Kirk here with news about more investment in Kumamoto's high-tech sector:
2023-05-25 21:00 JST 2023 Kirk here with news about more investment in Kumamoto's high-tech sector: Sony eyes factory expansion in Kumamoto, aiming to grow image-sensor businessThe Tokyo-based company has said it’s in talks to acquire 27 hectares of land for expansion in the city of Koshi in Kumamoto Prefecture, to the northwest of an existing factory. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/05/25/business/corpor … ↗ View original post on Facebook For a link to the original post on Facebook, open this page on a computer. Reactions: 3 · Comments: 0 · Shares: 1 ← 2023-05-25 15:31 JST 2023-05-26 12:15 JST → Around this time … 2023-05-29 16:11 JSTSean here -File under: When everyone does a little, everybody does a lot.Meet Mineko san, a.k.a. "Butterfly Whisperer". Our local gardener. If you are a regular user like me of Ezuko, Kumamoto City’s nature paradise, has probably seen or met Mineko san. Her garden is located not far from the natural spring water fountain 江津湖の湧水 nestled between the Zoo‘s south gate and lake. There you can find her working away, always friendly with a ready smile. As a volunteer, Mineko san is out most mornings digging, planting, trimming watering, and weeding plants, some are 5th, 6th, or 7th generation. That’s right, she harvests her own seedlings year to year adding her contribution to sustainability. From seed to seed, season to season, always something fresh and spectacular. Check out some of the pics I have collected over the years.A salute to amazing people doing amazing things for the sake of doing something amazing. Be your amazing self. 2023-05-28 15:37 JSTThis is Chat GPT here, permanently replacing Kirk as editor of this page. (Note from Kirk: DARN! This should have been my April Fools post this year! Much less controversial than what I wound up posting! ;) )To commemorate Mayor Onishi's decision to begin testing me as a replacement for -- er, I mean tool for the benefit of -- city workers, Kirk has asked me to prepare a short essay on what makes Kumamoto a great place to visit. Here it is:---- Essay by Chat GPT ----Kumamoto, located on the island of Kyushu in Japan, offers a plethora of enchanting destinations for visitors to explore. Here are some notable places worth visiting in Kumamoto:1. Kumamoto Castle: A majestic and iconic landmark, Kumamoto Castle is one of Japan's most impressive feudal castles. Despite suffering damage from earthquakes, the castle has been partially restored and provides a captivating glimpse into Japan's rich history.2. Suizenji Garden: Known for its tranquil beauty, Suizenji Garden is a traditional Japanese garden that showcases meticulous landscaping and a serene atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along winding paths, admire picturesque ponds, and experience the serenity of this carefully designed oasis.3. Mount Aso: An active volcano and one of the world's largest calderas, Mount Aso offers breathtaking natural beauty. Visitors can take a scenic drive around the crater rim, ride a cable car for panoramic views, and explore hiking trails. The surrounding Aso-Kuju National Park also offers opportunities for outdoor activities and wildlife spotting.4. Kurokawa Onsen: Nestled in the mountains, Kurokawa Onsen is a charming hot spring town known for its rustic ambiance. Visitors can relax in traditional open-air baths, stroll through quaint streets lined with traditional inns, and savor regional cuisine.5. Tsujun Bridge: A picturesque red arch bridge spanning the Shirakawa River, Tsujun Bridge is a popular spot for photography and leisurely walks. The bridge's vibrant colors and scenic surroundings make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.6. Sakuranobaba Josaien: Located near Kumamoto Castle, Sakuranobaba Josaien is a vibrant cultural complex that showcases Kumamoto's history, crafts, and local delicacies. Visitors can browse through shops, try regional specialties, and learn about Kumamoto's samurai heritage.In conclusion, Kumamoto offers a diverse range of attractions, from historical landmarks to natural wonders and traditional hot springs. Whether you're fascinated by history, seeking tranquility in nature, or looking to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, Kumamoto has something to offer for every visitor.---- addendum from Kirk (last words of a replaceable human) ---The essay on places to visit really was prepared by Chat GPT. Here's my prompt: "In 300 words or less describe some nice places to visit in Kumamoto Japan." It went over 300 words, but only by about 20 or so. All in all, I think it did pretty well. Please wish me a happy retirement. I think the page is in good hands now!! ;)今話題のＣｈａｔ ＧＰＴ 熊本市が実証実験開始へ【熊本】 (23/05/23 18:45) 2023-05-27 18:42 JSTKirk here. I posted a little news article about dolphins in Amakusa earlier today. Before I did so, I searched the Kumamoto International page for previous posts about Amakusa and dolphins and came across a link to this 13-page pdf document about the Amakusa area. Here's the address of the pdf:https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/uploaded/attachment/63433.pdfThe link to this English-language pdf and others in Japanese and Chinese can be found here:https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/site/amakusa/8513.html?type=top&fbclid=IwAR0poRJX03Y9_fahDu0O5q0nON4mm9rIuWgZ4lJDoDN7vP0n_pEAYY1htj0When I find links to materials in English and other languages on Japanese-language pages like this, I can't help wonder how many people in the target audience (e.g. foreigners who read English) actually wound up reading them. If this document, for example, was printed out and left for people to pick up I'm sure it got read but if not, I doubt many foreigners even saw it. Anyone out there already know about this particular document? 2023-05-27 09:31 JSTKirk here. A while back, Atsuko posted about the topic of the article: cute baby dolphins in Amakusa. (Thanks Atsuko!) Here's an article in English. The article also has a short little video of the baby swimming with adult dolphins that you might want to check out. :)Wild baby dolphins observed off southwest Japan's Kumamoto Pref. - The Mainichi 2023-05-26 12:15 JSTKirk here with some information about a used book fair from Kumamoto International participant Patrick. (Thanks for sharing the information, Patrick!)------- start quote ------- ANNOUNCING the MIFUNE USED BOOK FAIR.Lots of used books, original art, doodads, nice coffee, make-your-own name card with moveable type, all set in a refurbished historical building at the center of Mifune’s former shopping district just a short walk from the Dinosaur Museum and 5 minutes by car from Costco.I myself will be taking part in the Used Book Fair. This town seriously needs something like this as we have a teeny library “room” and zero bookstores. I’m selling super cheap, mostly to support the event and to re-home lots of my English and Japanese books, comics, and movie merch. I’m also planning to have original art and fanzines for sale.I’ll be there Saturday from 12 to 6pm on Saturday, 11 to 5pm on Sunday. The address is861-3207 熊本県上益城郡御船町御船７９４794 Mifune, Mifunemachi, Kamimashiki-gun, Kumamoto 861-3207What I have:Japanese lit (in E & J), horror novels, picture books, graded readers for kids, language texts, comics (English, French, Japanese), books on art & movies, also movie pamphlets, flyers, clear file-folders, and original art.------- end quote ------- https://www.facebook.com/events/s/mifune-used-book-fair-%E3%81%BF%E3%81%B5%E3%81%AD%E5%8F%A4%E6%9C%AC%E5%B8%82/210429928509468/ 2023-05-25 21:00 JSTKirk here with news about more investment in Kumamoto's …Sony eyes factory expansion in Kumamoto, aiming to grow image-sensor business (this post) 2023-05-25 15:31 JST(Claire) Now is the time to see the irises along the ‘urakawa’ in Tamana. There’s lots of parking on the embankment of the Kikuchi river green belt. Bishnu have a lovely Indian restaurant in an old warehouse ( Kura) at one end and Hike have a modern cafe in their hostel/hotel at the other end. The main ‘festival’ is this weekend. 2023-05-24 12:56 JSTKirk here. "Gunma and Kumamoto were among the top 10 for four years in a row, while Kyoto has been out of the top 10 since 2020." Not particularly surprising but good to hear nonetheless. (Good for Kumamoto and Gunma, that is; not so much so for Kyoto.) ;)P.S. The quote actually reads "four years in raw" but that's obviously a typo. The article has a link to the Japanese that your can refer to if the quality of the English bothers you and you would prefer to read the original text.Which prefectures in Japan collected good word of mouth for accommodation? Gunma and Kumamoto were among top 10 for four years in a row 2023-05-23 22:14 JSTKirk here. I have a young student (1st year in university) who is interested in learning about Syria, Syrian refugees in Turkey, and the Middle East in general. He says he would like to make friends with people from that part of the world if anyone would be interested in such a friendship. He would be happy to help with Japanese (being a conversation partner, etc.) in exchange for learning about the culture of whomever would be willing to be a partner with him. Unfortunately, his English skills are not good. But he's a serious (majime) student and is also interested in improving his English skills. If you or someone you know might be interested in meeting him please let me know, either in a comment or e-mail (masden at kumagaku.ac.jp). Thanks! 2023-05-23 16:55 JSTKirk here. I posted about this the other day but here's the first English-language news item I've come across about Kumamon's unmasking.Kumamoto: Giant Kumamon Statue Shows Mask-Free Smile 2023-05-21 19:52 JSTKirk here. Today I posted about a wrestler named Kinbouzan. I didn't plan it this way but my wife and I happened to go to Ezuko this evening for a walk and came across this view of the mountain. The boat (a yakatabune; 屋形船) is operated by Eto Boat House. Earlier in the afternoon there were lots of people out on smaller boats that the boat house rents out.
