Posts

Fiona here, sharing a heartwarming local news story related to Jikei Hospital's pioneering baby hatch.
Japan 'baby hatch' man empowers kids via program to live best life
The "baby hatch" door at the city hospital in southwestern Japan that Koichi Miyatsu was placed in the care of was etched in his memory when he was 3 years old. Miyatsu, now a 21-year-old university student who has launched a program to teach kids about the importance of life,…

Liz here.ART SPACE はね is featuring a solo show by Yukari Maeda , copperplate etcher and mixed media artist. Her work is amazing and full of detail and stories. Check out the Art Space Hane page for a video walkthrough, and then go and experience it in person.The gallery is also a wonderful space .( photo of the artist and her work)Location and information on hours can be found on the Art Space はねFB page.

Christmas markets have started and it is suddenly getting colder.
Today's news is not useful but personal, but I would love to share this surprise and excitement with Kumamoto International's readers, so I share it here.
Do you know what the plants in these photos are? If you are from a tropical country, you will know. It is my favourite fruit, which I was so impressed to share this year, even though it is grown in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B2k2DBtfh/
Yes, my favourite, papaya. I planted the seeds in the school field, but forgot about them and they grew into a magnificent tree. In six months, the tree is more than one metre tall. Six months ago, I was very impressed that papaya was being grown in Hitoyoshi, and I was really surprised and thrilled that the papaya seed had sprouted and become a magnificent tree with flowers before I knew it.
I didn't know it was a papaya tree, and I was super surprised when I found the word 'papaya' in a Google search. It was hot in Kumamoto this year, but it was hot enough for papaya to grow.
It's been cold for the past week or so, but I think November in Kumamoto was much colder when I was a kid. I am very sad to think that the papayas I have grown will die. In the future, if you see papaya trees growing in the flowerbed next to the playground from the Kumamoto Castle tower, and if a papaya festival starts in Josaien, please remember that the papayas in Hitoyoshi, planted by Atsuko, are the origin of the papayas.
It was a record that Kumamoto was hot in 2024.
Atsuko(*ᐛ*)ᒃ

Sean here:
My partner is looking for someone to fill this parttime position.
★急募★
Dramatique で働いてくれるスタッフを緊急募集しています
場所は鶴屋NewS館2Fになります
求めているのは：
ジュエリーや雑貨が好きな方
海外に興味がある方
人とお話しするのが好きな方
SNSでの発信が得意な方
楽しいことが好きな方
興味がある方がいらしたらぜひ下のリンクよりご応募ください
ご紹介も大歓迎です
どうぞよろしくお願いします！
Dramatique スタッフ応募フォーム
https://forms.gle/LVPpEqcF7hffbSxd6
https://forms.gle/LVPpEqcF7hffbSxd6
Dramatique スタッフ応募フォーム
内容: 販売 場所: 鶴屋 NewS 館 2F 時間: 10:00～20:00 給与: 時給1,000円〜／月給160,000円〜 経験・能力を考慮して決定／昇給あり 規定交通費別途支給 *日数・時間: 応相談 *土日祝日勤務できる方歓迎 服装自由・お洒落してきてくだ...

Fiona here, sharing a link to information about Kumamoto's various Christmas markets. The one outside Kumamoto station has already started, with Hanabatacho and Suizenji markets opening soon.
クリスマスマーケット熊本 | CHRISTMAS MARKET KUMAMOTO
ドイツで誕生しフランスや北欧などの街の広場に置かれたクリスマスタワーの周りに様々なお店が並び、冬の寒くて心細い季節を幸せなものに変えてくれるヨーロッパの風物詩です。

Ruth here, inviting you to come to the Prefectural University's 'Sundown Market' this Friday, 22nd Nov. from 4-7pm 🍁 Anyone is welcome!! It's across from the Red Cross Hospital 🏥 Come browse, buy, chat and relax! 県大マルシェにお越しください!! ✨11/22（金）、12/13（金）（雨の場合、11/29、12/20）時間：午後4-7時💡場所：図書館とグローカル棟の間 🌚🌝見て、買って、おしゃべりして、くつろいでください!! 🎶
And, next month, on Friday, 13th Dec. I'll be there again for Team Tonakai, selling items as part of our annual gift-giving fundraising efforts, for orphans in childcare homes 🎁 Hope to have hot drinks at the ready in exchange for direct donations, too! ☕ そして来月、12月13日（金）には、チーム・トナカイのメンバーとして、熊本子供養護施設の募金活動の一環として商品を販売します!! 🌲 直接の寄付も大歓迎です🦌

If you're out and about this Sunday, 17th Nov. head to Kumamoto-shi Seibukoryu Center in Nishi-ku.
From their webpage: Western Community Center will be holding the Autumn Thanksgiving 2024 from 9:00 am on Sunday, November 17th!! On the day, the Thanksgiving festival will include a variety of events, including free classes, experience sessions, and a flea market! See you there! - Ruth

Fiona here with a recommendation for a cafe that opened recently in a great downtown Kumamoto location. Across from the International Centre and close to Sakuramachi, LA LUZ is owned by international couple Hernan and Maki, who also run the Casa de Arte tango studio. The restaurant/cafe offers pizza, burritos, quesadillas and can also put on an Argentinian barbecue for groups of 10 or more (reservation required). I think it would be a great choice for an end of year party. Coffee and alcohol are also served with happy hour on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (half price beer!). It's inside the City Theatre (Shimin Kaikan) building, very easy to find, and staff speak Japanese, English and Spanish.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/eTu43h9ZcuUgzHWk9

Atsuko here.
The ginkgo between the Kumamoto Museum and the former Residence of Hosokawa Gyobu is changing from green to yellow. If you are going to the confectionary festival at Fujisakidai Stadium next Sunday, please enjoy the beautiful ginkgo as well!
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Announcement of the 7th Kumamoto Castle Town Sweets Festival to be held on November 17th
The 7th Kumamoto Castle Town Sweets Festival will be held at 10:00 am on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the grounds of Kumamoto Prefectural Gokoku Shrine, next to Fujisakidai Baseball Stadium. A variety of events will be held on the stage in the center of the shrine grounds. The Seiwa Bunraku performance "Snow Woman" will draw you in with its puppets that seem to have life. There will also be a variety of performances such as dancing, singing, and theater.
In front of the main shrine, you can enjoy an exhibition of warrior heads by the Isshin School District Town Hoko Preservation Society, as well as brass band performances by Kumamoto City Isshin Elementary School and Keisei High School.
In addition, the popular "Sweets Making Experience" will allow you to try two types of sweets: "freshly made confections" and "icing macarons." Reservations can be made at the venue on the day of the event, and are limited to the first 252 people, so please make your reservation early.
*Please make reservations at the venue on the day of the event for the sweets making experience.
In addition, there will be many demonstrations and sales of local specialties and delicious foods from Kumamoto, making this a "Kumamoto Festival" that is loved and enjoyed by many people, from adults to children.
Please come and enjoy the event with your family. We recommend using public transportation to get to the venue.
Date and time: Sunday, November 17, 2024
Time: 10:00-16:30
Location: Kumamoto Prefectural Gokoku Shrine grounds (3-1 Miyauchi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City)
Inquiries: Kumamoto Castle Town Sweets Festival Executive Committee (Okashi no Kobainai)
Phone number: 096-366-5151
https://kobai-jp.translate.goog/information/3080/?srsltid=AfmBOoqG9XuB05SgqompFCZgUg38PYoc8osF8uM-6FsstN0qF-MqXe7V&_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en

Cassie here:
For train enthusiasts Kumamoto City is introducing two new three car street cars on the 24 this month. Also don’t forget that public transportation won’t be accepting national cards like Suica soon. You can only use the Kumamoto Kumamon card. Nimoca will also not be accepted.
“九州最大” 熊本市電『3両編成の新型車両』が24日運行開始　（RKK熊本放送） - Yahoo!ニュース https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/d3e546fea5ab0f3403afeb3bf5cf3735d600c140
Translation of Japanese news article below.
The mayor of Kumamoto City, Onishi, announced that the new three-car train to be newly introduced on the Kumamoto City Tram, will begin operation on November 24.
[See photos] "Kyushu's largest" Kumamoto City Tram "New 3-car train" will start operating on the 24th
From November 24, two new 3-car trains newly introduced by Kumamoto City Tram will be operated. It features a stylish car body with the image of the roof and plaster walls of Kumamoto Castle.
The total length of the vehicle is 21 meters and the capacity is 112 people. Compared to the two-car low-floor vehicles currently running, the capacity is about 1.5 times larger, and it is the largest streetcar in Kyushu.
Due to a shortage of drivers, the Kumamoto City Tram has been reduced in schedules and accumulated during rush hour, and the Kumamoto City Transportation Bureau wants to solve these problems.
With the introduction of this new vehicle, the number of low-floor vehicles has increased to 5, and the number of operating vehicles on weekdays is expected to increase from the current 55 to 71 (the number of vehicles increased to 67 on weekends and holidays).
The Kumamoto City Transportation Bureau would like to proceed with the introduction of this new vehicle after next fiscal year (FY2025).
“九州最大” 熊本市電『3両編成の新型車両』が24日運行開始　（RKK熊本放送） - Yahoo!ニュース
熊本市電で新たに導入される3両編成の新型車両について、熊本市の大西市長は、11月24日に運行を始めると発表しました。 11月24日から運行するのは、熊本市電が新たに導入した3両編成の新型車両2台。

LUX NIGHT kumamoto 2024
Starting November 8, to December 8,
18:00-21:00 at Suizenji Seishuen!
The theme is the life of Garasha Hosokawa, expressed with bamboo lights and light art. You can enter places that are normally inaccessible.
There will also be the following workshops on Saturday and Sunday. You can enjoy the fantastic garden at night and experience Hosokawa culture.
Please come to Suizenji Seishuen!
Higo koryu tea ceremony experienceHosokawa-ryu
Bon-ishi experienceIaido
experience at the Noh theater
Higo Zogan experienceFor
Details, please visit the following website
https://lux-night.kumamoto-icb.or.jp/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1wB79nHnhI1ikMjmdmI2lPOJca7YY7rNQI4dQtzECD0CvpRbsgcUiAdtA_aem_4PE1XU_FJwU5WSLx8nhvZQ
Atsuko. sharing my friend post Discovery Kumamoto 田嶋 尚美 san( *ˊᵕˋ)ﾉ
Lux Night KUMAMOTO 2024 - 細川ガラシャと400年の時を超えて -
水前寺成趣園の夜間イベント「Lux Night KUMAMOTO 2024 ( ルクスナイトくまもと 2024 ) - 細川ガラシャと400年の時を超えて -」の公式サイトです。

Come along to the Prefectural University of Kumamoto's 60th Culture Festival this weekend!! Celebrate with music, dance, food stalls, country booths, comedy, art and more! 🍡🥻🖌️♠️ 今週末(11月9日(土)・(日))、県立大学の第60回"白亜祭"が開催される! 音楽、ダンス、屋台、カントリーブース、お笑い、アートなど、さまざまな催しで盛り上がろう!! 🎶🔮💬🎤
Address: 3-1-100 Tsukide, Higashi Ward, Kumamoto, 862-0920
Uploaded by Ruth

Atsuko here.
Sharing Kumamoto elementary school students team challenge WRO(ง •̀_•́)ง
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Kumamoto Elementary School Team to Participate in International Competition】
A team of elementary school students selected at the "WRO Kumamoto Qualifier" robot contest held in the summer will participate in the international competition as a member of the Japanese delegation❗
At the Japan Final held in Toyama Prefecture in August, 48 teams representing each region participated, winning second place in the advanced elementary school division and being selected to represent Japan. This year's international competition will be held in Turkey.
This year's international competition will be held in Turkey from November 28 to 30.
This is the first time for elementary school students from Kumamoto Prefecture to participate in an international competition ✨
Please support Kumamoto children so that they can spread their wings on the world stage 😊=====
What is WRO? ===== WRO is an educational robot competition that started in 2004 as an idea of Singapore National Science Center.
WRO has grown from its origins in Asia to the Middle East, Europe, North and South America, and Africa, with competitors from 93 countries and regions participating in the 2023 Panama International Competition.
The robots are built using commercially available kits, and teams develop programs to operate autonomously rather than by remote control.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EHBVMdwxh/

Fiona here with another event happening in Kumamoto over the long weekend - a gourmet burger festival taking place at Hanabatacho, the area in front of Sakuramachi.
JAPANグルメバーガーフェスのサイトです

(Fiona) Kumamoto University has its big culture festival over the long weekend with various events including performances, a strongman contest, crafts, exhibits, food and drinks stalls, a haunted house....the full schedule can be found online here:
https://www.sigmafes.com/%E5%BD%93%E6%97%A5%E3%81%AE%E3%81%94%E6%A1%88%E5%86%85
Use public transport or a bike if possible as traffic congestion is likely and there is not much parking available.

Yesterday Hari posted a notice about a seminar for foreign entrepreneurs and business people with an ([gyōsei shoshi] . . . a legal profession in Japan which files government licenses and permits, drafts documents, and provides legal advice around such interactions. -- Wikipedia):
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/pfbid0dHVRY1pUL2vd8912XcR4tuN7ceEjvBRiWrm7ABxTeSPTh4kugiVJzTPXqDtjU4q5l
(Thank Hari!) The following event will also be help on that day (11/17). -- Kirk

Let's Start a Business in Japan!
Free consultation for interested international residents in Kumamoto
Date/Time: November 17 (Sunday) 16:30-18:30
Venue: Kumamoto City International Center

Atsuko here.
Share to Mom and Baby
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"Hello! Baby Boxes" to expectant and nursing mothers in situations such as economic hardship and young pregnancies!
Save the Children is now accepting applications for the "Hello! Baby Box" program, which provides necessary childcare items for newborns in order to guarantee children's rights to "grow up in a healthy, safe, and secure environment" from birth, and to reduce childcare costs for expectant mothers, their partners, and families facing economic hardship and various other difficulties! Baby Box", which provides necessary childcare items for newborns. We encourage you to apply.
Please help us by informing your neighbors and sharing the program with others so that more families can take advantage of it.
Hello! Baby Box".
We will send you the following childcare items for your newborn baby.
Newborn or S size diapers / Additive-free clothing detergent / Baby soap / Baby wipes / Underwear set for newborns / Towels / Toys / Relaxation goods for mothers / Thermometer, etc.
The contents may vary slightly.
Areas covered: All over Japan
Eligibility: Those who reside in Japan and meet all of the following eligibility criteria 1-3.
*Foreign nationals and those whose status of residence is unstable are also eligible to apply.
1. You must be 22 weeks pregnant (stable period) or later - approximately 1 month postpartum at the time of application deadline (December 5, 2024).
The diapers in the *boxes are newborn size or size S, and are intended for people up to about 1 month postpartum. (Shipping will be in late January 2025. For those who are postpartum at the time of application, the S size may be too small for some babies when the box arrives. Please understand this in advance.)
2. One of the following applies.
A. Young pregnancy (pregnancy under 20 years old) or student (including over 20 years old).
B. Multiple-child household (three or more children under the age of 18, including the pregnant child).
*If the pregnant child is a twin, it will be counted as two.
C. Unmarried or single parent at the time of application
D. Pregnant women with intellectual disabilities or mental illness (regardless of whether or not they have a disability certificate)
E. Those who cannot use the public system due to unstable status of residence such as refugee application, provisional release, or displaced persons
F. Other than the above, those who have difficulty in preparing supplies for a newborn baby and need assistance.
Those who apply only to *F may not be eligible depending on the reason. Please understand this in advance. 3.
3. income requirements
Please check the application form. https://bit.ly/47Rfrlw
Applicants who meet the following conditions are eligible to apply even if they do not meet the income requirements.
A. Those who are unmarried or single parents at the time of application, among those who apply for "A. Young pregnant women or students".
E. Those whose status of residence is unstable, such as those who are in the process of applying for refugee status, provisional release, or displaced persons, and who are unable to use the public system.
Number of families to be accepted: 750 families
Support details】Support of one box per child.
Application Period】From 12:00 (noon) Wednesday, October 23, 2024 to 12:00 (noon) Thursday, December 5, 2024
Application] Please apply using the dedicated online form.
https://bit.ly/47Rfrlw
*Online only applications will be accepted.
For more information, please visit ➡https://www.savechildren.or.jp/lp/hellobb/

An international culture festival happening in Kumamoto city on October 27th with an appearance from Kumamon. (Fiona)

Atsuko here.
Introducing a workshop to learn programming using English.
As previously introduced in Kumamoto International, a Google engineer from Kumamoto is running an online workshop to learn programming in English.
This time, he will be holding an on-site workshop as well as an online workshop. We are looking forward to your participation both online and onsite.
Participants will be divided into groups according to their English ability, and Japanese language support will be provided.
We are looking forward to lots students to learn English and programming. We are also looking for schools, classrooms, and classes to host workshops onsite.
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This is the event information of the organizations that we cooperate with.
Please feel free to join us.
---Information about the event ----...
Computer Science in English at Kumamoto On-Site
Please register here
https://forms.gle/MCFMxmPsBjH5Gy6y6
Date & Time: October 27 (Sun.) Doors open at 9:00 a.m., Start at 9:20 a.m. - End at 11:20 a.m.
Venue: Ueki Mirai Space, Kumamoto City Inventors Club Office
(101 ABC Ueki Building, 72-1 Titokusui, Ueki-cho, Kita-ku, Kumamoto City)
Venue MAP: https://x.gd/VZjDC
Please use public transportation as much as possible.
Target: 3rd grade elementary school students to junior high school students
Number of applicants: 15 (if the number of applicants exceeds the limit, a drawing will be held)
Deadline: Friday, October 25, 18:00
For inquiries regarding the contents of the program, please contact:
　Kumamoto LR Net, a non-profit organization Secretariat (Murashima)
　[email protected] Tel: 080-8396-5523
For inquiries about the venue, please contact:
　Kumamoto City Boys & Girls Inventors' Club Secretariat (Kikuchi)
　[email protected] Tel: 096-273-0288"
Google form in English
https://docs-google-com.translate.goog/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfwvnW0SbFhYsJftYh_hwwLWAEDNRh-BReqCp5okTTfarHdzQ/viewform?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en