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A note from the Kumamoto International Desk of Animals that You Definitely Do Not Want to Be: the mudskipper. Going by the unexpectedly awesome Japanese name "tobihaze" (跳鯊, literally "jumping gobi" because they're gobis which jump, leaping up to ten centimeters in the air, which might not sound impressive unless you consider they're only 15 centimeters long and don't have much of a running start), they make your life look oh so much better in comparison. They are numerous in the mudflats of Ariake Sea and are one of the few semi-terrestrial fish in the world. They dig burrows by swallowing mud and vomiting it up at the surface. At low tide, they emerge to roll in the mud and eat whatever yummy snacks the receding tide has deposited. (Note: their definition of "yummy" is quite different from anyone reading this post.) During mating season, the quite territorial males fight ferociously over their territory to gain access to what are likely slightly more hideous females as they lack the cool blue dorsal fins which make the guys oh-so sexy.
A good place to view them is amongst the mudflats surrounding Kumamoto Port, which offers free parking and quite an enjoyable park. - William
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAQuoH_fOWM
Mudskippers: The Fish That Walk on Land | Life | BBC Earth
Meet the mudskipper - the fish that walks on land and breathes air! Subscribe: http://bit.ly/BBCEarthSub Watch more: Planet Earth http://bit.ly/PlanetEarthPl...
Hi friends.
It was cold morning but warm day today.
Little spring messenger 1st has been born today.
This is モンシロチョウ Monshirochou, cabbage butterfly, small cabbage white butterfly, Pieris rapae. It's very common in Japan, in Kumamoto. You know it's named cabbage because its green caterpillar eats cabbage leaves.
The butterfly sucks nectar from the rape-flower.Ex, Cabbage, Broccoli, Daikon, Nanohana.
The butterfly starts to appear the time the flowers bloom.Yes, it tells spring is coming!
Usually, from spring to fall, the pupa becomes butterfly in one week or 10days. But it doesn't become butterfly during winter. They wait spring comes.
If you also find some cabbage butterflies in the field, in the garden, you might also feel spring has come to youーAtsuko(*Ü*)
Good morning friends.
Sharing beautiful Aso with snow.
Be careful when you go to aso, the road to aso might be frozen these days.
Hoping you to keep warm and enjoy Kumamoto winter and early springーAtsuko(*Ü*)
A note from the Kumamoto International Sunday and There's Nothing Else to Do Desk (dishes washed, laundry done, floor swept): To celebrate Kumamon's tenth anniversary (hasn't grayed a bit!), he took his show to Tokyo, the Big Mikan. I couldn't find the video of this particular performance but imagine it was not quite different from the attached.
As a personal note, I used to work at Disneyland and gained great respect for the costumed characters: limited eyesight, intense heat, the shear weight of the costume, and people tugging at you from all directions - you can bet the people inside are not exactly smiling.. Otsukaresama, Kumamon (more specifically, to the talented folk stuffed into the costume). - William
くまモン くまモンミュージカル with そがみまこ ~くまモンファン感謝祭２０１５ in TOKYO 25日~
2015年1月25日 くまモンファン感謝祭２０１５ in TOKYO ベルサール飯田橋ファースト（文京区後楽） くまモンミュージカルです。 ノーカットです。
Hi friends.
Kawashiri elementary school 6th grade students had a Japanese sweets selling workshop today. Yes, I work at there.
It was held as a students workshop to learn local culture and business well.
Kawashiri is old traditional town. It has lots of Japanese traditional cultural shops, workers.
川尻六菓匠Kawashiri rokkasyou, 6 big Japanese sweets experts in Kawashiri are very famous.
If you are interested in Japanese sweets, Japanese culture, Kumamoto culture, you can know and join their works around Kawashiri town this month. They introduce their works and accept you their workshop.
Especially, this weekend, they will hold Wagashi making workshop.
8 and 9 February.
Time : 8 Feb from 14:00 to 15:30pm
. 9 Feb from 13:30 to 15:00pm
fee : 800 yen
Place : くまもと工芸会館
Kumamoto kougeikaikan
If you want to join the workshop, you should book to join the workshop beforehand.
number is 096- 358- 5711
When you only visit to watch and know their works, no need to book something beforehand.
PS, I'll hold Wagashi making workshop with one of these experts together in April at YWCA.
Yes, it's our workshop for international friends as YWCA Nakayoshi club.
Of course, it's FREE.
To see and eat Japanese Wagashi is wonderful but to make them are more interesting!
Kawashiri has lots of old, traditional good building, place, view, and Super experts!
Hoping your visit and enjoy at Kawashiri town.
ーAtsuko(*Ü*)
http://www.kumamoto-kougei.jp/index.php/component/content/article/39-event/621-20200201
Jay is in the house! For a limited time, you can enjoy freshly baked bread in a calming, historic atmosphere just off the Trolley Line at Kawaramachi. Their toasty, comfy place is perfect for cold February days. - William
As a novice instructor in the science department at Kumadai, I was asked to critique a graduate student's presentation and was quite embarrassed when the Japanese professor noted the difference between "reason" and "cause" (science has plenty of causes but no reason) - such distinctions were supposed to be my job, and I determined to be better.
This video reminded me of that long-ago experience: the difference between "hazard" (imminent damage) and "risk" (not so imminent that you need to run away yet) - so I suppose you could say that Aso is a risk but not a hazard. Fortunately, monitors plugged around the mountain measure its swelling due to magma intrusions, so when a "risk" becomes a "hazard," we will, with luck, be informed. - William
Cascades Volcanoes: When Sleeping Giants Wake
View more from our digital library: http://video.ksps.org/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ksps Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/KSPSP...
Hi friends.
Unfortunately, I can't join this time but If you are free on this Saturday, come and join it!
Of course, it's free. Hoping you enjoy it!ーAtsuko(*Ü*)
Why don't you enjoy boccia while drinking? Boccia is one of the events in Paralympic Games and is a universal sport which everyone, with/without disabilities, regardless of age, sex, and sports experience, can enjoy playing.
https://www.paralympic.org/boccia
Date: Friday, Feb. 7th 8 pm to 11pm
Place: Cafe and Bar gab in Minami Tuboi, Kumamoto
https://tabelog.com/kumamoto/A4301/A430101/43000737/
Fee: Free. Please buy food or a drink.
- Yuichi Yoshida
News for American citizens regarding the Corona Virus. If you register with the consulate/Embassy, you'll receive such alerts via email. - William
Health and Travel Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo, Japan (February 3, 2020)
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Event: Coronavirus Outbreak -- Travel Restrictions, Safety Measures
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the novel coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan, China and subsequently declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO).
For current information and guidance regarding this disease outbreak, U.S. citizens in Japan are advised to consult the WHO and CDC websites.
U.S. Travel Restrictions and Presidential Proclamation
The U.S. Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services has declared that the coronavirus presents a Public Health Emergency in the United States. In accordance with the declaration, beginning 5 p.m. EST, February 2, 2020, the U.S. government started implementing temporary measures to increase its abilities to detect and contain the coronavirus proactively and aggressively. These measures include:
• All flights with travelers who have been in mainland China within the last 14 days will arrive at a select number of designated ports of entry.
• Any U.S. citizen returning to the U.S. who has been in Hubei province in the previous 14 days will be subject to up to 14 days of mandatory quarantine, to ensure they’re provided proper medical care and health screening.
• Any U.S. citizen returning to the U.S. who has been in the rest of mainland China within the previous 14 days will undergo proactive entry health screening and self-quarantine to ensure they do not post a public health risk.
• Additionally, the President has signed a Presidential Proclamation using his authority pursuant to Section 212 (f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act suspending the entry into the United States of foreign nationals who pose a risk of transmitting the 2019 novel coronavirus.
• As a result, foreign nationals, other than immediate family of U.S. citizens and permanent residents, who have traveled in China within the last 14 days will be denied entry into the United States.
For additional information, please see the Presidential Proclamation.
Level 4 Travel Advisory for China – Do Not Travel
The United States advises U.S. citizens not to travel to China. If you do travel to China, you will be subject to additional screening and public health measures upon return the United States. The U.S. Department of State will continue to closely monitor the situation in China and will revise our travel advisory as conditions warrant. For additional information, refer to travel.state.gov.
Japanese Government Actions, Cabinet Order, Entry Restrictions
A Government of Japan (GOJ) Cabinet Order designating the novel coronavirus as a Designated Infectious Disease took effect February 1. The law allows local authorities to compulsorily test and quarantine individuals. Under the Order, Japan will impose an entry ban on people infected with the novel coronavirus. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan announced that effective February 1, 2020, foreigners who have travelled to Hubei Province in China within 14 days before arriving in Japan, and foreigners who have a Chinese passport issued by Hubei Province are not permitted to enter Japan. Residents who develop symptoms in Japan are advised to wear a mask and contact a medical institution as soon as possible, and to declare if they have stayed in Wuhan. The Japan National Tourism Organization offers a 24/7 multi-lingual (English, Chinese, Korean) call service that can provide coronavirus-related information and assist in case of emergencies (accident or sickness) at 050-3816-2787.
Other countries are also imposing travel restrictions to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. The U.S. Embassy advises checking with destination government officials in advance of commencing travel, particularly if you have recently been in China.
Actions to Take:
· Consult the CDC website, for the most up-to-date health information.
· Check with the airlines regarding any flight cancellations and/or restrictions on flying. Be aware that airline schedules are changing rapidly.
· • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
· • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
· • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
· • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
· • Seek medical care right away if you feel sick or were exposed to someone who has a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
Stay Connected: Follow U.S. Embassy Tokyo American Citizen Services on Twitter and Facebook, and Visa Services on Twitter.
For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of either the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo or one of the U.S. Consulates in Japan.
U.S. Embassy Tokyo:
American Citizen Services, 1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420; Tel: 03-3224-5000, After Hours: 03-3224-5000, Fax: 03-3224-5856
https://jp.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
Sad news: on Sunday, a 14-year old female junior high school student managed to climb to the roof of her Chuo-ku 14-story condominium and, despite the terrified pleas of her parents watching from below, threw herself off.
Sundays and the end of holidays - that is, those short hours before school starts again - see a spike in the suicide rate of students. Teachers, parents, siblings, friends must keep an eye out for signs. - William
14-year-old girl jumps to death from apartment building in Kumamoto
A 14-year-old junior high school girl jumped to her death from the roof of a 14-story apartment building in Kumamoto City on Sunday afternoon. According to police, the girl jumped from the building in Chuo Ward at around 2:05 p.m., Sankei Shimbun reported. She died about an hour after being…
Great option for organic produce!! 🐰 Megan
Scanning some Facebook stuff, I came across a page titled "Global Eclipse" which made me laugh: one would have to be beyond Mars to see a global eclipse. But there will be a partial solar eclipse visible from Japan at the date shown below - unless we have a global eclipse first, in which case we will all be dead. - William
Eclipses visible in Kumamoto, Japan - Jun 21, 2020 Solar Eclipse
Which upcoming lunar and solar eclipses are visible in Kumamoto, Japan and what do they look like?
Our friend Liz Suenaga brought to our attention the scientist 時枝 正 (Tadashi Tokieda - one of the cooler - and most appropriate - names I've ever encountered: it could be translated as "true sprig of time"). Currently involved in mathematics at Stanford University, he is fluent in Japanese, French, and English and knows ancient Greek, Latin, classical Chinese, Finnish, Spanish, and Russian. Here, he shows how a two-dimensional object can enlarge itself by forcing it into a three-dimensional space with a simple trick that you can replicate in your classroom to prove to your students that, yes, you are god. He describes it as "escaping into the ambient third dimension," a phrase you might want to remember the next time you're in California and are smoking pot. (Practice a few times at home first - the method, not the pot.)
Really,this is useful to demonstrate how a Japanese-born person can become completely fluent in English and having a lot of fun doing so. - William
Round Peg in a Square Hole - Numberphile
Featuring Tadashi Tokieda - more Tadashi videos at: http://bit.ly/tadashi_vids More links & stuff in full description below ↓↓↓ Tadashi Tokieda is a Professo...
Hi friends.
In case, the staff,doctor, nurse, drug store's clerk,,, can't understand English.
Useful Japanese to explain your illness.
お大事にODAIJINI, take good care.ーAtsuko(*Ü*)
Whether it's coronavirus or the common cold, learn these Japanese terms before heading to the doctor | The Japan Times
WIth concerns over a new strain of coronavirus hitting Japan, it's a good time to review the basic language for visiting a hospital.
How about trying Mamemaki and making Ehomaki in Kikuchi this weekend for free?
Mamemaki and Ehomaki are Japanese traditions on the day of Setsubun, or the day before the beginning of Spring. Mamemaki is a bean throwing ceremony to welcome good fortune and drive away evil spirits. Ehomaki is a long sushi roll which you eat all in one go on the night of Setsubun, while facing silently toward the year's "lucky" direction with your eyes closed, wishing for perfect health and praying for prosperity of business.
There is a free shuttle service between Kumamoto and Kikuchi. You can get information on the service in the website below.
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/common/UploadFileOutput.ashx?c_id=3&id=29466&sub_id=2&flid=215890&fbclid=IwAR1XQRWRYVnS495keaiFGKSa_14hTyRlnbIodQ_TFMTZCfO1VgbaGIPqVUY
If you get interested, please email to [email protected] - Yuichi Yoshida
Hi friends.
In case, if you know someone has doubt to be suffered Wuhan Coronavirus, you should call and ask here.
Just in case.
Hoping all of you are safe, healthy, comfortable, and Happy!ーAtsuko(*Ü*)
健康福祉局 保健衛生部 感染症対策課TEL：096-364-3189 FAX：096-371-5172  [email protected]
Main call center
1 call number 096-372-0705
2 time only weekday,
from 8:30 am to 5:15 pm
When the lines become too busy, you may call this number also.
熊本市感染症対策課（096-364-3189)
Kumamoto city office announcement
http://www.city.kumamoto.jp/hpkiji/pub/detail.aspx?c_id=5&type=top&id=26721
A narrow road is all that connects Oe-Mach from Densha Dori past Aeon Mall, scissoring two high schools (Keisei and Kyugaku) to get to the other side of town. White stripes indicate a walking area about as broad as one's shoulders, usually crowded with students and elderly on their way to shop, and while it is barely wide enough for two cars to pass safely (regardless of pedestrians), many drive it at an unsafe speed. My wife was walking home from Aeon the other day and was clipped by a passing sedan which propelled her against a nearby wall, thereby leaving her with bruises on both shoulders and a shopping bag of broken eggs.
Her treatment by the Kitakumamoto Keisatsu Police Station has been very disappointing. Their lack of sympathy is remarkable: while they promise to check into it (the road is so dangerous that both high schools have cameras recording drivers installed), all they've done to date is to advise her to take a lesser-traveled road which adds a hundred meters to her trip and has no night lighting.
It's only a matter of time until someone is killed on that road. Kumamoto must pay more attention to these types of priorities. I will keep you up to date with the glacial progress (if any) of the police. - William
Hi friends.
It's not article about Kumamoto but an international issue you might be concerned about.
Johns Hopkins University shares useful map to know about Wuhan Coronavirus, Confirmed Cases by Country/Region.
We should be aware of what happened as our problems.
Please, all of you stay safe, take good care, be healthy, be happy!ーAtsuko(*Ü*)
Original web site page.
https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6
Article about Wuhan Coronavirus
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.businessinsider.jp/amp/post-206597
中国の武漢で発生した新型コロナウイルスの拡散により、100人以上の死者と4000人以上の感染者を出している。新型コロナウイルスは人から人へ感染する...
