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Atsuko here.٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و♪
The Christmas market in front of Kumamoto Station has started!
Sofas to relax on, beanbag cushions.
Chocolate drinks, chocolate-infused alcohol.
A log circuit kids climb all over.
Christmas is for families to enjoy together,
but also for couples.
Adults and children alike can have fun.
That kind of planning,
and the city's ability to make it happen,
made me incredibly happy and moved.
It was delicious 💕
Tatami-floored sake festivals are nice,
but the Christmas market with its luxurious sofas comes even more highly recommended ✨
Amu plaza is formidable 👍👍👍

Kirk again. Yesterday I posted about the demonstrations, studiously ignored by most local television stations, against the deployment of long-range missiles in Kumamoto. Here's a related article.
Japan set to deploy long-range missiles in Kumamoto in 2026
Japan will deploy long-range missiles in Kumamoto on the southwestern island of Kyushu next year as it seeks to build "counterstrike capabilities" to hit enemy targets in a national security emergency, the government said Friday.

Kirk here. There was newspaper coverage of this demonstration (which occurred on the 9th, 1200 people) against the placement of long-range missiles in Kengun. However, only KKT provided a video report; all other TV stations ignored it.
I was oblivious to this major political uprising until I saw a report about it today on TBS's Hodo Tokushu, a national program. Sometimes it's necessary to watch national TV programs to find out what the local broadcasters don't want to cover. :(
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1195631839111794

Anyone who likes drones should also like programming and English.Atsuko ٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bqq8xj2S5/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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On 7th December, as part of the global educational campaign 'Hour of AI', we will host an event in Kumamoto where participants can learn about AI in English from North American engineers. This is an excellent opportunity to experience the joy of mastering technology 'using English', rather than just attending a lecture.
▼ This year's 'Hour of AI' features a miraculously impressive line-up! This event has realised a miraculous collaboration connecting the world with Kumamoto.
Composer Kazuma Jinnai (Music for the film 'Suzume no Tojimari') (Special Online Guest)
Associate Professor Masanori Kanasaka, Berklee College of Music
【Kumamoto Venue Guest】 Yune Sasaki from the girls' performance unit "Setsugekka"
A performance featuring dancing with digital characters is planned!
NPO Waffle (Advertising Partnership)
Furthermore, our activities are featured on the official website as a partner of CSforALL (US). https://csforall.org/en-US/hour-of-ai/partners#sponsor
We promise this will be a day where children learning English truly realise, "Being able to speak English opens up the world like this!" We would be delighted if you could kindly inform your students and their parents/guardians.
【Event Overview】
Event Name: Computer Science in English Season 7 Special Edition
Date & Time: Sunday, 7th December 2025, 9:20–12:00
Kumamoto Venue: Ueki Future Space (72-1 Tekisui, Ueki-machi, Kita-ku, Kumamoto City)
Participants: Primary & Secondary School Students (Groups organised by English level; Japanese support available)
Participation Fee: Free
Capacity: 15 participants (first-come, first-served)
▼ Details & Registration (Common for Kumamoto, Kawasaki, Kobe)
https://kidscodeclub.jp/csinenglish_on-site_20251207
▼ Media Coverage This event has attracted significant attention and has been featured in the following media outlets:
PR TIMES https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000016.000036248.html
https://kidscodeclub.jp/csinenglish_on-site_20251207
【12/7 熊本、東京・神奈川（川崎）、神戸、能登（珠洲市）地区オンサイト開催決定！】英語でまなぶコンピュータサイエンス Season 7 特別編 「Participate in the Hour of AI at CS in English / Hour of
✏️申し込みはこちら！▼ 熊本、東京・神奈川（川崎）、神戸https://forms.gle/gExXiPS8fC1m4tAc7▼ 能登（珠洲市）https://qisg1.sha...

Atsuko here.☆٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و☆
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【Surprise Drone Show @ Kumamoto Castle This Weekend】
This weekend, Saturday 22nd November, we'll be holding a surprise drone show in the night sky over Kumamoto City, symbolising support for disaster recovery!
The first-ever drone show in Kumamoto City!
Though it's a surprise, we want as many people as possible to enjoy it, so we're announcing it via social media.
Please spread the word to those around you.
A drone show viewable from all over Kumamoto City.
From Shimotōri to Sakuramachi...
It will take off and land towards the night sky from Fujisakidai Baseball Stadium near Kumamoto Castle.
A drone show loses half its impact without sound.
No need to worry about that!
We'll take over City FM Kumamoto (FM79.1) and broadcast proper background music on the day.
Saturday 22nd November, 8pm ~ 15 minutes
Look up at the night sky, tune in to FM, and get ready!
If you don't have a radio, click on internet radio via your smartphone → https://www.jcbasimul.com/kumamotocityfm
If the response is positive this year, we plan to make next year's event even more spectacular.
Your support is greatly appreciated!
On Saturday, 22nd November, let's connect in the night sky with 800 drones and everyone!

Funky Friday Find for all you board gamers - and just anyone who just likes to try new spots!! 🎲👑⏳ 大江6丁目27-28 has a new board game cafe, Ludoni, and the grand opening is happening this weekend!!
Look for Ludoni next time you're in that part of Oe 🏰🃏🪄🎟️🌎🐺 They have about three times as many games as pictured here! - Ruth
Check them out on IG, too! https://www.instagram.com/ludoni_kumamoto?igsh=bDNhNjNqcWxzbTRr

Joe Tomei here with another Funky Friday Find. Actually, my wife noticed this place and we went the day after we visited Spice Restaurant Bonga. It's called Teishokuya Suiyougohan and is a Japanese shokudo. It's across the street from Jikka, a Thai/SE Asian curry place and is your traditional Japanese lunch. They also do a lot of takeaway, so you need to get there early. The lunches were big and tasty and I'm hoping to pick up two of the bentos and going Ezuko park to eat next to the lake. As always, thanks to the official FFF fotographer!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/f2djHBYiiD9keGvm6

Joe Tomei here, it's been a while, but here is another Funky Friday Find for all of you. (It may have gone up on Kirk's Instagram, which is connected to this, so apologies if you see this two times)
My wife and I wanted to get some steps in our Pikmin Bloom app (ask me if you are curious), so we went to Kawaramachi. A bit down from the station, there is a side street that actually has three or four places, but on this day, they were closed except for Spice Restaurant Bonga
https://maps.app.goo.gl/mXLyBxvAgZz4JDoT8
It's a tiny place and seems to do big take out business. The dish pictured is my wife's ボンが流カーレ(Bonga style curry) (she's the better photographer), while I had the unpictured but also delicious Butter Chicken curry. We were fortunate, the Google review says that the place often sells out.
Kawaramachi was the wholesale textiles and clothes district of Kumamoto, which has pretty much disappeared with the advent of fast fashion, so some of the buildings and the side alleys have been converted into studios for artists and cafe/restaurants. The whole area has a Showa feel to it and the side alleys remind me of a lot of placess you see in other countries in Asia. Here are two articles (in Japanese) with photos, check it out and report back!
http://www.asahi.com/area/kumamoto/articles/MTW20999999440160179.html
https://intojapanwaraku.com/rock/travel-rock/39686/

Kirk here. I received a request from the International Center to share this information. If you've got an issue you'd like to talk with someone about, please consider the good people at the International Center.

Having grown up in the countryside of Kumamoto, I love rice paddies filled with water, rice paddies planted with seedlings, lush green paddies in summer, and golden paddies bowing under autumn's bounty. It's a shame I couldn't photograph the paddies with their fields of red clover, but I'll share these.
Atsuko ٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و

Joe Tomei here, an announcement from Patrick 井島 Washburn.
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The ZINE FEST series run by ZINE FARM TOKYO holds its first event in Kumamoto!
Based on past events in Fukuoka and Nagasaki, you’re sure to find many unique and original handmade zines, postcards, prints, crafts, etc.
Booths from the international community include zines and prints from local artist patokon, Kumamoto-based literary zine Shiranui, and also crochet crafts and stickers from The Riverside Forge. Entry fee is 300 yen. Stop by and check this quickly growing art scene.
ZINEフェス熊本
https://note.com/bookcultureclub/n/nef34a506c690
■日時 2025年11月3日（月）
■開場時間 11時～16時
■入場料 300円
■場所 市民会館シアーズホーム夢ホール 大会議室
(https://stage1kmj.jp/)
熊本市中央区桜町１−３
ZINE Fest Kumamoto
https://note.com/bookcultureclub/n/nef34a506c690
■ Date: Monday, November 3, 2025
■ Hours: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
■ Admission: 300 yen
■ Location: Civic Hall Sears Home Yume Hall, Large Conference Room (https://stage1kmj.jp/)
1-3 Sakuramachi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto
Event link
https://www.facebook.com/share/17afvGJDyx/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Atsuko here٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶
Let's go to Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens!
The scent of osmanthus and cosmos fields!
Come see the elephants and giraffes—they won't be here after 5th November!
Plenty of acorns have fallen too.
As it's the replanting season for the cosmos fields, you're welcome to take some home. I took some myself.
Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens has closed part of the grounds from 5 November 2025 for the 'Savannah Area Development' project, marking its centenary. Due to this construction, viewing of the 'Masai giraffes' and 'African elephants' will be unavailable until the end of fiscal year 2026 (planned).

Joe Tomei here passing on a post from my colleague, David Iwashita (né Ostman) who is doing some research related to overseas Japanese. Quick summary, if you know of any Japanese who are living or have lived in Singapore, please let him know! Even if they aren't 1st generation, they may be able to help David find some people who fit.
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Research participants who are living in Singapore wanted! Payment provided.
My name is David Iwashita, a professor at Kumamoto Gakuen University in Kumamoto, Japan working in fields of intercultural communication and immigration studies.
I am currently conducting a grant-funded research project on first-generation Japanese living outside of Japan. I am looking for four first-generation Japanese to interview for an interview database that I plan to use to help Japanese undergraduate students understand the motivations, challenges, and rewards of immigrating to a new country.
熊本学園大学にて、異文化間コミュニケーションと移民研究を専門としています教員の岩下 デイビッドと申します。
研究協力のお願い：現在、私は科学研究費助成事業による研究プロジェクトの一環として、海外に住む第一世代日本人を対象に調査（インタビュー）をしています。
このプロジェクトでは、日本の大学生が新しい国へ移住した動機、直面した課題、そして得られた成果を理解するためのインタビューデータベースを作成しており、ご協力いただける第一世代の日本人4名を募集しております。
Here is a link to my researcher profile:
次は私の研究者プロフィールへのリンクになります。
https://gyoseki.kumagaku.ac.jp/kksapp2.aspx?id=293
*I use my previous name “Ostman” for research publications.
If you know of anyone who would be interested in participating, please contact me right away @ [email protected]
熊本学園大学　研究者総覧

Joe Tomei here. It's been a long minute since I posted, but this is from Patrick Ijima-Washburn (he's supposed to be listed on the post, but who knows with Facebook)
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Paper & Letterpress
紙と活版印刷
At Mifunemachi Machinaka Gallery
@御船町の街中ギャラリー
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SWLqHeqTQyKfYZNK7
Sat - Sun 10/25-10/26
10 to 18:00 on Sat
10 to 16:30 on Sun
Zines, Prints, Stamps and chance to try out letterpress yourself.
*I’ll be there on Sunday with zines, prints, and mini stamp books made to look like goShuincho.

Atsuko here.٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و
The four days from Thursday to Sunday mark the Autumn Grand Festival at Kawasiri Shrine. The Grand Festival at Kawasiri Shrine sees four neighbouring districts take turns every fourteen years to bear responsibility for the festival offerings.The festival is a wonderful occasion where not only the local organisers but also parents and children, including the little ones, participate in large numbers. This is a good thing, as it allows for prayers for the region's peace and prosperity, expressions of gratitude, and wishes for the children's healthy growth. It was also lovely to see the young people, reunited like at a school reunion, enjoying themselves and celebrating their meeting.
This year, our district is responsible for dedicating. The festival continues today, featuring the Sagariuma and Yabusame events.
https://o-matsuri.jp/kyusyu-okinawa/kumamoto/1895.php

Atsuko here.
For cat lovers!
My friend found a ~8 month old kitten the other day. With the help of her friend she took the kitten to the vet and had him neutered and given all his shots/and tests. He’s very friendly and very well trained.
She is seeking a new home for her cat.
My friend is a newly arrived ALT at the high school, having just come from America in September, so I advised her to put up flyers in Japanese and English at her high school. Thinking there might be cat lovers and those interested in international exchange here too, I'll share the flyer here as well.
I hope you have a good encounter.
Do you know of anyone wanting a cat? ฅ(*>ω<*)ฅﾆｬｧ~~

Kumamoto castle AKI no OSHIRO MATSURI!
Mizuakari around Kumamoto castle
100yen beer @sakuramachi
are also recommended. Atsuko ٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و
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Kumamoto Castle's top event of the year‼️
Currently running for a limited time only✨
Do your homework beforehand and you'll enjoy it all the more☺️
Weekdays are comparatively less crowded than weekends
and you can borrow lanterns, so they come highly recommended.
During the period, the opening hours for the special viewing area at Kumamoto Castle are extended! Various events will be held.
Experience 'Kumamoto Castle Above the Clouds', where Japan's largest artificial sea of clouds envelops the castle,
and
a special presentation evoking Kumamoto's abundant water,
"Yakan Yakan: Flowing Lights" – featuring laser and searchlight projections synchronised with movement, plus interactive experiences
and "Castle Illumination", where bamboo lanterns softly light up Kumamoto Castle. Enjoy a fantastical Kumamoto Castle rarely seen under normal circumstances.
👉 Details of the Autumn Kumamoto Castle Festival
@yokayokanagarurutou
⬛︎Location: Kumamoto Castle
⬛︎Period: Friday 10th October to Monday 3rd November 2025
⬛︎Time: 18:00–21:00 (last entry 20:00)
⬛︎Admission
High school students and above: ¥800
Primary and junior high school pupils: ¥300
Pre-school children: Free
👉Preparation
1️⃣ Gyōkōzaka
This is where it begins.
The water-like illumination builds anticipation for the journey to the keep.
2️⃣ Kumamoto Castle from Above
Viewable from the Kumamoto Castle Special Viewing Path.
At night, you can enjoy a fantastical collaboration of light and sound.
3️⃣ Kumamoto Castle: Plaza in front of the Main Keep
Every 15 minutes, a dynamic special performance synchronises with the keep's illumination.
There are two scenes, Scene A and Scene B, so do try to see both.
Additionally, if you run or jump, the lights will move in sync,
so do give it a try.
4️⃣ Balloon Game
Balloons installed in front of the castle walls. Press the switch and the colours will shift and shimmer like water.
Time it right and press the switch to illuminate the Kumamoto sky with a searchlight.
5️⃣Tenshukaku Observation Deck
You can also view the light show from here,
but viewing from above reveals a special perspective of Kumamoto Castle.
The night view is also beautiful, so do make your way up.
6️⃣ Lanterns
Register with the Yakan Yakan Nagareru Akari official LINE account to rent them.
They're rather charming to hold, aren't they?♪
7️⃣Kumamoto Castle Head to the rear of the main keep
you'll find bamboo lanterns too.
8️⃣Sakura Machi Kumamoto
The lighting is changed to a special "water-themed" design for the event.
The searchlights reaching towards the heavens connect with Kumamoto Castle above.
Do pop along to see the events at Kumamoto Castle
♪

Kirk here. If you search for "one piece flag protest" you can find lots of articles about how the One Piece pirate flag (created, of course, by Kumamoto's own Eiichiro Oda) is being used in protests all over the world.

Atsuko here.(๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧
On Saturday, I participated as a volunteer for the Mizuaakari event.
What made me happy was meeting four international volunteers.
As a resident of Kumamoto, I think it's wonderful that international people volunteer and interact with local residents. I believe it has a positive impact on local residents, children, Mizuakari staff people, and international residents alike.
The participants are apparently ALTs from Kumamoto City and Kumamoto Prefecture. Though they didn't know each other beforehand, they connected there, forming new bonds. I was happy and felt reassured.
Another joy was seeing a local Japanese volunteer with excellent English skills willingly offering translation and work support.
The Mizuaakari staff don't speak English, but they seemed able to understand the work through simple English and body language.
Mizuakari volunteers are still working at Josai-en. They were also recruiting volunteers for the event day.
It's fun to watch,
but participating is even more fun.
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9/20 ~ Production Day 7 ~
Before we knew it, production work had only five days left.
We started making the lanterns during the hot summer, and now the temperature and wind feel like the changing seasons.
The slightly chilly autumn breeze and atmosphere make the light from the bamboo lanterns feel even warmer.
And what if those lanterns were ones you helped create yourself?
Wouldn't the scenery look different then?
Thank you to everyone who participated again today.
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#KumamotoLivingPeopleFestivalMizuaakari
Event Dates: \\10/11 (Sat)・10/12 (Sun)//
Production Schedule:
9/21・9/27・9/28・10/4・10/5
Location: Sakura no Baba Josai-en
Volunteers still needed for these dates:
① Oct 11 & 12: Setup for the event and lighting the lanterns
② Oct 13: Cleanup and dismantling
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Volunteer application form in English
https://docs-google-com.translate.goog/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFiXSlb_InE8ps9nyNVxrT_JRzT6k13HDdfroY_kb8FXk0-g/viewform?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en

Watch now!
@Kumamoto city Ezu area,
The most beautiful rainbow I have ever seen.
A perfect semicircle,
A double rainbow,
Vivid and beautiful colors ( In Japan rainbows have 7 colors). Atsuko ( * ॑꒳ ॑*)