2024-09-19 21:34 JST 2024 ↗ View original post on Facebook For a link to the original post on Facebook, open this page on a computer. Reactions: 12 · Comments: 0 · Shares: 0 ← 2024-09-19 17:46 JST 2024-09-21 12:29 JST → Around this time … 2024-09-23 22:30 JSTKirk here. The caption says "This file photo taken in May 2023 shows a large-scale solar power plant built in Oguni, Kumamoto Prefecture. (Kyodo)" I like the idea of renewable energy. In fact, I have solar panels on my house. But, I can't help but be concerned about replacing trees and other vegetation with them. :(Japan can raise renewable energy share to 80% by 2035: study - The Mainichi 2024-09-23 16:31 JSTSalut! Sean here -To all the Francophiles in the group.Tout le monde !Voulez vous parler le français?フランス語、話してみたい？Hello World! Want to learn how to speak French?Contact here ~https://www.instagram.com/chez.ruri 2024-09-22 16:26 JSTKirk here with some links to English-language pdf pamphlets about things to do in the Amakusa area:https://www.t-island.jp/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/amakusaguide_en2-1.pdf(pictured)https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/site/amakusa/8513.htmlThis page has links to identical pamphlets in Japanese, English, and Chinese. So, you can use the English to study the Japanese if that appeals to you. :) 2024-09-22 13:09 JSTKirk here with a share from Mr. Yagi of the International Center.https://www.facebook.com/hiromitsu.yagi/posts/pfbid02dfRUJ6FvCMiay6LQ6vTdst8Aw2zSNpPb6RQYbx2L3vX7yy4gHw49PyMkr2vrTnASl 2024-09-21 12:29 JSTKirk here. Kedah State is in Malaysia and is famous for its rice paddies. The group seems to have come to learn about groundwater recharging in Kumamoto:--- start quote ---In a statement issued today, it clarified that Sanusi is in Kumamoto City to learn about underground water catchment management to be built in Langkawi, which is slated to become the first-ever project of its kind in the country and Southeast Asia.--- end quote ---I feel compelled to comment on the sign, which has an obvious error (it should be "delegation" not "delegate"). As one who has made thousands of typos and other types of errors on this page, I understand that we all make mistakes. On the other hand, if you're going to make a big sign that will be recorded in a commemorative photo and then published on the internet, I think you should double-check to make sure it's OK. It shouldn't be too difficult to ask a native speaker but today one can just ask an AI chatbot. Here's how ChatGPT responded to my question.--- start dialogue transcript ---Kirk: Many representatives of Kedah State in Malaysia will be coming to Kumamoto. We'd like to make a big sign to welcome them. Our current plan is to put the following words on the sign. What to you think?WELCOME TO KUMAMOTOKEDAH STATE DELEGATEChatGPT:The sign looks great for a warm welcome! However, I'd suggest using "DELEGATION" instead of "DELEGATE," since it refers to the group of representatives collectively. Here's the updated version:WELCOME TO KUMAMOTOKEDAH STATE DELEGATIONThis should convey a more formal and inclusive message. What do you think of this revision?--- end dialogue transcript ---What do I think? I think people should get their English checked before making big signs.Sanusi's office refutes holiday claims, in Japan for official work visit | New Straits Times 2024-09-19 21:34 JSTPost (this post) 2024-09-19 17:46 JSTKirk here with a ChatGPT translation of a nice article about the 30th anniversary of Kumamoto City's International Foundation. If you've had any interaction with the foundation or the International Center downtown (which I suspect many of you have), I highly recommend that you read the article (I think this English translation is quite readable).--- start translation ---Supporting Foreign Residents in Kumamoto for 30 Years: Kumamoto City International Center Contributes to Mutual Understanding and Coexistence through Consultation Services and Japanese Language ClassesSeptember 18 (Wednesday) 8:59 AMKumamoto Nichinichi ShimbunPhoto captions: Foreigners learning Japanese at the Kumamoto City International Center, August 23, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City.Kumamoto City International Center (Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City) has marked its 30th anniversary. Over the years, the center has adapted its role to meet the changing times, supporting foreign residents living in Kumamoto through various activities, such as holding exchange meetings between locals and foreigners and offering consultation services. With the recent influx of foreign residents due to companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) expanding into the city, the center is expected to provide even more detailed support."Sorting garbage is complicated." "Some Japanese people don't return greetings." "I want to interact with Japanese people, but there are no opportunities." These were some of the issues raised by foreign participants during an exchange meeting held by the Kumamoto City International Exchange Promotion Foundation, which manages the center.The center was built in 1994, with a budget of approximately 4.1 billion yen. It has seven floors above ground and two basement levels, housing a large hall, a tea ceremony room where visitors can experience Japanese culture, and other facilities. Since its opening, the foundation has been managing the center as a hub for the city's international exchange strategy.When the center first opened, international exchanges between cities were popular nationwide. Kumamoto City also established sister and friendship city relationships with cities like Guilin in China and Heidelberg in Germany. The center's primary mission back then was promoting "international understanding." Over time, this mission has shifted toward "intercultural understanding" and "multicultural coexistence." Tomomi Katsuya, the foundation’s director, who has been involved since the center’s opening, reflects: "While the activities themselves haven't changed, the roles we take on have evolved with the times."Photo caption: Participants at an event on August 23, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, learning French from a French instructor (second from the left).With the steady increase in foreign residents, the city established the "Foreign Residents General Consultation Plaza" inside the center in 2019. The plaza offers support in various areas, including healthcare, housing, administrative procedures, and mental health, with specialists such as lawyers and administrative scriveners providing expert advice. In fiscal year 2023, the center handled about 700 people and a total of 900 consultations.A 29-year-old company employee from the Dominican Republic, living in Kumamoto City, who used the plaza for visa consultation, said: "There are many foreigners struggling with life in Japan due to language and cultural differences. The staff here work hard to support us."According to the city, as of August 1 this year, the number of foreign residents in the city was 9,970—3.4 times the number 30 years ago. This number is expected to continue rising. As mutual understanding and smooth communication between local residents and foreign nationals become increasingly crucial for achieving a harmonious society, Shinichiro Nakajima, the 69-year-old representative of the civic group "Kumustaka—Living Together with Foreigners," emphasizes: "The responsibility should not be left solely to the foundation; the government must also work together to provide support."One key to promoting coexistence may lie in the Japanese language classes the foundation holds across the city for foreign residents. These classes help foster good relationships in the community and workplaces. Additionally, the center regularly organizes events aimed at Japanese people, offering deeper insight into the culture and languages of around 10 countries, including Mexico and Germany. A 19-year-old female student at Kumamoto Prefectural University commented: "It's great to have the chance to casually learn from native speakers. It makes it easier to understand the culture of those countries."Looking toward the future of Kumamoto City, where Japanese and foreigners will live together, Director Katsuya said enthusiastically: "We want to contribute more than ever to building a society where people from diverse backgrounds support each other, using the International Center as a base to connect the community with foreign residents."(By Mitsuhiro Yonemoto)--- end translation ---https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/779ba1b764d749bcf0a3be82c3f9938ae2649a5c 2024-09-19 13:13 JSTKirk here. I'm posting this because I assume that Steffen Riley has some friends who read this page (but, personally, I don't happen to have had the pleasure of meeting him).One point: Kumamoto FEELS tropical (especially this year) but, technically, the climatic designation of Kumamoto (except the Aso region) is "humid subtropical" (温暖湿潤気候), not "tropical."From Potlatch to Kumamoto: How a small-town lad found his spiritual path with ELCA in Japan 2024-09-19 11:35 JSTKirk here. Here's a URL of a video with some scenes from Monday's festival.https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/local/kyushu/news/20240917-OYTNT50054/ 2024-09-19 11:14 JSTKirk here. Looks like people with land in Kikuyo-machi area are in a position to make some money. Unfortunately, though, this isn't good news for people who might want to live there in the future.TSMC Plants Fuel Japan’s Biggest Land Price Rises for Second Year 2024-09-18 17:54 JSTKirk here with a rather extensive article on the new Children's Book Forest, designed by Tadao ANDO. We discussed the library on this page before. You can find some of those posts here:https://www.facebook.com/profile/100064554018003/search/?q=Book%20forestA new forest of books: Tadao Ando’s project in Kumamotohttps://www.domusweb.it/en/architecture/gallery/2024/09/04/tadao-ando-children-library-project-kumamoto-books-forest.htmlA new forest of books: Tadao Ando’s project in Kumamoto
