Tomorrow! -- Kirk https://www.facebook.com/KUMISA15/posts/2292798311044344?__tn__=-R
2019-02-15 09:07 JST 2019 Tomorrow! -- Kirk https://www.facebook.com/KUMISA15/posts/2292798311044344?__tn__=-R ↗ View original post on Facebook For a link to the original post on Facebook, open this page on a computer. Reactions: 16 · Comments: 2 · Shares: 2 ← 2019-02-14 18:12 JST 2019-02-15 09:34 JST → Around this time … 2019-02-16 21:55 JST>>Tristan Vick (resident behind the scenes Kumamoto International editor/moderator) here. I don't post much due to my busy schedule, but I wanted to present a friendly offer to any and all book aficionados and fellow writers out there (and especially in the Kumamoto area).I just finished up the third installment of my sci-fi/fantasy space opera series The Chronicles of JEGRA. My editor is doing a second pass before the book heads off to my proofreader and beta team.I was wondering if anyone here was interested in meeting up and having me do a first page (first 3 pages actually) critique of any current work in progress you might have.I’ll give you my professional and honest opinion and give you tips on writing and answer any questions you might have.If there’s enough interest I’ll name a time and place in Kumamoto.Why am I offering a free critique? Because I firmly believe authors helping other authors is vital to find even a modicum of success as a writer. A rising tide lifts all ships, after all.Also, I like coffee.Who am I to think I'm such hot stuff to be giving people advice? Well, to those that don't already know me (or of me) yet, I've lived in Kumamoto for 10 years and have been in Japan for over 15 years.I studied at KGU back in 2003 -- a requirement to finish my Japanese cultural studies degree from Montana State University. I graduated with that degree and another in English Literature back in 2005 before arriving in Japan in the summer of 2006 on JET Programme, where I lived and taught in Hiroshima for 5 years.At that time I began writing and working on nonfiction books. I've published several books in religious philosophy with the British philosopher Jonathan M.S. Pearce and a work of my own which was edited by Biblical historian and New Testament scholar Robert M. Price.I later shifted gears to writing fiction, as that was my passion -- telling stories.And my debut series, a zompoc that pitted zombies against superheroes, got bought by Permuted Press in 2014. That jump-started my writing career and convinced me I had what it took to become a full-time author.After my stint with real-world publishing, I decided to dive into the Indie and self-publishing scene, as there was more freedom and opportunity to be found there than with traditional publishing.I created my own imprint Regolith Publications to publish all my own work and switched from using Amazon's CreateSpace (now KDP Print) to Ingram Spark earlier this year. For the past five years, I've made enough off of my writing to help supplement my teaching salary. This has allowed me to teach part-time and stay at home part-time raising my three children. As many of you know, I really don't get out that much. But I need to start making more connections in the Kumamoto area and felt I should at least give back. Kirk Masden and Joe Tomei have cheered me on and have always been extremely supportive of my endeavors. Now, I want to try and support others in some small way too. So, folks, let me know if anyone would like to meet in the next couple of weeks for coffee and a critique.If we generate enough buzz, we may make an event out of it.Cheers! 2019-02-16 13:14 JSTA note from the Sad Day for Kumamoto Desk (we have much tissue): Charlie Nakatani is a Kumamoto fixture. He owns a western-themed bar off of Shimotori (Good Time Charlie, グッドタイムチャーリー, 下通１丁目７−２４) and, perhaps more importantly, organizes the Country Gold music festival, AKA "promise day" (約束の日), which has been held at the Aspecta venue in Aso each autumn for 30 years. Kumanichi (sweet how the article refers to him as "Charlie-san") reports that, sadly, this year's Aspecta festival (10/20) will be the last. A quote from the article: "In 2003, when Kumamoto Prefecture decided to eliminate financial support to Aspecta in line with reform of the national special corporation laws, Charlie-san and others gathered signatures nationwide to enable survival of facilities and events. When Minamiaso Village was seriously damaged in the quakes, the event was dedicated to reconstruction aid, with donations gathered from the fans given to the village."At 82, Charlie-san is no spring chicken. The article notes he intends to continue inviting American country music acts to Kumamoto, but to smaller, indoor venues. I've only attended the event once but greatly enjoyed it, though my wife has never forgiven me for making her boot dance. Mark your calendars and, in the meantime, visit his bar with a hearty "arigatou." The loss of such a great Kumamoto tradition is indeed sad. - Williamhttps://this.kiji.is/469111121913070689?c=92619697908483575 2019-02-15 13:08 JSTHere's some information I got in an e-mail from the International Center about opportunities to study Japanese.-- Kirk-----------------------KIF Japanese Classes Information*Nihongo ClubDate and Time: Tuesdays from 10:00~11:30 Wednesdays from 10:00~12:00, 14:00~16:00, 18:30~20:00 Sundays form 10:00~12:00, 14:00~16:00Let’s study Japanese for daily life!Feel free to contact us if you are interested.Target Audience: international citizens of Kumamoto CityFee: 100 yen (1 day)*Japanese class in Musashi-gaoka,Kengun and Higashiku-Nihongo ClubHow about joining a Japanese language class right in your own neighborhood?・Musashi-gaoka: Tuesdays at Kikuyo-macchi Seibu Cho-min Ceter (Near Mikari-no-Mori JrStation) from 10:00a.m. to 11:30a.m.・Kengun: Tuesdays at Yotte kanne (at the Kengun Shopping Arcade) from 10:00a.m. to 11:30a.m.・Higashi-ku Kurashi Nihongo Club(Starting NEW!)1st and 3rd Sunday of every month at East Community Center from 10:00a.m-11:30a.mIf you have any questions, feel free to contact the Multicultural Affairs Office (2F) at Kumamoto City International Foundation (Kumamoto City International Center).(TEL) 096-359-4995 (9a.m.～8p.m.)(e-mail）[email protected] 2019-02-15 09:34 JST"One Piece", a popular comic created by Higokko Eiichiro Oda (born in 1975 in Kumamoto City) , was celebrated recently with a statue of one of its characters in front of Prefectural Hall. Suddenly, various towns from across the prefecture were requesting a statue of one of the seven remaining protagonists.But news that Kumamoto prefecture had allocated 42 million yen for an additional four statues seemed excessive, particularly given that permanent housing for earthquake victims is behind schedule. The article's end, though, notes that all funding for these statues is being donated by Oda-san as a type of earthquake relief; the Prefecture is simply allocating it. A magnificent Higokko indeed.The article does not say which characters will be placed where. I'll let you know in future. - Williamワンピース像、４体先行制作 熊本県が費用４２００万円計上 ｜ 熊本日日新聞 2019-02-16 08:47 JSTAs I understand it, A2 in the CEFR system is the equivalent of low 400s in the TOEFL paper test. I have mixed feelings about this. Any thoughts as to whether it is a positive or negative development? I know it's part of a national trend. "From 2020 to 2023, universities can choose to admit applicants based on either the new Common Test’s English section or private-sector English tests that assess speaking, writing, listening and reading — or both."https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2017/07/05/issues/spoken-english-tests-among-entrance-exam-reforms-japans-students-will-face-2020/-- Kirkhttps://www.facebook.com/fukuokanow/posts/10156195685907810?__tn__=-R 2019-02-15 09:07 JSTTomorrow! (this post) 2019-02-14 18:12 JSTWe have been introduced to a cute Facebook page, 熊本. com. It is a Japanese-language page, but for learners, its lighthearted, vernacular tone might prove useful. We will coordinate information-sharing. - Williamhttps://www.facebook.com/kumamotocom/ 2019-02-14 17:21 JSTI downloaded this free app and found it to be quite good at English to Japanese translation. It also shows you how it has rendered your spoken English and makes it very easy to tweak it if necessary to get a better translation.-- KirkP.S. Thanks again to Kuma Visit for this useful information.https://www.facebook.com/kumavisit/posts/2224282897823344?__tn__=-R 2019-02-14 16:29 JSTAjisen Ramen is a global chain with some 90 domestic and 750 foreign outlets. It recently opened an outlet at the Helsinki Airport. But its history is a bit interesting. Liú Tán Xiáng (劉壇祥) was born in Taiwan but moved to Ozu, Kumamoto, changed his name to Shigemitsu Kōji (重光孝治), and began producing wholesale ramen noodles and stock in 1968. No doubt the founder's international ... uh ... foundation was a crucial factor in the firm's success. It also explains the Chinese theme of its logo. Below is a link to Kumanichi re: their Helsinki shop which might be useful next time you're in Finland. (You can say, "This portion is too big for me to Finnish!") - William https://this.kiji.is/466076122262635617?c=92619697908483575 2019-02-14 11:39 JSTA query from our friend Carlton McCycle:"I heard Johnny Depp was in town last month for filming the Eugene Smith movie. He never called (but we were never that close). Were there any reported sightings of him?" - William 2019-02-14 09:41 JSTJoe Tomei here with a forward from my timeline for any US citizens who file taxes from Japan. Hope this saves some folks some headaches..