William Just this.
2022-03-04 21:52 JST 2022 William Just this. ↗ View original post on Facebook For a link to the original post on Facebook, open this page on a computer. Reactions: 21 · Comments: 1 · Shares: 0 ← 2022-03-04 16:40 JST 2022-03-05 01:37 JST → Around this time … 2022-03-06 10:43 JSTKirk here with a folllow-up to William's post about the bombing of Kumamoto in WWII. The photo in it piqued by interest so I tried to figure out where it was taken and from what angle. The Shinmachi place name, the curving tram line (which I assume followed the same route that is does today), and the Tsuboi River (visible beyond the curving tram tracks) made it relatively easy to make an educated guess. I've zoomed in to make the location clearer. Most of the smoke from the bombing is beyond the Tsuboi River and so not visible in my zoomed in version. The original is here: https://mainichi.jp/english/graphs/20200709/hpe/00m/0na/002000g/5 )One thing about this that interests me is that Shinmachi has a lot of old buildings and so I was under the impression that it wasn't hit as hard as other parts.When I look at photos of the devastation of war they seem rather otherworldly to me. But, what I'm seeing on the news from Ukraine is reminding me that people were living peacefully in those devasted structures when they were struck. Pray for peace.William's orginal post is here:https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/6975113239228715 2022-03-05 21:52 JSTWilliam Kumamoto had the misfortune during the war of being host to Mistsubishi Heavy Industries, which made airplanes (they're still there), and a couple of airports. The result was predictable. My heart goes out to all caught in the tragic carnage of Ukraine. Do not let the travesty Kumamoto endured to be unremembered.In Photos: Discovered photos show destruction of US WWII air raid on SW Japan city - The Mainichi 2022-03-05 20:05 JSTWilliam Kumanichi reports that this years kousa (黄砂 - fine particle matter blown from the Gobi across Japan) is particularly bad. It has certainly walloped me. Stay indoors, wear a mask, and see a specialist if needed. https://kumanichi.com/articles/578309 2022-03-05 08:24 JSTWilliam Today's Kumanichi post. It might not be of import unless you are a ladybug. (They're called "tentoumushi" in Japanese, perhaps because they have ten toes, but like all insects, they have only six.) https://kumanichi.com/articles/577246 2022-03-05 01:37 JSTWilliam As the (very proud) father of a daughter, I observe Hina Matsuri every year. Generally, offerings are offset at rivers following the festival. Though the sentiment is understood - that one's daughter mist follow the flow of life bestowed to her - we keep hers here and set them up every year. Her home is here, and it will remain so, wherever for for however long she she may live.She is a true Higokko. Encourage your children to embrace that identity.https://www.nippon.com/en/features/jg00031/ 2022-03-04 21:52 JSTWilliam Just this. (this post) 2022-03-04 16:40 JSTWilliam Good news for train lovers. The "SL Hitoyoshi", which runs between Kumamoto and Tosu (Saga Prefecture), is slated to restart after equipment repairs. It is a slow way to go nowhere, but those journeys are generally the best. https://kumanichi.com/articles/577061 2022-03-04 11:20 JSTKirk here with an English article about the lighting of Kumamoto Castle with the colors or the Ukrainian flag. It's been a few days since William posted about this (and got a HUGE response -- Reach: 4,478; Engagement: 814; Shares: 41) and now it seems that the Mainichi is trying to follow his lead. ;)The article says that Saturday, March 5th, will be the last evening to see the colors with your own eyes.Original Kumamoto International post:https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/6956103971129642Mainichi copycat ( ;) ) article:Japan's Kumamoto Castle lit in Ukrainian flag colors to mourn invasion victims - The Mainichi 2022-03-03 21:23 JSTKirk here with news about the extension of the so-called "pre-emergency measures" ("man'en boushi tou juuten sochi" [まん延防止等重点措置] in Japanese or "manbo" for short) in Kumamoto. The measures will end on March sixth in many nearby prefectures (Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Miyazaki and Kagoshima) but continue in Kumamoto until Marchi 18 in Kumamoto:Pre-emergency measures to be extended for 18 prefectures | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis 2022-03-03 09:07 JSTKirk here with a little news about a local business trying to support the people of Ukraine:"NANKAN, Kumamoto -- A bamboo chopstick manufacturer in this southwest Japan town has launched an initiative to sell products in the colors of the Ukrainian flag and donate the proceeds to the country. The 150 pairs available for the initial pre-order on Feb. 28 sold out in about two hours."Speaking of donations, I have no idea where to donate. If anyone has some information, please post it in a comment.Japanese firm makes blue and yellow chopsticks to support Ukraine, first batch sells out - The Mainichi 2022-03-02 22:27 JSTKirk here with an inquiry that the page received: "Hello! I called the waste management office of Kumamoto to register my mattress for disposal and they told me I will be paying 10,900. I went to the konbini to get stickers as instructed from the call but they showed me a 500-yen and 900-yen sticker. I am a little confused about the ¥10,900. Should I buy stickers that would total to ¥10,900?" Does anyone have any insight? Does the fee sound about right?