Kirk here. I received a request from the International Center to share this information. If you've got an issue you'd like to talk with someone about, please consider the good people at the International Center.
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Having grown up in the countryside of Kumamoto, I love rice paddies filled with water, rice paddies planted with seedlings, lush green paddies in summer, and golden paddies bowing under autumn's bounty. It's a shame I couldn't photograph the paddies with their fields of red clover, but I'll share these.
Atsuko ٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و
Joe Tomei here, an announcement from Patrick 井島 Washburn.
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The ZINE FEST series run by ZINE FARM TOKYO holds its first event in Kumamoto!
Based on past events in Fukuoka and Nagasaki, you’re sure to find many unique and original handmade zines, postcards, prints, crafts, etc.
Booths from the international community include zines and prints from local artist patokon, Kumamoto-based literary zine Shiranui, and also crochet crafts and stickers from The Riverside Forge. Entry fee is 300 yen. Stop by and check this quickly growing art scene.
ZINEフェス熊本
https://note.com/bookcultureclub/n/nef34a506c690
■日時 2025年11月3日（月）
■開場時間 11時～16時
■入場料 300円
■場所 市民会館シアーズホーム夢ホール 大会議室
(https://stage1kmj.jp/)
熊本市中央区桜町１−３
ZINE Fest Kumamoto
https://note.com/bookcultureclub/n/nef34a506c690
■ Date: Monday, November 3, 2025
■ Hours: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
■ Admission: 300 yen
■ Location: Civic Hall Sears Home Yume Hall, Large Conference Room (https://stage1kmj.jp/)
1-3 Sakuramachi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto
Event link
https://www.facebook.com/share/17afvGJDyx/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Atsuko here٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶
Let's go to Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens!
The scent of osmanthus and cosmos fields!
Come see the elephants and giraffes—they won't be here after 5th November!
Plenty of acorns have fallen too.
As it's the replanting season for the cosmos fields, you're welcome to take some home. I took some myself.
Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens has closed part of the grounds from 5 November 2025 for the 'Savannah Area Development' project, marking its centenary. Due to this construction, viewing of the 'Masai giraffes' and 'African elephants' will be unavailable until the end of fiscal year 2026 (planned).
Joe Tomei here passing on a post from my colleague, David Iwashita (né Ostman) who is doing some research related to overseas Japanese. Quick summary, if you know of any Japanese who are living or have lived in Singapore, please let him know! Even if they aren't 1st generation, they may be able to help David find some people who fit.
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Research participants who are living in Singapore wanted! Payment provided.
My name is David Iwashita, a professor at Kumamoto Gakuen University in Kumamoto, Japan working in fields of intercultural communication and immigration studies.
I am currently conducting a grant-funded research project on first-generation Japanese living outside of Japan. I am looking for four first-generation Japanese to interview for an interview database that I plan to use to help Japanese undergraduate students understand the motivations, challenges, and rewards of immigrating to a new country.
熊本学園大学にて、異文化間コミュニケーションと移民研究を専門としています教員の岩下 デイビッドと申します。
研究協力のお願い：現在、私は科学研究費助成事業による研究プロジェクトの一環として、海外に住む第一世代日本人を対象に調査（インタビュー）をしています。
このプロジェクトでは、日本の大学生が新しい国へ移住した動機、直面した課題、そして得られた成果を理解するためのインタビューデータベースを作成しており、ご協力いただける第一世代の日本人4名を募集しております。
Here is a link to my researcher profile:
次は私の研究者プロフィールへのリンクになります。
https://gyoseki.kumagaku.ac.jp/kksapp2.aspx?id=293
*I use my previous name “Ostman” for research publications.
If you know of anyone who would be interested in participating, please contact me right away @ [email protected]
熊本学園大学 研究者総覧
Joe Tomei here. It's been a long minute since I posted, but this is from Patrick Ijima-Washburn (he's supposed to be listed on the post, but who knows with Facebook)
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Paper & Letterpress
紙と活版印刷
At Mifunemachi Machinaka Gallery
@御船町の街中ギャラリー
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SWLqHeqTQyKfYZNK7
Sat - Sun 10/25-10/26
10 to 18:00 on Sat
10 to 16:30 on Sun
Zines, Prints, Stamps and chance to try out letterpress yourself.
*I’ll be there on Sunday with zines, prints, and mini stamp books made to look like goShuincho.
Atsuko here.٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و
The four days from Thursday to Sunday mark the Autumn Grand Festival at Kawasiri Shrine. The Grand Festival at Kawasiri Shrine sees four neighbouring districts take turns every fourteen years to bear responsibility for the festival offerings.The festival is a wonderful occasion where not only the local organisers but also parents and children, including the little ones, participate in large numbers. This is a good thing, as it allows for prayers for the region's peace and prosperity, expressions of gratitude, and wishes for the children's healthy growth. It was also lovely to see the young people, reunited like at a school reunion, enjoying themselves and celebrating their meeting.
This year, our district is responsible for dedicating. The festival continues today, featuring the Sagariuma and Yabusame events.
https://o-matsuri.jp/kyusyu-okinawa/kumamoto/1895.php
Atsuko here.
For cat lovers!
My friend found a ~8 month old kitten the other day. With the help of her friend she took the kitten to the vet and had him neutered and given all his shots/and tests. He’s very friendly and very well trained.
She is seeking a new home for her cat.
My friend is a newly arrived ALT at the high school, having just come from America in September, so I advised her to put up flyers in Japanese and English at her high school. Thinking there might be cat lovers and those interested in international exchange here too, I'll share the flyer here as well.
I hope you have a good encounter.
Do you know of anyone wanting a cat? ฅ(*>ω<*)ฅﾆｬｧ~~
Kumamoto castle AKI no OSHIRO MATSURI!
Mizuakari around Kumamoto castle
100yen beer @sakuramachi
are also recommended. Atsuko ٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و
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Kumamoto Castle's top event of the year‼️
Currently running for a limited time only✨
Do your homework beforehand and you'll enjoy it all the more☺️
Weekdays are comparatively less crowded than weekends
and you can borrow lanterns, so they come highly recommended.
During the period, the opening hours for the special viewing area at Kumamoto Castle are extended! Various events will be held.
Experience 'Kumamoto Castle Above the Clouds', where Japan's largest artificial sea of clouds envelops the castle,
and
a special presentation evoking Kumamoto's abundant water,
"Yakan Yakan: Flowing Lights" – featuring laser and searchlight projections synchronised with movement, plus interactive experiences
and "Castle Illumination", where bamboo lanterns softly light up Kumamoto Castle. Enjoy a fantastical Kumamoto Castle rarely seen under normal circumstances.
👉 Details of the Autumn Kumamoto Castle Festival
@yokayokanagarurutou
⬛︎Location: Kumamoto Castle
⬛︎Period: Friday 10th October to Monday 3rd November 2025
⬛︎Time: 18:00–21:00 (last entry 20:00)
⬛︎Admission
High school students and above: ¥800
Primary and junior high school pupils: ¥300
Pre-school children: Free
👉Preparation
1️⃣ Gyōkōzaka
This is where it begins.
The water-like illumination builds anticipation for the journey to the keep.
2️⃣ Kumamoto Castle from Above
Viewable from the Kumamoto Castle Special Viewing Path.
At night, you can enjoy a fantastical collaboration of light and sound.
3️⃣ Kumamoto Castle: Plaza in front of the Main Keep
Every 15 minutes, a dynamic special performance synchronises with the keep's illumination.
There are two scenes, Scene A and Scene B, so do try to see both.
Additionally, if you run or jump, the lights will move in sync,
so do give it a try.
4️⃣ Balloon Game
Balloons installed in front of the castle walls. Press the switch and the colours will shift and shimmer like water.
Time it right and press the switch to illuminate the Kumamoto sky with a searchlight.
5️⃣Tenshukaku Observation Deck
You can also view the light show from here,
but viewing from above reveals a special perspective of Kumamoto Castle.
The night view is also beautiful, so do make your way up.
6️⃣ Lanterns
Register with the Yakan Yakan Nagareru Akari official LINE account to rent them.
They're rather charming to hold, aren't they?♪
7️⃣Kumamoto Castle Head to the rear of the main keep
you'll find bamboo lanterns too.
8️⃣Sakura Machi Kumamoto
The lighting is changed to a special "water-themed" design for the event.
The searchlights reaching towards the heavens connect with Kumamoto Castle above.
Do pop along to see the events at Kumamoto Castle
♪
Kirk here. If you search for "one piece flag protest" you can find lots of articles about how the One Piece pirate flag (created, of course, by Kumamoto's own Eiichiro Oda) is being used in protests all over the world.
Atsuko here.(๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧
On Saturday, I participated as a volunteer for the Mizuaakari event.
What made me happy was meeting four international volunteers.
As a resident of Kumamoto, I think it's wonderful that international people volunteer and interact with local residents. I believe it has a positive impact on local residents, children, Mizuakari staff people, and international residents alike.
The participants are apparently ALTs from Kumamoto City and Kumamoto Prefecture. Though they didn't know each other beforehand, they connected there, forming new bonds. I was happy and felt reassured.
Another joy was seeing a local Japanese volunteer with excellent English skills willingly offering translation and work support.
The Mizuaakari staff don't speak English, but they seemed able to understand the work through simple English and body language.
Mizuakari volunteers are still working at Josai-en. They were also recruiting volunteers for the event day.
It's fun to watch,
but participating is even more fun.
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9/20 ~ Production Day 7 ~
Before we knew it, production work had only five days left.
We started making the lanterns during the hot summer, and now the temperature and wind feel like the changing seasons.
The slightly chilly autumn breeze and atmosphere make the light from the bamboo lanterns feel even warmer.
And what if those lanterns were ones you helped create yourself?
Wouldn't the scenery look different then?
Thank you to everyone who participated again today.
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#KumamotoLivingPeopleFestivalMizuaakari
Event Dates: \\10/11 (Sat)・10/12 (Sun)//
Production Schedule:
9/21・9/27・9/28・10/4・10/5
Location: Sakura no Baba Josai-en
Volunteers still needed for these dates:
① Oct 11 & 12: Setup for the event and lighting the lanterns
② Oct 13: Cleanup and dismantling
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Volunteer application form in English
https://docs-google-com.translate.goog/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFiXSlb_InE8ps9nyNVxrT_JRzT6k13HDdfroY_kb8FXk0-g/viewform?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en
Watch now!
@Kumamoto city Ezu area,
The most beautiful rainbow I have ever seen.
A perfect semicircle,
A double rainbow,
Vivid and beautiful colors ( In Japan rainbows have 7 colors). Atsuko ( * ॑꒳ ॑*)
Atsuko here
Mizuakari season is coming!
I plan to volunteer this year too .(* 'ᵕ' )☆
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2025/08/30 - 1st day of production
The production work for the 20th Kumamoto Kurashihito Festival Mizuakari began today!
Familiar faces arrived at 8:30 a.m., and after a greeting from the steering committee chairperson, a total of about 20 people began work.
Some foreign residents also came as volunteers.
We set up fans in the shade and worked under tents, which was more comfortable than we had imagined, but we had to keep hydrated.
Although the steering committee made every effort to protect everyone from the heat, we still had to work in the heat, so we hope everyone could do as much as they could.
Thank you very much for your participation!
Thank you very much for your participation!
#Kumamoto Kurashi-bito Festival Mizuakari
Date: 10/12 (Sat.) & 10/13 (Sun.) //
Production schedule:
8/31, 9/6, 9/7, 9/13, 9/14, 9/20, 9/21, 9/27, 9/28, 10/4, 10/5
Production location: Sakura no Baba Josaien
Click here 🌟↓↓
https://x.gd/0vSOJ
-#Mizuakari #Volunteer #Volunteer #Kumamoto #Travel #Tourism #Takeakari
Volunteer application form in English
https://docs-google-com.translate.goog/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFiXSlb_InE8ps9nyNVxrT_JRzT6k13HDdfroY_kb8FXk0-g/viewform?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en
Atsuko here.
Small Travel Recommendations.
Last week, a coworker gave me some Osaka Expo snacks as a souvenir from her summer vacation trip. I asked her what she enjoyed the most at the Osaka Expo and she answered the post office. She told me that she had stamped the stamps from the Osaka Expo.
I asked her why the post office. She told me that they had stamped the stamp of the Osaka Expo. It was a landscape stamp, a date stamp with a landscape design unique to that post office. She showed me her collection of stamps and I was so impressed with the beauty of the stamps that I will share them with you.
It is wonderful that it contains various places, specialties, and history.
To get a landscape stamp, you have to go to the post office and ask the staff to stamp a landscape stamp. Or, you can send a return postcard to the post office of your choice and ask them to stamp it with a landscape stamp.
It is a small trip around the nearby post offices, but I think you will make a nice collection.
ଘ(੭ˊ꒳ˋ)੭✧
風景印 Huukei in
https://www.post.japanpost.jp/kitte_hagaki/stamp/fuke/result_pre.php?pref_id=43
Kirk here. Atsuko's post about Amakusa reminded me of this bit of news from RKK. Even if you don't understand Japanese, the combination of the English text and the images in the video should give you a clear idea of what's nice about the Ryugatake Summit Natural Park (which I've never been to yet myself).
=== start ChatGPT translation of Japanese article ===
Headline:
“The Best Starry Sky in Japan” Should Be Seen from the Summit of Mt. Ryugatake! How ‘Mountain Amakusa’ Doubled Its Revenue and Offers More than Just the Sea — Kumamoto
Date:
Saturday, August 23, 2025, 9:00 AM
Exploring the Natural Park at the Summit of Mt. Ryugatake in Kami-Amakusa, Kumamoto
We visited a breathtaking natural park in Ryugatake, Kami-Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture—an attraction that has revitalized the town’s tourism resources and reportedly doubled its revenue by drawing in visitors.
A Place Where “Half the Facilities Couldn’t Be Used”
Located about two and a half hours by car from central Kumamoto City, the Ryugatake Summit Natural Park sits atop Mt. Ryugatake at an elevation of 470 meters.
This expansive site includes campgrounds with tent sites, lodges, and bungalows, as well as rare facilities such as an astronomical observatory where visitors can observe stars and celestial bodies.
Originally operated by Kami-Amakusa City, the park’s management was transferred three years ago to a company based in Uki City that runs restaurant businesses, as part of its business expansion. Staff member Akinori Miura took over operations.
Miura, Park Manager:
“Previously, half the lodging facilities couldn’t even be used, and the management building was little more than a reception area—not a welcoming space. So we renovated everything to ensure the campground facilities could all be used. We want to contribute to the development of Ryugatake and Kami-Amakusa by running this park, so we work hard every day.”
A Bold Initiative: Next-Generation Vehicles
In an effort to increase visitors, Miura began an unprecedented new initiative.
Miura:
“Our highlight is definitely this. We’ve brought in Segways.”
That’s right—the park introduced Segways and other next-generation vehicles. Facilities where visitors can ride Segways are rare in Kumamoto, making this park a unique attraction where anyone can try them out casually.
Miura:
“When we took on the park’s management, I wanted to do something in Amakusa that no one else was doing. That’s why we introduced Segways. I believe we’re the only ones offering this here.”
Since the Segways were introduced, tourists from both inside and outside the prefecture have increased. This unique initiative has drawn people to the park and contributed to revitalizing the region.
Miura:
“Since we became the managers, both revenue and visitor numbers have more than doubled.”
Enjoying Japan’s Best Starry Sky
Another highlight of the park is Myui Observatory, a valuable tourism resource for the town. Inside, visitors can enjoy planetarium shows and enchanting exhibits featuring constellations and planets glowing under black light.
By making better use of such facilities, the hidden value of the park has become clear.
Outside, stargazing sessions with small telescopes are also held. Ryugatake was once selected by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment as having the “Best Starry Sky in Japan.” Surrounded by pristine nature, the chance to gaze at such a beautiful night sky has become one of the park’s biggest draws.
Junki Kitamoto, Observatory Staff:
“I’d like as many people as possible to see this and share in its beauty.”
More Spectacular Views of “Mountains and Sea”
The starry sky isn’t the only attraction. From the observation deck near the observatory, visitors can take in sweeping panoramic views of the Amakusa Islands and the Yatsushiro Sea.
Miura:
“I hope people who see Amakusa’s mountains and sea from here will be inspired to protect our natural environment.”
The park also features attractions like a power spot—a massive rock with a heart-shaped hollow, popular with couples. With such hidden potential appealing to diverse visitors, Ryugatake Summit Natural Park continues to evolve.
Miura:
“When people think of Amakusa, they often picture the sea and fishing. But here at the summit, you can also enjoy camping and stargazing. Please come visit—we’re waiting for you.”
「日本一の星空」は龍ヶ岳山頂から見るべし！売り上げを2倍にした、海だけじゃない「山の天草」の楽しませ方 熊本 | 熊本のニュース｜RKK NEWS｜RKK熊本放送
熊本県上天草市の龍ヶ岳にある、絶景の自然公園に潜入！町の観光資源を蘇らせて「売り上げが2倍以上になった」という、観光客を呼び込む注目スポットを取材しました。熊本市内から車で約2時間30分。上天草市にある…
Dear Amakusa Mogushi, Onikizaki fans.
Amakusa is fine. I went there for the first time last Sunday.
Kumamoto's summer recommendations.
I visited Mogushi Beach and Onikizaki Beach in Ushibuka-cho, Amakusa City for the first time.
Migushi is very famous and I had heard for a long time that the sea is very beautiful, but this was my first time there.
Last Sunday, the effects of the heavy rain had been completely repaired, and I arrived at Mokushi in two and a half hours from Kumamoto City without any traffic jams or traffic restrictions.
The sea of both Mokushi and Onikizaki were very beautiful and full of red, blue, orange, and striped tropical fish. Unfortunately I didn't bring my underwater camera, but I enjoyed snorkeling for 5 hours.
Summer is the season in Amakusa. However, it is a waste of time this year because of cancellations due to the flood.
Roads and stores are recovering.
Please enjoy the summer in Amakusa a lot!
Atsuko (ﾉ≧∀≦)ﾉ
Mogushi 茂串
https://www-t-island-jp-e.athp.transer.com/spot/14
Onikizaki 魚貫崎
https://www-t-island-jp-e.athp.transer.com/spot/16
Kirk here. When a falling star is very bright it can be called a "fireball" (火球; kakyuu). Well, a very bright one fell near Kyushu last night. Kagoshima and Nagasaki had some cool shots (most news reports feature those) but this video has the best I've seen from Kumamoto.
Anyone out there notice it in real time?
目撃情報が相次いだ大きな流れ星『火球』ＴＫＵの情報カメラでも【熊本】 (25/08/20 19:00)
夜空を照らすひと筋の光、熊本でも見られました。九州など西日本の各地で１９日夜、目撃情報が相次いだ大きな流れ星『火球』。ＴＫＵの情報カメラでも昼間のように空が明るくなりました。これは、１９日午後１１時す...
One of my favorite cartoons depicts a foreign jogger sweating through the heat. A bystander remarks, "Henna gaijin," to which is companion replies, "Isn't that redundant?" - William
We've got a typhoonette coming. - William
Kirk here. It's been a while since I've visited this tunnel. It's not my favorite place in the Aso area but it's cool inside and kind of unique. Might be good to put it on your itinerary if you're going to in the area. :)
William has written a couple of times about the history of the tunnel (originally planned as a train tunnel but project abandoned). I'll post links to to those posts in a comment.
Kumamoto: Tanabata Festival Decorations Adorn Unique Tunnel
TAKAMORI, Kumamoto — Step into a world where vibrant colors meet refreshing coolness. An array of colorful Tanabata decorations offers a unique summer escape in a park located in a tunnel in Takamori, Kumamoto Prefecture.
