Kumamoto International Archive

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

Northern and central (and, to be fair, southern as well, but that's not the topic here) Kyushu is that type of question whose every answer raises a dozen further questions. That is, these are fascinating places galore.
Our friend Helen, host of that excellent site Explore Kumamoto, is searching for some knowlegeable and responsible people to be bilingual tour guides (that "responsible" criterion kinda rules me out). If interested (and you should be), please read Helen's post below and respond to her site. - William
Do you love exploring Kumamoto and northern Kyushu? Are you interested in meeting people from all over the world and sharing your knowledge and experience of Japan and the local area? Do you have a Japanese driving license and your own car? Are you responsible, friendly, dependable and a safe driver? If you can (honestly) answer yes to all these working part time as a guide for international tourists might be your ideal job! If you are interested in finding out more please contact Helen at Explore Kumamoto [email protected] And to see the kinds of tours we offer take a look at www.explore-kumamoto.com
Explore Kumamoto – information, places, tours and more
Explore Kumamoto is your English guide to the Kumamoto and central Kyushu region, introducing activities, experiences, customised tours and travel advice.

This post does not regard Kumamoto but a bit of neat Japanese technology recently deployed on the International Space Station, the "Int-Ball". A bit like a Roomba, it is "intelligent" - it moves around by itself in three dimensions using a gyroscope and returns to its home base for recharging when required. The device is designed to alleviate the burden of astronauts of recording visual activities on the ISS, which apparently now occupy 10% of their time. Plus, it's cute. Thanks, Japan!
(Best to watch with sound off - whoever chose the music should be fired.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXSTG0R_UJ4
Space Station gets new floating robocamera ball called "Int-Ball"
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has for the first time disclosed images and movies taken by the JEM Internal Ball Camera called "Int-Ball"－its firs...

Personal note: in the Kumamoto regional run-up to the Koshien baseball tournament, held at the Fujisakidai stadium, Daini (my wife's alma mater) is slated to face off against Kyushu Gakuin (my kids' alma mater) from noon today. My wife is quite conflicted. My daughter cares not a wit. - William

In contrast with TKU's shoddy reporting, both the English and Japanese versions of this Mainichi article are careful not to portray alleged crimes as established fact.
English:
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20170718/p2a/00m/0na/008000c
Japanese:
https://mainichi.jp/articles/20170717/ddp/041/040/033000c
TKU:
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/1527853653954728
-- Kirk
Vietnamese man arrested for allegedly robbing, trying to kill woman in Kumamoto Pref. - The Mainichi
ASAGIRI, Kumamoto -- A Vietnamese man was arrested on July 16 under suspicion of robbing and attempting to murder a woman here, it has been learned.

The privatization of Kumamoto Airport is in the air.
https://centreforaviation.com/news/mlitt-publishes-guidelines-for-kumamoto-airport-privatisation-tender-under-48-year-contract--688689
-- Kirk
MLITT publishes guidelines for Kumamoto Airport privatisation | CAPA
3-Jul-2017 12:18 PMMLITT publishes guidelines for Kumamoto Airport privatisationJapan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLITT) reportedly published the tender guidelines for the privatisation of Kumamoto Airport on 30-Jun-2017 (Sankei Shimbun/NHK News/Mainichi Shimbun, 30-Ju...

A "technical trainee" (技能実習生) from Vietnam has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and attempted murder in Asagiri-cho (a small community near Hitoyoshi). According to the report, a women was attacked with a knife and severely injured but, thankfully, is expected to survive. The accused technical trainee may indeed be guilty but I was appalled by TKU's coverage of the arrest. They didn't even bother to use words like "is accused of" or "is suspected of" or "according to so-and-so he . . ." when describing the crime. They just said "He did this, and then this," etc. and then finished the report with a sentence about how the police are looking into the motive (for the crime that TKU has already rendered their verdict on). According to this and other reports, the accused person has not admitted anything.
"Innocent until proven guilty" (suitei muzai; 推定無罪) is supposed to be a key principal in Japan's judiciary system but it seems as though TKU doesn't think the principal applies to journalism. Or, perhaps they see it as something that can be dispensed with if the accused is foreign.
If you understand Japanese, you can check out TKU's video yourself at the following address.
https://www.tku.co.jp/news/あさぎり町強盗殺人未遂事件%E3%80%80ベトナム国籍の男/
By the way, here's a link to the government's page of the trainee system:
http://www.jitco.or.jp/english/overview/itp/index.html
-- Kirk
[TKU-NEWS 夕方 17.07.17 ] あさぎり町強盗殺人未遂事件　ベトナム国籍の男を逮捕・送検
水の国くまもと応援プロジェクト進行中。TKU

Over the weekend, I went to Minamata with a group of students. We had been concerned about the weather but, other than being a bit hot, it was great. Here's a photo one of the students took from Akasaki Observation Point.
https://goo.gl/maps/mGJn3Disku32
-- Kirk

First the deluge, then the flood - of resort cancellations. Japan Today reports that Minami Oguni and other northern Kyushu onsen resorts have seen their bookings halved. This would be a good time for us locals to visit - Oguni weather is certainly far less hellish than the city. - William
https://japantoday.com/category/national/northern-kyushu-faces-growing-trip-cancellations-after-rain-disaster
Northern Kyushu faces growing trip cancellations after rain disaster
The northern Kyushu region of southwestern Japan, where people are struggling to restore lives following recent torrential rains, now faces another problem -- a growing number of trip cancellations to the area. Tourists appear to be shying away from famous resorts near the disaster-hit areas, such a...

Mr. Yagi of the Kumamoto International Foundation (KIF) has been a supporter of this network since its inception as a mailing list in 1999. In addition to supporting the mailing list and this page he has always listened quite carefully to me when I have made suggestions regarding the presentation of English information on the KIF website. One suggestion I made was to add a link to the original Japanese text when a translation of Japanese information is published on the site. My thought was that, if English speakers had access to the Japanese text, they could use it to double check the meaning (perhaps with the help of a Japanese friend) or to share with Japanese friends, etc.
Well, Mr. Yagi came through and now all of the English translations of Shisei Dayori (Kumamoto City News) articles on the website have links to the Japanese text. The image I have added to this post is of an article about the National Health Insurance Card but there are many other useful articles. To find them go to
http://www.kumamoto-if.or.jp/topics/topics_list.asp?LC=e&PageID=5
The Shisei Dayori articles are usually intended for Japanese readership. The English translations give us an idea of what kinds of information are being presented to the citizens of Kumamoto in Japanese.
The English translations may not always be perfect but I think they are good enough to get a basic idea of the original article etc. If you are interested in the topic of a post but a little puzzled by some of the English expressions, you may wish to print out the Japanese (if you don't read Japanese yourself) to show a friend in order to get clarification.
At any rate, I'm very please with the addition of links to the original Japanese on this page and would like to thank Mr. Yagi for his help. :)
-- KIrk

The Battle of Guam ended on August 10,1944, with the Mariana Islands under American control. This put the Japanese home islands in range of America's B-29 bombers. The Battle of Okinawa concluded on June 22, 1945, giving America more, closer airfields. With that done, American strategists began planning for the invasion of Japan's main islands, dubbed Operation Downfall. (Wikipedia it). The idea was that Allied forces would storm the beaches in eastern Miyazaki and western Kagoshima, meet up at a central point, and thus cut the island in half.
To facilitate this, massive bombing campaigns were undertaken to eliminate facilities across Kyushu, including in Kumamoto. Not many know that Kumamoto was home to several important military bases during the war, some of which still exist (in particular, the 北駐屯地 in Tatsuda and 健軍 - in Kengun, of course - both of which I used to teach at; the latter is still headquarters of Japan's Western Army). A very large base was located in Oe machi, where I live, and its destruction explains the current presence of the library, theater, and Gakuen University: all open space following the war.
Several bombing runs on Kumamoto occurred in July and August of 1945 which destroyed some 11,000 houses, injured 552 people, and killed 469. That this happened during the Obon season is perhaps poetic.That atomic thingy obviated need for the invasion, but older people here will remember the bombings; talk with them. There is a monument erected by the Lion's Club on Shirakawa near Suidocho which commemorates this; have a look if you're nearby. The link below contains a transcript of what is inscribed.
A favorite jogging course took me by a small graveyard in Shimonabe, where I'd often stop for a drink from a garden hose. One day, I noticed two tomb stones belonging to brothers who had died just days apart - one in the Philippines, the other in the Kumamoto bombings. Numquam iterum. - William
http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~un3k-mn/kusyu-kumamoto.htm

From the Kumamoto International Wow, I'm Glad I Don't Live There Desk: After suffering that 5.2 earthquake yesterday, northern Kagoshima/southern Kumamoto finds itself in the crosshairs of the jet stream. Those down south, please take care. - William

A note from the Kumamoto International Squamate Reptile Desk (merged with the General Reptile Desk because - what, "squamate"?!):
Geckos are known scientifically as cute little guys who eat lots of bugs. As such, in Japanese, they are called yamori (家守), which literally translates as, "Dude - just leave the genkan unlocked. I've got this."
Gecko do not have eyelids; they clean their eyes by licking them, so if one seems to be staring at you, give him a break. There are some 1,500 species worldwide, most which are represented in my bathroom. They have excellent, multi-focusable vision which, incidentally, allows them to see your dreams. Some species are parthenogenetic, which means the female is capable of reproducing without copulating with a male - though, if from abroad, they still require a spouse visa to live in Japan.
Probably the coolest thing about geckos is their footpads, which contain spatula-shaped setae arranged in lamellae to enable attractive van der Waals' forces between the β-keratin lamellae/setae/spatulae structures and the surface. This makes about as much sense to you as it does to me. Basically, it means that the little divisions on a gecko foot divide into smaller divisions which further divide into smaller divisions until nature finally says, "Okay - let's not go overboard. Just stick with us." It's kind of like the Kardashians but with a purpose.
Wherever you live, many gecko live along with you, even if you're unaware of them. They're good guys, so leave them be. Especially as they know the content of your dreams. Below: Gecko foot. - William

Fortunately, it looks like we'll have a sunny enjoyable weekend in the Minamata area. 幸い、週末の水俣旅行では天気に恵まれそうです。We have a good group but a few more university students would be welcome. ほどほどの人数のグループになりそうですが、まだ少し余裕があります。If you're interested, please fill out the following form. 興味があれば、次のフォームを記入してください。
https://goo.gl/MuF6Zk
-- Kirk

A student at Gakuen University is conducting a survey on impressions non-native Japanese have regarding the type of English spoken by that ubiquitous comedian, Tetsuro Degawa. Those who have ever watched TV in this country are likely familiar with him even if unaware of his name. The way he speaks English certainly inspires strong reactions. If you have a moment, please respond. This link leads to an introduction by the the student, a few Youtube videos, and the survey. - William
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrStZLYMRRR3AAB-s1jvieFsr8DMXiIwWvhrGcCzwTn9O4gg/viewform
What do you think of this Japanese comedian's English?
Hello. I’m Keishi Otsubo. I’m a fourth year student at Kumamoto Gakuen University. I am doing a survey about communication between Japanese and foreigners and I am interested in your impressions about Tetsuro Degawa's English. Please watch these videos before you answer the questions. https://youtu....

A major earthquake occurred in Kagoshima. I think it was probably strong enough for people in parts of southern Kumamoto to feel. I'm not aware of any mudslides being triggered by this quake. That may be quite lucky. Heavy, slippery mud and earthquakes are not a good combination.
Magnitude: 5.2
Highest intensity on Japanese scale: 5+
-- Kirk
http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/6/20170711120030495-111156.html

Mobile vendors in Japan have assumed a number soft melodies to announce their presence. There is the whistle-like "tooo-fuuu" to announce the tofu truck which comes around in the morning and the mournful ramen melody heard around midnight for those having not yet eaten. In winter, there is the yaki-imo truck, which promises the potatoes are rock-roasted, and on weekends, when dad is home, trucks pass by with rather rackety announcements to sell you laundry polls (always the same price as 30 years ago, they claim) or to collect your used electronics.
They each have a sound and a predictable appearance, but perhaps none is more beloved than Donkey Bread (robanopanya「ロバのパン屋」). Its melody is evocative of the jaunty gait of the donkeys used before today's minivans, and it generally appears 'twixt that time when housewives have finished their housework and must begin preparing lunch - exactly when toddlers too young for kindergarten grow stir-crazy. (I know this because I remember. Trying hard not to cry here.)
Donkey Bread was born in Kyoto in the early Showa era to sell steamed bread, and by 1950, there were 200 outlets nationwide, though few are left. Tani Hideo-san (78) is the last in Kumamoto. Since 1961, he and his wife (77) have awoken at 3:00 to steam some 1,500 pieces of bread filled with various flavors which he sells for 50 yen apiece ("Or two for 100 yen!" he jokes). Until the late '70s, he used a donkey cart, then switched to the same van he uses today. He reflected, "Long ago, I'd travel as far as Misumi, which took seven hours, including grazing time for the donkey."
Sadly, Tani-san has decided that it is time to hang up his baker's spurs, largely due to a neck injury he suffered in a fall last year. However, he is aware of his legacy. "I know that many are nostalgic of this melody. I hope there will be someone to succeed me."
Tani-san's equipment is all well maintained and stored at his house, simply waiting for a successor. Let me know if you are interested.
A photo of a young Tani-san with his donkey and the original article from Kumanichi are at the link. - William
https://this.kiji.is/256946125467844610?c=92619697908483575
移動販売「ロバのパン屋」愛された60年　店主、体調崩し閉店 - 熊本日日新聞
営業車として使っていたワゴン車と谷秀夫さん。棚には販売していた８種類の品名も＝熊本市南区１９７０年１０月、台車を引く馬の世話をする谷秀夫さん＝熊本市　「♪ロバのおじさんチンカラリン」のメロディーで、約６０年親しまれてきた移動販売の蒸しパン店...

Rick Brezina of Amakusa continues to hold his own in the Red Bull X-Alps competition. He's near the middle of the pack right now, which, considering the level of the competition, is an amazing feat! And, of course, it ain't over 'til it's over! Click on the image from to see a video of him coming in for a beautiful landing (the image is from the video). Click on the following link to see another post I made about the competition with links to more information, including information about how to follow his progress live.
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/1509281062478654
More importantly, I'm planning to following this post up with a comment about how to cheer him on so please take a look at the comment and send him your words of encouragement!
-- Kirk
got you! moving on...Got it! #ricksxalps #redbullxalps #montbell ＃熊電 #YAESU #APRS ＃モンベル #リック＃偉大なる小さな一歩 #GAIN #gorickgo #TP3

A note from the Kumamoto International Scary Things Desk (which, in Japan, is jishin, kaminari, kaji, oyaji 『地震雷火事おやじ』): The thunder you're currently hearing is likely cloud-to-cloud, which explains the absence of visible lightning. The cool, dry jet stream.from the west is scooting above the warm, wet air from the south with a high speed differential, creating electrically charged regions between the two cloud layers which must be equalized; hence, my dog spending the morning under the table (for every action, there is a reaction). Since it's another rainy Sunday, one may as well ponder this. Below is a chart to help you start. - William

This Japan Times article features a YouTube video (in Japanese) about the importance of the igusa crop (the raw material used to make tatami mats) in Kumamoto. It ends with the female model eating her chop sticks, which are made from igusa.
-- Kirk
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/07/08/business/corporate-business/tatami-promoters-kumamoto-develop-rush-flavored-edible-chopsticks/
Tatami promoters in Kumamoto develop rush-flavored 'edible chopsticks' | The Japan Times
When you have finished your meal, you can eat your chopsticks! A group in Kumamoto Prefecture promoting the wider use of tatami has developed "edible chops

Earlier today I wrote about rain warnings issued for today:
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/photos/a.129499733790134.25925.123734781033296/1516140385126055/?type=3&theater
I found the official warnings to be puzzling because the weather seemed good and stayed good for quite a while. Then, on the news this evening, I saw a video similar to the one I've uploaded predicting heavy rain in the middle of the night. "Oh, so that must be what the warning was about -- something predicted to happen in about 12 hours!", I thought. I was watching NHK TV but I found a similar animated prediction at the following address:
http://www.jma.go.jp/en/radame/index.html?areaCode=214
Warnings would be much more helpful with links to more information about what the warning is based on, when the bad weather is predicted to arrive, etc.
-- Kirk
P.S. I saw another program indicating that the meteorology agency has trouble getting good data at sea. So, perhaps the early warning had something to do with such uncertainty. The TV program said that the weather agency was unable to predict the severity of the rain that hit northern Kyushu because they don't have good real-time measurements of what is happening at sea. Still, adding some probability estimate or other explanation about timeframe etc. to severe weather warningss would be helpful, I think.