Posts

Fiona here with a recommendation for a cafe that opened recently in a great downtown Kumamoto location. Across from the International Centre and close to Sakuramachi, LA LUZ is owned by international couple Hernan and Maki, who also run the Casa de Arte tango studio. The restaurant/cafe offers pizza, burritos, quesadillas and can also put on an Argentinian barbecue for groups of 10 or more (reservation required). I think it would be a great choice for an end of year party. Coffee and alcohol are also served with happy hour on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (half price beer!). It's inside the City Theatre (Shimin Kaikan) building, very easy to find, and staff speak Japanese, English and Spanish.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/eTu43h9ZcuUgzHWk9

Atsuko here.
The ginkgo between the Kumamoto Museum and the former Residence of Hosokawa Gyobu is changing from green to yellow. If you are going to the confectionary festival at Fujisakidai Stadium next Sunday, please enjoy the beautiful ginkgo as well!
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
Announcement of the 7th Kumamoto Castle Town Sweets Festival to be held on November 17th
The 7th Kumamoto Castle Town Sweets Festival will be held at 10:00 am on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the grounds of Kumamoto Prefectural Gokoku Shrine, next to Fujisakidai Baseball Stadium. A variety of events will be held on the stage in the center of the shrine grounds. The Seiwa Bunraku performance "Snow Woman" will draw you in with its puppets that seem to have life. There will also be a variety of performances such as dancing, singing, and theater.
In front of the main shrine, you can enjoy an exhibition of warrior heads by the Isshin School District Town Hoko Preservation Society, as well as brass band performances by Kumamoto City Isshin Elementary School and Keisei High School.
In addition, the popular "Sweets Making Experience" will allow you to try two types of sweets: "freshly made confections" and "icing macarons." Reservations can be made at the venue on the day of the event, and are limited to the first 252 people, so please make your reservation early.
*Please make reservations at the venue on the day of the event for the sweets making experience.
In addition, there will be many demonstrations and sales of local specialties and delicious foods from Kumamoto, making this a "Kumamoto Festival" that is loved and enjoyed by many people, from adults to children.
Please come and enjoy the event with your family. We recommend using public transportation to get to the venue.
Date and time: Sunday, November 17, 2024
Time: 10:00-16:30
Location: Kumamoto Prefectural Gokoku Shrine grounds (3-1 Miyauchi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City)
Inquiries: Kumamoto Castle Town Sweets Festival Executive Committee (Okashi no Kobainai)
Phone number: 096-366-5151
https://kobai-jp.translate.goog/information/3080/?srsltid=AfmBOoqG9XuB05SgqompFCZgUg38PYoc8osF8uM-6FsstN0qF-MqXe7V&_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en

Cassie here:
For train enthusiasts Kumamoto City is introducing two new three car street cars on the 24 this month. Also don’t forget that public transportation won’t be accepting national cards like Suica soon. You can only use the Kumamoto Kumamon card. Nimoca will also not be accepted.
“九州最大” 熊本市電『3両編成の新型車両』が24日運行開始　（RKK熊本放送） - Yahoo!ニュース https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/d3e546fea5ab0f3403afeb3bf5cf3735d600c140
Translation of Japanese news article below.
The mayor of Kumamoto City, Onishi, announced that the new three-car train to be newly introduced on the Kumamoto City Tram, will begin operation on November 24.
[See photos] "Kyushu's largest" Kumamoto City Tram "New 3-car train" will start operating on the 24th
From November 24, two new 3-car trains newly introduced by Kumamoto City Tram will be operated. It features a stylish car body with the image of the roof and plaster walls of Kumamoto Castle.
The total length of the vehicle is 21 meters and the capacity is 112 people. Compared to the two-car low-floor vehicles currently running, the capacity is about 1.5 times larger, and it is the largest streetcar in Kyushu.
Due to a shortage of drivers, the Kumamoto City Tram has been reduced in schedules and accumulated during rush hour, and the Kumamoto City Transportation Bureau wants to solve these problems.
With the introduction of this new vehicle, the number of low-floor vehicles has increased to 5, and the number of operating vehicles on weekdays is expected to increase from the current 55 to 71 (the number of vehicles increased to 67 on weekends and holidays).
The Kumamoto City Transportation Bureau would like to proceed with the introduction of this new vehicle after next fiscal year (FY2025).
“九州最大” 熊本市電『3両編成の新型車両』が24日運行開始　（RKK熊本放送） - Yahoo!ニュース
熊本市電で新たに導入される3両編成の新型車両について、熊本市の大西市長は、11月24日に運行を始めると発表しました。 11月24日から運行するのは、熊本市電が新たに導入した3両編成の新型車両2台。

LUX NIGHT kumamoto 2024
Starting November 8, to December 8,
18:00-21:00 at Suizenji Seishuen!
The theme is the life of Garasha Hosokawa, expressed with bamboo lights and light art. You can enter places that are normally inaccessible.
There will also be the following workshops on Saturday and Sunday. You can enjoy the fantastic garden at night and experience Hosokawa culture.
Please come to Suizenji Seishuen!
Higo koryu tea ceremony experienceHosokawa-ryu
Bon-ishi experienceIaido
experience at the Noh theater
Higo Zogan experienceFor
Details, please visit the following website
https://lux-night.kumamoto-icb.or.jp/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1wB79nHnhI1ikMjmdmI2lPOJca7YY7rNQI4dQtzECD0CvpRbsgcUiAdtA_aem_4PE1XU_FJwU5WSLx8nhvZQ
Atsuko. sharing my friend post Discovery Kumamoto 田嶋 尚美 san( *ˊᵕˋ)ﾉ
Lux Night KUMAMOTO 2024 - 細川ガラシャと400年の時を超えて -
水前寺成趣園の夜間イベント「Lux Night KUMAMOTO 2024 ( ルクスナイトくまもと 2024 ) - 細川ガラシャと400年の時を超えて -」の公式サイトです。

Come along to the Prefectural University of Kumamoto's 60th Culture Festival this weekend!! Celebrate with music, dance, food stalls, country booths, comedy, art and more! 🍡🥻🖌️♠️ 今週末(11月9日(土)・(日))、県立大学の第60回"白亜祭"が開催される! 音楽、ダンス、屋台、カントリーブース、お笑い、アートなど、さまざまな催しで盛り上がろう!! 🎶🔮💬🎤
Address: 3-1-100 Tsukide, Higashi Ward, Kumamoto, 862-0920
Uploaded by Ruth

Atsuko here.
Sharing Kumamoto elementary school students team challenge WRO(ง •̀_•́)ง
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
Kumamoto Elementary School Team to Participate in International Competition】
A team of elementary school students selected at the "WRO Kumamoto Qualifier" robot contest held in the summer will participate in the international competition as a member of the Japanese delegation❗
At the Japan Final held in Toyama Prefecture in August, 48 teams representing each region participated, winning second place in the advanced elementary school division and being selected to represent Japan. This year's international competition will be held in Turkey.
This year's international competition will be held in Turkey from November 28 to 30.
This is the first time for elementary school students from Kumamoto Prefecture to participate in an international competition ✨
Please support Kumamoto children so that they can spread their wings on the world stage 😊=====
What is WRO? ===== WRO is an educational robot competition that started in 2004 as an idea of Singapore National Science Center.
WRO has grown from its origins in Asia to the Middle East, Europe, North and South America, and Africa, with competitors from 93 countries and regions participating in the 2023 Panama International Competition.
The robots are built using commercially available kits, and teams develop programs to operate autonomously rather than by remote control.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EHBVMdwxh/

Fiona here with another event happening in Kumamoto over the long weekend - a gourmet burger festival taking place at Hanabatacho, the area in front of Sakuramachi.
JAPANグルメバーガーフェスのサイトです

(Fiona) Kumamoto University has its big culture festival over the long weekend with various events including performances, a strongman contest, crafts, exhibits, food and drinks stalls, a haunted house....the full schedule can be found online here:
https://www.sigmafes.com/%E5%BD%93%E6%97%A5%E3%81%AE%E3%81%94%E6%A1%88%E5%86%85
Use public transport or a bike if possible as traffic congestion is likely and there is not much parking available.

Yesterday Hari posted a notice about a seminar for foreign entrepreneurs and business people with an ([gyōsei shoshi] . . . a legal profession in Japan which files government licenses and permits, drafts documents, and provides legal advice around such interactions. -- Wikipedia):
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/pfbid0dHVRY1pUL2vd8912XcR4tuN7ceEjvBRiWrm7ABxTeSPTh4kugiVJzTPXqDtjU4q5l
(Thank Hari!) The following event will also be help on that day (11/17). -- Kirk

Let's Start a Business in Japan!
Free consultation for interested international residents in Kumamoto
Date/Time: November 17 (Sunday) 16:30-18:30
Venue: Kumamoto City International Center

Atsuko here.
Share to Mom and Baby
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
"Hello! Baby Boxes" to expectant and nursing mothers in situations such as economic hardship and young pregnancies!
Save the Children is now accepting applications for the "Hello! Baby Box" program, which provides necessary childcare items for newborns in order to guarantee children's rights to "grow up in a healthy, safe, and secure environment" from birth, and to reduce childcare costs for expectant mothers, their partners, and families facing economic hardship and various other difficulties! Baby Box", which provides necessary childcare items for newborns. We encourage you to apply.
Please help us by informing your neighbors and sharing the program with others so that more families can take advantage of it.
Hello! Baby Box".
We will send you the following childcare items for your newborn baby.
Newborn or S size diapers / Additive-free clothing detergent / Baby soap / Baby wipes / Underwear set for newborns / Towels / Toys / Relaxation goods for mothers / Thermometer, etc.
The contents may vary slightly.
Areas covered: All over Japan
Eligibility: Those who reside in Japan and meet all of the following eligibility criteria 1-3.
*Foreign nationals and those whose status of residence is unstable are also eligible to apply.
1. You must be 22 weeks pregnant (stable period) or later - approximately 1 month postpartum at the time of application deadline (December 5, 2024).
The diapers in the *boxes are newborn size or size S, and are intended for people up to about 1 month postpartum. (Shipping will be in late January 2025. For those who are postpartum at the time of application, the S size may be too small for some babies when the box arrives. Please understand this in advance.)
2. One of the following applies.
A. Young pregnancy (pregnancy under 20 years old) or student (including over 20 years old).
B. Multiple-child household (three or more children under the age of 18, including the pregnant child).
*If the pregnant child is a twin, it will be counted as two.
C. Unmarried or single parent at the time of application
D. Pregnant women with intellectual disabilities or mental illness (regardless of whether or not they have a disability certificate)
E. Those who cannot use the public system due to unstable status of residence such as refugee application, provisional release, or displaced persons
F. Other than the above, those who have difficulty in preparing supplies for a newborn baby and need assistance.
Those who apply only to *F may not be eligible depending on the reason. Please understand this in advance. 3.
3. income requirements
Please check the application form. https://bit.ly/47Rfrlw
Applicants who meet the following conditions are eligible to apply even if they do not meet the income requirements.
A. Those who are unmarried or single parents at the time of application, among those who apply for "A. Young pregnant women or students".
E. Those whose status of residence is unstable, such as those who are in the process of applying for refugee status, provisional release, or displaced persons, and who are unable to use the public system.
Number of families to be accepted: 750 families
Support details】Support of one box per child.
Application Period】From 12:00 (noon) Wednesday, October 23, 2024 to 12:00 (noon) Thursday, December 5, 2024
Application] Please apply using the dedicated online form.
https://bit.ly/47Rfrlw
*Online only applications will be accepted.
For more information, please visit ➡https://www.savechildren.or.jp/lp/hellobb/

An international culture festival happening in Kumamoto city on October 27th with an appearance from Kumamon. (Fiona)

Atsuko here.
Introducing a workshop to learn programming using English.
As previously introduced in Kumamoto International, a Google engineer from Kumamoto is running an online workshop to learn programming in English.
This time, he will be holding an on-site workshop as well as an online workshop. We are looking forward to your participation both online and onsite.
Participants will be divided into groups according to their English ability, and Japanese language support will be provided.
We are looking forward to lots students to learn English and programming. We are also looking for schools, classrooms, and classes to host workshops onsite.
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
This is the event information of the organizations that we cooperate with.
Please feel free to join us.
---Information about the event ----...
Computer Science in English at Kumamoto On-Site
Please register here
https://forms.gle/MCFMxmPsBjH5Gy6y6
Date & Time: October 27 (Sun.) Doors open at 9:00 a.m., Start at 9:20 a.m. - End at 11:20 a.m.
Venue: Ueki Mirai Space, Kumamoto City Inventors Club Office
(101 ABC Ueki Building, 72-1 Titokusui, Ueki-cho, Kita-ku, Kumamoto City)
Venue MAP: https://x.gd/VZjDC
Please use public transportation as much as possible.
Target: 3rd grade elementary school students to junior high school students
Number of applicants: 15 (if the number of applicants exceeds the limit, a drawing will be held)
Deadline: Friday, October 25, 18:00
For inquiries regarding the contents of the program, please contact:
　Kumamoto LR Net, a non-profit organization Secretariat (Murashima)
　[email protected] Tel: 080-8396-5523
For inquiries about the venue, please contact:
　Kumamoto City Boys & Girls Inventors' Club Secretariat (Kikuchi)
　[email protected] Tel: 096-273-0288"
Google form in English
https://docs-google-com.translate.goog/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfwvnW0SbFhYsJftYh_hwwLWAEDNRh-BReqCp5okTTfarHdzQ/viewform?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en

Fiona here, with exciting news for fellow adrenaline junkies. Amakusa has a new 350m long zipline attraction which just opened a few days ago. Reservations can be made online, and it costs 3000 yen for adults, 2000 yen for children, open 5 days a week (closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays).
天空ジップライン白嶽 -全長約350m 最高で地上90m 約40秒間の空の旅へ-
熊本県上天草市姫戸町にある姫戸白嶽森林公園。白嶽山頂(標高373m)から北側の中岳山頂付近に向かって張られたワイヤーロープを滑走します。全長約350メートル!地上からの高さは、最も高いところで約90メートル!約40秒間の...

Kirk here with a letter to the editor, translated by ChatGPT, that was published in the Kumanichi.
--- start translation ---
Increasing Japanese Language Signage
October 19 (Saturday), 9:49 a.m.
Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun
(Photo: Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun)
There is something that has been on my mind ever since I visited Kumamoto Castle a few years ago with an acquaintance from the Philippines. At the main keep, which was damaged in the Kumamoto Earthquake and later restored, there are many exhibits showcasing the history of Kumamoto Castle. However, the English explanations were limited to titles and a few other parts, which left my acquaintance disappointed, saying, “Even though I came all the way here to see it, I couldn't fully understand the content, so I couldn't enjoy it as much as I wanted.”
I believe the same can be said not only for Kumamoto Castle but also for facilities like art galleries and museums. With the increasing number of foreigners living in Kumamoto Prefecture and the rise in inbound tourism (visitors to Japan), it's crucial not only to increase English signage but also to include other languages and add easy-to-understand Japanese.
Of course, there are places where Japanese alone might be sufficient. However, since there are international exchange officers from various countries working in the prefecture, I hope that signage in Kumamoto will increase with consideration for the foreigners living here.
Kumamoto City, Female, 37, Organization Employee
外国語の案内表記 増やして【ハイ！こちら編集局】（熊本日日新聞） - Yahoo!ニュース
　数年前に、フィリピン人の知人と熊本城を訪れた時からずっと気になっていることがあります。熊本地震で被災し復旧した天守閣には、熊本城の歴史に関する資料がたくさん展示されていますね。英語での説明がタイト

Kirk here with a video of samurai swimmers. Generally speaking, swimming with clothes is supposed to be really hard so I was amazed to see someone swim in full armor!
I'm posting this in response to a question about a news article I posted on the topic:
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/pfbid0233W1idb1cs5RaWATt7ZyYATvqPmm91FjefcTuTRxLzoy11KrsKWxgoHxVY4CqM2Nl
Here's the link to the YouTube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OlNqhPJ_eU
There are actually quite a few. You can find them but searching with 小堀流踏水術水守.

Atsuko here, sharing Aso Milk Farm Events
Admission is free on 11/2.(*ᐛ*)ᒃ
Last Thursday, I enjoyed the Aso Milk farm in autumn with my class. I found some good deals there, so I will share them with you.
The last picture is a picture of the onigiri action at the Milk farm with the rice balls for lunch. If you are a Kumamoto International reader, you know the onigiri action I share every year. Please share your love from Kumamoto to the world too.
Think global by working locally.
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
Milk Festa is an event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Rakunou Milk. There will be many fun events including a marche & kitchen car featuring Kumamoto's most popular gourmet foods, stage events, performance shows, artists LIVE, and more! Please come with your family and friends!
https://milkfesta.com/
https://onigiri-action.com/en/

Kirk here. Here's some news from a couple months ago. I suspect the technique is similar to what water polo goalies have to learn to do -- keep your body fairly high in the water without relying on your hands. I can understand its usefulness in water polo but I'm not quite sure how it would be useful to samurai "when fighting on water". Perhaps it might allow them to shoot a bow and arrow or something from within the water.
Kumamoto: Swimmers Demonstrate Centuries-Old Technique; Writing, Drinking While Treading Water
KUMAMOTO — A group of swimmers recently demonstrated a traditional swimming technique, which has been handed down since around 1700, in a swimming pool at a high school in Kumamoto.

Kirk here. Even though I've lived in Kumamoto and have been writing about all things Kumamoto for a while (today, Oct 17, is our 25th anniversary), I've never thought about a connection between Miyamoto Musashi and world-class fishing equipment. Well, according to this article, one exists:
Swords, Samurai, and the Art of Making World Class Fly Rods
https://www.yardbarker.com/general_sports/articles/swords_samurai_and_the_art_of_making_world_class_fly_rods/s1_17329_40891002
In a nutshell, the idea is that craftsmanship that goes into G. Loomis fishing rods made at the Shimano factory in Kumamoto is rooted in the samurai spirit of which Miyamoto Musashi is emblematic. Somehow, Joe Rogan gets brought into the discussion because he is so enamored of Musashi that he has him tattooed on his arm. (Sorry Joe, your homage to Japanese culture will cause you to be excluded from quite a few onsen here. :( )
In regard to the Kumamoto Factory, I could confirm that there is a Shimano factory in Yamaga and that Shimano owns G. Loomis but I don't know much more than that.

Kirk here with pastry news. Chez Tani (formerly popular pastry shop near Ezuko) may resume business today (?) after falsifying expiration dates.
--- start ChatGPT translation ----
Title: Pastry Shop "Chez Tani" Falsified Expiration Dates—Sold Products Meant to Expire in 3 Months Over a Year Period in Kumamoto
Date: 10/15 (Tuesday) 19:24
Source: RKK Kumamoto Broadcasting
Kumamoto Broadcasting has revealed that the pastry shop "Chez Tani" in Kumamoto City sold leftover products after falsifying their expiration dates.
[See Photo]: "Notice of Apology and Temporary Closure" posted in stores, with a written apology also posted on their website.
According to Chez Tani, they had a large amount of unsold chocolate confections, "Amande Chocolat," from Valentine's Day last year (2023). They replaced the expiration date labels and continued selling these products at seven of their stores for about a year.
The original expiration date was set for February 28, 2023, three months after the products were made.
Typically, the store sets expiration dates for all products based on inspections by a third-party organization. However, in the case of the "Amande Chocolat," because it was a limited-time item, they extended the expiration date using a similar product as a reference.
In September this year (2024), a former employee reported the issue to the Kumamoto City Public Health Center, leading to the discovery. The Public Health Center has been investigating since September 18, visiting the store as part of their inquiry.
Store’s Response:
While expiration dates do not necessarily mean that a product becomes unsafe to eat immediately after the date passes, such falsification could violate food labeling laws.
No health issues have been reported thus far. However, the store does not know how many items were sold with incorrect labels, and the store’s representative commented, "We do not know who instructed the replacement of the labels or when."
As of October 15, the store had received several dozen refund inquiries.
On October 15, Chez Tani posted an apology on their website. The store’s representative stated, "It was not an intentional falsification, but if it's considered falsification, then it might be. We will work to prevent misunderstandings in the future."
About "Chez Tani" Founded in 1991 & Future Business Plans:
Founded in 1991 in Kumamoto City, Chez Tani is popular for products like Baumkuchen and cakes. The business now operates eight stores in Kumamoto, Oita, and Chiba Prefectures, as well as an online shop. The company employs around 50 people.
Some of Chez Tani’s stores have been temporarily closed since October 13. After the Public Health Center’s investigation, they plan to resume operations as early as October 17.
--- end translation ---
洋菓子店「シェ・タニ」賞味期限を改ざん　“本来は期限3か月” の商品を1年間にわたり販売　熊本（RKK熊本放送） - Yahoo!ニュース
熊本市の洋菓子店「シェ・タニ」が、売れ残った商品の賞味期限を改ざんして販売していたことが明らかになりました。 賞味期限を改ざんして販売していたのは、熊本市の洋菓子製造販売会社「シェ・タニ」です。