Posts

Kirk here with a note about stormy weather. Fortunately, the erstwhile super typhoon Chanthu (No. 14 in Japan) is no longer a typhoon -- more of a tropical storm -- but it's still a good idea to be careful. The image is from the following site:
https://www.tropicalstormrisk.com

Kirk here with a share from "Untapped Kumamoto." This page is fairly new and so still has a relatively small following but the quality is high so I'm sure it will grow. It you haven't checked it out, please take a look.
https://www.facebook.com/untappedkumamoto/posts/2381382061992128

William. Autumn is here, and perhaps you're itchy to get out. A place to visit which, if you haven't, you can't actually say you've lived in Kumamoto, is 釈迦院御坂遊歩道3333段石段 (shakainmisakayūhodō 3333 steps - there are actually more; I counted them once), which is one of the longest 参道 (sandō, a road approaching a shrine) in Japan. Near the peak is an outcrop with a beautiful view of the Yatsushiro sea and its surroundings, and many stop there, but THAT IS NOT THE POINT! Continue upward and visit the shrine, the purpose of the steps. It's not a particularly spectacular shrine, but it does have the most excellent 参道 of any in Japan. There is a bus from Kotsu Center, but the optimal transportation mode is a car. Elevation is about 600M from the trailhead.

Hi! Kirk here with a little heads up about the "Return To Japan Support Group":
https://www.facebook.com/groups/returntojapan
If you become a member of the group, you will see that it is sponsored by a company called MetroResidences, which will let you rent a place to stay in Tokyo.
Generally speaking, the group is quite good; it has over 20,000 participants and you can get quick responses to your questions.
However, there's a serious problem. That is that the administrator tells people that they have to quarantine in Tokyo, even though it's also possible to rent a car and travel to far off places like Kumamoto. In my view, this is a clear conflict of interest; the obvious choice for renters is MetroResidences. In fact, I know of at least one Kumamoto International participant who rented from them, apparently as a result of participating in the support group.
Please look at the first image. Here the administrator says that you have to (which I take to mean "must") quarantine in Tokyo. This was in response to an inquiry about whether or not you can take a connecting flight to another region of Japan. While it's true that you can't take a connecting flight, staying in Tokyo (that is, renting from companies like MetroResidences) is not the only option. As you can see in the second image, other people had already pointed out that it's possible to rent a car. But, when I said the exact same thing, but in a comment to the administrator and with a link to previous discussion, I was disciplined (third image).
Actually, even before I was disciplined, I had called Kumamoto's Consumer Center to report a possible conflict of interest. The person I spoke with said he would pass the information on to people in Tokyo who deal with such national issues.
Here's the text of the post I linked to, which may have irritated the administrator even more than my just saying that you can rent a car:
===== quote starts =====
I would like to respectfully request a revision of the "group summary" which is located here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/returntojapan/announcements
"Be aware any long-distance driving plans may not be suitable under the quarantine rules. (for example stopping at rest areas along the way)"
I am not aware of the Japanese government saying that we should not stop at rest areas. And, if we are going to drive more that a couple of hours, I think that stopping at rest areas is important to maintaining alertness and safety.
The following Sankei Shimbun article (in Japanese) says that car rentals have increased significantly since the government changed its stance and decided to allow people to travel to their homes and isolate there:
https://www.sankei.com/.../20200422.../
I have not, however, been able to find an official government statement that is either pro or con regarding stopping at rest areas or indicates how far we can drive. It seems that the government has decided not to publish clear rules on relevant websites. Instead they are responding to individual inquiries via the following (and other) hotline numbers:
0120-565653
If you call the number (you may need to speak Japanese) as I did, I think you will find that we are allowed to rent cars and travel distances that would necessitate stopping to rest.
Also, as I have written in a previous post, my plans to drive from Narita to Kyushu were not met with any disapproval or warnings when I when through the entry process at Narita.
Since this is a support group, I don't think it should discourage us from doing something that the government says is OK, especially something like stopping to rest, something that is necessary for safe travel. Not adjusting the group summary without a clear justification is also problematic because there is at least an appearance of a conflict of interest: MetroResidences stands to benefit if more people decide to rent a place to stay instead of a car.
===== quote ends =====
If you are or become a member of the group, you can read the discussion this post engendered here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/returntojapan/posts/1210049706159548
In one of the comments a participant said that she had been banned for saying that it was OK to drive to Kyushu, just as I have no been. Like I say, conflict of interest. Suppression of information that might lead participants away from a MetroResidences rental.
Well, that's the gist of my complaint. There's a lot of good information that gets exchanged in the support group but be aware of the conflict of interest and the possibility that the administrator will discipline you of you try to tell people that renting in Tokyo isn't the only option.
Finally, I'd appreciate it if you would share this post with anyone who is considering traveling abroad. They will probably want to refer to the good information available in the group but I would like them to go in with their eyes open, especially if they might prefer renting a car to staying in Tokyo for two weeks. Thanks!

(Fiona) Here is further information in English about the new Soup Kitchen that is providing meals at Gran Paletta twice a week. If you'd like to donate to the crowdfunding or offer your services as a volunteer you can get in touch with the organisers as posted below.

Kirk here with a little report on my experience getting a PCR test that would allow me to get in to Hawaii to visit family. This post is related to (or, in a sense, an extension of) an earlier post by Chuck Waterman. First, here's the link to the post by Chuck:
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/5807263189347065
Before I went to Hawaii I got my test at the Haga Kodomo Clinic in Mashiki. It's one of the clinics listed on the following page:
https://townwifi.com/aftercorona/pcr/list/?id=43
One of the things we talked about in relation to Chuck's post was the hefty fee: 33,300 yen. I've forgotten the exact amount but Haga Kodomo Clinic is significantly lower -- just over 20,000 as I recall. Moreover, I didn't realize it at the time but Haga is the ONLY place in Kumamoto on a list of facilities recognized by the State of Hawaii. One thing I'm still fuzzy about is what kind of PCR test (that is, from what facility) you need to get in to various places throughout the world. It seems that China, like Hawaii, has designated certain facilities but I'm not sure about other countries / regions.
I learned from Jackie Benke (Thanks Jackie!) about a new facility behind the Shiyakusho (City Hall?) in Kumamoto City that will start administering PCR tests on the 18th of this month for just 5,000 yen. I don't know, however, if a test from such a facility will be admissible in other countries. Be careful about that. Or, they may charge more to fill out the proper form in English.
I hope that those of you with wisdom and knowledge that I lack will share what you know in a comment on this post. Thanks!
https://www.tku.co.jp/news/?news_id=20210913-00000012&fbclid=IwAR3g0ZtW0QSgIQoSqNemvZVuOHTZFu-44V5KkinZX271-T16q1Bp9LiGCK4

Douglas here: From time to time I post a video or two about some of the things of interest I see around Kumamoto. If anyone is interested in seeing them gathered together in one place, please take a look at my website, at the following url:
Japan through Gaijin-Eyes - Gaijin-Eyes
Some videos of places, events, customs and traditions in and around Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan. For the most, they depict scenes which caught my eye. I even hear comments from Japanese viewers saying that they were surprised to be seeing … Continue reading →

Kirk here with an introduction to and share from the Kumamoto Japan Tourism page. With about 34,000 likes, it's by far the most popular English-language Facebook page about Kumamoto. Weighing in at over 4,500 likes, Kumamoto International has gotten pretty big for a page run as a hobby by people who lack Kumamon's appeal (I hereby formally admit to being less cute than Kumamon :( ), but we are still a lightweight by comparison. The posts on the Kumamoto Japan Tourism page are less frequent than on this page but I think the quality is good. If you haven't done so already, please check it out. :)
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1096069514249669

Chuck Waterman here.
RE: PCR tests in Michigan
There are "Urgent Care Clinics" in several suburbs of Michigan that give PCR tests with same day results for people returning to Japan from that state, even without US insurance . Mine cost a little over $100, but that was a much more reasonable price than many Japanese clinics. Check with individual clinics though - some don't offer it though many do, and some are better than others about scheduling and some will even fill out the MOFA form!

Fiona here with some information about a volunteering opportunity in Kumamoto city. A soup kitchen recently opened in Gran Paletta (the United Cinemas building) offering free meals to children as well as 300 yen meals for adults. It is currently operating twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays from 5-7pm, and is looking for both volunteers and people willing to donate to its crowdfunding campaign. When more information becomes available in English I will post again, but if anyone would like to get involved or find out more you can visit the group's page:
https://m.facebook.com/hagukumikomyu

Hi friends, Atsuko here.
Now, it's the season 彼岸花 Higanbana, Red spider lily. It blooms around the autumnal equinox every year.
They tell you beautiful and colorful Autumn has come.
The photo was taken at Kikuchi city, attached map at comment.(*Ü*)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Kumamoto.Archives/permalink/4656656251019784/?sfnsn=mo&ref=share

Kirk here with a little "Help Wanted" notice from Andrew, currently residing in Tokyo but formerly a Kumamoto resident. Unfortunately, this notice is only applicable to a minority of the readers of this page: Native Japanese speakers with good English skills. But, it doesn't matter where you are located because you can work remotely.
--------------------------------
Hi Kumamoto people, I am looking to hire a paid intern for my company. I work for a financial UK B2B financial media company and we are looking marketing data research intern to help build out and support its work in Japan at a very busy and exciting time for the business.
The intern will play an important role in the creation of a brand-new product through actively researching new contact records, manage parts of our Japanese database to generate new business and gain understanding about how an international B2B media business develops a go-to market strategy for a brand new product.
Job Responsibilities include:
• Web research of new leads
• Excel database management
• Telephone research
• Basic marketing communications
Qualifications:
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Native Japanese and Business level English
• Strong research skills and an analytical mindset
• Comfortable speaking to people on the phone
This can be a remote role, so being based in Kumamoto is fine. If anyone is interested and would like to discuss further details with me, feel free to email me at: [email protected]
Andrew

William. A bit more news about the mudskipper ("mutsugoro"): "According to the Saga Prefectural Fisheries Promotion Center, the number of endangered mudskippers in the Ariake Sea was confirmed to be 7.7 times that of the number recorded 17 years ago." Apparently, some liked to eat them (!!), and they were fished to close to extinction, but fishing was prohibited in 2007. So they've got that going for them, in addition to their looks.
https://www.fukuoka-now.com/en/news/sagas-mudskippers-bounce-back/

Kirk here with a share from Kuma Visit. If you're not familiar with the page, please check it out, particularly if you're interested in the arts. And don't be intimidated by the Japanese text you see toward the top. If you scroll down just a little you'll be able to read English explanations.
Personally, I'm a fan of Higo inlay (Higo zogan). It has traditionally be used to decorate sword guards and other very Japanese items but I like Higo zogan necktie clasps and other accessories that men and women can enjoy in modern settings. They make great gifts.
https://www.facebook.com/kumavisit/posts/2949737421944551

I've got this 78-year old friend who is very interested in Japanese history. I usually search the Net for him but thought tonight to teach him how to use the mouse. He seems to have grasped the basic concept but vastly prefers that I do it for him. This is one of the oldest photos of our castle, before the Satsuma burned it down (VERY roughly portrayed in the movie "The Last Samurai).

Kirk with a news article about a manga studies department in Takamori (Aso area). As the headline says, this is a first for Japan, not just for Kumamoto.
Japan to get its 1st high school 'manga studies' department - The Mainichi
KUMAMOTO -- The Kumamoto Prefectural Board of Education has announced that it aims to launch the first high school

Kirk here with some information about the movie "MINAMATA" with Johnny Depp.
I was about to share an article that is related to the movie but since the article said that MINAMATA would open throughout Japan on the 23rd of this month, that I should share that information first.
This is only FYI (for your information) -- not a recommendation. Actually, English-language reviews are pretty good but the reason I say that this is not a "recommendation" is that I don't know if this is a good time to go to a theatre. If you've been vaccinated and the attendance at the theatre is sparse, it might be OK but judge for yourself.
Here's the URL of the page with the theatre information:
https://eigakan.org/theaterpage/schedule.php?t=minamata

William. Just watched a TV show about the challenges non-Western foreigners face in Japan. I arrived on what was expected to be a short visit but then met my wife, and when it became clear that she wouldn't leave Kumamoto, I had to tackle Japanese from the age of 27. There are, though, many resources for those looking to learn Japanese. I learned much from a kind tutor at YMCA, and then there is the International Center. I also learned conversation from talking with my wife but realized a spouse is not an ideal tutor - things often devolve into a quarrel. I'd like to hear experiences in learning Japanese from others on this page.

Kirk here with news about a cluster at Jozan (Jyozan in the article: 城山こども園 [Jozan Kodomo-en) Nursery School in Kumamoto’s Nishi Ward.
"A total of 79 people contracted the novel coronavirus in a cluster infection at a nursery school here where staff did not wear masks in order to show their faces to the children."
See the article for details.
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14436868
By the way, ever wonder why the Romanization of Japanese is inconsistant ("Jyozan" vs "Jozan")? The "jyo" style is Kunrei-shiki romanization and is promoted by the Ministry of Edcuation:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunrei-shiki_romanization
"Jo" is Hepburn romanization which is required by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on passports and by other governmental agencies:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepburn_romanization
This is a classic case of what is called "tatewari gyosei" (縦割り行政; sectionalism), where the right hand doesn't know (or care about) what the left hand is doing. Naturally, there's lots of confusion in Japan about how to Romanize Japanese words. This can cause problems when you search for text. If you search for "Jozan" you may not find it if it has been rendered "Jyozan" or with some other spelling.
65 kids infected at nursery school where staff did not wear masks | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
KUMAMOTO--A total of 79 people contracted the novel coronavirus in a cluster infection at a nursery school here where staff did not wear masks in order to show their faces to the children.

Kirk here with an update on Kumamoto's "pre-emergency" measures.
"Of the 12 prefectures where pre-emergency measures are now in place, six--Toyama, Yamanashi, Ehime, Kochi, Saga and Nagasaki--will have the measures lifted on Sept. 13. The measures will stay in place until Sept. 30 for the six remaining prefectures: Fukushima, Ishikawa, Kagawa, Kumamoto, Miyazaki and Kagoshima."
Numbers of new cases are down in Kumamoto but there have been some instances of clusters (I'll post about that later) that may have influenced the decision.
By the way, "pre-emergency" is one way in which the Japanese "man'en boushi tou juuten sochi" (まん延防止等重点措置) is translated. 　The Japanese is sometimes shortened to "manbou" but this abbreviation has been criticized because it sounds like "mambo," a fish also know as a sharptail mola (see second url for an article in Japanese about the criticism).
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14437035
https://www.sankeibiz.jp/macro/news/210403/mca2104031738005-n1.htm
COVID-19 state of emergency to end on Sept. 30 for 19 prefectures | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s administration gave its final approval on Sept. 9 for extending the current state of emergency declared over the latest phase of the novel coronavirus pandemic.