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Fiona here, with exciting news for fellow adrenaline junkies. Amakusa has a new 350m long zipline attraction which just opened a few days ago. Reservations can be made online, and it costs 3000 yen for adults, 2000 yen for children, open 5 days a week (closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays).
天空ジップライン白嶽 -全長約350m 最高で地上90m 約40秒間の空の旅へ-
熊本県上天草市姫戸町にある姫戸白嶽森林公園。白嶽山頂(標高373m)から北側の中岳山頂付近に向かって張られたワイヤーロープを滑走します。全長約350メートル!地上からの高さは、最も高いところで約90メートル!約40秒間の...

Kirk here with a letter to the editor, translated by ChatGPT, that was published in the Kumanichi.
--- start translation ---
Increasing Japanese Language Signage
October 19 (Saturday), 9:49 a.m.
Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun
(Photo: Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun)
There is something that has been on my mind ever since I visited Kumamoto Castle a few years ago with an acquaintance from the Philippines. At the main keep, which was damaged in the Kumamoto Earthquake and later restored, there are many exhibits showcasing the history of Kumamoto Castle. However, the English explanations were limited to titles and a few other parts, which left my acquaintance disappointed, saying, “Even though I came all the way here to see it, I couldn't fully understand the content, so I couldn't enjoy it as much as I wanted.”
I believe the same can be said not only for Kumamoto Castle but also for facilities like art galleries and museums. With the increasing number of foreigners living in Kumamoto Prefecture and the rise in inbound tourism (visitors to Japan), it's crucial not only to increase English signage but also to include other languages and add easy-to-understand Japanese.
Of course, there are places where Japanese alone might be sufficient. However, since there are international exchange officers from various countries working in the prefecture, I hope that signage in Kumamoto will increase with consideration for the foreigners living here.
Kumamoto City, Female, 37, Organization Employee
外国語の案内表記 増やして【ハイ！こちら編集局】（熊本日日新聞） - Yahoo!ニュース
　数年前に、フィリピン人の知人と熊本城を訪れた時からずっと気になっていることがあります。熊本地震で被災し復旧した天守閣には、熊本城の歴史に関する資料がたくさん展示されていますね。英語での説明がタイト

Kirk here with a video of samurai swimmers. Generally speaking, swimming with clothes is supposed to be really hard so I was amazed to see someone swim in full armor!
I'm posting this in response to a question about a news article I posted on the topic:
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/pfbid0233W1idb1cs5RaWATt7ZyYATvqPmm91FjefcTuTRxLzoy11KrsKWxgoHxVY4CqM2Nl
Here's the link to the YouTube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OlNqhPJ_eU
There are actually quite a few. You can find them but searching with 小堀流踏水術水守.

Atsuko here, sharing Aso Milk Farm Events
Admission is free on 11/2.(*ᐛ*)ᒃ
Last Thursday, I enjoyed the Aso Milk farm in autumn with my class. I found some good deals there, so I will share them with you.
The last picture is a picture of the onigiri action at the Milk farm with the rice balls for lunch. If you are a Kumamoto International reader, you know the onigiri action I share every year. Please share your love from Kumamoto to the world too.
Think global by working locally.
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Milk Festa is an event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Rakunou Milk. There will be many fun events including a marche & kitchen car featuring Kumamoto's most popular gourmet foods, stage events, performance shows, artists LIVE, and more! Please come with your family and friends!
https://milkfesta.com/
https://onigiri-action.com/en/

Kirk here. Here's some news from a couple months ago. I suspect the technique is similar to what water polo goalies have to learn to do -- keep your body fairly high in the water without relying on your hands. I can understand its usefulness in water polo but I'm not quite sure how it would be useful to samurai "when fighting on water". Perhaps it might allow them to shoot a bow and arrow or something from within the water.
Kumamoto: Swimmers Demonstrate Centuries-Old Technique; Writing, Drinking While Treading Water
KUMAMOTO — A group of swimmers recently demonstrated a traditional swimming technique, which has been handed down since around 1700, in a swimming pool at a high school in Kumamoto.

Kirk here. Even though I've lived in Kumamoto and have been writing about all things Kumamoto for a while (today, Oct 17, is our 25th anniversary), I've never thought about a connection between Miyamoto Musashi and world-class fishing equipment. Well, according to this article, one exists:
Swords, Samurai, and the Art of Making World Class Fly Rods
https://www.yardbarker.com/general_sports/articles/swords_samurai_and_the_art_of_making_world_class_fly_rods/s1_17329_40891002
In a nutshell, the idea is that craftsmanship that goes into G. Loomis fishing rods made at the Shimano factory in Kumamoto is rooted in the samurai spirit of which Miyamoto Musashi is emblematic. Somehow, Joe Rogan gets brought into the discussion because he is so enamored of Musashi that he has him tattooed on his arm. (Sorry Joe, your homage to Japanese culture will cause you to be excluded from quite a few onsen here. :( )
In regard to the Kumamoto Factory, I could confirm that there is a Shimano factory in Yamaga and that Shimano owns G. Loomis but I don't know much more than that.

Kirk here with pastry news. Chez Tani (formerly popular pastry shop near Ezuko) may resume business today (?) after falsifying expiration dates.
--- start ChatGPT translation ----
Title: Pastry Shop "Chez Tani" Falsified Expiration Dates—Sold Products Meant to Expire in 3 Months Over a Year Period in Kumamoto
Date: 10/15 (Tuesday) 19:24
Source: RKK Kumamoto Broadcasting
Kumamoto Broadcasting has revealed that the pastry shop "Chez Tani" in Kumamoto City sold leftover products after falsifying their expiration dates.
[See Photo]: "Notice of Apology and Temporary Closure" posted in stores, with a written apology also posted on their website.
According to Chez Tani, they had a large amount of unsold chocolate confections, "Amande Chocolat," from Valentine's Day last year (2023). They replaced the expiration date labels and continued selling these products at seven of their stores for about a year.
The original expiration date was set for February 28, 2023, three months after the products were made.
Typically, the store sets expiration dates for all products based on inspections by a third-party organization. However, in the case of the "Amande Chocolat," because it was a limited-time item, they extended the expiration date using a similar product as a reference.
In September this year (2024), a former employee reported the issue to the Kumamoto City Public Health Center, leading to the discovery. The Public Health Center has been investigating since September 18, visiting the store as part of their inquiry.
Store’s Response:
While expiration dates do not necessarily mean that a product becomes unsafe to eat immediately after the date passes, such falsification could violate food labeling laws.
No health issues have been reported thus far. However, the store does not know how many items were sold with incorrect labels, and the store’s representative commented, "We do not know who instructed the replacement of the labels or when."
As of October 15, the store had received several dozen refund inquiries.
On October 15, Chez Tani posted an apology on their website. The store’s representative stated, "It was not an intentional falsification, but if it's considered falsification, then it might be. We will work to prevent misunderstandings in the future."
About "Chez Tani" Founded in 1991 & Future Business Plans:
Founded in 1991 in Kumamoto City, Chez Tani is popular for products like Baumkuchen and cakes. The business now operates eight stores in Kumamoto, Oita, and Chiba Prefectures, as well as an online shop. The company employs around 50 people.
Some of Chez Tani’s stores have been temporarily closed since October 13. After the Public Health Center’s investigation, they plan to resume operations as early as October 17.
--- end translation ---
洋菓子店「シェ・タニ」賞味期限を改ざん　“本来は期限3か月” の商品を1年間にわたり販売　熊本（RKK熊本放送） - Yahoo!ニュース
熊本市の洋菓子店「シェ・タニ」が、売れ残った商品の賞味期限を改ざんして販売していたことが明らかになりました。 賞味期限を改ざんして販売していたのは、熊本市の洋菓子製造販売会社「シェ・タニ」です。

Daily flights between Kumamoto and Incheon starting November 24. -- Kirk
Korean Air announced on the 15th that it will start operating once a day on the Kumamoto route from .. - MK
Korean Air announced on the 15th that it will start operating once a day on the Kumamoto route from Incheon to Japan from November 24 due to increased demand for travel to Japan. It has been 27 years ..

Kirk with another post about the artificial (but cool nonetheless) mist at the castle.
Japan's Kumamoto Castle floats in artificial sea of clouds - The Mainichi
KUMAMOTO, Japan (Kyodo) -- Kumamoto Castle, a popular tourist destination in southwestern Japan, appears to be floating in a sea of clouds after its h

Kirk here with some local news about power harassment in a high school.
Japan high school operator accused of power harassment against staffers - The Mainichi
KUMAMOTO -- Four staffers at a private high school in this southwest Japan city announced on Oct. 11 that members of the corporation running the schoo

Atsuko here.
I could see Tsuchinshan-ATLAS in Kumamoto!!!
It is a beautiful day today with no clouds.
It was visible in the western sky after the sun set, around 6:30 p.m. today. I managed to take a picture of it with my cheap smartphone without a lens. It will probably be visible again tomorrow if conditions are good.
This is a comet that appears only once every 80,000 years, so please try to see it.
With the moon on your left shoulder, face west and look for Venus in the western sky at about the same angle.
I will report again if I can take a proper and beautiful photograph.
It's not a dirty lens, it's a comet!🤩
https://theskylive.com/c2023a3-info

Some of those who went to see Mizuakari yesterday may have heard the sound of fireworks near Kumamoto Castle. Last night, there was an autumn festival held by the PTA and the local community association at Joto Elementary School near Kumamoto Castle. I didn't share it in advance because it was a festival for the children of the school district, but I will share these pics with you because the match of the fireworks display by the family fireworks prepared by the children's parents and Kumamoto Castle was magnificent.
I think you can feel the love for Kumamoto Castle from the residents.(^O^)／Atsuko
We　love　Kumamoto．
We　love　Kumamoto　Castle.
Mizuakari　Information
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/CXnR8YsUFpNiHXxM/

Kirk here with an announcement from Josh, who has a job announcement from Kiyomi.
--- start quote ---
Hello everyone. An old student of mine who works at the Kashima Board of Education is looking for an evening class English teacher for May 2025 to March 2026 (11 months). Details as below:
Time: 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. (time can be changed a little if needed) twice a month, any weekday fine
Location: Kashima Chomin Kainan
Pay: 6,000 per lesson (=12,000 a month for 2 lessons)
No transportation allowance. (Having a car might be better because public transportation not convenient.)
Work details: English conversation class for beginners. Can use textbook or your own materials
Native English speaker preferred.
Call (096)237-0058 if interested.
Contact person: Kiyomi Osaka
--- end quote ---

Kirk here. Thursday "Kumamoto International" will be a quarter of a century old. It started as a mailing list on October 17, 1999. I remember the date because eGroups (later taken over by Yahoo!Groups, now defunct) used to show the "founded" date on the group's webpage. I wish I had a screenshot of that but can't seem to locate one.
Five years ago we had a big celebration, which was a lot of fun:
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/pfbid02GCYhb5tDuEVBBmHiRPeqgi3xJY9yt1aRf8eQcvLLncgFb7yq57zAnJ1w512oTZt4l
This year I think I'm a bit too busy to plan something like that but I wanted to at least mention that 25 years have passed. Thanks to everyone, especially fellow editors (posters) who have been feeding and caring for the page!
My own view is that, just as the page transitioned from a mailing list into this Facebook page, it will eventually become necessary to leave Facebook or add some other platform to the community even if we don't completely abandon Facebook. I'll post a bit more later about the issues I've noticed with Facebook (many of which I've already mentioned in previous posts).
Thanks again and, looking forward, yoroshiku onegai shimasu!
P.S. In the very early days of the mailing list, Mr. Yagi of the Kumamoto International Foundation was quick to recognize the value of what I was trying to do and help me get the word out. A special shout out to him!

Kirk here with another view of the castle, take from this web page:
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/524f66bbf97787ea5a8149bc185136c3e3b9cd16
For details and this mist-eerie-ous scene, see the following post of mine:
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/pfbid02p8Cq3KR2Qf9hytjC7xLyWtsjMfYCkJQRc4ULQpufjhmjFncvD8HQpyuR1yTo6CqWl

Kirk here with some information about how to get mist-eerie-ous perspective on the castle.
--- start ChatGPT translation ---
Artificial Sea of Clouds near the Stone Walls of Kumamoto Castle, Creating a Fantastical Atmosphere for Many Tourists
October 11, 17:22
On the 11th, an initiative began to create an artificial sea of clouds near the stone walls of Kumamoto Castle, captivating many tourists with its magical atmosphere.
This initiative was planned for the first time by the city, in conjunction with the "Autumn Kumamoto Castle Festival," which started on the 11th to attract more visitors.
The artificial sea of clouds is produced between the special viewing path leading to the main keep and the stone walls.
The "Two Styles of Stone Walls," where stone walls from different periods overlap, were enveloped in pure white mist, and tourists were mesmerized by the fantastical sight of the towering main keep behind them.
According to the Kumamoto Castle General Office, the mist is generated using water from an old well within the castle grounds, making this one of the largest artificial sea of clouds in the country.
The initiative will continue from the 11th until November 4th, with the mist being created every 30 minutes from 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM.
After 6:00 PM, the sea of clouds will be illuminated, and there will also be performances using music.
A man visiting with his family from Taiwan said, "The traditional castle itself is amazing, and I feel lucky to have come on the first day of this new sea of clouds initiative."
--- end ---
熊本城の石垣付近に人工の雲海 幻想的な雰囲気に多くの観光客｜NHK 熊本県のニュース
【NHK】１１日から熊本城の石垣付近に人工の雲海を出現させる取り組みが始まり、幻想的な雰囲気に多くの観光客が見入っていました。 この取り組みは多く…

Mizuakari is tomorrow and the day after.
Please enjoy not only watching but also volunteering to light the lights.
Please also find the welcome triangular lantern I made. Atsuko (∩^o^)⊃━☆ﾟ.*･｡
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🌟The 19th Kumamotol Mizuakari 🌟
🌟Date 🌟Time
October 12 (Sat), 18:00-18:00, 2024
Saturday, October 12, 18:00-22:00 (tentative)
October 13 (Sun) 18:00-21:00 (tentative)
🌟Venue 🌟Venue
Hanabatacho area, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City
🌟Map 🌟
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LAnbV2VAeUwJcVUx5
🌟Mizuakari official website🌟
http://mizuakari.net/
(You can see the details such as the place of the event)
🌟The 2024 19th Kumamoto Kurashijin Festival "Mizuakari" Traffic Regulations for preparation, holding and cleanup 🌟
https://www.kumamoto-if.or.jp/kcic/kiji0032575/index.html"
🌟日時🌟
2024年
10月12日（土）18時～22時（予定）
10月13日（日）18時～21時（予定）
🌟会場🌟
熊本市中央区花畑町一帯
🌟地図🌟
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LAnbV2VAeUwJcVUx5
🌟みずあかり公式サイト🌟
http://mizuakari.net/
（開催場所などの詳細をご覧いただけます）
🌟令和6年　第19回熊本暮らし人まつり「みずあかり」準備・開催及び撤収に伴う交通規制について🌟
https://www.kumamoto-if.or.jp/kcic/kiji0032575/index.html
Mizuakari website in English
https://mizuakari-net.translate.goog/?fbclid=IwY2xjawF2E_tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHaF4turIQ-6buEIWpzQG1oEN8ZP8p9qWd-tRbPdbi5Mpe_yiYF6VbRSSIA_aem_wTxMUgV2ikYDiOKlWLe41g&_x_tr_sch=http&_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en

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Atsuko here.
Information about international BBQ @YWCA near Kumamoto University.٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶
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Autumn BBQ party in Kumamoto YWCA's garden✨
This is Halal BBQ🍖
From 11:30 noon on Saturday, October 19.
All meat and seasonings used are halal-compatible🙌🏻
It's gotten cooler and it's easier to spend lunch, so I'd like to enjoy it in the garden!!
The participation fee
will be 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children as spring campaign support prices. Please refer to the leaflet for details♪
If you wish to participate, please apply through Google Form!

Sean here -
Teen Dirven's next 2024 Ezuko Trick or Trash Halloween event is just around the corner. Sunday October 27th
I hope many of you will be able to join us.
Please message the group if you can. The teens are working very hard to make this a successful event.
Your support would be appreciated.
If you have kids clothes/ books /toys in good condition, we will have a small bazaar. The proceeds will go to out charity org. What is not sold will be donated to Jiaien (Local orphanage)