A note from the Kumamoto International Roadways & Funk Music desk: Many are aware that Higashi Bypass (commonly referred to in Kumamoto as “Higabai”) was built in the 1970s to allow southwest-northeast traffic to transverse the city while avoiding its center; Kita Bypass (commonly called “Kitabai”) was completed just five years ago, enabling north-south movement by connecting back to Route 3. Both routes are notoriously crowded. A fact of which many readers are likely unaware, however, is that both “Higabai” and “Kitabai” jell perfectly with the rift from the Commodores’ classic, “Brick House” (audible in the attachment from the 2:10 mark).
It is our suggestion that, when you’re next stuck in traffic on either road (which, if you drive in Kumamoto, will happen), you simply sing to yourself “Higabai, Higabai, Higabai now, Kitabai, Kitabai, Kitabai now, Higabai, Higabai, Higabai now, Kitabai, Higabai - shake it!” Professionals recommend this as a method of alleviating driving stress. - William
