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Hi friends.
Amu plaza next to JR Kumamoto station will open on 23rd April.
The webpage has English, Chinese, Korean pages also.
Hoping you to enjoy wonderful Anime world and new shops with wearing mask.ーAtsuko«٩(*´∀`*)۶» https://www.jrkumamotocity.com/en/amu?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=amuopen&fbclid=PAAabBVodmXrJOY9MD7RbV5iIfyOkjU3hkNYhmy4NhPlFHyE64bRvgV_Oxwo0
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=W7ByQ1H9qbs&feature=youtu.be
2021年4月23日。アミュプラザくまもとが開業し、熊本駅は生まれ変わります。それはきっと、熊本にとって新しい”夜明け”そんな気持ちを、熊本の人々の生き生きとした朝の様子や笑顔と共に開業への想いとして、この映.....

Kirk here with a share from the Asahi Shimbun. The following URL will take you to previous posts in which we discussed the rock you see in the picutre:
https://www.facebook.com/page/123734781033296/search/?q=men%20no%20ishi
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14330921
VOX POPULI: 5 years after quake, survivors are still hanging tough to rebuild : The Asahi Shimbun
The village of Minamiaso in Kumamoto Prefecture is home to a

An important update from Lily McDermott & Chase Sutherland, JET Program Prefectural Advisors
=======
Dear Kumamoto,
This afternoon, Kumamoto Prefecture made a sudden announcement raising the Risk Level to Level 4, which is the second highest on Kumamoto's independent risk level scale (the highest being Level 5). Usually the risk level announcements are made every Friday, but the large number of new cases announced today seems to have triggered the change. This is the first time in 9 weeks that the Risk Level has been elevated (the first time since the last state of emergency lifted). https://kumanichi.com/news/id200594
Since the change was made suddenly there are no new announcements yet about new measures the prefecture will be taking. Here is what we know so far:
43 new cases of COVID-19 in Kumamoto Prefecture today (19 April)
Today, 43 new cases of COVID-19 were announced in Kumamoto Prefecture triggering the risk level announcement.
You can see from the case breakdown here on the Prefecture's website that most of the cases outside of Kumamoto City are in the northern part of the prefecture: https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/uploaded/attachment/138574.pdf
Here is the breakdown for Kumamoto Ctiy: https://www.city.kumamoto.jp/corona/common/UploadFileOutput.ashx?c_id=5&id=34783&set_doc=1&set_file_field=1
Among today's bad news was the announcement of the death of a woman in her 80s in Nagasu. 75 people have died from COVID-19 in Kumamoto Prefecture since the start of the pandemic. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20210419/k10012983821000.html?utm_int=news-social_contents_list-items_010
How many cases of the 43 announced today are of new variants are unknown.
However, of the 11 new cases announced yesterday (18 April), 8 are suspected to be a variant form of COVID-19. Of the 8 suspected variant cases, 4 are associated with a cluster declared at Arao Municipal Hospital. https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/item/n/725587/
New clusters in Kumamoto
At least three new clusters have been identified in the past few days, one at a private high school in Yamaga
(Johoku Gakuen, https://kumanichi.com/news/id200604), one at Arao Municipal Hospital, and another at an elder-care facility in Higashi-ku Kumamoto City (https://kumanichi.com/news/id199491)
This marks a total of 47 officially-recognised clusters since the start of the pandemic, but only the second to affect a high school. So far 23 students have been confirmed to be positive for COVID-19. The high school in question has been closed until further notice. https://this.kiji.is/756780467553091584?c=92619697908483575
Travel subsidy for ryokan guests suspended
Together with the announcement of the Risk Level being raised to Level 4, new reservations for the 5000 yen/night subsidy available for those staying at ryokan/hotels in Kumamoto Prefecture has been suspended. https://kumanichi.com/news/id200594
Request to avoid travel across prefectural lines to certain prefectures
As we mentioned in previous updates, there is an ongoing request by the Kumamoto Prefectural Government for residents to avoid non-essential and non-urgent travel to other prefectures in which there are more than 15 new positive cases per 100,000 population in the preceeding week. The most recently updated list includes Osaka, Okinawa, Hyoko, Nara, Tokyo, Tokushima, Kyoto, Wakayama, Miyagi, Aichi, Ehime and Shiga prefectures. The full list can be confirmed here: https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/soshiki/30/78301.html
"Special Measures" applied to parts of Tokyo, neighbouring prefectures
At the beginning of this month we mentioned that Osaka, Hyogo and Miyagi applied for and received designation as a region for which "Stronger Anti-Virus Measures" can apply. Since then, Tokyo Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa, Okinawa and Aichi Prefectures have received the designation and applied the measures to a restricted number of municipalities in their respective prefectures (Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa, Okinawa and Aichi Prefectures).
Despite these measures, yesterday in Osaka, 1220 new cases were announced, the highest so far. The Governor of Osaka has officially requested the national government to declare a State of Emergency for Osaka. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20210419/k10012982971000.html?utm_int=all_side_ranking-access_001
Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko, while falling short of officially requesting the government for a state of emergency, stated that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is currently making arrangements to request one to be called. Asahi Shimbun reported that Tokyo Metropolitan Government may request a state of emergency as early as 22 April (https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASP4M5KBYP4MUTIL03F.html?iref=comtop_7_01)
東京都も緊急事態宣言を要請へ　早ければ22日にも：朝日新聞デジタル
　東京都は19日、新型コロナウイルス対応の特別措置法に基づく緊急事態宣言を政府に要請する調整に入った。都関係者への取材でわかった。都の専門家の意見を踏まえ、早ければ22日にも要請する方針。「まん延防止…

Luther Kyushu Junior and Senior High School has an outpost in Aso, and our friend, a delightful teacher at the school, Kotegawa-sensei, has provided a photo. There are no international schools in Kumamoto, but if you have a child in search of an international education, Kyushu Gakuin (located in Oe Machi) is as close as you can get. (Both of my children attended there and benefitted greatly.)　－https://kyugaku.ed.jp－ - William

Y'know that place you'd always planned to visit but never have? - 島田美術館 (Shimada Art Museum) is that place for me. But now, they are exhibiting a painting of Miyamoto Masushi said to have been contemporaneous. Urge. Museum and exhibition info at the links. - William
島田美術館: http://www.shimada-museum.net/index.php
Friggin' cool painting: https://kumanichi.com/news/id200300

This screenshot is from the Kumamoto Coamix Inc. (https://kumamoto-coamix.co.jp/) website. The other day I tried to share a "we're looking for non-Japanese to hire" message to the page but something went wrong. Since then, I've added a link to my original share, which is here:
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/5228003847273005
If you are into manga, you might want to check it out. Also, please share this with other people who might be interested in the opportunity. -- Kirk

Hi.
It was nice weather today.
Brilliant fresh green Eduko with lots boats and lots ZARIGANI hunters.ーAtsuko.(*ˊ˘ˋ*)♡

There's this thing called 蛇苺 (hebiichigo - literally, "snake strawberries") that you'll find growing here and there. You can make them into quite a delicious jam, whose recipe you can google. A friend of mine just brought over a bushel of 蛇苺. I'm not sure whether my wife is happy about this or not. - William

Anett here.
The non-profit organization WYS is looking for host families for high school students arriving in Japan this autumn. Far too few students ever have the chance to get to know beautiful Kumamoto with its breathtaking landscapes and interesting history. And hosting a young person in one's home enriches not only one's own life but gives Kumamoto children the chance to experience a small part of the international world on a very personal level.
Anywhere, from the city centre to the countryside, from houses to apartment flats, anywhere is possible as long as the student can commute to a high school every day. Also, any family constellation (also young families without or very young children, single parents with children, older couples without children at home etc.) is very much welcome. The student also doesn't need a room for themselves, sharing one with a same-sex family member is also totally possible.
Host families also don't have to be fluent in English as the students come here to study Japanese. (A few of our students became really good at Kumamoto dialect.) Far more important is warmly welcoming the student as a family member and treating them like one would treat their own children. That also includes responsibilities like helping with the daily chores.
If you decide to take in a student, WYS will take care of the negotiations with high schools in your area. They will also take care of possible quarantine arrangements before the student comes to Kumamoto. They also follow-up and consult in the case of problems. For details see their homepage.
https://www.wys.gr.jp/
We have been taking in WYS students over the last 9 years. So if you have questions or worries the above homepage doesn't answer, please be so free to ask me.

Opium poppies are pretty tough plants. They can grow from any little crack and are very fecund. Kumanichi reports that sightings of opium poppies growing along roadsides has recently jumped. Whether someone is planting them or they're spreading naturally is unclear. If you spot one, call the police (or not - reporting these things can involve you in a lot more trouble than you'd wish). - William
違法ケシ、除去してもまた自生　熊本市で目撃相次ぐ　 ｜ 熊本日日新聞
ケシの花が見頃だ。かれんであでやかな姿をしているが、アヘンの原料となる品種を栽培したら違法となる。県...

Our friend Charles Waterman has the following inquiry. I might expand it to ask for experiences from anyone from any age group who has received a corona vaccination. - William
Inquiring minds want to know: Are there any 65+ year old international residents on this list who HAVE already gotten a voucher/ticket for a vaccination?

Kirk here with some thoughts about language tools. I was just looking at the COVID-19 links that Joe pinned to the top of this Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/5128905377182853
One of the links takes you to a page where you can find a vaccination venue. Fortunately, more places have come on line recently for those of you who have already gotten vouchers. Unfortunately, however, the interface is only in Japanese. On my computer, I tried using the Google translate plugin in the Chrome browser. That works pretty well but it's not something you can take advantage of on a smartphone. I was pleased to notice, however, that Google translate now provides romanization of Japanese text in addition to the translation (see image). I'm not sure when this started but I think it enhances the value of the service. If, like me, you were not aware of this aspect of Google translate, please check it out.
By the way, the other day I posted about another language tool, Jisho.org:
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/5124564124283645
It's a bit more oriented toward language learning than Google translate, but can be quite useful nonetheless.

Kumamoto Castle is quite larger than most people who limit their visits to the donjon and Ninomaru think. One of my favorite places to visit is the west side, the area known as Sannomaru - nobody goes there, so it's quiet and absolutely gorgeous and very historical (take the stairs behind the museum towards the baseball stadium). In addition to Sannomaru, there is an area set aside for trees as a bird sanctuary, all within the ancient walls, which you can inspect if your knees allow. If you really want to be a Higokko, learn this area. - William
熊本城二の丸・三の丸地区 (熊本市) - 旅行のクチコミサイト フォートラベル
熊本市でのドクターキムルさんの旅行記です。

Here's an interesting job opportunity for manga fans / manga creators in the Kumamoto area. Please share with those who might be interested but are not subscribed to this page. -- Kirk
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/5227993570607366

Here's something I saw on TV about the phenomenon of "postseismic deformation" (余効変動). The first picture shows how a straight line that was painted on a repaved road after the quake has been twisted by postseismic deformation in the last few years. I took it from a video that can be seen on the following page:
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20210416/k10012977501000.html?utm_int=news-new_contents_latest_with-image
The second image is basically the same as an image I saw on an RKK TV special. It shows how parts of a wall that were connected immediate after the quake have gradually moved apart. I got the image from the following page:
https://ameblo.jp/aabe/entry-12265641502.html
-- Kirk

I don't know if this is funny or tragic - it's kind of hard to discern these things anymore. But there was a corona virus outbreak at a seminar held for food safety. It seems like one way or another, something is going to get you. - William
健康セミナーでクラスター、参加者１０人感染　熊本市 ｜ 熊本日日新聞
熊本市は１６日、健康食品などを扱う業者が市内で開いた健康セミナーで、新型コロナウイルスのクラスター（...

A Kumamoto treasure is Jeff Cairns. Really - they should give awards for these type of non-Japanese who contribute so greatly to Kumamoto culture. (Actually, I think they do, and he deserves one.) He is a shakuhachi virtuoso residing in a shack (:)) at the foot of Mt. Kimpo, the heart of Kumamoto. Please listen to his work here. - William
Jeff Cairns
Listen to Jeff Cairns | SoundCloud is an audio platform that lets you listen to what you love and share the sounds you create.

Here's some useful information from Calton McCycle, via Kirk:
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/how-to-coronavirus-vaccinations-japan/?fbclid=IwAR2r-8EiZ-PDXCK1RxXbp3v0G1Cteb9lBuAIEFr5P1V2qgf1ProYfxMtYAc
What to know about getting vaccinated for coronavirus in Japan
With COVID-19 vaccinations for front-line essential workers already underway, Japan gradually expanded inoculations to the elderly population on April 12.

I went to Yatsushiro yesterday by train; usually I drive so am restricted to the road on which I'm concentrating, but the train passes behind people's backyards and I had the luxury of observing, and I have to say that I was so shocked by how poor the area is. The people are wonderful, so very welcoming, but their life is hardscrabble. Bipuresu, the square at Torichosuji, hosts a periodic Yatsushiro produce sale. I now feel so much more strongly about supporting these wonderful farmers. Their event schedule is at the link. - William
https://bipuresu.jp/event/detail/000103.php

Hi, Joe Tomei here with another Funky Friday place post. Today, I'd like to introduce your burger and craft beer heaven on the banks of the Shirakawa. Voyager was started by Jason Morgan, who came to Kumamoto as a JET and he's been working to funkify the Kuhonji area (my take)
Voyager is in the basement of the Sky Terrace Ten9 building and offers burgers, craft beer and some other libations. They also have a craft beer club, where you have a monthly quota of beer (1.5, 3 or 6 liters) that you can bring your own container in and take home. Joining the club, you can get a free bottle for your amber goodness or you can purchase a 500 ml growler (@ 2,500 yen for the one in the picture or get your own, a container with an airtight seal works fine) from the bar. You have to join the club from the webpage
https://voyager-beer.com/
and you'll be mailed a card that you can take in and get whatever they have on tap. If you join, tell Jason that Funky Friday sent you!
The previous Funky Friday locations are here
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1qUH94Bac7Hr939b7_8gtvebaJZffGRsX&usp=sharing
I'm still in the process of checking the map to see what places are still open. If you have any corrections to the map or want to become a Funky Friday argonaut, drop me a message!
#kumaifunkyfridayplace