Posts

Support Ukraine by watching the film.
Atsuko(๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧
Place : Ubuama-mura Aso
Time : 23 August
Open19:00～ Screening 19:40～
Admission: Free.
# Please make sure. It's not Yamaga city.
That Yamaga elementary School is the Yamaga elementary School in Ubuyama Village in Aso.
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
[Friday 23 Aug] Screening of the animated film 'Stallone Princesses' from Ukraine!
Date & Time: 23 Aug (Fri)
Doors open 19:00, screening 19:40
Place: Former Yamaga elementary School ground
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9fwu9Kdy9RZ5D4vE7
(460, Yamaga, Ubuyama-mura, Aso-gun, Kumamoto)
Admission: free
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/L7kDH7J3RAC6vRsw/

More TAKEAARI @SAKURAMACHIヽ(*'▽'*)ﾉAtsuko
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-clt2zPgCo/?igsh=bmptbTdvN2l0ZXEx
【かぐや姫】とコメントしたら詳細が送られてくるよ！ アフレコ動画は明日アップするからお楽しみに… #サクラマチ #サクラマチクマモト #かぐや姫の光る庭

Kirk here with an article that, like the one I posted yesterday, warns of "a big one" (my phrase, "megaquake" is the term used in this article) that we are at increased risk of experiencing following the recent quake in Miyazaki.
By the way, the caption on the picture says "Kumamoto Castle" but it's actually Kumamoto Daijingu Shrine (熊本大神宮), which is on the castle grounds.
State Department advises Americans in Japan to be ready for large earthquake
U.S. citizens in Japan should stay alert and take disaster prevention measures following a warning about increased risk of a large earthquake, according to the State Department.

Information about night zoo, especially "Projection mapping Today and tomorrow"
@Kumamoto zoo
I put some flyers for the night release in the comments section.Atsuko⸜(* ॑꒳ ॑* )⸝
Details
https://www-ezooko-jp.translate.goog/kiji/pub/detail.aspx?c_id=3&type=top&id=914&_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=ja
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/iL5uQdZupxDtXHzc/

Kirk here with a bit more about our earthquake situation.
After yesterday's earthquake, Japan is, as the article states, "on alert for the heightened possibility of a huge earthquake that could cause immense loss of life and property across a wide stretch of the central and western parts of the country." The article provides some basic information about what the "Nankai Trough" is and how to prepare for a major earthquake that might hit it.
Kumamoto is near the western edge of the Nankai trough; just as we felt the effects of yesterday's quake we may be significantly affected by a large Nankai trough earthquake, even thought we are not sitting right on top of it.
Here's a worst-case scenario: "Such an earthquake could shake much of central and western Japan, simultaneously or in succession, at a magnitude of up to 9, and lead to a tsunami of more than 30 meters in height. This could result in 242,000 deaths, according to a 2023 government document."
Magnitude 9 would be about 354.8 times the energy of the M 7.3 quake we experienced in 2016 (according to ChatGPT). (Remember, magnitude is logarithmic, not linear, so 8 is not just "one step" above 7.) A magnitude 9 was what devastated Eastern Japan in 2011.
Japan's Nankai Trough earthquake advisory: 5 things to know
Country reacts with calm concern over heightened chance of major disaster

Kirk here. A large earthquake just hit Miyazaki Prefecture. I was sitting at my desk here in Kumamoto and was amazed by the slow undulating motion I felt -- rather unlike anything I've experienced before.
https://www.data.jma.go.jp/multi/quake/quake_detail.html?eventID=20240808164625&lang=en
This may not be a significant problem for people in Kumamoto (at least if it ends here) but people in Miyazaki may have suffered serious damage as there was at least one 6- on the Japanese scale. For those of us in Kumamoto, this may end as merely a scary event or there may be more earthquakes to come. As many of you probably remember, in the case of the 2016 Kumamoto quakes, a large shock was followed by an even bigger one the next day. Take care!

For みずあかり たけあかり fans.
A permanent exhibition of Mizuakari is on the rooftop of Sakuramachi. As a Mizuakari fan, I participated in helping with the production until yesterday. The opening is tomorrow. I have included a few photos of the work in progress, but the real thing is 100 times more beautiful when you see it at night with your own eyes along with the scenery.
Please enjoy this beautiful light with your own eyes, with your own camera and with your loved ones, together with the crescent moon in the cool of the evening.
It's really beautiful and makes you happy.
(ꕤ ॑꒳ ॑*)ﾉAtsuko
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'Kaguyahime no Hikaru Niwa in Sakuramachi Kumamoto'
This exhibition project is the first paid exhibition.
Priority tickets for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays are now on sale for the Kaguyahime no Hikari Niwa Garden, which will open at Sakuramachi Garden on 9 August 2024 (Friday)!
For a memorable summer holiday, why not step into a space of light surrounded by overwhelming bamboo lights shining in the moonlit night?
Online reservations will give you priority entry even during busy times. Tickets are only available on selected dates and in limited quantities on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, so please buy your tickets as soon as possible.
<Outline of the event>
"Kaguyahime no Hikari Niwa in Sakura Machi Kumamoto".
Date: 9 August (Friday) 2024 - May 2025
Venue: Sakuramachi Garden on the rooftop of Sakuramachi Kumamoto
Opening hours: sunset* to 21:00 (last admission 20:45)
Admission:
Adults (18 years and older) 2,000 yen
Junior high school students (aged 15-17) ¥1,000
Children (junior high school students and under/under 15 years old) Free of charge
Admission:
1) Same-day tickets (sold on site/only same-day tickets/no priority entry.
2)Special advance tickets (sold at the respective partners / no date and time specified / no priority entry)
3) Online tickets (limited time and limited quantity available/specified date and time/priority entry)
Sales website: accessed from https://lit.link/chikakenkaguya / Ticket Pia
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chikaken_kaguya/
Official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chikaken_kaguya
Organised by: CHIKAKEN / Chikaken Products Inc.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/EnPfTpMjxpf59adD/

Kirk here with an update on Hertz's policy toward expats with driver's licenses and passports from different countries.
First, for background, here's the URL of my post on the issue from last year:
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/pfbid0ue3eC5LrJp3LAsUhLQUe7PCwfK7dSuNYeQ5ezzY33LGcw8wke1v5h2ff9ik2VSFxl
In a nutshell, I was told at the Hertz office at the airport in Madison, Wisconsin (USA) that if I have a Japanese driver's license I should have a Japanese passport; or, since I'm an American citizen, I should have a driver's license from a state in the U.S.
As you can imagine, I was not a happy camper. I was left without transportation and no refund. Plus, the issue occurred when a convention was being held so none of the other rental agencies had a vehicle I could rent (even though other agencies said that they would not have a problem with my documentation).
Unwilling to accept this treatment, I began writing to journalists who had written about Hertz in the past according to information I was able to find searching the web. None of the journalists responded to me but, in the process, I was able to find an image on Twitter of a letter from Hertz CEO at the time Stephen Scherr. The image showed his e-mail address (normally not shared with the public) so I wrote directly to the CEO and listed the media (CBS, New York Times, etc.) that I had written to about the expat-discrimination I faced. I didn't get a response directly from Mr. Scherr but that e-mail got a response from someone at Hertz's "Executive Customer Service." That final resulted in a refund and points that would allow me a free rental during my next visit.
The refund was certainly good but the problem now is that I'm unable to use the points because the basic issue is unresolved; the Hertz in Madison, Wisconsin still says that I can't rent with my documents.
At least I know in advance this time (I didn't even think to check about this in advance last time). We'll rent elsewhere and let the points sleep for now.
I'm considering trying to go through the U.S. consulate in Fukuoka, as I think the US government should stand up for law abiding US taxpayers who face discrimination from ignorant American businesses. In the meantime, if your situation is similar to mine, beware of Hertz!

Sad news about a girl from Ozu, Kumamoto who drowned in Hastings, Nebraska, USA. -- Kirk
P.S. I'll put links to other articles and video in comments.
Ozu student has died following July 31 water rescue at Aquacourt
A 13-year-old girl from Ozu, Japan, who was rescued from the water at the Hastings Aquacourt Water Park July 31 died early Sunday morning, the Hastings International Exchange Organization announced

News: It's hot! -- Kirk (The NHK webpage features a video news report in English.)
Japan blanketed by intense heat on Monday | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
Many parts of Japan remain in the grip of intense heat on Monday, with temperatures rising above 35 degrees Celsius in the morning in some areas.

Here's an inquiry that came to the page. Please share any wisdom you may have in a comment.
We're looking for ways to send our household items to the U.S. next spring by ship. We've found that the post office charges about half of what a shipping company charges per large cardboard box of 25 kg. We're wondering if the shipping company is better for any reason other than coming to our apartment to pick up the boxes. Any advice?

In local crime -- Kirk
Kumamoto man stabs self just before discovery of corpse of ex-colleague in car
A 51-year-old man stabbed himself with a knife inside his parked car in Kumamoto City just before the discovery of the corpse his female co-worker

Record setting heat (38.8°C or 101.8°F!!!) in Kumamoto today. -- Kirk
--- start ChatGPT translation of article ---
Extreme Heat in Nearly All Locations in Kumamoto Prefecture: Record High Temperatures at Five Sites
August 4 (Sunday) 18:53 Report
KAB Kumamoto Asahi Broadcasting
On the 4th in Kumamoto Prefecture, almost all observation points recorded extremely hot days, with record high temperatures observed at five locations, including Kumamoto City.
Due to being covered by a high-pressure system, the strong sunlight, and the continuous inflow of warm air from last week, temperatures have risen in Kumamoto Prefecture.
At the Kumamoto City observation point, the highest temperature on record was reached at 3 PM, with 38.8°C (101.8°F). People were seen wiping away sweat as they walked in front of JR Kumamoto Station.
Additionally, Tamana City and Asagiri Town recorded 38.4°C (101.1°F), Hitoyoshi City 38.2°C (100.8°F), and Amakusa City 38.1°C (100.6°F), all updating their respective highest temperatures on record.
Kosa Town also recorded 38.3°C (100.9°F), marking the highest temperature in August on record, and it became the hottest day for the 17th consecutive day, the highest number ever recorded in the prefecture.
On the 4th, almost all observation points in Kumamoto Prefecture recorded extremely hot days, and 65 people were transported due to symptoms of heatstroke.
Extreme heat is also expected on the 5th, and a heatstroke warning alert has been issued.
--- end translation ---
熊本県内ほぼ全地点で猛暑日　５地点で史上最高気温（KAB熊本朝日放送） - Yahoo!ニュース
熊本県内は４日、ほぼ全ての観測地点で猛暑日となり、熊本市など５地点で観測史上最高気温となりました。 熊本県内は高気圧に覆われて日差しが強まり、先週から継続して暖かい空気が上空に流れ込んでいて気温が

Here's a newspaper article about the reopening of the bike racing stadium (Kumamoto Keirinjo) that I posted about the other day. -- Kirk
Kumamoto: Keirin Track Reopens 8 Years After Earthquake; G-1 Race to Be Held at Velodrome in 2026
KUMAMOTO — Kumamoto’s keirin cycle racing track, which closed after the April 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, has been restored and is now open in the city’s Chuo Ward.

Kirk here announcing that this year's takigi (touch-lit) noh performance in Suizenji Park will be held tomorrow (August 3). The time of the evening and free admission will be the same as last year (see last year's post, shown below). This year's performance will be of Tamura, which you can read about in English here:
https://www.the-noh.com/en/plays/data/program_028.html
Someone (I wonder who? hint: it ain't me, but I've been helping with the text) will read a 5-minute or less description in English about the play and some key aspects of noh theatre at the beginning of the program. Otherwise, everything will be in Japanese.
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/pfbid05ZFfQsKAkMKHnQxzZQCHHLyqxBfyRCyHPxqiPduAXeqaUcPocSiYzSzc9cs6xNtal
Sorry for the last-minute notice.

Joe Tomei here, hope I'm not overstepping. My wife will be showing her artwork at hair studio KR, she's planning on being there every morning if you want to talk to the artist.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pTBQxvjjXUwoUrRq9

Are you enjoying your summer holidays?
I went to Kumamoto Airport and found a good leaflet on sightseeing in Kumamoto, so I will share it with you.
The city is on standby for the HINOKUNI MATSURI.
My latest recommendation is to dip a Tokyo banana, a souvenir from Tokyo, into Kuma shochu and eat it soaked in sake. I recommend it as the sweetness of the banana matches the aroma of the shochu.
Hoping you also enjoy Kumamoto summer well.
(* 'ᵕ' )☆Atsuko
Kumamoto Tourism website
https://kumamotopics.com/welcome/
https://kumamoto.guide/en/
https://www.kumamotto.net/
https://kumamoto-guide.translate.goog/shop/?fbclid=IwY2xjawEYopdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHa-SvnHs-kYy9t08i2vTb59vp6Kryl0MVmUR9U5snNZCqzEmKNSwVbReDQ_aem_UeO5E56br5q-0SN9QIUh-w&_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en
https://www-asocity--kanko-jp.translate.goog/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en
https://page-line-me.translate.goog/?accountId=677sdumk&fbclid=IwY2xjawEYo4BleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHU7OxNEcPsmWND_ZLMfXOgSPUsWBPWAA7B-OwcngClF2rwAnzZSSQF5dxg_aem_-QImdooOKGV-Q89qz9MD7w&_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_hist=true

Tis the season!! 🤽🏼‍♀️ ⚽ 🥇 Some new Kumamoto residents are asking about casual, local sports teams and social gatherings 🎲 🏀 🤸🏼‍♀️ If any of you sporty folk know of soccer kick-abouts or casual basketball meetups, please post the details! - Ruth

Fiona here, with a recommendation for delicious ways to cool off during these hot summer days. Kumamoto Gelato is located in Koshi city, offers a wide variety of flavours and it's possible to have up to six in a cone or cup if you are spoilt for choice. As the reviews on Google Maps suggest, the owner can be quite pushy in the flavours he wishes you to try - I ended up with a weird combination of mango, matcha and Hawaiian blue in my cone, but it made for a funny and memorable experience.
熊本ジェラート · Koshi, Kumamoto
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

Kirk here with Kumamoto City tram (shiden) news. The latest is a derailment.
Recently, there have been a slew of tram-related problems. Lack of public confidence in how the tram system has been run led the mayor to cancel a centennial celebration that had been planned (see Yahoo link, in Japanese, below).
Tram service was started in 1924 when TAKAHASHI Morio was mayor. Takahashi went on to become the first president of what is now called Kumamoto Gakuen University, where I work. His establishment and development of the tram network was one accomplishment that led to the creation of Takahashi Park (高橋公園), which is located by Inari Jinja on the castle grounds.
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/57cd4511f126dc19f19c8689cf49f49ee31254b4
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240726_26/
Trouble-plagued city tram derails in southern Japan | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
Local officials are calling the derailment of a tram in the southern Japanese city of Kumamoto an "emergency." The publicly owned tram operator has suffered a series of problems this year.