Kumamoto International Archive

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

William This has little to do with Kumamoto other than it is Japan-related (and Tokyo-centric), yet it still hits a chord: A self-acknowledged pudgy junk-food addicted British guy tries to analyze life in Japan (one of a long series):
The Next Chapter
A bold move or the craziest thing I've ever done. Either way, it should be an interesting end to 2023.⛩️ SEND us your challenges: https://www.abroadinjapan.c...

Kirk here with some news about the "birthday run" of the SL Hitoyoshi, which is slated to retire next spring.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kEWHAB2edo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAIq2z6HMDI

Kirk here. Tomorrow is "Labor Thanksgiving Day" （勤労感謝の日; kinrou kansha no hi）in Japan and "Thanksgiving Day" in the U.S. This coincidence made me wonder if it had something to do with the U.S. occupation of Japan and the imposition of American sensibilities on the country. I Googled the topic and found that the answer is "well, yes, in a way, but it wasn't just a matter of importing the U.S. holiday."

The Japanese Wikipedia page on the current thanksgiving holiday indicates that giving the Japanese people a holiday akin to the American one was part of the story but most of the web pages I looked at indicate that getting rid of another holiday with strong associations with the Emperor and Shinto was an even bigger motivation. That holiday was the Niiname-sai (新嘗祭, also read Shinjō-sai and Niiname-no-Matsuri). Wikipedia explains that the "ritual is celebrated by the Emperor of Japan, who thanks the Shinto deities for a prosperous year and prays for a fruitful new year." (It's no longer a national holiday but it is still celebrated by the emperor, hence the picture of the current emperor performing the ceremony.) And, since the Niiname-sai is also about giving thanks, a "thanksgiving" holiday made a good replacement. It's a bit like the Catholic church repackaging "pagan" holidays for converted populations.
The shift to the current holiday occurred in 1948.
Picture source:
https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASNCS5HNQNCNUTIL00T.html
By the way, I was a little surprised by the name of the old festival, "Niiname-sai," because the second word, "name," sounds like the work "lick." But this isn't the "new lick" holiday. Apparently, this "name" (嘗) means "taste" (as in tasting this year's new rice), whereas "lick" would be 舐め.

Kirk here with a little more about TSMC.
TSMC Kumamoto plant expected to be first completed overseas factory - Rti
TSMC’s Kumamoto plant will be the first overseas factory to be completed and is expected to be the speediest mass production operation. This was the w...

Kirk here with a nice post from Jeff about swordsmith Matsunaga, shared with permission.
https://www.facebook.com/shodoushaku/posts/pfbid02QyW4ZPKpPCFUJJFeXeaUf42NeLLtXZ1w2Z8vTjeZZut4s6DRbAktwyTNwVQbHoU1l

William Bit of sad news about an abandoned corpse of a mother in Amakusa. https://japantoday.com/category/crime/72-year-old-man-arrested-after-remains-of-mother-found-buried-in-vacant-lot
The death of a loved one can be sudden and entails many details, primarily bureaucratic and logistic. Death must be registered with City Hall and disposal of remains properly attended to (very most frequently by cremation, after which the contents of the urn may be treated at will within reason). Many, in their bereaved state, are ill-prepared to handle these tasks. I suppose that, technically, this belongs in JT's "crime" section, but it might more reasonably belong to a "personal tragedy" section.
Upon my wife's recent demise, I found the process surprisingly easy when done through the proper channels. We went through https://hataosougisha.com/ in Suizenji, who very kindly attended to all of the details, even leaving us run of their entire hall during her wake for a full night.
If you find yourself in this tragic situation, please do not hesitate to reach out to us for help. Many of us have been there. (Note: photo is from Website.)
https://japantoday.com/category/crime/72-year-old-man-arrested-after-remains-of-mother-found-buried-in-vacant-lot

William Due to an abundance of inattention (of which I have a plethora), I'd mistaken my 4th round of corona vaccine for the flu shot (the former is free - if you're a resident and haven't received the docs, contact your local public office). But that got me thinking: Is the covid vaccine effective against the flu?
Apparently, the answer is "No." So my inattention requires another visit to the clinic for another jab, which is free for those over 65 but 1,500円 for all else. Still, I recommend it: the flu is really, really not fun. If you have questions, please let us know.
One piece of advice for long-term residents: find a good local clinic and stick with it. My doctor knows my medical history and my children's by heart.
Here is some basic info:
COVID-19 Vaccine Information 新型コロナウイルス感染症のワクチン接種について

William Without an understanding of the Hosokawa clan, understanding of Kumamoto is not possible. A bit of a long but important read: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosokawa_clan
Various relics from their reign remain, one of which is their old house which is located on the east side of Ninomaru (within the confines of the historic castle perimeter). It has not often been open to the public since renovation work began after the quakes. Kumanichi reports that it will be open to visitors until 12/3.
A visit not only gives insight into how the high and mighty lived in that era (answer: pretty poorly, by today's standards) but also some lovely autumn leaves. Parking is available nearby, and the castle circuit bus stops in front.
https://kumanichi.com/articles/1236395

Kirk here. The arrival of TSMC is, of course, bringing Taiwanese people to Kumamoto. The article I'm linking to discusses many ways in which preparations are being made for their arrival. One small aspect of that is Tsuruya stocking more Taiwanese food items that we can all enjoy.
--- start quote
Tsuruya department store in Kumamoto, which has already stocked duty-free merchandise for visitors from overseas, has been increasing its efforts to add products that would be useful for foreign nationals residing in the prefecture. In September 2022, it opened a special section in its food hall that carries about 50 items from Taiwan, from seasonings to instant noodles.
--- end quote ---
Article: Kumamoto Learns How to Woo People from Taiwan
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/features/japan-focus/20231118-150169/
P.S. Note for language buffs --> "Woo" sounds vaguely Chinese but apparently is not:
--- start quote ---
Old English wogian "to woo, court, marry," of uncertain origin and with no known cognates; perhaps related to woh, wog- "bent, inclined," as with affection. Related: Wooed; wooing; wooer.
--- end quote ---
https://www.etymonline.com/word/woo

William We've had some rough weather recently. Kumanichi reports on the first snow in Aso. Generally, the roads are clear enough to travel there without tire chains, but caution is advised.
Sometimes, there is also snow on Mt Kimpo. It is great fun for the kids, but the road there is less well maintained, so if you go up in the snow, plan to drive very slowly and carefully.
https://kumanichi.com/articles/1235599

Atsuko here.
This is the Christmas donation party that Ruth shared with us the other day. As Kirk has pointed out here before, it's hard to get the word out for reading without pictures, so I made a flyer.
We are looking forward to making fried food for lots of participation. Invite your friends and come!
ଘ(੭ˊ꒳ˋ)੭✧
Ruth's share
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=727637032731424&id=100064554018003&sfnsn=mo
Last time before corona
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=716964753800047&id=100064595866098&sfnsn=mo
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
Thank you for your big support in 2023!!
I would like to say Thanks to you at this year end.
And I would like to ask you to help out us to give X'mas PRESENTS for lots ORPHANS. They wait their X'mas presents this year also, as usual, with lots of hope.
We would like to give X'mas presents for orphans as many as, as much as we can.
So all amount of fee becomes donation for PRESENTS.
So we should bring our foods, drinks, snacks, sweets by ourselves.We should bring enough to share friends.
This year, the place will cost 1,500 yen. I will pay that.
Please come and join us!!
Many participants make lots DONATION. Many guests make many kids Happy!!!
Please invite and bring your friends!!
Enjoy Happy X'mas, being TONAKAI together!!
12/2(土) pm5:30～8:30
大人adult 2000yen
学生university students, ALT 1000yen
子どもunder 18years kids 500yen
Potluck style Party!!
You should bring enough foods or drinks, snacks or sweets for yours, for sharing others. Thanks😉💕
If you can't bring your own food, you'll have to pay an extra 2,000 yen for the meal.
ALL amount of FEE becomes the DONATION💖 of X'mas PRESENTS for ORPHANS!!
Details
https://www.facebook.com/share/LprQTvBpGY7tCpkG/

Atsuko here.
Information about events to learn about Palestine and Gaza.
This is a Kumamoto university event, but it is a hybrid sponsored event that you can participate in online without being a Kumadai student or going to Kumadai on the day of the event.( •̀∀•́ )/
https://fb.me/2NXOgqqXl1sjXK8
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
Palestine Current situation facing Palestinians including Gaza and issues facing society.
Given the current violence and suffering among Palestinians and Israelis, there is renewed interest in the social and political situations in the Middle East. This talk will address the recent history in the region and some of the causes for the current situation, as well as a discussion about the possible prospects. There will be Q&A at the end of the talk.
The talk will be held in English with Japanese interpretation The event is hybrid and will be in person as well as on Zoom The Event is Free and Open to Public but Registration is Required https://bit.ly/3MCsVZ1
Deadline 11.23.
Joshua Rickard is a Social Anthropologist and currently Associate Professor, Project Faculty at Kumamoto University. He has a PhD from the University of Kent and was previously a postdoctoral fellow at the National University of Singapore. He has carried out extensive fieldwork in Palestinian communities since 2007 and his research interests include migration, civil society movements, and how the notions of community and belonging are rearticulated by people in uncertain and transitory situations. His book The Fragmentation of Palestine was published in 2022 with I.B. Tauris-Bloomsbury.
現在のパレスチナ人とイスラエル人のあいだにおける暴力と苦しみを受け、中東の社会的・政治的状況に対する関心が再び高まっています。この講演では、この地域の近年の歴史と現在の状況の原因のいくつかの例を取り上げ、今後起こりうる見通しについても議論します。講演の最後には質疑応答も予定しています。
講演は英語、日本語通訳つき。会場参加、またはZoomを利用したハイブリッド形式で開催。参加費無料、事前登録が必要。https://bit.ly/3MCsVZ1
申し込み締切 11月23日
ジョシュア・リカード熊本大学多言語文化総合教育センター特任准教授文化人類学者。ケント大学で博士号を取得後、シンガポール国立大学で博士研究員を務める。2007年よりパレスチナのコミュニティで広範なフィールドワークを開始し、移民や強制移住、市民運動、不確実で一過性の状況にある人々によってコミュニティや帰属の概念がどのように再定義されるのかなどを研究テーマとしている。著書に、The Fragmentation of Palestine: Identity and Isolation since the Second Intifada (パレスチナの分断:第二次インティファーダ以降のアイデンティティと孤立)(2022)I.B. Tauris- Bloomsbury出版。
《リンクからお申し込みください/Please register from the link》https://bit.ly/3MCsVZ1

Kirk here. RKK reports that there was a demonstration of about 50 people in downtown Kumamoto today calling for an end to the attack on Gaza and a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
I'll put the link in a comment.

Kirk here. Sometimes readers of the page kindly share essays and/or pictures with the editors. This essay and the pictures came from Gene Toda (Gene is on the left in the closeup photo). Thanks Gene! He generously shared many more photos with us but I picked out these two as "illustrations" for his essay.
--- Essay from Gene ----
A few days ago, I came across an article about the US Marines conducting a joint exercise with JMGDF in Kengun, Kumamoto. The irony of it struck me as amusing. Currently, I am serving in the US Navy, with 18 years under my belt, and residing in MCAS Miramar base housing. However, my roots trace back to Kumamoto, Japan.
Throughout my Navy career, I have been posted in various locations, including Norfolk, VA, Atsugi and Sasebo in Japan, Diego Garcia, Guam, Bangor, WA, and now San Diego, CA. My early life was spent in Ashikita, Kumamoto until high school. Later, I moved to Kumamoto city to attend accounting school. From 1992 to 1998, I served in the JMSDF and was stationed in Sasebo. Shortly thereafter, I married an American who was an English language teacher at the time and moved to the US in 2001. After spending four years in Indiana, I joined the US Navy in 2005.
This week, I attended a week-long course called "Advanced Enlisted Leadership Development". Today was our final day, and we were tasked with presenting on "My Leadership Philosophy". During my speech, I shed light on the stark contrast between Eastern and Western cultures. I spoke about the collective culture of the East versus the individualistic culture of the West.
I shared anecdotes of my upbringing and how I was taught the values of teamwork and respect from an early age. In kindergarten, we wore the same uniforms and learned synchronized dancing. Everyone had a role to play - be it cleaning, serving lunch, leading the class or heading teams. We took turns in these roles and everyone was an integral part of the community. We had sports festivals and cultural festivals where everyone had the opportunity to showcase their unique character and skills.
In Japan, leaders are seen as patient, hardworking, and loyal to everyone. However, adjusting to the individualistic culture of America has been challenging for me. In Japan, we have a saying: "The nail that sticks out gets hammered". But in the US, unique talents are celebrated and individuals are encouraged to hone their abilities. A friend once told me: "You have to be greedy sometimes. If you don’t say what you want, you don’t get anything. The squeaky wheel gets the oil". Another friend shared a similar sentiment with the quote: "The crying baby gets milk".
I've observed that in America, outspokenness, extroversion, cleverness and alpha-type personalities are often idealized and valued in leaders.
I concluded my speech by stating that my leadership philosophy has been shaped by my experiences in Japan and the Japanese Navy. I believe in emphasizing teamwork, respect, understanding different perspectives, continuous improvement, and mutual learning. By embracing these principles, I am confident that we can create a positive and empowering work environment where individuals can thrive and collectively achieve success.

Kirk here. The other day I posted a YouTube link to this ABEMA News segment featuring Kumamoto International's own Hari Devokta, talking about his meeting the other day with the mayor. I was amazed (and actually rather disappointed) to find the "reach" (number of viewers) of the post to be pretty dismal -- a measly 116 at this point. That makes it one of the least popular posts on this page. I'm reposting it now without the link (in order to avoid any suppression by the Facebook algorithm) to double-check to see if people really just aren't interested or if there's something about the Facebook platform that caused this to get ignored.
By the way, it was quite popular on YouTube: 55,000 views, 510 comments (many of them praising Hari's performance).
I'll add a link to my original (extremely unpopular) post in a comment.

Kirk here. A big badminton tournament is currently underway here in Kumamoto.
2023 BWF Badminton Kumamoto Masters Japan
Follow this exciting Super500 tournament in Japan, where the world’s bests will compete for Olympic qualification points!

Atsuko.
Here is a share of Hitoyoshi's sky Lantern Festival.
I am from the northern part of the prefecture, so I don't often go to the southern part of the prefecture, but I was very interested in this Lantern Festival and went there for the first time tonight.
It was fun and beautiful with lots of lanterns flying around. But it was very cold. It was so cold that I went to a nearby hot spring to warm up. Today was the Hitoyoshi Onsen Festival, so I could enter for only 200 yen for adults. It is very slippery.
We also bought a cup of Kuma shochu for 200 yen. I forgot to take a picture of it, so I took a poster of Kuma shochu.
Aoi Shrine was lit up and looked beautiful.
I was surprised to find some venison sprinkles at a nearby Yumemart. It is indeed Hitoyoshi.
https://www.hitoyoshi-skylantern.com/home

Kirk here: "TSMC will soon announce a plan to build its second wafer fab in Japan, according to industry sources. The fab will be involved in 6nm process manufacturing, and the Japanese government has pledged at least JPY750 billion (US$4.96 billion) in subsidies..."
A billion yen here, a billion yen there and pretty soon you're talking about real money. To put it in perspective, the budget for the entire government of Kumamoto Prefecture (education, public works, the whole shebang) was JPY900 billion last year so a figure that is close to the budget of the entire prefectural government will go to one factory.
TSMC to soon announce 2nd fab project in Japan, say sources
TSMC will soon announce a plan to build its second wafer fab in Japan, according to industry sources. The fab will be involved in 6nm process manufacturing, and the Japanese government has pledged at least JPY750 billion (US$4.96 billion) in subsidies for the project.

NOTE It has been pointed out that the "Mifune" the onsen ad refers to is a "Mifune" in Saga, not the Mifune in Kumamoto. However, the remaining info is accurate, and the town does deserve a visit. Apologies for the mistake and thanks for the correction.
William Japanese place names tend to be based on physical attributes or economic purpose. Sometimes, though, you'll note a 御 (a general honorific with multiple pronunciations and meanings: https://kotobank.jp/word/%E5%BE%A1-448357 ) or 御幸 (miyuki, a sure sign that one emperor or another has visited the location https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%BE%A1%E5%B9%B8 ). One example is the main road up to the castle, 御幸坂 (Miyukizaka - good read here https://tinyurl.com/4fb9zauw ), which was carved out of the castle to facilitate the visit of the Meiji Emperor in 1902 to relieve him of the embarrassment of having to pass through the then-extant multiple, twisting gates designedhttps://tinyurl.com/4fb9zauw
The town of Mifune (御船) has more ancient lineage. Apparently, when the Emperor Keiko (https://tinyurl.com/kdwj6de2) visited around the year 170 (obviously, time mileage may vary) during his campaign to incorporate Kyushu into the fledging Yamato state, which later became Japan, he traveled by boat. Hence, the name 御船.
Mifune is eponymous with the Mifune River, long used to raft goods from Kyushu's interior. It remains a center of lumber processing. It is a small, picturesque town and will celebrate the autumn leaves with a month-long event through December 3. This is a wonderful chance to discover the historical roots of Kumamoto.
Much information at the link: https://www.mifuneyamarakuen.jp/autumn/?fbclid=IwAR2MhVMVEeDJ17j2k91VFaf5HiWS2LxneLiDm5uVmSRvgzdGW93w1uxS8yI
紅葉まつり｜九州武雄温泉御船山楽園
九州武雄温泉、江戸後期より続く庭園「御船山楽園」。50万平米の広大な敷地に、四季の花々が咲き誇ります。春は桜、つつじ、大藤、春もみじ。秋は紅葉のライトアップ。

Some of you know of Kumamoto's TEAM TONAKAI and the hard work done by volunteers and supporters alike to create fundraising events and encourage people to give what they can so that some 300+ kids in orphanages in Kumamoto get their own presents at the end of the year... Well, among the line-up of events currently being arranged, チームトナカイ welcomes you to come along, dig deep, and join a delicious dinner party in Suizenji, on Dec. 2nd, that'll give us all food for thought this season!!
POT LUCK PARTY Fundraiser!! 🦌🍳🍪🍖🥬12月2日(土)の夜に、水前寺で、一品料理・ポットラックパーティーの募金活動にご招待いたします✨Circle the date!!! 日付をお忘れなく!!🍲🥐🍺🎁✨
https://fb.me/e/vr2x4vJWz
Please invite and bring your friends!!
Enjoy being TONAKAI together!!
◎大人adult 2000yen
◎学生university students, ALT 1000yen
◎子どもunder 18years kids 500yen
Potluck Party!!
You should bring enough foods or drinks, snacks or sweets to share with others. Thanks😉💕
If you can't bring your own food, you'll have to pay an extra 2,000 yen for the meal.
ALL amount of FEE becomes the DONATION💖 of X'mas PRESENTS for ORPHANS!!
Ru-dolph AKA Ruth 🦌