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The Rising Sun Flag (旭日旗, Kyokujitsu-ki) is a Japanese flag that consists of a red disc and sixteen red rays emanating from which. Sadly, it became convoluted with the war though its history is far older. Apparently, its origins are from Kikuchi (didn't know that!), appropriate as it is one of the oldest domains in Japan. You can see other flags and read more about it here. - William https://kumamoto-senseki.net/5-1sub1/n.html

Have you bought eggs from a vending machine? Ogata Egg Farm has four egg vending machines in Koshi City and Kikuyo Town and refills fresh eggs every day.
When you find one, try to buy a pack of fresh eggs!
- Chieko

A verdict was rendered in the sad case of local trainee (jisshuusei) convicted of abandoning the bodies of her stillborn twins. I have serious misgivings about the verdict but I'll let you all read the article and decide for yourselves.
Rather, I'd like to make a few comments about an aspect of the coverage of this issue and others like it that I'm not happy with: the use of the words onna (女) and otoko (男) for most people deemed to be criminals. I say "most people" because the usage is not consistent but I'll get to that point later. First, let's look at how this has been covered in Japanese.
Here's an example of coverage by TKU, a local TV station:
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/8ba936ccb917f1b5ca3a20a8998d00178821a1a4
In the video (text is also available on the page), they refer to the accused as "ベトナム人技能実習生の女" (a Vietnamese trainee woman). The point is that they use "の女" (no onna) at the end. RKK used the same kind of expression. This kind of language expresses contempt. In normal polite discourse the terms 女性 (josei) and 男性 (dansei) are used. (By the way, if you say "あの女は" about some female person and you are overheard by a friend or supporter, well, as they say, "them's fightin' words" so watch your back.)
If the Japanese media were consistent in automatically expressing opprobrium in this manner toward all people who have been convicted of a crime, that would be one thing. In fact, however, the media exercise considerable discretion in regard to such expressions of disdain. The Japanese version of the Mainichi article, for example, doesn't bother to use either "女" (onna) or "女性". After all the gender of the person who gave birth is clear from the context so "Vietnamese trainee" is enough. The addition of "の女" by TKU was a sort of gratuitous "dis."
Moreover, here's an example of a person who is convicted of a more serious crime, murder, but is referred to with the more polite "男性" (dansei), not otoko:
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/20b0d3c6cfe54853ab0fb9e1e38974841a3d423d
What's the difference? Well, the murderer once had the title "Vice-Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries." He was a powerful man with a high social position. So, even though he killed his son with a knife, he is still referred to as "dansei."
It's my observation that you are more likely to be called "onna" or "otoko" if you are a foreigner that is accused of a crime. Afterall, you are an easy target. Who would complain about your treatment in the media? The use of this language, particularly in regard to people who are accused but not yet convicted, makes me think that many in the Japanese media don't care much about the presumption of innocence.
This rant has been brought to you by Kirk (60代の男)
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210721/p2a/00m/0na/027000c
Vietnamese trainee in Japan convicted of abandoning stillborn twins' corpses - The Mainichi
KUMAMOTO -- A 22-year-old Vietnamese technical intern accused of abandoning the bodies of twins in November 2020 soon after she delivered them in a so

From today to August 8th, there is a photo exhibition by Mugishima Masaru ( 麦島勝 ) at Kumamoto City Handicrafts Promotion Center ( 熊本市くまもと工芸会館 ) in Kawashiri, Minami-ku, Kumamoto City.
In this exhibition, we can see photos taken in all around Kumamoto mostly in the mid-20th century when Japan was experiencing high economic growth so cities are lively but people in rural areas were still following the traditional way of life.
The entrance fee is free. There are some nice wagashi shops in Kawashiri so I hope you will enjoy exploring the area and visit the handicraft centre to see Mugishima's photos. Have a lovely weekend!
- Chieko

明太子 (mentaiko) is translated as "spicy cod roe." I dunno how they get the cod to eat spicy stuff, but that's a different story. My wife figured out that, if you mix it with mayonnaise, it makes a perfect vegetable dip. Try it out. - William

The following video is related to an exhibition that it underway at the Contemporary Art Museum of Kumamoto.
https://www.facebook.com/david.king.144181/posts/10159595225194515
The exhibition is indoors so we may not get the full effect of Theo Jansen's amazing creations (which are animated by only the power of the wind -- completely analogue), but a segment I saw on TV was enticing nonetheless.
Hiromi Chida has posted a detailed explanation in both Japanese and English:
https://www.facebook.com/hiromi.chida.3/posts/10226476039267297
-- Kirk

Kirk here, back again after a rather long and unexcused absence. I had a note from my mom but I can't find it now -- guess the dog ate it. ;)
I just did a little news search for "Kumamoto" and found that it's the name of a new album released by Garrett Kato:
https://www.facebook.com/garrettkatomusic/posts/229823592293127
I listened to some of the tunes. Nice!

The Olympics loom. The Guardian has an article with accompanied video about the '64 games. It's good watching during your summer vacation. Below is a quote from the article. - William
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jul/21/how-capturing-the-small-details-at-tokyo-64-created-a-masterpiece
Here's a direct link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHt0eAdCCns
The story told in the documentary is more complicated and ambiguous. It was directed by Kon Ichikawa, who had only just won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Festival for his film Odd Obsession. The organisers had originally hired Akira Kurosawa, but dropped him when he insisted on having complete creative control over the opening and closing ceremonies as well. It paid off. Ichikawa, who had made his name with two anti-war movies, The Burmese Harp and Fires on the Plain, ended up making one of the great sports films. It won two Baftas, including best documentary.
How capturing the small details at Tokyo 64 created a masterpiece | Andy Bull
The greatest Olympic film was made by not always chasing the glory shot. Tokyo 2020 documentary makers should do the same

Hi again.
Personally, I don't think we should hold Olympic in such COVID-19 pandemic.
On the other hand, I'd like to encourage and cheer ALL players and athletes. Especially the 2 badminton players, 福島由紀(Yuki Fukushima) and 廣田彩花(Sayaka Hirota) are from Kumamoto!!
Fukushima is from 八代Yatsushiro. Hirota is from 和水町Nagomimachi.
Yes, my hometown is also Nagomimachi! Hirota and me are same elementary school and junior high OG. Her house is next area from my house.
They had belonged to ルネサス Renesas and 再春館Saishunkan badminton team before, now in 岐阜県 Gifu.
They are named and called '' フクヒロFUKUHIRO ペア pair'' They are world's No.1 ranked now.
My hometown, Nagomimachi is so small local town so I hope lots Kumamoto residents support and cheer them too!!!!
Hoping you also enjoy their matches as my friends! ーAtsukoଘ(੭ˊ꒳​ˋ)੭✧

Hi friends.
Kumamoto-i has shared lots articles about ''MINAMATA''.
They will hold its advance screening on 21 August at Minamata city. There is meaning to play the movie at first at Minamata, I also think.
The movie will be released from 23 September in Japan.
The advance screening is cosponsored by 若かった患者の会(Wakakatta kannjyanokai) Patients group who were young at that time.)
The issue isn't past one but contentious, today's one.ーAtsuko.
全国に先駆けついに映画の舞台へ凱旋《日本最速》水俣市先行プレミア上映。8.21（土）水俣市文化会館

I have a daughter and teach at an all-female high school, so I'm familiar with the stress females face with their hair. Males have it easy - keep it above the collar, run a comb through if necessary, and that's it. Females in their morning rush will generally brush their hair back and gather it in a band. It's quick, efficient, and attractive. Apparently, it also keeps their heads cooler than having their hair over their ears. Sadly, the powers that be in some locales for some unknown reason have deemed this 「おしゃれ」(coquettish?) and are requiring female students to wear pigtails. That's a hellava lotta more work. If I were they, I would protest. Not only would it save time in the morning and keep them cool in the afternoons, it would teach them civics. - William
ポニーテールは×　熊本市の中学校「おしゃれだから」　母親ら疑問の声 ｜ 熊本日日新聞
ポニーテールは禁止です。理由は、おしゃれな髪形だから－。熊本市に、校則でポニーテールを禁じている中学...

Good morning Monday.
Beautiful views from 河内 Kawachi area.
Blue sky, shining 有明海 Ariakekai, brilliant orange trees' green.
The view might make you relax and give you lots power!! ーAtsuko(งᐛ )ง

JMA has a useful natural disaster page. We were just hit by a small jolt with an epicenter in Yamaguchi. I checked out for the first time the English version of the page and was confused by the button "Next Earthquake." Do they know something they're not sharing? - I clicked it to no response. - William
地図コンテンツページです。気象警報、大雨危険度、台風情報、気象情報、天気予報、季節予報、ひまわり、アメダス、ウィンドプロファイラ、海上警報、潮位観測情報、波浪観測情報、津波、地震情報、推計気象分布、震...

Kumanichi mentions a sake brewery in Yamato-cho called "Tsūjun Shuzō," named after their famed Tsūjun Bridge. It originated in 1770 using an architectural technique called 土蔵造り ('dozo-zukuri'), or "earthen-walled storehouse," apparently one of only 220 remaining in all Japan. They were popular as they were impervious to the ubiquitous fires that once ravaged cities here and also deterred thieves. The brewery has a cool Website which sadly does not mention tours, though there is a restaurant and sake tasting: https://tuzyun.com/ Put that on your bucket list; if you've never toured a sake brewery, you should. - William
https://kumanichi.com/articles/317499

Chuck Waterman here:
UPDATE: Two days past second shot. My only reaction is tiredness (Julie also has had a slight headache at times the last few days.)
Got my "vaccine passport. Took 35 minutes. Here's a picture:

Opponents of bosozoku ー暴走族ーthose who ride bikes illegally modified to increase their noise and then inflict their fetish on those trying to sleep - have scored a victory on one 20-year old Tamana woman riding an illegally modified bike on road prohibiting such traffic in Oguni, which should be a quiet town (she apparently works at a shop which modifies the bikes). One down. Let's hope they go after the shop. Click Kumanichi for a full view of the bike - William
「帰宅して」指示ルート守らず逮捕　容疑の女、改造オートバイで摘発後　熊本 ｜ 熊本日日新聞
「おとなしく帰りなさいと言ったのに」－。小国署などは１３日、不正改造のオートバイを指示された帰路以外...

Reports are flooding in about a hyena roaming Kumamoto. It's obviously a dog with scabies, caused by mites. The condition is easily treatable. However, it is a reminder against allowing pets to freely associate, and to have a good vet. Visit the Doubutsu Aigo Center http://doubutsuaigo.hinokuni-net.jp/ if you want to adopt a pet. - William
https://nordot.app/786827224114266112?c=92619697908483575
ハイエナ？熊本市で目撃多数　正体は皮膚病のタヌキ ｜ 熊本日日新聞
「ハイエナのような変な生き物がいる」－。熊本市鳥獣対策室にこんな目撃情報が寄せられている。皮膚病の疥...

July. It was a dark and stormy night. (Charles Schulz understood Kumamoto very well). - William

Long ago, before tunnels were bored through the mountains to create a more direct rail line connecting Kumamoto and Kagoshima, the sole route hugged the coast. It still exists, called the "Orange tetsudo" after the citrus grown in the area. It's popular among those who want to go nowhere slowly. They're offering a special menu to enjoy as you absorb the views and a passbook where you can receive a stamp at each station reached. Beautiful photos are at the link. - William https://www.hs-orange.com/kankou/

Sad news. A young Nottingham woman was found dead in her Yokohama apartment. I will not speculate. However, particularly for young, single people in Japan, stress can be intense. Tokyo English Lifeline (TELL) has a 24-hour counseling service. And of course, we at KI are always here, though we're not trained in this matter - just a listening ear. PM us if necessary. I myself have been there, with stress so high I considered just escaping, but there are options. - William
Suicide Awareness & Prevention | TELL Japan
Suicide Awareness & Prevention HomepageGet Involved Suicide Awareness & Prevention Suicide is an issue many of us are uncomfortable talking about and have trouble understanding, leaving most of us with insufficient and incorrect information about the issue and how to best support those in need. Savi...