Kirk here with a letter to the editor, translated by ChatGPT, that was published in the Kumanichi.
— start translation — Increasing Japanese Language Signage
October 19 (Saturday), 9:49 a.m. Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun (Photo: Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun)
There is something that has been on my mind ever since I visited Kumamoto Castle a few years ago with an acquaintance from the Philippines. At the main keep, which was damaged in the Kumamoto Earthquake and later restored, there are many exhibits showcasing the history of Kumamoto Castle. However, the English explanations were limited to titles and a few other parts, which left my acquaintance disappointed, saying, “Even though I came all the way here to see it, I couldn’t fully understand the content, so I couldn’t enjoy it as much as I wanted.”
I believe the same can be said not only for Kumamoto Castle but also for facilities like art galleries and museums. With the increasing number of foreigners living in Kumamoto Prefecture and the rise in inbound tourism (visitors to Japan), it’s crucial not only to increase English signage but also to include other languages and add easy-to-understand Japanese.
Of course, there are places where Japanese alone might be sufficient. However, since there are international exchange officers from various countries working in the prefecture, I hope that signage in Kumamoto will increase with consideration for the foreigners living here.
Kumamoto City, Female, 37, Organization Employee
