Most European countries have patron saints who brought with them Christianity and, in Ireland’s case, a deep dislike of snakes. But you don’t need to be ophiophobic to enjoy Saint Patrick’s Day. Kumamoto’s Irish community has contributed admirably to our international community by organizing events on that day - Saturday, March 7 - with, as Ruth-san put it, “Go raibh míle maith agat!! The parade will start at 2:30pm at Kamitori Arcade・上通 and then goes down 下通・Shimotori, ending at 新市街・Shinshigai about 3:30pm”, culminating, of course, with a beer party. Thank you to all of the organizers and our friend, Ruth Maruki Kai, for your wonderful efforts. (I’ll leave my pet snake at home.) - William