Kumamoto International Archive

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

Kirk here with local labor news.
Myanmar man sues sawmill operator after losing finger in accident
A Myanmar man has sued the operator of a sawmill in Japan, alleging he lost his little finger in an accident during work in 2021 due to a lack of safety guidance in easy-to-understand Japanese, his lawyer said. The 36-year-old man demands the factory operator in Kumamoto Prefecture, pay some…

Sean here – Adding to Kirk's previous post -
File under – Our collective backyard - a Kinpo san update -
It seems that the observation deck which has been under renovation the last couple of weeks is complete.
What is interesting is what seems to be this temporary Green Vision adventure swing. Maybe someone else knows more about it.
As if the views of Unzen could not get better, add a little adrenaline rush to spice it up.
Also, an update on Kinpo San’s local Phriendly Pheasent Celebrity phowl.

Kirk here.
--- start quote corrected for typos ---
The Kumamoto Flower Expo 2023, aimed at promoting the attractiveness of Kumamoto’s flowers and nature, opened in Kumamoto City on Saturday.
On the opening day, floral artist Nicolai Bergmann enlivened the event with his bouquet-making performance. Events for the expo will be held mainly on weekends through Nov. 26 at a venue in the central part of the city, Suizenji Ezuko Park and Mt. Kinbo.
--- end quote ---
Kumamoto Flower Expo Opens
KUMAMOTO — The Kumamoto Flower Expo 2023, aimed at promoting the attractiveness of Kumamoto’s flowers and nature, opened in Kumamoto City on Saturday. On the opening day, floral artist Nicolai Bergmann enlivened the event with his bouquet-making performance. Events for the expo will be held manl...

Sean here again -
Super event today. 3 media outlets covered it. It is really good to see that there is an interest in kids doing positive things. I appreciated some of the comments of support displayed here. Local support by local kids, doing it locally.
We'll be doing it again next year -

William Our friend Luz de Leon is the leader of the tiny Mexican community in Kumamoto. She has organized a display for el Dia de los Muertos at the International Center and would like to remind readers that it will run until November 2.
Please do not mistake this very important festival with Halloween, a European, Americanized mess. El Dia de los Muertos is pre-Columbian and of great importance to the people of Mexico and other Hispanic cultures, perhaps most closely equated to the Japanese Obon holiday. https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%ADa_de_Muertos

Kirk here with the following translation of an article that appeared in the Kumanichi on the 23rd.
https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASRBQ7HC9RBPTLVB001.html
--- start ChatGPT translation ---
Demonstration Against the Invasion of the Gaza Strip, Calls for Peace and Humanitarian Support
On the 21st, there was a demonstration in Shimotori, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, demanding the halt of the ground invasion into the Gaza Strip, an area of the Palestinian Autonomous Region, which the Israeli army is preparing for. About 40 participants raised slogans such as "Oppose violence against Palestine" and "Provide humanitarian aid, not weapons," advocating for peace.
The demonstration was organized by four individuals, including citizens and researchers interested in the Palestinian issue, who invited their acquaintances to participate. Muslims living in Kumamoto Prefecture also joined. They held a street gathering where each shared their thoughts.
Joshua Rickard, an associate professor on special assignment at Kumamoto University who researches the Palestinian issue, said that under the long-term blockade by Israel, residents of the Gaza Strip cannot adequately access electricity, water, and food. Many children are suffering from mental disorders. He asserted, "Their everyday life as humans has been taken away; it's a human rights issue."
Mana Kaikita (25) from Minami-ku, Kumamoto City, who participated, commented during an interview, "I was shocked to learn that many residents of the Gaza Strip are children." She added, "Considering the large number of young people living in the Gaza Strip and the situation where missiles are being launched there, I wondered if there's something we can do to help from as far away as Japan." (By Kei Yoshida)
--- end of ChatGPT translation ---
Personally, I share this concern for innocent civilians in Gaza. I would also like to express my concern for the innocent Israeli civilians who have lost loved ones and are suffering in various ways. Participants on this forum may have different opinions about the policy issues involved but I hope we can agree that we all want the carnage to stop.
ガザ地区侵攻に反対のデモ　平和、人道支援訴え：朝日新聞デジタル
　イスラエル軍が準備を進める、パレスチナ自治区のガザ地区への地上侵攻に中止を求めるデモ行進が21日、熊本市中央区の下通りであった。参加者約40人が「パレスチナへの暴力反対」「武器ではなく人道支援を」と…

Kirk here. Saw an add about this on TV yesterday. Seems like a good opportunity to see works from the Osaka City Museum that one would not normally have access to here.
URL: https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/site/museum/166519.html
Partial translation (courtesy ChatGPT):
RKK Kumamoto Broadcasting 70th Anniversary Celebration - Beauty Perfected: Osaka City Museum of Art Collection
Exhibition Period:
September 16th, 2023 (Saturday) to November 12th, 2023 (Sunday)
Venue:
Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art
Main Building, Exhibition Room 2
Opening Hours:
9:30 AM to 5:15 PM (However, please note that entry is permitted only until 4:45 PM.)
Closed Days:
Mondays (If it's a public holiday, the museum will be open and closed the following weekday.)
Note: October 30th (Monday) is a special opening day (with a gallery talk provided through sign language interpretation).
Admission Fee:
Adults: 1,200 yen (1,000 yen for advance and group rates)
University students: 1,000 yen (800 yen for advance and group rates)
High school students and below: Free
Note: The prices in parentheses are for advance purchases and group rates. A group consists of 20 or more individuals..

Sean here again 😀
A beautiful day. Not sure what to do today? Come celebrate/support the environment, the day, and tremendously awesome fantastic teens at Trick or Trash Halloween celebration/fundraiser at Ezuko. Global solutions start locally.

Atsuko.
I believe that the Kumamoto International page is a page that connects Kumamoto, a local city, with the world.
Today I would like to introduce a local but global event.
Next week, on 3 and 4 November, there will be a photo exhibition, workshop and fundraising event at the Global Building of Kumamoto University in support of street children, Ukrainian and Thai refugees who have become CDM. All proceeds from the pressed flower bookmarks made at the workshop will be donated.
We look forward to seeing you at the venue for lots of participation.ଘ(੭ˊ꒳ˋ)੭✧
Supported by 小さな一歩の会
http://www.chi-sanaippo.com/
MASA Free school
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100047122544849
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
Kumamoto University Festival,
Nov. 3 and 4
Flower Bookmark Workshop
Make your own pressed flower bookmarks!
Enjoy volunteering!
Flower Bookmarks,
150 yen per sheet All proceeds from the sale of the flower bookmarks will be donated to the Ukraine and Myanmar(CDM) people in Thailand.
Please note that the sales of flower bookmarks will end as soon when it sold out.
This is a great opportunity to make cute seasonal pressed flower bookmarks with your family and friends while having fun an volunteering!
Children are also welcome!
Let's learn about world's street children through photos!
Mr. Masashi Teramoto. the representative of NPO MASA FREE SCHOOL, which is the recipient of this year's support, is currently engaged in support activities in Ukrane. At the same time, he is holding photo exhibitions of street children around the world in various countries.
This time, you can leam about the current situation of street children around the world through photos taken at Kumamoto University Through the photos, we can leam about the issues and children in the world that we usually cannot get from newspapers or news only. Please come and see them!
Place
Kumamoto University
Multilingual Culture Lounge of the Education Bldg
Opening hours
From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Kirk here. It has come to my attention (via a message from a user) that some comments on this page may be from fake accounts. Personally, I don't mind if individuals choose to use pseudonyms, even though that's technically against Facebook policy. If I can be sure that the person using the pseudonym is using that pseudonym on their primary account (not one created to post comments anonymously), has a beating heart, and especially if I know that he or she actually lives in Kumamoto I'm OK it; I won't insist that the account name be the name on the person's passport. But, if I see comments from an account that is basically empty (no friends, no posts, recently made, etc.), I may ban that person from Kumamoto International without contacting him or her to try to verify their identity. Please do not create an account for the purpose of posting comments under an assumed identity or "pen name."

Atsuko here.
William introduced this weekend's events in Kawashirii, and while you're there, there are temple festivals at many temples in Kawashiri, which you should visit.
The first recommendation is the coffin experience. It's not easy to enter a coffin. When you put it in, it's when you die, so it's sure to look good on social media. I almost died twice, but I haven't been in a coffin yet. I don't think there is a Japanese person who can say how it feels to be in one.
If anyone has been there, please put your photos in the comments section."
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=717473613747766&id=100064554018003
川尻お寺deフェスタ
https://www.facebook.com/kawasiriterafes川尻お寺deフェスタ

Kirk here. We had some lightening and thunder today. This is a video from RKK's website:
https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/rkk/802339?display=1
Fortunately, there does not seem to have been any damage to the castle.

William Later is better than never, particularly when death is concerned. Our local Mexican community is planning an exhibition at the International Center to celebrate el Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, tomorrow morning (Saturday) at 熊本市国際交流会館（Kumamoto City International Center）The purpose is educational, to instruct on the roots and meaning of this important holiday. There will also be face painting, a piñata, and, if you bring a shoe box, a chance to create your own altarpiece. Please plan to visit - before it's too late!

Kirk here with news about a local educational issue.
Teacher Faces Potential Consequences After Students Instructed to Clean Toilet with Bare Hands
In a recent development, a teacher at a municipal elementary school in Kumamoto City finds themselves under scrutiny following an incident that raise…

William This blog regarding hiking in Kumamoto is three years old, but it is doubtful the info is out of date. Also included are some wonderful photos. Perhaps an autumn hike could be squeezed in, or you can start planning for next spring.
Kyushu hikes – The Tozan Tales
Posts about Kyushu hikes written by wes

Kirk here with a ChatGPT translation of part of this Japanese article (the rest is behind a paywall):
--- start translation ---
Growing Number of Foreigners in an Aging Town: Challenges of Coexistence Between the Elderly and Young Foreigners
Society
Breaking News
Mainichi Shimbun, October 25, 2023, 08:00 (Last updated 10/25 08:00) Paid article 2134 words.
Caption: Mr. Matsushita Susumu (left) greets foreigners on their way to work = Taken at Nagasu Town, Kumamoto Prefecture on July 20, 2023, at 8:18 a.m. by Miyagawa Sachiko.
On a single road leading to the industrial zone, foreigners ride bicycles. They line up neatly in a row, and cars pass them by. In Nagasu Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, this is a familiar morning commute scene. The number of foreigners living in this town has increased 20-fold compared to 20 years ago. In this "aging town" where one in three people is over 65 years old, elderly Japanese and young foreigners live side by side. Our reporter walked the scene, which hints at Japan's future as it pushes for more acceptance of foreigners.
"Good morning." One morning in mid-July, a foreign woman commuting by bicycle bowed her head and greeted Mr. Matsushita Susumu (84), a local community association officer living nearby.
Nagasu Town, close to the Fukuoka Prefecture border, faces the Ariake Sea and is home to many shipyards and window frame factories. While there is little foot traffic during the day, in the early mornings and evenings, the sight of foreigners traveling between the industrial zone and residential areas on bicycles is conspicuous. Bicycles with plates reading "Vietnamese Trainees" were also spotted.
The town's population peaked at 18,627 in 1998 and has since decreased to 15,504. The aging rate, which indicates the percentage of those aged 65 and over, is 36.6%, surpassing the national average of 29%.
On the other hand, the number of foreigners living in the town was 36 twenty years ago. As of September this year, it has risen to 749, meaning about one in every 20 residents is a foreigner.
By country of origin, Vietnamese make up half, followed by Filipinos. They work in shipyards and window frame factories, supporting the town's industries and compensating for the declining Japanese population. In local supermarkets, imported food and seasonings are available, and there were signs written in Vietnamese.
--- end translation ---
この国が縮む前に：老いる町で急増する外国人　高齢者と若い外国人が共生する課題とは | 毎日新聞
　工業地帯につながる一本道の路側帯を自転車で走る外国人たち。一列に整然と並び、その脇を車が走り抜ける。熊本県長洲町では見慣れた朝の通勤風景だ。この町に住む外国人は20年前に比べ20倍に増えた。3人に1人が65歳....

Kirk with more about TSMC:
--- start quote ---
The Japanese facility in Kumamoto is progressing the fastest. According to TSMC, process technologies for this semiconductor production facility will be 22/28 and 12/16 nanometers. This plant has already employed some 800 locals, and this month saw the start of the business's equipment relocation. It is anticipated that production will start by the end of 2024.
--- end quote ---
TSMC’s global expansion is on track
During its 3Q23 earning call, semiconductor behemoth TSMC provided some updates on its global expansion. The company's new fab in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, is on track to commence production in the first half of 2025

Kirk here. $10 in subsidies? Nice work if you can get.
Japan Aims for $10 Billion in Subsidies for TSMC Plant, Rapidus
(Bloomberg) -- Japan is aiming to secure an additional 1.49 trillion yen ($10 billion) in subsidies for two key semiconductor projects, according to a key ruling party lawmaker for chips. Most Read from BloombergControversial Chip in Huawei Phone Produced on ASML MachineApple Plans AirPods Overhaul....

Sean here -
3 days left to make a difference -
English to follow Japanese.
Teen Driven（ティーン・ドリヴン＝ティーネイジャーボランティアチーム）にご協力を！
彼らは、今年で4回目となる恒例のキッズ向けハロウィンチャリティイベントを江津湖で開催します。
参加者枠はほぼ埋まりましたが、まだ若干の空きがあります。
当日はTV取材も入りますので、可愛い仮装でぜひご参加ください！
お家に、まだ綺麗だけどもう使わない子ども服やおもちゃ、絵本が眠っていませんか？
ぜひ Teen Drivenに寄付してください。バザーで売ったり交換したり寄付したりします。
当日ボランティアで手伝ってくれる人も募集します。
ティーンに限りません。英語が話せなくてもOKです。
このイベントは以下の点で、一般的なハロウィンイベントとは違います。
1. 全てをティーンが運営している
ボランティアにただ参加するだけなく、自ら組織をオーガナイズすることは彼らにとって大きな意味を持ちます。このイベントを通して企画や運営、そして自分たちのコミュニティに貢献することの大切さを学んでいます。この経験は自信に繋がるだけでなく、実績として大学受験に使用することができます。
2. キッズが環境問題について学ぶ
ゴミ問題が環境に与える影響を自分のこととして捉えることは、とても大切なことです。若い世代にとって環境問題はより切実です。教わる・教える関係の中で、キッズ・ティーン双方が学びを深めます。キッズに正しい振る舞いを教えることは、大人になって悪い行いを正すことより簡単です。
3. キッズの日頃の頑張りを称える
褒められることは、子どもの自尊心を育む上でとても重要です。キッズは日々いろいろなことを頑張っています。成し遂げたことの大小は関係ありません。当日みんなの前で、大きなファンファーレと共にひとりひとりを祝福します。
4. ティーンの能力を改めて評価する
彼らは日々勉強や部活で本当に忙しいですが、時間を作って一所懸命取り組んできました。「携帯見すぎ」「ゲームやりすぎ」と何かと批判される彼らですが、私は自信を持って宣言します。彼らは大丈夫。未来は明るいです。
このイベントの収益の全ては、「熊本市母子寡婦福祉連合会」に寄付します。
Teen Driven, the driving force behind the 4th annual Trick or Trash Ezuko Halloween Party Fundraiser, is asking for your help.
Do have good quality children’s clothes, toys and or books that are no longer in use? If so, please consider donating them to Teen Driven. They will be sold, traded, or donated to anyone who can use them.
All sales will be donated by Teen Driven ([email protected]) to the Kumamoto City Federation of Maternal and Child Widows Welfare Association.
集めたお金は「熊本市母子寡婦福祉連合会」に寄付します
We nearly reached the limit of participants – We have room for two or three more families.
One note about the event – This is not a typical Halloween event. We encourage costumes, but the connection stops there.
1st - This event is focused on empowering teens the opportunity to plan, organize and support their community. The teen participants will be able to use this experience as part of their life resume, particularly when applying for university. What you have done in your community is as important as GPAs when applying for university.
2nd - This is an opportunity for children to learn from the teens the impact trash has on the environment. It is well established that kids respond better to kids. In addition, it is better to teach new habits than to unlearn bad habits.
3rd – We celebrate children – Small accomplishment in a child’s life, if celebrated have a huge impact on a child’s self-worth and esteem. Whether it is getting dressed by themselves for school or being a good brother or sister, no accomplishment is too small, and all are celebrated individually in front of the group with great fanfare.
4th – Teens, helping kids, helping the environment, helping each other.
Kids face a lot of challenges today. Mostly negative commentary about spending too much time on their phone’s blah, blah, blah. I am proud to say, and I hope you all will join me in saying, kids today are okay.

Kirk here with news about the earthquake museum in Aso.
https://www.kuam.com/story/49876625/museum-chronicles-2016-earthquakes-examines-lessons-learned-in-japan
The museum's site is here:
https://kumamotojishin-museum.com/
It has an automatic translation function for English but it's pretty lame. I would look at the Japanese site and then copy and paste into DeepL or ChatGPT as needed for help.
By the way, it doesn't work with all web sites but ひらがなめがね works quite well with this site. Have a look:
https://trans.hiragana.jp/ruby/https://kumamotojishin-museum.com/
Museum chronicles 2016 earthquakes, examines lessons learned in Japan
Time is frozen on this clock at the Kumamoto Earthquake Disaster Museum KIOKU. 1:25 a.m. on April 16, 2016 -- that was when the main 7.5 magnitude earthquake shook Japan as residents were recovering f