Kumamoto International Archive

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

Attention cyclists! (Kirk)
--- note from an insider ---
. . . we are looking for (international) cycling fans to attend the finish of the final stage on Mon. Oct 14 - public holiday - and their is some “hospitality” for those who are selected. It’s a ways from Kumamoto - but if you or anyone you know is a cycling fan - this will be fun
--- end note ---
https://www.fukuoka-now.com/en/event/tour-de-kyushu-fan-zone/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFWWOpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHX3Mpv69GJOdhycR12buAW-vcjBrnsC8GPwHiu8Mb4jkdommp8j70rW7hQ_aem__TJZZnCeFY8Asc5bopXFvQ
Tour de Kyushu Cycling International Fan Zone Event - Free Food and Drinks! | Fukuoka Now
Join us for the Tour de Kyushu, a prestigious UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) sanctioned cycle road race, returning for its second year in Kyushu! ...

Kirk here. If you've been in Kumamoto for a while, you probably have at least some familiarity with "shiranui." The basic meaning is "unknown fire" or "unknown light" (in reference to an optical illusion) but it has come to be used in a variety of proper nouns (see the following Wikipedia "disambiguation" for an English-language list of all of the usages):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiranui_(disambiguation)
Well, some high school students have succeeded in reproducing the "rare type of atmospheric optical phenomenon that can be glimpsed in the Yatsushiro Sea and nowhere else in Japan."
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15400093
Wow!
P.S. To see a long list of posts on this page that include the word or proper noun "shiranui", see the following.
https://www.facebook.com/profile/100064554018003/search/?q=shiranui
Kumamoto high school’s quest to get a fix on elusive mirage | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
UTO, Kumamoto Prefecture--A high school science club here enlisted the help of local fishermen to reproduce a rare type of atmospheric optical phenomenon that can be glimpsed in the Yatsushiro Sea and nowhere else in Japan.

Kirk here with a share from Kuma Visit.
https://www.facebook.com/kumavisit/posts/pfbid0ThooCHcAvbyGNh7sPYQNKQadXLtx6Rg7Qsqc5oSDre4bzSMbpBzB9sBMLQbkuReyl
If you haven't already "liked" Kuma Visit please do so. I think you'll find many worthwhile posts there . . . and I'm only able to share a few of them here.

William A bit more about the Kumamoto Autumn Festival (colloquially known as "Boshita Matsuri": The festival originated in Ho-jo-e (the ritual for releasing living beings), a festival of letting wild animals go into the fields, a Buddhist custom (many local shrines are called "放牛" for this reason). The Zuibyo, or parade of following samurai, originated from the returning samurai of Katō Kiyomasa from Korea during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592-1598). The decorated horses were originally those for Shinto priests (kannushi), twelve in number,　and in the Hosokawa clan period, only upper-class samurai families presented horses. Neighborhoods or trade associations bond to create the groups, which have ballooned to more than 50.
The festival has undergone many alterations since its inception. In particular, following Kato Kiyomasa's invasion of Korea (1592-1598), the phrase "Boshita! Boshita! Horo boshita!" (We destroyed! We completely destroyed!" was introduced. Due to completely understandable reasons, this was replaced in the '80s with the (lame) "Dokai dokai!", which is Kumamoto dialect for "How's it going?"
The procession winds through city streets to the castle, where participants take a break, and then back to Fujisaki shrine in the evening. In my opinion, the evening return is the best time to watch: the participants, particularly the horses, are exhaust, and one can easily mingle with the throng.
Many valid complaints regarding cruelty towards the horses are presented. It is, though, just one day, and the horses are treated as humanely as possible given the situation. Perhaps it is better than eating them (though I do so love basashi!) Photo ripped from the Web.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Festival_of_Fujisaki_Hachimangu_Shrine

Kirk here with a map of the parade route tomorrow, which I found here:
https://nikko-kumamoto.co.jp/_data/files/2024/09/11/abbeef1fe6c27751131f7b02a35110a6a93c911d.pdf
or
https://fujisakigu.or.jp/reitaisai/koutsukisei/
Check the URLs for the afternoon map.
It starts at (A) on the map (Fujisakigu Shrine) and proceeds to Otabisho, north of (I). The area with dark red lines near G is where "horse chasing" (umaoi) occurs. I feel rather conflicted about promoting it, especially because I fear that some of the horses are likely to suffer from heat exhaustion tomorrow, but as I assume that some of you might want to witness the event, I'll share the following translation of a Japanese-language description:
--- start translation ---
This festival is also called the "Horse Chasing Festival" (umaoi matsuri). On the procession route, the area in front of the Kumamoto branch of the Bank of Japan is referred to as the "Horse Chasing Course" (umaoi course) because groups of horses and their handlers vigorously dash through the town one after another. It's a must-see spectacle to watch how skillfully they handle the ornately decorated and excited horses.
--- end translation ---
https://www2.myjcom.jp/special/jch/matsuri_hanabi/column/column_05.shtml

Kirk here with information about tomorrow's festival with I've used ChatGPT to translate from the following web page:
https://fujisakigu.or.jp/reitaisai/info/
神幸式ー随兵行列　　　飾馬（60頭）
Shinkoshiki - Retinue Procession with 60 Decorated Horses
午前2時　朝御食祭
2:00 AM - Morning Meal Ceremony
午前6時　本宮御発輦
6:00 AM - Departure from the Main Shrine
午前8時30分　御旅所御着輦
8:30 AM - Arrival at the Otabisho (temporary resting place for the deity)
午前9時　御能（於御旅所）
9:00 AM - Noh Performance (at the Otabisho)
午後2時　御旅所御発輦
2:00 PM - Departure from the Otabisho
午後4時　本宮御還幸御還幸祭併せて夕御食祭
4:00 PM - Return to the Main Shrine and Evening Meal Ceremony
終日　奉納挿花　ー熊本いけばな芸術協会ー（廻廊）
All Day - Dedication of Flower Arrangements by the Kumamoto Ikebana Art Association (Corridor)
I don't know if there's anything to see at 2AM but if you plan to observe the festivities, I highly recommend being there for the start of the parade a 6AM. If you can get to the shrine (Fujisaki Hachiman-gu) a little before 6AM you should be able to see where people are lining up to view. If I can get around to it, I'd like to post a map of the route so you can choose a spot farther away from the starting point (the shrine) if you like. But, it's going to be really hot tomorrow so that's one reason (in addition to others) that I strongly recommend getting there early.

Atsuko here.(*´∀`)ﾉ
This is a continuation of the information on the Kumamoto YWCA from the other day.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/PvoBzyKDcMSfSiR3/
The YWCA, located next to Kumamoto University, holds a Nakayoshi Club every Saturday from 10:00 to 12:30.
The Nakayoshi Club was started by us 6 years ago to provide support for Kumamoto's international students coming from overseas, university teachers, their families, and children with foreign roots. It was also the reason I started to write in Kumamoto International.
Yesterday, Saturday, two children from Afghanistan and one foreign student from Ghana came to our club.
We are looking for both new users and volunteer staff.
The corona is subsiding and I plan to participate again from time to time.
We are looking forward to your participation and support.
NAKAYOSHI Club
Every Saturday 10ー12:30
YWCA bazaar
First Saturday 2ー4
@熊本YWCA

Kirk here with some information about an opportunity to study Japanese. A link the the online application form an other material is available here:
https://www.kuma-koku.jp/support-center/page357.htm

William https://www.kikuyouhp.jp/ (Kikuyou Byouin - Kikuyou Hospital) is a safe place so unique to Kyushu that patients visit from Kagoshima to Fukuoka. The second floor is for recovering alcoholics; the third, for those with miscellaneous issues. I had been in deep depression since my wife died and reached out for help, not having eaten for a week, and was assigned to the third floor ward - one can stay there for quite a while before asking why my roommates were there. We eat together and attend sessions together and walk the hall together and eventually become friends - even the most recalcitrant .
If you have any trouble of any kind, please do not hesitate to reach out. Shout out my name and they'll smile (patiently).

Cassie here. Here’s a great example of local kids doing amazing things in sports. Kyushu Gakuin’s high school and junior high school teams both won the national tournaments in August. They visited the prefecture office and met with the governor.
I put the article through translation software. It turned out pretty good. However the kendo coach’s name is Komeda not Yoneda. There are several ways to read his kanji.
On the 12th, the boys' kendo clubs of Kyushu Gakuin High School and junior high school visited the prefectural office to report that they had each won the national tournament in August.
Members of the boys' kendo club of Kyushu Gakuin attended the victory report meeting.
The high school team won the Inter-High team championship in August, held in Oita Prefecture, for the second year in a row and their 11th victory.
The junior high school team also won the team championship in the National Junior High School Kendo Championship in Niigata Prefecture in August, for the first time in two years.
Upon hearing the victory report, Governor Kimura said, "It is the pride of the people of Kumamoto that we have been able to make the name of Kendo Kingdom known throughout the country."
Captain Chikamoto Tadasuke, third year student, Kyushu Gakuin High School Boys Kendo Club
"Before the Inter-High, we lost in the Gyokuryu-ki tournament in Fukuoka, which was disappointing, so I think we used that experience as motivation to work hard and win."
Director and coach, Yoneda, Kyushu Gakuin Boys Kendo Club
"As for the high school students, I think they were able to overcome many obstacles while understanding their own position and of course putting in effort, which led to this result. I also think that the junior high school students were able to show more than their strengths in this tournament."
TKU テレビ熊本 - これからも、まんなかに、くまもと。リズム！TKU
水の国くまもと応援プロジェクト進行中。TKU

Kirk here. Providing advance notice about festivals is something I've always wanted to do but haven't been able to follow through with for the most part. This video is a news report about the Hassaku Festival in Yamato-machi which was held recently.
Monday (the 16th) the Fujisaki Hachimangu Grand Festival will be held here in Kumamoto City. I've always thought that early morning (about 6 AM or maybe even a little earlier?) was the best view time. Now that autumn feels like midsummer, I think the case for getting out early in the morning is even stronger.
伝統の八朔祭　大造り物の引き廻し【熊本】 (24/09/09 19:00)
上益城郡山都町では、伝統の八朔祭が開かれ、８日は、祭りの呼び物『大造り物』の引き廻しが行われました。２５０年以上前から五穀豊穣を願い山都町の浜町商店街一帯で開かれている八朔祭。７日から始まった祭りは８...

Kirk here. I'm sure many residents of Kumamoto would like to have 60% more income as a result of TSMC's arrival but, personally, I'm not holding my breath. ;)
TSMC to boost Kumamoto's economy by 60%
Kyushu's anticipation for the economic impact brought about by TSMC continues to grow.

KIrk here. First, here's the basic information about the fireworks in Yatsushiro:
Date and Time
- Saturday, October 19, 2024
- Fireworks starts at 6:00 pm doors open 1:00 pm
*Rain-or-shine event, postponed to Saturday, November 9th in case of stormy weather
Place
- The flood plain of Kumagawa River in Yatsushiro City (Upstream of Shin Hagiwara Bridge)
Sponsored by the Executive Committee of Yatsushiro National Fireworks Competition Festival
Now, here's an inquiry we received:
--- start quote ---
I'm interested in going with Julie to the Yatsushiro Fireworks competition oN October 19th. I'd appreciate information from anyone who has gone in the past:
The website shows a "couple chair" but doesn't indicate the cost of that kind of seat. We'd like to know the cost and if it can be reserved.
--- end quote ---
Unfortunately the "couple chairs" seem to sold out now.
If anyone has some words of wisdom about how to enjoy this outstanding event, please share your thoughts in a comment.
37th Yatsushiro National Fireworks Competition Festival: Paid Seat Ticket Reservation | Kumamoto
Witness the awe-inspiring "37th Yatsushiro National Fireworks Competition Festival" in Kumamoto! Experience the electrifying night

Kirk here with an update on how pathogens in river caused illness in Amakusa:
--- start quote ---
Osamu Doi, a doctor who heads the Kumamoto branch of the Japanese Alpine Club, said the number of deer, boars and other wild animals has sharply increased in mountains across the Kyushu region.
“I see their bodies and feces while climbing. It is only natural for them to flow into rivers and become a source of infection,” he said.
--- end quote ---
If it weren't for the spread of illness, increased numbers of wild animals would strike me as positive. It's different phenomenon but I'm reminded of the increased trouble with bears being reported in northern Japan.
Kumamoto incident exposes risks of infection in rivers | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
AMAKUSA, Kumamoto Prefecture—The recent illnesses of dozens of people here underscored the risks to health lurking in river water.

Here is some information about events to enjoy the Mid-Autumn Moon.
I was worried about the lack of rain this summer. But this year, even though it is Kumamoto, there are fewer clouds at night than usual, and I think the starry sky and moon are beautiful.
I hope the mid-autumn moon will be beautiful as well. Atsuko( ¯ ꒳¯)
https://castle-kumamoto--guide-jp.translate.goog/events/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en

Attn: Indonesia young people interested in studying in Kumamoto. -- Kirk
"Study in Japan for ASEAN": Kumamoto University Invites UB Students to Pursue Education in Japan | Prasetya UB
The International Academic Affairs Unit (UPT. IAA) or International Office of Universitas Brawijaya (UB) today held an event titled “Study in Japan for ASEAN,” initiated by Kumamoto University. The event aimed to introduce study opportunities in Japan to students and academics in the ASEAN regio...

Atsuko here.
Some September communications.
The typhoons have gone and fall is here.
I went to volunteer yesterday to prepare for Mizuakari. I felt like there were fewer volunteers this year, perhaps because of the change in location. I love this festival, where we work with the local residents to make the town more lively by crafting bamboo. The members are almost exclusively Japanese, but it is a lot of fun. There was also a girl from France who interned at the recent Mizuakari in Sakuramachi. I sometimes participate in the festival too. The volunteer place is right next to TKU. Please go to TKU for parking and for those who come by bus. To participate, please fill out the participation form.
In the afternoon, I went to the YWCA bazaar. September is the season for newcomers: students, teachers, and researchers. The bazaar is held on the first Saturday of the month from 2:00 to 4:00. You can buy bedding, clothes, shoes, and dishes for daily life at very low prices. The admission fee is 200 yen. I bought a T-shirt and a tank top for 100 yen and 50 yen. Yesterday, only one graduate student from Africa came. We are waiting for a lot of use.
Every Saturday from 10:00, there is a Nakayoshi Club for children with foreign roots and foreign students. We are looking for both participants and volunteers for the Nakayoshi Club.
Let's have fun and work hard in September!
MIZUAKARI volunteer
https://mizuakari-net.translate.goog/?_x_tr_sch=http&_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en
YWCA bazaar, NAKAYOSHI club
https://kumamoto--ywca-jimdofree-com.translate.goog/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en

I am very disappointed that the Japanese recruitment is over. This tour is to heal your fatigue at a hot spring in Kikuchi.
English information is below. "(ﾉ*>∀<)ﾉAtsuko
Details web page in English
https://www-city-kikuchi-lg-jp.translate.goog/article/view/1091/10538.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawFJAhZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHdFxJ-UIj-xrPKQLgKUEwjKgjGR0q9UeHlb4-0aL5B65b9tOGZeZW1mQDA_aem_xH2kkRmub0B4OsVZVmJoDg&_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en
Google form in English
https://logoform-jp.translate.goog/form/fJeH/698441?fbclid=IwY2xjawFJApxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHRtMDvVjv-Ov0ot4f9awayQYQrKBRMz5Ewe75mz2Zzc26mU28AvaGxmzLA_aem_jUXn13yw8mX8ZDnD5xk4lA%2Fform%2FfJeH%2F698441%3Ffbclid%3DIwY2xjawFJApxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHRtMDvVjv-Ov0ot4f9awayQYQrKBRMz5Ewe75mz2Zzc26mU28AvaGxmzLA_aem_jUXn13yw8mX8ZDnD5xk4lA&_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_hist=true

Attn: Coffee lovers. Please share your reviews of this article and great places not mentioned in it. -- Kirk
https://www.tokyoweekender.com/food-and-drink/where-to-get-an-incredible-coffee-in-kumamoto/

-Update -Update -Update -Update -Update
First meeting September 14th from 19:00 - 20:30
Location: 5 min walk from Shin Sui Zen Ji Eki.
Questions: Message here or email: [email protected]
Sean here-
Attention Parents and Teachers (or anyone else)! Help Us Find Teenagers for the 7th Annual 2024 Halloween Four R Trick or Trash Event!
Do you know a teenager who is passionate about the environment and eager to make a difference in their community? We’re looking for enthusiastic teens to join us for our 7th Annual Halloween Four R Trick or Trash event! This event is dedicated to teaching children the importance of recycling, reducing, reusing, and refusing waste.
This event is not about candy, but about the environment and celebrating the children who participate. Not only is this a fantastic opportunity for teens to educate the younger generation, but it’s also a fundraiser with proceeds going to support single moms in Kumamoto. Teens will be involved in every aspect of the event, from planning and promoting to executing the activities.
In recent years, including last year, our event has been incredibly successful, garnering a lot of media attention. We need the creativity, energy, and dedication of teenagers to make this year’s event even better!
English is not necessary.
If you know a teenager who would be interested in joining us and making a positive impact, please PM me for more details.
Video is pretty good to understand what we do.