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「火映現象」(Kaeigenshō) is translated at Weblio as "a phenomenon of combustion inside a volcanic crater that creates ruddy reflection against smoke or clouds." In other words, the red that you see is not erupting magma but a reflection of heat on emitted gasses.
Aso occasionally burps out gas. Kumanichi reports that it burped out 3,300 tons of sulfur dioxide on 1/6, resulting in an alarming appearance. Scientists who maintain monitoring stations around the volcano which monitor bulges indicating magma intrusions were not alarmed, and the warning level remains at 2, meaning don't approach the crater. It did allow for a magnificent photograph. - William
阿蘇中岳で火映現象　警戒レベル２は維持 ｜ 熊本日日新聞
火山活動の活発化に伴い、火口周辺立ち入り規制が続く熊本県の阿蘇中岳で６日未明、火口内の高温のガスが噴...

Immediately post-war, the government was preoccupied with getting people home and fed. That accomplished, in the 50s and 60s, they turned their attention to housing, with Kumamoto Prefecture building massive amounts of 4-5 story ferro-concrete complexes known as "熊本県営住宅," or Kumamoto Prefecture subsidized housing" (or, if you're British, Council estates), of which 8,528 units still exist.
You've probably seen some: invariably white or some shade that once was white, each building numbered or lettered, with steep stairwells, no elevators, no modern conveniences such as A/C or water heaters (unless self-installed), and invariably in a state of dank deterioration, and you've likely thought, "Thank God I don't live there!" Turns out you're not alone: Kumanichi reports that vacancies in these buildings has skyrocketed 85% over the past six years, topping 10% last year, and shows no signs of slowing.
This puts the prefecture in a conundrum: Those who remain tend to be elderly, for whom the housing is unsuitable unless living on the ground floor, and the poor who cannot afford anything else. Replacement would necessitate relocation of current residents and likely result in vastly more expensive rents as the housing stock for the poor in Kumamoto City rapidly shrinks.
Any reader who has experience with this housing or has ideas for solutions are encouraged to comment below. - William
熊本県営住宅の空き室１割超、５年で４倍　老朽化 生活に合わず ｜ 熊本日日新聞
熊本県営住宅（８５２８戸）の空き室が増加傾向にある。２０１８年度末は全体の１０・４％に当たる８８４戸...

A note from the Kumamoto International Rodent Desk: "nezumi" (鼠 is most often used, but you can also use 鼡, 鼢, 鼬, 鼦, 鼪, 鼫, 鼯, 鼴, 鼷, 鼹 or 鼺 depending on how much time you have) is often translated as "rat" but can also mean "mouse" - Japanese doesn't quite distinguish between the two. (Disclaimer: I had a pet rat in college; they are far more intelligent than mice, kind of like tiny dogs.) Photos of kids playing with animals such as guinea pigs (マーモット, though they're not marmots) and capybara (goes by the katakana) abound in this Year of the ... uh ... Rat? (To be clear, a マーモット is not a marmot but a guinea pig, which are neither from Guinea nor are pigs and are certainly not rats or mice, but you take your rodents where you can find 'em.) In fact, pretty much every rodent (齧歯類, gesshirui) - and even some non-mammals - incorporate the kanji 鼠. Let's have a look!
Yamanezumi (山鼠) is a dormouse.
Nonezumi (野鼠) is a field mouse.
Hatanezumi (畑鼠, "field rat") is a vole.
Risu (栗鼠, "chestnut rat") is a squirrel.
Shimarisu (縞栗鼠, "striped chestnut rat") is a chipmunk.
Fukuronezumi (袋鼠 - "pouch rat") is a possum (or opossum - your choice).
Harinezumi (針鼠 - "pin rat") is a porcupine.
Nezumijika (鼠鹿) is, of course, a mouse deer.
Mogura (鼢) is a mole. Note it's one kanji.
Nezumiiruka (鼠海豚 - kind of cute: it translates as "mouse sea pig") is a porpoise.
Namako (海鼠) is a sea cucumber, unless you dry them, in which case they become
熬海鼠 (Iriko), which is a dried sea slug.
Undoubtedly, there are more. If you can think of any, please let us know. - William
今年の干支ネズミの仲間がいっぱい　熊本市動植物園 ｜ 熊本日日新聞
２０２０年の干支［えと］であるネズミの仲間、モルモットと触れ合うことができる熊本市動植物園（東区）の...

A note to our American friends: To ensure receipt of your absentee ballot, print out, fill out, and send this confirmation. Remember how close the vote was in 2016. Every vote does certainly count. - William

豊肥線、今秋に復旧へ　ＪＲ九州「頑張りたい」　 ｜ 熊本日日新聞
ＪＲ九州の青柳俊彦社長は３１日、熊本地震で被災した豊肥線の不通区間（肥後大津－阿蘇、２７・３キロ）に...

Used to be a time there was a train. The train connected Kumamoto and Oita and was thus known by its cute moniker in remembrance of the feudal names of the two regions, the Hōhisen (豊肥線). Then the quakes broke a hydroelectric plant reservoir, washing away 27 kilometers of track and the land that it traversed.
This has been particularly troublesome for those who live within the Aso caldera and used to use the train to commute to school or shop - it connects with the local line Minami Aso Tetsudo at Tateno Station. Since the quakes, they've had to take buses, which adds hours to their journey. But good news: apparently, 80% of civil engineering work such as embankment reinforcement and 30% of track replacement is said to have been completed, and JR has projected that the route will reopen this autumn. Another step on the route to recovery. - William
豊肥線、今秋に復旧へ　ＪＲ九州「頑張りたい」　 ｜ 熊本日日新聞
ＪＲ九州の青柳俊彦社長は３１日、熊本地震で被災した豊肥線の不通区間（肥後大津－阿蘇、２７・３キロ）に...

For those who are in Kumamoto until January 13th, you still have time to see collections of different types of goldfish at Kumamoto Jyo Hall in Sakuramachi.
-Olivia-

Hi friends.
You might be busy for preparing new year. Have you finished all your work?
If you want to enjoy new year as Kumamoto-jin, you should buy 赤酒Akazake.
Akazake is very famous Kumamoto Nihonshu. Of course, it's made in Kumamoto, Kawashiri. It's very close to my elementary school I work. Few weeks ago, I visited the Sake maker,瑞鷹 ZUIYOU,as study visit with 3rd grade students.(東肥Touhi is a part of ZUIYOU)
The staff explained the Akazake is colored by ash. They put ash into sake to stop to oxidize, keep as sake, not to become vinegar. Old days sake in Japan were all colored red. They keep the old way to make Akazake still now and we, Kumamoto-jin love the red sake as celebrate alcohol in new year.
I'm local Kumamoto citizen. After bringing up, I know the Akazake is only Kumamoto prefecture new year celebrate sake.😂
I like the sweet taste. It reminds my family new year memory.Of course, I bought this year too.
I recommend the Kumamoto Lovely taste in your new year!! Hoping your Happy New year 2020💖ーAtsuko(*Ü*)
瑞鷹ZUIYOU
https://www.facebook.com/zuiyo.sake/

Kumamoto International wishes a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year to all our readers! (This ema 「絵馬」was available at Rakuten but is sold out.)

When Kotsu Center closed for reconstruction in 2015, the buses had to go somewhere, so a large, temporary terminal was created in front which included an event area proving so popular that 334 events have been held there to date.
Now that the buses are gone, the city has decided to spiffy it up a bit with artificial turf and other facilities, thus spanning the distance from Karashima Park and Hanabata Park. Considering its popularity as an event space, the work will be done in sections, allowing those not under construction to still be utilized. Work is expected to be complete in autumn 2021 and will greatly aid revitalization of that area.
Now, I hope attention will be paid towards pedestrian-friendly connections between Hanabata and the train station in Kasuga. That could easily follow Tsuboi river. - William

Hi friends.
It's good campaign.I'm a Japanese and you might live in Japan even foreigners, so we can't use it. But your guests can use this free tickets!!
JAL says it will start accepting applications in late February, with the free tickets to be provided on a ''''first-come, first-served basis.''''
Check the Details and hope to enjoy and help your guests trip with FREE!!!ーAtsuko(*Ü*)
https://www.facebook.com/6321018343/posts/10156718049733344/

Hi friends.
It's a guidebook for foreigners living in Kumamoto. Check and share it.ーAtsuko(*Ü*)
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=144605740291319&id=100811684670725

Flailing for some form of familiarity when first arriving in Kumamoto, I found comfort in the morning and evening songs broadcast each weekday over municipal loudspeakers at (I think) 8:00AM (get yourself off to work!) and 5:00PM (get yourself home!). Regretfully, most municipal loudspeakers have been removed from central Kumamoto, but they still exist on the outskirts and in the countryside.
The morning song is called "Kumamotoshi Ka" (熊本市歌). Composed in 1930 in response to a contest by the Kyushu Shinbun (which later merged with the Kyushu Nichinichi Shinbun and now known as the Kumamoto Nichinichi Shinbun, or Kumanich), it is only one of 20 prefectures with their own tunes. Perhaps you'll recognize it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6VPbvOjcSc
The evening song is called "Toukiyamani Hi ha Ochite" (The Sun Sets Beyond the Far Mountains, 遠き山に日は落ちて). The music was composed by the Bohemian Antonín Leopold Dvořák as one of the arrangements of the second movement of Symphony No. 9 "From the New World." The Japanese lyrics are by Keizo Horiuchi. The dates are unclear (probably late 1930s), but here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-OgDW3MvNU
Kumanichi reports that a dog exists in Amakusa named Nana, where they have three additional songs: 6:00, noon, and 7:00, presumably for mealtimes. I suppose this tradition dates from the pre-wristwatch era, indicating the five key times of a day. Anyway, of those five songs, Nana only - and invariably - sings to one: the 5:00 遠き山に日は落ちて. Perhaps she associates that song with her owner returning.
A video of Nana singing is at the link. - William
https://this.kiji.is/582885806344832097?c=92619697908483575
午後５時の曲に合わせ「ワォーン」　天草市、歌う雑種犬 ｜ 熊本日日新聞
熊本県天草市魚貫町に暮らすミックス犬のナナ（雌、２歳）は、午後５時を告げる曲「遠き山に日は落ちて」が...

Hi friends.
Kurokawa Onsen is very famous Onsen town. There are many fans, me too.
The town's atmosphere and the Ryokan's hospitality are so nice and recommended.
Now, it's the season of light up whole Onsen area. The mild and beautiful light might heal not only your body but also your tired daily life, your heart.
I hope you enjoy the eventーAtsuko(*Ü*)
「黒川温泉 湯あかり」
日程 　2019年12月21日(土)〜2020年4月5日(日)
時間 　日暮れ（17時半頃）から22時まで
場所 　黒川温泉街 川端通りの川沿い ／ 温泉公園
Date from 21 December to 5 April
Time from 17:30 to 22:00
Place around the river going through Kurokawa town and Onsen park
《黒川温泉「湯あかり」
The details about Yuakari》
https://www.kurokawaonsen.or.jp/event/yuakari/
《黒川温泉加盟旅館のご予約はこちら
For booking Kurokawa Onsen》
https://www.kurokawaonsen.or.jp/kushitsu/net.php
《「湯あかりフォトコンテスト2019」
For photo contest》
https://minamioguni.jp/archives/181281
https://www.facebook.com/176301742432287/posts/2818049711590797/
Kurokawa Onsen web page, Yuakari Details.
https://www.kurokawaonsen.or.jp/event/yuakari/

Hi friends.
I've posted the event before.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3176535032419907&id=123734781033296
But it has postponed to 25 May.
It sounds interesting. Hoping many friends know this event and join it. ーAtsuko(*Ü*)
https://facebook.com/events/453140145397975/?ti=as

Hi friends.
If you are free on this Saturday, Please come and join us, come and help us!!
I've posted before. It's reminder post.
The fee becomes donation to buy and give Christmas PRESENTS for ORPHANS!!
It's potluck style Party.
Many guests make many PRESENTS for ORPHANS.
Date 21st December
Time 6pm ー9pm
Fee ーadult 2000yen.
University students,
working students, ALT 1000yen.
kids 500yen.
Potluck style Party, you should bring Some food, drink, snack, sweets to eat, to share!!
All amount of the fee becomes the donation for giving Christmas PRESENTS for ORPHANS💖!!
Hoping see you there😉ーAtsuko(๑˃ᴗ˂)و♡
Details
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1059860061030980&id=804230843260571
Place
自立訓練と就労移行支援のサービスを提供している福祉事業所です。

A picture of サザンカ (read: Sazanka)
山茶花　(Camellia sasanqua)
(All google search description has been erased, because it is always better to ask the locals for flowers descriptions)
Let’s enjoy winter flowers around us.
I spotted them at a park in my neighborhood.
You might see them around yours too.
-Olivia-

A note from the Kumamoto International Weird Japanese Desk (we know we're in trouble when katakan and hiragana are combined): 「ゆるキャラ」is apparently a reduction of「ゆるいキャラクター」. The "character" part is pretty easy; "yurui" is a bit more difficult: it can mean loose or slack, either physical or mental, but in this case, I guess the best translation is "chill" - you can't imagine Mickey Mouse punching a child (unless you've actually worked at Disneyland).
Pretty much everything in Japan has a ゆるキャラ, Kumamon being one of the most famous. However, there are no laws restricting private citizens from creating their own ゆるキャラ, resulting in a vast rangeland for rogue ゆるキャラ to roam. My favorite is at this must-watch video of the decidedly unchill Chiitan from Susaki: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4fVdf4pNEc
A new ゆるキャラ is きくちくん, who purports to represent Kikuchi. As you can see, he has a melon head, onsen eyebrows, cow legs, and the rest are open for interpretation. He kinda reminds me of those "Mars Attacks!" characters, but a bit more scary. This has rightfully put the city counsel on alert, with one member questioning, "Is this safe?" Answer: not until someone loses an eye (or is that a lotus root thing?)
So, as a whippet owner, I created my own ゆるキャラ called "Whippet Good" to represent my house. If you can conceive of ゆるキャラ to represent your life, please share. - William

Japanese law is pretty relaxed (some would say arbitrary) in many areas, but one requiring strict conformance to rules is garbage disposal. Put out the wrong stuff on the wrong day or mix your garbage and the bag will be slapped with a sticker checkmarked with your sin, and then you'll have to perform the walk of shame by carrying it back home - and you'd better do that because the neighbors WILL be watching.
The gentlemen bowing in this photo are apologizing for an Amakusa elementary school teacher (59) who had repeatedly not correctly sorted his garbage. He was fined 300,000 yen by the city and his salary was reduced by 10% for three months. Don't let this happen to you.
(As an afterthought, the article also mentioned that he was accused by a female coworker of sexual harassment. He excused this by claiming he was drunk - but this, apparently, doesn't equal not separating your garbage.) - William
ごみ不法投棄、セクハラ…教諭ら２人処分　熊本県教委 ｜ 熊本日日新聞
熊本県教育委員会は１１日、自宅にため込んだ家庭ごみの不法投棄を繰り返した天草教育事務所管内の男性小学...

In college, my Asian studies professor asked us to consider how Asia would be different if bamboo didn't exist. From scaffolding which allowed the building of tall pagodas (I'm old enough to remember when Hong Kong buildings were clad with bamboo scaffolding) to ochasen (お茶筅), those whisks used in tea ceremony, bamboo is an integral part of Asian society.
The new Sakuramachi complex has figured out a new use for bamboo: Make a Christmas tree out of it! I mean,why not? It is illuminated by about 1,000 LEDs (which, for you language nerds, is called "hakko daiode" - 発光ダイオード - but LED is probably better understood). A photo of this would probably make a good Christmas card for your folks back home. - William