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Shizo Kanakuri (金栗 四三, 1891 – 1983; he died at the age of 92 in his hometown of Tamana) was a Kumamoto legend and the subject of an upcoming NHK drama. He became known as the "father of marathon" in Japan. Kanakuri was one of the only two athletes that Japan could afford to send to the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. The unusually balmy weather at the time disoriented most of the competitors, including, Kanakuri, who lost consciousness during the race and was cared for by a local farming family. Embarrassed by his inability to finish, he slunk back to Japan so secretly that he was actually listed as a missing person in Sweden for fifty years.
Perhaps the Swedes had not been reading their newspapers closely (to be fair, his name in Swedish apparently translates as "Kin Kastanjer Fyra", the kind of name easy to overlook), Kanakuri was chosen to participate in the 1916 Summer Olympics (which were cancelled due to World War I), the 1920 Summer Olympics held in Antwerp, Belgium, where he finished the marathon race in 2 hours, 48 minutes and 45.4 seconds and placed 16th, and the 1924 Summer Olympics, where he failed to finish the race. Kanakuri is also known for his role in establishing the Hakone Ekiden relay marathon in 1920.
In 1967, though, a local TV studio discovered that he continued to exist in Japan. The television studio offered the opportunity to complete his run, which he did, setting a record for the longest marathon time: 54 years, 8 months, 6 days, 5 hours, 32 minutes and 20.3 seconds. He remarked, "It was a long trip. Along the way, I got married, had six children and 10 grandchildren."
The reason I'm mentioning this is that NHK has chosen Kanakuri as the subject of their morning drama for 2018 (one may not overestimate the importance of the NHK morning drama), and a call has been sent out for extras. Applications are being accepted through March 29, and filming will be conducted in Kumamoto over two days, May 5 and 6. Details for application are available at this Kumanichi link, but the phone number is ＴＥＬ０９６８（５７）７５４８. - William
金栗四三・大河ドラマのエキストラ募集　玉名市 - 熊本日日新聞
　玉名市は２日、日本人初の五輪選手で名誉市民の金栗四三を描く来年のＮＨＫ大河ドラマ「いだてん～東京オリムピック噺［ばなし］～」に出演する市民エキストラの募集を始めた。市外からも応募でき、２９日まで。５...

Cooking is fun. It is not only fun for adults but for kids! The ability to change raw ingredients into a culinary dish is the hallmark of humanity.
Language is fun. It is fun not only for adults but for kids! The ability to change the raw ingredients of reality into words people can understand is the hallmark of humanity.
Sean brings both together with his cooking classes. By incidental discussion of culinary course, both adults and children learn to communicate and to create great food.
The next chance for this is Sunday, 3/4. Mushrooms are on the menu! If you know anyone who might have an interest, please let them know! The link is below. - William
https://www.facebook.com/cookandchatEnglish/

Joe Tomei here with Funky places Friday. This place is hot off the press. There was a kebab shop on Densha dori, Doi Kebab that I went to a few times and liked, but because there was no parking, was a bit difficult. Then, it seemed to be shuttered. Walking downtown the other day, I noticed that it was now located by the Shiyakusho. Made the trip down, and it was closed, but the owner had moved the shop to Shimotori and renamed it and we were just in time for the reopening!
The new shop is called Cave and is next to the Core 21 pachinko parlor. I'm not sure if this is standard pricing or an opening special, but we had a pita kebab, soup and a drink for 500 yen.
Unfortunately, the kebabs were chicken, they don't have that lambmeat kebab, but they do have the vertical rotisserie and a sauce range from mild yoghurt to omg that's hot. It is also open until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays and 1 am on weeknights, so if a post prandial ramen doesn't cut it, you may want to try this.

(Edited)
I spotted two plum blossoms trees in the neighbourhood these few days.
One thing I realised, these flowers could withstand the rain that showered us yesterday.
---> Thank you for the responses in the comments, please read the comments, all 😃
There is Ume Matsuri at Nankan, Tamana
(thank you Joseph Fowler)
Together with Pottery exhibition if you have the chance visiting the area this weekend.
You can read more at the link below :
http://www.town.nankan.lg.jp/page1111.html?type=TOP
(site is in Japanese)
The event is on March 3-4, this weekend.
It is from 10-4pm.
For enquiries regarding this event:
経済課　商工観光係
〒861-0898
熊本県玉名郡南関町関町1316
電話：0968-57-8504
Other than this spot,
Please feel free to share your other favourite spots in the comments below,
-Olivia-

From the Kumamoto International Botany Desk (merged with the Things Unlikely to be Food but Are Desk due to overlap): Petasites japonicus (in Japanese, fuki - as is common with botany, choose your kanji: 蕗、苳、款冬、菜蕗) is a ground-covering plant with an extensive root system which emits buds at about this time of year. The plant has evolved such that the buds, known as "fukinotou," are highly astringent (bitter) to prevent them from being eaten, but the plant during its evolution had apparently never considered the Japanese housewife.
Soaked in water for a day and then tempurad the hell out of, the result is a pleasingly, mildly bitter taste that goes well accompanied by grated daikon, salt, or tenyuu (天ゆう, a type of sauce often used with tempura).
Below is a photo of a plate my wife recently tempurad the hell out of, a photo of a bud, and a link to a Wikipedia page. Look around your neighborhood and you can probably find them. Then all you need is a Japanese wife. - William
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%95%E3%82%AD

No one knows whether or how life might survive on Saturn's ice moon Enceladus, but recent research has proposed an organism that theoretically could - a single-celled organism known as Methanothermococcus okinawensis that lives in hydrothermal vents in the Nankai Trough off of Kyushu. The species manages to survive its anaerobic environment by converting hydrogen and carbon dioxide to methane, and then - いただきます！
This is further evidence that the first extraterrestrial life found will resemble Kumamon. - William
How life on Earth might survive on Saturn's ice moon Enceladus
Certain microbes can grow and produce methane from carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas under conditions extrapolated for Enceladus, the icy moon of Saturn.

Good news! Beginning tomorrow (the 28th) tourist will be able to view the Mt. Aso crater for the first time since the 2016 eruption.
-- Kirk
P.S. Commemorative towels (see image I post in a comment) will be given out to the first 200 visitors.
阿蘇山火口　３年半ぶり見学再開　28日から
　阿蘇山の周囲の自治体や警察、消防で組織する阿蘇火山防災会議協議会（事務局・熊本県阿蘇市）は26日、阿蘇山中岳の火口への立ち入り規制を28日に３年半ぶりに解除すると発表した。火山活動の活発化によって2

Just wanted to give everyone a head’s up about this, sorry it’s so late!! Megan here!
Until the 28th, you can see the new しゃちほこ 鯱 that will be placed on the roof of Kumamoto Castle (maybe in March or April, my friend wasn’t sure). The roof is almost finished and they’re planning on removing the white cap and displaying the complete roof, adorned with the shachihoko for all to see.
It is 300円 to enter WakuWakuZa but it was worth the price! You can even touch the new shachihoko and take a picture with them. So if you’re not busy on Tuesday or Wednesday, you should head over. It was interesting to see them and get a better understanding of the damage the castle sustained. It was a very informative trip!
For those interested, shachihoko are from Japanese folklore. They are mythical fish that have the head of a tiger and the body of a carp. It was believed that shachihoko could cause the rain to fall, so castles and temples often used them to protect against fire.
Also, fun fact: There were two new pairs of shachihoko crafted for the castle: a larger pair for the greater keep (119 cm tall and 100 kg) and bit smaller pair for the lesser keep (86 cm tall and 70 kg). They were crafted by Kosuke Fujimoto, whose father crafted the previous shachihoko which were completed in 2008.

I'm reposting this to let people know that I've added the following postscript:
-- start quote --
The following Facebook page by Koich Futami
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1443273759133837
is requesting that interested persons send any opinions they may have about this issue to the city government at
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 096-324-3284
Mr. Futami's post is in Japanese but I think we can expect the city to be able to handle opinions expressed in English and other languages.
-- end quote --
Sharing, particularly with journalists and other interested persons, is more than welcome.
-- Kirk
「諦めたり悲観したりはしていません。進化のための一段階なんだと思っています」

Again, old picture, new news.
The Kumamoto City Assembly has decided to respond to the issues raised by Ms. Ogata by doubling down. Instead of moving to accommodate women (or fathers) with young children, they have decided to tighten their rules to make it even harder for women like Ms. Ogata to be good parents while simultaneously representing their constituents. I'm not aware of an English article about the recent developments so I'll translate a few key changes in the rules. All of the following are either new rules or changes to existing rules:
1. Those who may attend city council meetings are (a) representatives, (b) persons recognized by the chair in accord with the Local Government Act (in other words, designated city clerical workers, etc.), and (c) other persons deemed necessary by the chair.（[1] 議員 [2] 地方自治法の規定により議長から出席を求められた者 [3] 議長が特に必要と認める者－とした。）
This basically says "no babies" but perhaps the third clause can be used to make an exception if the chair sees fit -- but I wouldn't hold my breath.
2. Representatives must wear formal attire. （「議員の服装は正装にする」）
Whether intentional or not, this is likely to have the effect of making breastfeeding (even outside of the council chambers on breaks) more difficult.
3. Only the representative may participate in official tours and inspections. However, if the representative requires assistance in order to participate in such tours and inspections, a caregiver may be allowed to accompany the representative. （「行政視察は議員本人以外の者の参加は認めない。ただし、委員等本人が公務を遂行するに当たり、視察先や宿泊先等で介助が必要と想定される場合は、介助者を認める」）
In other words, representatives can get help (say, if they need someone to push their wheelchair, etc.) but they cannot have a little one with them during the tour. Ms. Ogata was allowed to take her child with her on such a tour in the past so this rule basically means "no more of that."
It seems the conservative politicians in Kumamoto are responding to their ultraconservative base. There's plenty of bad-mouthing of Ms. Ogata on the internet, so some people will surely be pleased by this new hard line. Then again, this won't look good in the history books. I think it will become painfully clear in retrospect that this was a step in the wrong direction. And, of course, it won't do anything good for Kumamoto's international reputation, either.
-- Kirk
P.S. The following Facebook page by Koichi Futami
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1443273759133837
is requesting that interested persons send any opinions they may have about this issue to the city government at
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 096-324-3284
Mr. Futami's post is in Japanese but I think we can expect the city to be able to handle opinions expressed in English.
http://www.huffingtonpost.jp/2018/02/22/kumamotoassembry_a_23368102/
「諦めたり悲観したりはしていません。進化のための一段階なんだと思っています」

Here's something about an event in Missoula, Montana. I know that most readers of this page are not in Montana and therefore can't attend this event but I thought I'd share it as a sign of the continuing relationship between Kumamoto and its sister state in the U.S.
-- Kirk
"On Thursday, March 1 at 7 p.m., please join us in the library meeting room for a presentation by former KPAX reporter Ian Marquand. For 35 years, Montana has enjoyed a "sister state" relationship with the prefecture of Kumamoto, Japan. Few Montanans know Kumamoto as well as award-winning journalist and Japan Friendship Club President Ian Marquand. Join Ian as he shares the special character of Kumamoto--its connection with former Ambassador Mike Mansfield, its natural beauty, its cultural heritage and its charming modern mascot, Kumamon. He'll also celebrate the unique friendship Kumamoto offers to Montanans."
View from the Library
POLSON — Happy “Library Lovers Month!” To celebrate this and “I Love to Read Month” we are offering a selection of children’s’ books to be adopted by you. A $15 donation to the library purchases a book for our collection. A special plaque will be placed in the book acknowledging its ad...

Joe Tomei here with the start of an ongoing (I hope) feature that I will call Funky place Friday. Each Friday, I'll try to introduce a place, which might be a shop, a restaurant, or something that I've come across while walking. We'll start in the city and environs, but anywhere in Kumamoto is fair game, if I can get out there. Bearing in mind that one person's funky is another's futsuu, here goes.
The first place is a little store behind the Crowne Plaza ANA New Sky hotel, towards Kumamoto station, halfway between the densha stops Gofukumachi and Gionbashi. It has tenugui, zori, men's kaku obi and some obi that were not as wide that I had never seen before as well as other items with Japanese printed designs.
I've dropped a pin on the Second Hand Kimono map, which you can see at
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1yZ6nxp5RJ9WhhUpz69JbFGTEaqwdu0Uc&usp=sharing
If you have a suggestion for a place to add for the Funky place Friday series, please put something in the comments or drop me an email at tomeiter at gmail.

A new publication by local author, Richard Gilbert.
-- Kirk
P.S. Note to me from Richard: "It will never be on amazon.com or available in the States/Canada. The least costly way to purchase is through me (and I can sign it if you like). And HMW (at the bottom of the website linked) is the other way to purchase (maybe second-least costly). "
http://www.keibunsha.jp/books/9784863301894_english.html
Poetry as Consciousness-Haiku Forests, Space of Mind, and an Ethics of Freedom | Richard Gilbert | Keibunsha Co.,Ltd.
Poetry as Consciousness-Haiku Forests, Space of Mind, and an Ethics of Freedom | リチャード・ギルバート著 | 慧文社

I had quick visit to Indonesian Cultural day at Kumamoto University today.
I am sharing with you some pictures from the event. They have about 4 food stalls if you wish to try Indonesian food.
If you drive, you need to stop at the Security Guard to ask for a token/coin that will allow you to enter the university area.
The building is 百周年記念館
There were parking area within the premises, but there were not much space.
The next timing for the event will be 6-9pm.
It was not a big event, but they will have dancing together and Lucky draw time in the evening.
Have fun 🙂
-Olivia-

A pdf file promoting Kami-Mashiki area (in Japanese) at the link below
With some food coupons at the most bottom of the flyer if you decide to venture around the area.
http://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/common/UploadFileOutput.ashx?c_id=3&id=22380&sub_id=1&flid=132254
-Olivia-

The word "Higo koshirae" (肥後拵え) refers to a style of sword handle decoration traditionally practiced in Kumamoto. Currently, it's leading practitioner is a man from Sweden.
"In Japan, he trained at a Tokyo studio, during which time he became particularly interested in Higo koshirae, a style that attracted him because of its simplicity and functionality.
In the fall of 2015, when Koga moved to Kumamoto, he discovered that there were no active Higo koshirae craftsmen, and so he asked a retired craftsman to train him."
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2018/02/18/people/swedish-man-champions-art-sword-crafting/
Swedish man champions the art of sword-crafting | The Japan Times
A Swedish man has become an unlikely protector of ancient Japanese swords by learning the art of sword-crafting, despite numerous setbacks including the ma

Instruction in the Elementary Division of Kumamoto International School begins in April. To see an earlier post I made about this, see
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/1594074407332652
-- Kirk
Kumamoto International School

Make that Fujimori, Iwabuchi, and ONITSUKA OF KUMAMOTO!! ;)
The finals will be held Friday morning, starting at 9:30 AM local and Japan time. Go Miyabi!!
-- Kirk
P.S. Miyabi is currently enrolled in Luther High School (Correction: has already graduated from).
Fujimori, Iwabuchi make way into big air snowboard final
Japanese snowboarders Yuka Fujimori and Reira Iwabuchi placed second and third, respectively, in the women's big air qualifying round Monday to earn their places in the final at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. Reigning world champion Anna Gasser of Austria, who failed to complete either of her runs...

WING SCHOOL is the name of an alternative school that will begin in April of this year. I just saw an article about the school in the Asahi Shimbun (Japanese version) and thought I'd share the basic information here. It's not described as an international school but learning English and going abroad is an important part of the curriculum. The article I saw indicates that they can take elementary, junior high, and high school age students but that the total number of students will be small. If you are looking for an educational alternative, you may want to learn more about this school.
-- Kirk
WING SCHOOL　（熊本に理想の学校を創る会）
私たちは、子どもたちが「幸せな未来を築く力」 をつけるための　理想の学校　を設立し、 そこでの「子どもの事実」を全国に発信することで 真に求められている日本の教育改革を目指します。 そして、子どもたちが「.....

Noyaki, burning of the fields, is what gives the Aso area its unique appearance and maintains grazing pasture for cattle. It's a tradition that has continued for centuries but requires significant numbers of people to take on the work, which can be dangerous, of controlling the fires. The dearth of young people in the area who can carry on the tradition has led to volunteers being recruited to help. The Japanese article reports that this year's burning of the fields has begun and that about 40 volunteers were on hand to help.
-- Kirk
阿蘇に春呼ぶ野焼き　４月までボランティアら作業
熊本県阿蘇地方の草原で１７日、春の訪れを告げる野焼きが始まった。厳しい寒さで山間部に雪が残ったため、予定より２週間...