Many types of non-Japanese live in Kumamoto. Some flit in and out; some are long-termers but never make a name for themselves (me!); some become experts at one thing or another; and some are our long-deceased predecessors.
This Saturday (11/30) from 2:00 PM (doors open at 1:30, admission 1,000 yen), our more talented long-termers will gather to celebrate one of Kumamoto’s most famous foreign scion, the author Lafcadio Hearn. Alan Rosen, who has studied Hearn’s work extensively as a professor at Kumamoto University, will first give a presentation on Hearn’s life (which is unbelievably complex and fascinating - he came from Irish/Greek stock and somehow landed here when landing meant “getting off a boat”). Jeff Cairns, a shakuhach player of the highest forte, will then perform with his cohort of four other members (flamenco guitar, piano, wood bass, and drum). Google the address: 熊本市中央区花畑町１１－１４(Kohenビル2階）銀杏北通り. This is a not-to-be-missed event for Kumamoto aficionados. - William