 935 HPa today which, in meteorological terms, is friggin' strong. It also appears it will take its time over Kyushu, perhaps a full day.
Batten down, get your flashlights and board games out, order your pizza early - this looks to be a biggie. - William

For the past few weeks I've had a nasty cold, and it reminded me of my favorite sinus-clearing Japanese snack—karashi renkon (辛子蓮根)! Karashi renkon, which means “karashi (a type of mustard) lotus root,” is a Kumamoto specialty and has become a popular side dish at local izakaya. I’ve tried it in several varieties, from the traditional style pictured below to little fried nuggets of lotus root with pockets of eye-watering mustard tucked inside. I love the crunch of the lotus root and the sharp kick of mustard. It’s hard not to like the vibrant colors, too!
Apparently karashi renkon was first cooked up as a sort of home remedy for the things that ail you. It definitely puts a spring in my step. What are some home remedies from your hometown or childhood? When I had colds as a kid my mum would always make me hot honey, lemon and ginger, and even now that combination of smells still makes me feel at home. I think only wasabi trumps karashi renkon for clearing out your sinuses, though!
-Grace

This post is from last year. This year the main event will be held on the 17th (this Sunday). Here's a link to the official schedule (in Japanese):
http://fujisakigu.or.jp/reisai/nittei.html
======
UPDATE
======
Rescheduled for October 9th due to the typhoon:
http://higojournal.com/archives/fuzisakiguuakinoreitaisai-enki.html
-- Kirk
Festival Focus: Fujisaki Hachimangu (Kumamoto)
The leaves may not be turning until November, but Kumamoto likes to kick off the autumn early with the five-day fall festival at the city's Fujisaki Hachiman Shrine. While the weather may still be ...

Post

Lotsa ways one can say "nama ham" (生ハム) - raw ham, uncured ham, dry-cured ham, prosciutto; a word I just learned today is cortador, Spanish, referring to a chef who prepares the ham in thin slices and arranges them beautifully on a plate. The reason I bring this up is that a certain Mr. Jo Akihiro, proprietor/chef of the Spanish restaurant El Castillo (get it?! His name translates as "castle," so he names his restaurant "The Castle"! Ha ha ha!) on Shinshigai was runner-up in the all-Japan Cortador Competition held in recently in Tokyo and will thus, along with the winner (some guy from Osaka), represent Japan at the World Cortador Cup, to be held in Toledo, Spain at the end of this month.
Two points. One: I shoulda been a prosciutto judge - when I was in college, I didn't even know such a job existed. Two: I really, really want to visit his restaurant (新市街13−8 Azuma ビル2F). - William
生ハム切りの技で全国準Ｖ　熊本市のシェフ・城さん - 熊本日日新聞
生ハムの知識やカッティング技術を競う「コルタドール競技会」で準優勝した城章洋さん＝熊本市中央区　生ハムの知識とカッティング技術を競うコルタドール競技会（日本生ハム協会主催）がこのほど東京都内で開かれ、熊本市中央区新市街のスペイン料理レストラ...

Hmm. We seem to have another coming. Autumn typhoons can be rather powerful, so let's keep an eye on it, shall we? - William

Tangentially related to Kumamoto: Abnormally low tides portend imminent disaster. Both tsunami and typhoons tend to suck up a lot of water before suddenly spitting it back out. Below top is a photo taken in Tohoku shortly before the tsunami hit; bottom is one of two beached manatees in Florida - apparently, the water withdrew too quickly for them to follow (they're not the brightest of animals, but then, this is not a normal situation). Fortunately, both were quickly rescued by rolling each onto a tarp and dragging them them to a channel, from whence off they swam. The rescuers than rapidly got the hell off the beach.
Lesson: If you're at the beach and see something unusual like exposed tako pots or vast expanses of sand, head for the hills. Full article (and more photos) at the link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/beached-manatees-rescued-low-tide-hurricane-irma_us_59b5b0b8e4b0354e44129193 - William