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In a few minutes, I'll introduce some images I took from a nationally broadcast TV news show (Bankisha) that focused on the danger of heavy rain in Kumamoto. On the news program, they reported that meteorologists are saying that there is a significant possibility that Kumamoto will experience a phenomenon called "training" (線状降水帯) in the next 24 hours. I was unfamiliar with the concept so I did a little web search and found this Gawker article on the phenomenon. "Training" has nothing to do with "learning" or the cute little training wheels on a kids bike. Instead think of "I feel like I got hit by a train." The Gawker article reports that the process is called "training" because "the thunderstorms look like they’re train cars moving along railroad tracks. Training can continue for hours, forcing a few unlucky areas to get caught under this relentless heavy rain until the air stabilizes and the storm development stops." So, now that you know what "training" is and that there's some possibility that it may occur here, I'll start to prepare another posts that focuses on Kumamoto.
-- Kirk
The Incredible Process That Lets the Atmosphere Dump an Ocean of Rain in a Few Hours
Last week, Austin, Texas, and surrounding communities found themselves flooded after a relentless thunderstorm dropped more than a foot of rain in just a few hours. This astounding rainfall event was the result of a phenomenon known as “training,” and as Austin saw, training can lead to devastat...

Hi! I hope the heavy rain wasn't too much of a problem for most of you today.
The rain in Kumamoto is a major news story in Japan today. Unfortunately, I was too preoccupied with my own activities to post about evacuation and flood warnings today (there were quite a few) but, as more rain is expected, I'd like to follow this post up with a few more in the hope that providing more information might help some of you avoid dangerous circumstances.
-- Kirk
Rain to intensify in many parts of Japan | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
Weather officials in Japan are calling for caution as continuing heavy rain could prompt landslides, flooding in low-lying areas as well as gusty winds across the country.

Good morning friends.
You might get alarm to escape from flood, landslde.
Here is hazard map about flood around each river. You should check the river area you live near. 白川 is Sirakawa, 坪井川 is Tsuboigawa,....
I've shared one like this was a hazard map to escape from Tsunami. This one is different.
https://www.city.kumamoto.jp/hpkiji/pub/detail.aspx?c_id=5&id=2121
This page is hazard map about landslde.
http://sabo.kiken.pref.kumamoto.jp/website/sabo/kuiki/
If you want to escape to somewhere, you should go to KOUMINKAN, community center or school.
Be safe, be careful.ーAtsuko(*Ü*)
熊本県土砂災害情報システム　警戒区域・特別警戒区域

Hello! Ruth here! 🍀 Hot days are coming, so if you know of any parents who want to learn some fun 'Summer English' with their young children, please share the info below with them✨ I'm running a morning English program at Kumamoto International Center, for two weeks this summer **夏休み親子で英会話**7月末から、二週間で!! It'll be indoors, and full of communication activities, games and fun!! 💬🌈🌍　
**夏休み親子で英会話**Parent & Child Summer English Course at KIX**募集中✍️ Now taking applicants!!
♦When? From 30th July to 8th August (全8回)
♦Where? KIX... 熊本市国際交流館
♦対象:4歳~6歳✨ Younger siblings can join too!
♦What activities? Games... Songs... Dances... Crafts... Stories... 🎨🎹🛒🦋🌈
♦受講料: 6000円
お問い合わせ: Please contact KIX for sign-up or more info! It's part of the グローバルカレッジ initiative🔤See poster ☟ Feel free to share!
よろしくお願いします🙏 是非シェアしてください

Sergio Verdinelli with EXPE at Navaroo 7/13 Saturday 3,000 yen on the day/ Advance Ticket is 2,500 yen. This does not include the 500 Yen drink ticket. Sergio Verdinelli is from 🇦🇷 plays experimental jazz and progressive art rock. EXPE is from Osaka and plays Space/Art Rock. EXPE has played with Boredoms, DJ Krush and so much more. [email protected] for advance tickets. Both artists our on iTunes.

Hi friends.
It's so wonderful Yamashita Yasuhiro became the President of JOC. Yes, his home town is Kumamoto. We love him not only his successful career but also his fair play spirit.ーAtsuko(*Ü*)
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/06/27/olympics/judo-great-yasuhiro-yamashita-replaces-scandal-hit-takeda-japan-olympic-committee-chief/#.XRWtsugzY2y
It's an interview which shows his character. https://www.ijf.org/news/show/exclusive-interview-with-yasuhiro-yamashita
It's Kumanichi article.
https://this.kiji.is/517112412543337569?fbclid=IwAR1R7DHfgllAFpAzehs9Lyv2Gr_AqytIrG55j3zBq5yNYy-YBe0zbeDMT2Q
Exclusive Interview with Yasuhiro Yamashita
Yasuhiro Yamashita should not be presented anymore. True legend of world judo, he is one of those names that every judoka knows and he is even worldwide known beyond the borders of our sport. As the Judo's road for Tokyo 2020 is about to be opened with the Hohhot Grand Prix taking place this weekend...

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SPIES is halfway through its run, and Kumamoto's only escape room will be closing its doors at the end of July. Thanks to everyone who has played the game so far! If you're curious, but haven't played yet, don't miss the chance! It's a challenging game that tests your investigative skills, teamwork and dexterity as you work to uncover an evil plot threatening Kumamoto...
It costs 1000 yen to play (500 yen for children and students) and is for teams of 2 to 6 players. You don't need any prior escape room experience, and there are plenty of hints available...but you'll need to be strategic in how you use them!
To find out more, or to book a game for your team, please visit Escape from Britz. We also have a free quiz night coming up on July 13th, and regular games nights will be back from September.
Fiona

Joe Tomei here, passing along this job posting. As always, please contact the address below.
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Freedom English School, situated in downtown Kumamoto City, is looking for a full-time Japanese staff member. The role involves teaching English to kids ranging in age from kindergarten to third grade of Junior High School, and performing reception and administrative duties.
Applicants should have an English ability of Eiken Grade 2 / TOEIC 650 or greater. Experience of studying or living overseas is preferred but not essential.
A professional attitude and a love of teaching kids are both absolutely essential.
For more information, please contact Mika Amann on 096-322-7100, email [email protected], or go though the お問い合わせ page of
急な用事や病気でレッスンをお休みしても、振替レッスンができるから安心。 カフェスタイルの待合室. 待合室はいつでもご利用頂けます。レッスン以外でもお気軽にお立ちより下さい。

Hi friends.
The typhoon will go through our east side, so no need to worry so much, I think. (It's said if typhoon goes our west side, goes through Nagasaki, it will cause lots suffered in Kumamoto)
But to know before it and to prepare always are important, i think. Be safe alwaysーAtsuko(*Ü*)
Tropical depression approaches southern Japan | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
Japanese weather officials warn that a tropical depression south of Okinawa will strengthen as it heads north. They say it could reach eastern Japan on Friday.

If you are in Kumamoto, you don't need me to tell you that it's raining today -- finally. Lack of rain has become a serious problem for farmers in the prefecture.
With today's rain and the prospect of more to come in the near future, the start of the rainy season has been officially announced -- significantly later than normal.
With more rain on the way, I'd like to remind you about the value of Yahoo's radar page:
https://weather.yahoo.co.jp/weather/zoomradar/?fbclid=IwAR2L85oy0AIFSazR4OzcffDARLmuwTC_3T0xWJ8FUoDgPh7yJo8Z-5KZ5sw
The radar can let you know if the rain you are experiencing is covering a huge area and therefore likely to continue or if, as in the Charlie Brown image, it's only covering a small area over our heads and likely to dissipate soon.
-- Kirk
P.S. The radar is a screenshot of the 4th -- a time when I found the radar to be valuable.

Good morning! Here's a message I received from Mr. Itoh of the International Center. It's about an opportunity to participate in a course to help you prepare for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT; 日本語能力検定試験). It also mentions the Center's にほんごくらぶ (Nihongo Club), which is a great opportunity to get help understanding Japanese you need to deal with in your daily life. Both classes are open to people of all levels.
-- Kirk
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You might already know our studying Japanese program Kurashino nihongo club.
Here is another remarkable one for you, especially who is planning to take the Japanese language Proficiency Test.
The qualified teachers will teach you and anyone can join regardless of your Japanese abilities.
*************
When: Every Sundays from July 14th to November 24th
Time: 9:30AM - 11:30AM
Where: Kumamoto International Center, if you check attached flyer, you'll know which floor and room.
Fee: 300 yen per class
*************
How to apply: Please call or email us with your information as follows, Name, Nationality, Cellphone number or email address, and the level of JLPT you want to study.
【Contact】
Kumamoto International Foundation Planning Section
Phone: 096-359-2121
Email: [email protected]

Hello friends.
This article is not a local topic. But we should know and be concerned with the problem of lots of waste plastic. We have beautiful country, nature, like Amakusa, Aso. We should keep them as local citizens.
It's a great first step and good announcement.(It's rare for me to buy Onigiri at convenience store. I think it's waste of money and time, and also luck of mother's love.Sorry. But even if, It's a good news!!)
I just want to spread the movement to reduce plastic, too much wrapped food and goods.ーAtsuko(*Ü*)
Seven-Eleven Japan to wrap its billions of rice balls in bioplastic
Convenience store operator Seven-Eleven Japan Co. said Monday it will start selling all of its rice balls in wraps made of biomass plastics.

Kumamon's exclusion is old news but I don't think we've introduced this particularly article on the topic.
-- Kirk
Unusual but true: Kumamon won't be 'torch bear' for Olympics - Chinadaily.com.cn
In unusual but true stories this week, we have Kumamon getting rejected in his bid to be an Olympic torch runner; Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland opening to the public; Grandparents traveling from Britain to the Great Wall of China on their bikes; an art student teaching her pony how to paint...

More basketball news . . .
-- Kirk
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/06/20/basketball/b-league/standout-point-guard-kaito-ishikawa-joins-kumamoto-volters/
Standout point guard Kaito Ishikawa joins Kumamoto Volters | The Japan Times
Kaito Ishikawa demonstrated throughout the 2018-19 season that he was one of the B. League's most dependable point guards. The Tokyo native shined for the

Hi friends. It's not about Kumamoto. But so good, silly movie to introduce about Osaka, about Obachan. Hoping you enjoy it too.ーAtsuko(*Ü*)
'Lets dance!': Osaka granny group releases English rap video to welcome G20 summit
An Osaka-based "idol group" made up of women whose average age is 66 has released a rap music video in English.

Rui Hachimura was drafted by the Washington Wizards in the first round of the NBA Draft recently. Hachimura is from Toyama, but his predecessor, the first Japanese player to be drafted by the NBA, is from Kumamoto. This article doesn't mention Yasutaka Okayama's roots in Kumamoto but it's noted on his Wikipedia page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasutaka_Okayama
Note Okayama's height: 7 ft 8 in (2.34 m), which is very, very big, even for the NBA. In fact, Okayama was the tallest person ever to be drafted to play in the NBA:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_players_in_National_Basketball_Association_history
Hachimura is a mere 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) -- only an inch or two above the NBA average. ;)
https://www.nba.com/news/survey_height_2007.html
At 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m), I would have been a relatively little guy in the NBA if I had had the talent to play there.
By the way, Hachimura speaks good English. I learned from a news report that this is not an accident of birth. When he decided at an early age that he wanted to aim for the NBA, he began studying English each night after basketball practice.
Congratulations to Rui Hachimura! I'm looking forward to following your career. :)
-- Kirk
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/06/21/basketball/nba/japan-basketball-pioneer-yasutaka-okayama-reflects-past-wishes-rui-hachimura-well/#.XQ2Z2y2B2lM
Japan basketball pioneer Yasutaka Okayama reflects on his past, wishes Rui Hachimura well | The Japan Times
Yasutaka Okayama was the first Japanese to ever be selected in the NBA Draft. But he humbly says that the impact made by Rui Hachimura is incomparably grea

Olivia here,
We had contribution web link from Taijin Matsunami,
documentaries’ videos archives about Kumamoto’s 2016 earthquake in English and other foreign languages.
https://www.kumamoto-archive.jp/en/post/58-99991jl0002xrj
—————
Original post below:

Hi! I received an inquiry about an English speaking divorce lawyer. For obvious reasons, my inquirer would prefer to remain anonymous. So, I'm posting on my inquirer's behalf. He/she would like to learn about divorce proceedings in Japan.
If any of you feel comfortable posting publicly with information about lawyers or other sources of information and expertise regarding the concerns of my inquirer, please post a comment to this post. Or, if you would like to help more discretely, please friend me, Kirk Masden, on Facebook and write me a message. I can either relay information anonymously or connect you to my inquirer. He/she would be particularly interested in getting information from someone here in Kumamoto who has been through a divorce and knows what options and rights foreigners have as they go through a divorce.
Thanks in advance!
-- Kirk

Tristan Vick here. Although not specifically related to Kumamoto, it’s something many of us with kids and families in Japan should be aware of—the problem of the disposable male and lack of maternity rights for single fathers.
In an interesting legal case regarding single father maternity leave in Japan involving a foreign national.

The company forced him to take a DNA test to prove the child born in Japan is even his, gave him unpaid leave, then fired him anyway. He’s suing.
『パタハラ』という言葉をご存知ですか？パタハラは、男性が育児休暇を取得することに対するハラスメントです。
グレン・ウッド氏が勤務先の三菱UFJモルガン・スタンレー証券から受けたパタハラは、日本国内だけでなく海外からも大きな注目を集めています。この一件で、子供を持つ従業員に対するハラスメントが浮き彫りとなりました。このような嫌がらせは許されるべきものではありませんが、全国的にも珍しいことではありません。
7月に行われる裁判では、ウッド氏と同社の5人が証言台に立ちます。ウッド氏が裁判所に要請した証人はおりません。証言台に立つことを拒まれたからです。
裁判は7月5日(金)に東京地方裁判所にて行われます。公開裁判ですので、ご興味をお持ちの方は是非傍聴をお願いいたします。参加登録は[email protected] に連絡するようにお願いします｡
On July 5th, 2019, Glen Wood will testify in court against Mitsubishi UFJ. He dares to push back on corporate injustice by claiming his right to paternity leave under Japanese law.　

Hi again.
Niigata prefecture had some big earthquakes and TSUNAMI.
You might little bit worry in case we have TSUNAMI warning.
Here is a hazard map about TSUNAMI around Kumamoto city.
Please check your house in it. The blue line shows the area of TSUNAMI warning area(my house includes!!)
I strongly recommend to talk and make a promise with your family ''where'' you will escape and gather when earthquake happens, TSUNAMI warning.
Please be safe and save you and your family by yourself.ーAtsuko(*Ü*)
This is hazard map of Kumamoto city,
https://www.city.kumamoto.jp/hpkiji/pub/detail.aspx?c_id=5&id=2121