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Hi Joe Tomei here with another update from the JET Prefectural advisors, Lily McDermott and Chase Sutherland
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Dear Kumamoto,
We hope everyone's Monday is off to a good start. Here are some updates regarding the situation in Kumamoto and Japan:
Kumamoto Risk Level raised to Level 4
Kumamoto Prefecture's independent Risk Level was raised to Level 4 on 1 December, the second highest level on the 6-stage scale (0 being the lowest and 5 the highest). This is the first time Level 4 has been announced since the new scale was announced on 28 October.
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/uploaded/attachment/122587.pdf
We have attached the translation of the new Risk Levels to this email if you would like to reference them again.
The following points were mentioned in materials released to the press by Kumamoto prefecture:
- The number of cases for which the route of infection is unknown has increased to 28, making up 47.5% of cases (up from 39.1%) in the previous 1-week period.
-Nationwide, there are regularly over 2000 cases per day. Although until relatively recently the number of cases in Kyushu has not seen such a dramatic increase, unfortunately the number of new cases is increasing and as a result increased vigilance is necessary.
-If residents have any symptoms such as a fever, the prefecture asks for them to stay home from work and contact their regular physician or the fever hotline as soon as possible.
Since the risk-level increase, the Prefecture has announced some additional requests, as well as explained some of the new measures that are being implemented. The whole document is rather lengthy (you can see it here: https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/uploaded/attachment/122522.pdf) but if you don't want to read all of it you can read on for some of the highlights.
New request from Kumamoto Prefecture concerning domestic travel
Ever since the general request to avoid any travel to other prefectures was lifted on 23 September, the prefecture issued a general request to all residents to avoid traveling to prefectures in which COVID-19 is spreading, but did not specify which particular prefectures that applied to.
In light of the Risk Level being raised to Level 4, the prefecture is issuing the following request to residents concerning avoiding domestic travel:
Please avoid travel to prefectures in which the number of new cases per 100,000 population over a 1-week period is 15 or higher. If you must travel for unavoidable reasons, the prefecture requests residents to thoroughly implement measures to prevent the spread of infection and to avoid the 3 Cs at their destination.
The prefecture will compile a list of the case totals and per 100,000 population for all 47 prefectures and publish it on the prefectural website for residents to refer to.
For the 1-week period between 25 November and 1 December, 5 prefectures exceeded the 15 cases per 100,000 cutoff given by Kumamoto Prefecture. They are as follows:

Hokkaido - 1,500 cases (28.6 per 100,000)
Osaka - 2,451 cases (27.8 per 100,000)
Tokyo - 3,114 cases (22.4 per 100,000)
Okinawa - 322 cases (22.2 per 100,000)
Aichi - 1,198 (15.9 per 100,000)
(For comparison the number for Kumamoto is 45 cases, 2.6 per 100,000)
Furthermore, the Human Resources Division of Kumamoto Prefecture has issued a request to prefectural employees to avoid business trips and personal travel to these prefectures. The corresponding division of your own contracting organisation may have issued a similar request for their employees that applies to JETs also.
Other new measures implemented by Kumamoto Prefecture
There are some new announcements regarding measures the prefecture is taking to address the infection situation.
- 609 different medical institutions have now been designated as able to treat and test patients, enabling a quicker response to cases in which individuals present with symptoms such as a fever.
- 15 different patient information centres have been established in 15 different regions of the prefecture in order to be able to refer people to one of the 609 institutions in the case they have symptoms.
- In addition to PCR tests, implementation of simplified antigen test kits will allow a daily testing capacity of approximately 8,600/day.
- The number of hospital beds designated for coronavirus patients has been increased to 400, and the number of hotel rooms for patients with mild symptoms has increased to 1,430.
- 31 medical institutions have been designated as "focal medical facilities" in order to quickly admit patients who test positive.
National and prefectural governments: 'Take "concentrated" measures over the first two weeks of December'
Over the end of year holidays, it can be anticipated that the number of gatherings will increase. The government is conducting a public awareness campaign with various bits of advice concerning how the public should go about conducting these gatherings.
Most of the guidelines will sound familiar (for example, avoiding the 3 Cs, wearing a mask when not eating, not attending if feeling unwell, visiting places with good ventilation). In addition, the Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare requests that if you are going to consume alcohol with others, please (1) do it in small numbers over a short period of time, (2) drink with people who you are usually together with (3) avoid heavy drinking and visiting more than one establishment in one outing.
A similar message regarding this has been uploaded to the website of the Kumamoto Support Center for Foreign Residents, so you can read about it here in English:
http://www.kuma-koku.jp/support-center/page230.html
http://www.kuma-koku.jp/support-center/page234.html
【English】All residents are asked to take particular care during the coming holiday period to prevent the spread of infection. / 熊本県外国人サポートセンター / 熊本県国際協会
【English】All residents are asked to take particular care during the coming holiday period to prevent the spread of infection. 最終更新日：2020年11月30日 【English】All residents are asked to take particular care during the coming holiday period to prevent the spread of infection. Y.....

A very good way to participate in a very good cause

Hi there! If you happen to be near Torokunoboritachi Park・渡鹿昇立公園 this Friday 11th or on the morning of Saturday 12th December, then pop along to this Mini Marche fundraiser I'll be hosting for the チーム トナカイ Christmas Gifting effort🎄✨ https://fb.me/e/3fE3CxRGx All proceeds go towards Team Tonakai's 2020 activities and if you have handmade items (or something similarly suitable) to add to the booth then please comment below and drop me a DM. If you can't make it, please drop a direct donation via the JP PO details below. Many thanks in advance - Ruth (and Team Tonakai) 🙏

Hello friends.
It's cold but good weather today.
Corona patients seem to increase these days.
I always get information by Kumamoto LINE.
It's useful because they tell information automatically everyday. It is written in Japanese but has lots useful information.
You can know the details by Kumamoto city HP also linked.
Please, Be safe, be healthy,
and Enjoy Special month MaximumーAtsuko(*Ü*)
https://www.city.kumamoto.jp/hpKiji/pub/detail.aspx?c_id=5&id=29800

Kumamoto's チーム トナカイ・Team Tonakai is still out there, people!! This year we will continue to carry out the volunteer work that has spanned 30+ years of donations and presents for orphans in Kumamoto. Of course it'll be on a smaller scale, with no fund-raising events, or auditions for Rudolph (AKA レッドノーズ忘年会 🍷) but donations are accepted for Christmas 2020 PRESENTS for ORPHANS in Kumamoto✨🎁
Atsuko Kumabear隈部 古江 敦子 is once again spearheading this Christmas Toy-giving cause, so, in the absence of fund-raising events, and opportunities to meet up in person, please drop a donation into the designated JP Post Office account:
ゆうちょ銀行
17140 33544101
フルエ カンナ
お尋ねあったので、ありがたく、お願い致します。団体の口座作る時間なかったので、チビッ子代表ってことでAtsukoの娘さんのカンナのゆうちょ銀行口座 👌 大事に活用致します。And, if you feel safe and healthy, and can help in some other way (shopping for or dropping off presents) please reach out to Atsuko Kumabear隈部 古江 敦子 🎄✨ Please check out the Team Tonakai page for past activities and updates! 　　
Thank you in advance once again for your support and help. Updates will follow as funds allow, and as manpower is allocated. 宜しくお願い致します!! - Ruth

Hi again.
I would like to add some more information about my previous post.(I couldn't add these pictures once I posted.)
During Kumamoto castle illuminated, 城あかり, 竹あかりTAKEAKARI, bamboo illumination is held around 二の丸 NINOMARU also.
Last year, I joined the TAKEAKARI festival as a volunteer. This year, it seems to be held only around Kumamoto castle not around the streets. It's so pity but it's good we can enjoy the beautiful view.
You don't need to pay around NINOMARU and Hosokawa Gyobutei, I've posted beautiful Ginkyo tree before. The written entrance fee is only around Kumamoto castle area.
Enjoy Minimum but MaximumーAtsuko(๑˃ᴗ˂)و♡

Hi friends.
From today, 20th November to 6th December, Kumamoto castle will be illuminated from 5pm.
The lighting-up is the first time after Kumamoto earthquake.
Hoping you enjoy beautiful Autumn and Winter Kumamoto.ーAtsuko(*ˊ˘ˋ*)♡
Here is the youtube movie from the sky.
https://youtu.be/j3QqRkH02TM
These information comes from KUMANICHI LINE.

Joe Tomei here with an update from , Kumamoto JET program coordinators Prefectural Advisors, Lily McDermott & Chase Sutherland
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Dear Kumamoto,
Yesterday, the number of new cases in one day across the country reached 2201 people, the highest single-day increase since the start of the pandemic. Here are the updates we have:
Kumamoto Prefecture - Risk Level Stays at Level 3
For the third week in a row, the Prefectural Risk Level remains at Level 3. The number of cases is continuing to increase, with 70 in this one-week period, 22 for which the route of infection was unknown.
In terms of the characteristics of the new cases, the number of new cases associated with restaurants, etc. in central Kumamoto City has decreased, and the proportion of cases for which the route of infection is unknown remains unchanged. In order to prevent another increase, the prefecture will continue pursuing the "cluster strategy".
In contrast with the decrease in restaurant-linked cases, this week the area of the Ariake Health Center saw an increase in cases including transmission in households, workplaces as well as a cluster at an outpatient rehabilitation facility in Tamana City (9 cases). The prefecture has promptly dispatched the cluster countermeasure team (CMAT) to prevent the further spread of infection.
Use the "Fever Hotline" if you have a fever this winter
The Prefecture is also reminding the public that the steps involved in seeing a physician have changed this winter. If you have a fever, please first call the office/clinic that you usually go to ahead of time and make an appointment. If you are uncertain about which medical institution to go to, please call the "Fever Hotline" (TEL:0570-096-567).
If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, or receive a notification on your COCOA app, etc., please continue using the Coronavirus Consultation Hotline (096-300-5909).
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/common/UploadFileOutput.ashx?c_id=3&id=32300&sub_id=195&flid=258943
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/common/UploadFileOutput.ashx?c_id=3&id=32638&sub_id=68&flid=258886
About Tokyo
Today, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government reported 534 cases of COVID-19. This is the highest number of cases in one day since the start of the pandemic and the first time the daily total has exceeded 500. Yesterday also broke a record with 493 cases. The number of new cases as well as the proportion of those cases with an unknown link have both increased. In response Tokyo has increased their independent warning level system to the highest level (Stage 4).
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20201119/k10012719751000.html?utm_int=news-ranking_access_list-items_010
The increase in new cases/positive test results, a small decrease in the number of cases in serious condition was seen (-3).
Government's Coronavirus Subcommittee and Japan Medical Association remarks
Shigeru Omi, the head of the government's subcommittee on COVID-19 said in a press conference Wednesday (18 November) that "clusters are diversifying and the positive rate for PCR tests are increasing gradually. There is a possibility that the situation will become such that it is difficult to control by the efforts of the population alone, and stricter measures may have to be taken. In order to prevent this from happening, now is the time to once again tighten our belts and follow the advice given by the subcommittee, avoiding places with an increased risk of infection."
The head of the Japan Medical Association said that this upcoming 3-day weekend should be the "Weekend of Gaman (perserverance/self restraint)", emphasizing that it is important for individual members of the public to take steps to prevent the spread of infection.
Prime Minister Suga said that he believes that by taking appropriate measures it is possible to reduce the risk of infection due to travel, and as a result is not currently considering requesting the public to avoid travelling across prefectural lines. Suga went on to request people with symptoms avoid outings, that people wear masks and avoid the 3Cs over this long weekend.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20201118/k10012719061000.html?utm_int=news-ranking_access_list-items_009
"The 5 Situations"
Alongside the other Greatest Hits, "the 3 Cs" and the "New Lifestyle Recommendations", the Government of Japan is currently conducting an awareness campaign about "The 5 Situations" which present an increased risk of infection due to COVID-19. We mentioned the "5 Situations" in a previous e-mail, but we just tracked down the official translated infographic so please take a look so you know which situations to avoid. Here's the link!
>>>>https://corona.go.jp/prevention/pdf/en.5situations.pdf<<<<

Kirk here with some information about a learning opportunity for English speaking children. Here's part of a 'classified' about the group that was on Fukuoka Now:
"As a fellow parent trying to survive the COVID-19 pandemic – with kids – in Kyushu – I would like to invite you to join our online pandemic learning pod cooperative. It’s a special pod designed for children who are English native or heritage speakers, and/or Japanese 'returnee' children who might miss speaking English."
https://www.fukuoka-now.com/en/classified/learning-pod-for-english-speaking-children/
They plan to get started on 21st (Saturday). If you're interested, please contact Meg Nakamura at [email protected].
Learning Pod for English-Speaking Children! | Fukuoka Now
As a fellow parent trying to survive the COVID-19 pandemic – with kids – in Kyushu – I would like to invite you to join our online pandemic learning pod cooperative. It’s a special pod designed for children who are English native or heritage speakers, and/or Japanese “returnee” children ...

Kyushu Gakuin Lutheran High School (Oe, Chuo-ku) has a few part-time ALT positions to fill starting April 2021. They are looking for Native English speakers who have a university degree and are comfortable working in a school with a Christian ethos. I'm told that it may be possible for these part-time positions to turn into full-time employment after the initial contract is completed, so, if that is of interest to anyone applying, please discuss this at the interview stage.
Interested parties should prepare a Resume and a Letter of Motivation; these can be written in English, though please note that successful candidates may be later asked to prepare Japanese versions for admin purposes.* These documents can either be dropped into their offices or sent via post. It's stated on the website that those interested should ring first to inquire if the position(s) are still available - Ruth https://kyugaku.ed.jp/about/bosyu2020-11.html?fbclid=IwAR3cBglOMPIyRH5US5JggLMsAJwLLvTHmHXvIa2fEP_kx6VMZlSgxHtNbAA
2021年度　九州学院中学・高等学校　講師募集　|　九州学院ホームページ
　試験日及び試験内容：書類選考の上、詳細は応募者に担当より個別連絡 　　　　　　　　　　　いたします。（応募者の事情に合わせ調整可。）

I drove through Sendai once on a tour of Southern Kyushu. It's a beautiful town, and I recommend a visit, but I did notice the surveillance at the nuclear power plant: cops immediately spotted me and trailed me as I traveled through the town. - William

Good morning friends.
Last night( from7pm to 7:30pm) I heard and noticed firework sounds but didn't know the place they were held. I could enjoy them from my apartment but far from there. Some of you might have been same as me.
The fireworks seem to have been held at Shirakawa riverbank.
Sharing for my friends who wanted to watch them as 2020 memoryーAtsuko٩( ᐖ )۶
BTW, on 28th November, they will hold ''Shirakawa Yoichi take out Park'' from 16:00 to 22:00. It's a kind of 夜市yoichi. Many shops will gather at Shirakawa river bank(緑の区間Midori no kukan). They ask you not to eat and spend there but buy foods and take them back, take out style because of Corona.
https://fb.me/e/3yjDjzOWq

While you are admiring the magnificent ginko tree at the Hosokawa Gyobutei Bus Stop, wander along behind the natural history museum / planetarium (or better yet, drop in and then wander behind it) and up the path that leads to the back of Fujisakidai baseball stadium. You will find some amazing ancient camphor trees looking very venerable and noble. I love living in a country where trees are National Treasures. Also, the Gyobutei gardens are not open now, but will be open from the 20th for their annual fall foliage light up (from 17:00 to 21:00 I believe)

Hi friends.
Do you enjoy the Brilliant Kumamoto Autumn Yellow?
@細川刑部邸 Hosokawa Gyobutei, Hosokawa ResidenceーAtsuko(*ˊ˘ˋ*)♡

Hi, Joe Tomei here, with another update from the JET Prefectural Advisors, Lily McDermott & Chase Sutherland. Stay safe everyone.
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Hello Kumamoto,
Yesterday, 1661 new cases of COVID-19 were announced across Japan, the highest number of new cases in one day since the start of the pandemic. In addition, yesterday 10 people across the country passed away due to COVID-19 (https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20201112/k10012708541000.html)
To shed some light on the recent situation, here is a snapshot of the news stories we have seen:
Kumamoto Risk Level remains at Level 3
On Wednesday, 11 November, Kumamoto Prefecture announced that it would keep the Risk Level set at Level 3. However, in the same statement the Prefecture acknowledged that the numbers of cases are continuing to increase and are approaching the criteria for Level 4. In the one week period prior to the announcement (3-9 November) there were 48 new cases, an increase of 10 compared to the preceding week. The number of new cases for which the route of infection is unknown was 17. Two thirds of new cases are residents of Kumamoto City.
The increase in cases is attributed to two new clusters at drinking establishments with close customer service interaction (cabaret/host clubs); "YG Kumamoto" and "Club Latour". The Prefecture and the City said they will continue to work together to strengthen measures in the entertainment district of central Kumamoto City. Given the national infection situation and ongoing increase in cases, the prefecture has already begun implementing some Level 4 measures (https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/common/UploadFileOutput.ashx?c_id=3&id=32638&sub_id=66&flid=258299).
Requests to members of the public, such as a general request to refrain from drinking into the late hours of the evening in central Kumamoto City and basic precautions such as mask wearing and handwashing, and choosing to patronise businesses which are implementing measures to prevent the spread of infection remain unchanged from last week.
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/common/UploadFileOutput.ashx?c_id=3&id=32638&sub_id=66&flid=258298
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/kiji_37323.html
Japan Medical Association suggests Japan is in the midst of a "third wave"
On Wednesday, the head of the Japan Medical Association suggested in a press conference that the recent increase in new cases could mean that Japan is experiencing a "third wave". https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201111_37/
For reference, on Wednesday Osaka saw 256 new cases, the highest since the start of the pandemic. The Governor of Osaka also agreed that Osaka is experiencing a third wave: https://mainichi.jp/articles/20201110/k00/00m/040/155000c
The head of the Japan Medical association added that the situation in Hokkaido is particularly worrisome. Hokkaido has also recently seen very high numbers of new cases over the past several weeks. Yesterday, 230 new cases were announced (also the highest number since the start of the pandemic), and the number of new cases has not fallen below 100 per day for 8 consecutive days. https://news.yahoo.co.jp/pickup/6376291
Measures such as shortening operating hours of certain businesses have been implemented in parts of Sapporo City (Susukino District). https://www.city.sapporo.jp/2019n-cov/jigyosha/susukino_yosei.html
Nearly half of patients hospitalised in Wakayama have persistent long-term symptoms
Wakayama Prefecture released the results of a survey of coronavirus patients hospitalised in the prefecture since the start of the pandemic until mid-September. Of the 163 respondents, nearly half (46%) reported having persistent symptoms. 30 had impairment to their sense of smell, 26 had chronic fatigue, 20 had impairment to their ability to taste, 20 had difficulty breathing and 12 experienced hair loss.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20201113/k10012710441000.html?utm_int=news_contents_news-main_005
Stay safe and have a good weekend everyone,
コロナ 退院後も半数近くが後遺症とみられる症状 和歌山県調査 | NHKニュース
【NHK】和歌山県が新型コロナウイルスに感染して入院した人の退院後の健康状態について調査したところ、半数近くの人が後遺症とみられる…

Some like trams, and others the animation classic One Piece. These are not necessarily mutually exclusive. The Kumamoto tram line will launch a limited run of a One Piece-themed car. Get your cameras out.
ワンピースのラッピング市電発車　熊本市 ｜ 熊本日日新聞
熊本市は７日、人気漫画「ＯＮＥ ＰＩＥＣＥ（ワンピース）」のキャラクターを描いた市電のラッピング電車...

Meandering the craggy frays of Kagoshima's coast, I came across a small wooden building emitting smoke. Curious, I stopped to check it out. Turns out it was a salt producer. The woman running the facility told me that the high calcium content of the local sea resulted in very tasty salt. She gave me a bag, and on the spot, I became a salt connoisseur.
Japanese take salt pretty seriously, as you can see from the photo below. A shop exists on the road to Fujisaki Shrine, just across from the shoe shop, which specializes in salt. The owner is a nice gent who will let you sample various types to find one which suits your palate. - William
Sea Salt 塩 — OISHI SO JAPAN
There is no food that better reflects the dynamism of Japan's craft food revival than sea salt.

Another update from Lily McDermott & Chase Sutherland, JET program Prefectural Advisors. Today's bulletin is close to home, as the attached HS to my university has a cluster.
========
Hi everyone,
Here are your COVID-19 updates:
Prefecture Risk Level raised to Level 3
Kumamoto Prefecture's Risk Level has been raised to Level 3. This comes after the total number of new cases over the last week reached 38. Furthermore, the infection situation is thought to be increasing. The increase in cases is attributed to cases associated with food and drink establishments in the entertainment districts of central Kumamoto City, the ongoing cluster at Aso Yamanami Hospital, as well as a new cluster at a high school in Kumamoto City (see below).
https://kumanichi.com/news/1665160/
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/common/UploadFileOutput.ashx?c_id=3&id=37235&sub_id=1&flid=257513
According to the statement made by Governor Kabashima regarding the Level 3 announcement, there is currently a continued increase in new cases across the country, and particular caution is required. The governor also requested that the public continue the same measures requested in last week's Level 2 statement such as refraining from drinking into the late hours of the evening in central Kumamoto City and basic precautions such as mask wearing and handwashing.
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/kiji_37235.html
Cluster at Kumamoto Gakuen University Fuzoku High School
Yesterday (3 November) Kumamoto City announced that a cluster has emerged at Kumamoto Gakuen University Fuzoku High School. 4 students and 1 teacher have tested positive and currently have mild symptoms. Although isolated cases have occurred among high school and elementary school students before, this is the first time a cluster of cases has been detected at a school in Kumamoto. The school is currently closed, and the re-opening date for the school will be announced after PCR tests are conducted on all classmates and teaching staff who were in contact with the first 4 cases. The individual class itself where the cluster emerged will be kept home until 14 November.
https://this.kiji.is/696318243440460897?c=92619697908483575
生徒と教員、計５人が感染　熊本学園大付属高　県内初の学校クラスター　新型コロナ ｜ 熊本日日新聞
熊本市と熊本学園大付属高（熊本市中央区大江）は３日、新型コロナウイルスのクラスター（感染者集団）が発...

As a kid, I used to hunt crayfish ("zarigani" in Japanese) in the creek near my house with my friend, whose mother was coincidentally Cajun, so she'd cook them up for us and we'd feast. But they burrow, and I guess that is the problem with their invasiveness of Lake Ezuko: they weaken its banks. So Kumamoto has begun a program to eradicate the species - likely much to the sorrow of the kids who enjoyed capturing them.
Japan government to fine up to one million yen for anyone harboring illegal alien crayfish
Officials have had enough of these foreign crustaceans abusing our weak border security.

Good news for railway buffs:
Train inspired by mega-hit anime 'Demon Slayer' begins limited run
A steam locomotive inspired by the train featured in the animated movie of the popular "Demon Slayer" manga series began its first run Sunday in Japan's southwestern main island of Kyushu. The train operated by Kyushu Railway Co, which will run for a limited time only from Kumamoto Station...