Kanakuri Shisou, known as the father of the Japanese marathon and the subject of the NHK Sunday night Taiga drama (大河ドラマ「いだてん」, 20:00), has sparked renewed interest in this scion of Higo. Kumanichi has a cute story on kids from his home area, Tamana, who are preparing polyvinyl jackets for participants in the upcoming Kumamoto Marathon (2/17) with images and encouraging messages. As a usage of class time, I suppose it beats studying - and it is very thoughtful. - William