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Kumanichi reports that the opening of the Oyano bypass in Amakusa, intended to reduce travel time between downtown Kumamoto and Amakusa City to 90 minutes, is now scheduled for May of this year. The original March opening was postponed due to the difficulty of securing construction workers after the quakes (priorities). A beautiful photo of the new bridge, which connects to a more direct route carved through the Uto peninsula to circumvent the windy coastal route and is part of the Minami bypass starting from Ueki interchange, is below, and a map at the link. - William
新天草１号橋、５月開通　大矢野バイパス３・７キロ区間 - 熊本日日新聞
上天草市大矢野町（左）と宇城市三角町を結ぶ天草１号橋（下・天門橋）。上は建設中の新１号橋＝２０１７年１０月、上天草市（上杉勇太）　熊本県は４日、上天草市大矢野町と宇城市三角町を結ぶ国道２６６号「大矢野...

"Tokyo Reporter" is not my favorite news source but it seems to be the only one to write in English about this issue. Here's a URL for a Japanese report:
https://www.tku.co.jp/news/熊本市西区の殺人事件%E3%80%80次男を送検/
-- Kirk
https://www.tokyoreporter.com/2018/01/03/kumamoto-man-47-stabs-father-to-death/
Kumamoto: Man, 47, stabs father to death | The Tokyo Reporter
Victim was found with stab wounds to the neck and several other locations at the residence in Kagoshima City

The venue of this light show is far from Kumamoto (closer to Nagoya) but the theme is close to home:
"The festival uses more than 8 million LED lights to depict intricate scenes from nature. In the past, the light show has recreated Mt. Fuji, the Swiss Alps, and the Aurora Borealis. But this year, festival organizers have themed the show around Kumamoto, a city in Japan that was struck by a series of earthquakes in 2016."
-- Kirk
This Dazzling Light Show in a Japanese Flower Garden Is One for the Bucket List
Book a ticket to Japan for the spring — stat.

CNN notes that Nagashima-chō in Mie-ken, which is famous for its themed light displays, has themed this year's on Kumamoto. An organizer was quoted, "Our main theme of this year is 'Kumamon's hometown dream in Kumamoto. This year's theme features beautiful landmarks of Kumamoto, where Kumamon travels." (Likely the maximum usage of "theme" I've ever used in a paragraph.) - William
Japan's wildest light display is back
Nabana No Sato is one of Japan's premeire light shows. In 2018, the show will highlight quake-stricken Kumamoto Prefecture.

Private note with a bit of useful information. My dog on New Years got a lil' doggie calendar and a lil' doggie amulet (they're called "eto" - 干支 - figurines representing the year of the Chinese zodiac) - along with a lil' doggie お祓い(oharai, that Shinto blessing they do with a stick and paper). He was not impressed and said, "Great. Can I go back to sleep now?"
Fun fact! There are 12 cycles in the Chinese zodiac, each represented by an animal - last year was the cock (hee hee!) and next year will be the pig, so as my dog is 11, this is the first and only time in his life he'll enjoy 戌年 (inu doshi - Year of the Dog).
If you look closely at the calendar, you'll notice it is now Heisei 30 (平成30年) - easy to forget what reign year it is (even Japanese often forget), and with the Emperor set to retire on April 30, 2019, this will be the last full Heisei year (unsure of how they'll handle that - it meshes with the fiscal year but not the calendar year).
(Also, Takara Pan bakery ー 宝パンー makes wonderful pizza crust upon which you can build your own pies. Contact info on the calendar.) - William

Here's an article about the baby hatch issue that I neglected to share at the time. It's a detailed article that provides a good discussion of the rationale behind the system.
-- Kirk
Kumamoto’s “Baby Post” and the Right to Know One’s Parents
Since the “Stork’s Cradle” baby hatch was established at Jikei Hospital in Kumamoto 10 years ago, 130 children have been left there by parents who felt they could not raise the infants on their own. A journalist who has closely followed the story casts doubt on the claim that the hatch has bee...

Our friend Jeff captured this magical moment of the year's first sunset from Mt. Kinpo over Ariake Sea with Nagasaki's Fugendake comprising the background. It's the second day of the year, and the Hakone Ekiden has started. Ohayo, everyone! (Thanks, Jeff) - William

When the Bockscar - the B-29 bomber which dropped the Fat Man nuclear weapon over Nagasaki during World War II - headed out over Kyushu, the pilots had a list of sites, with weather conditions determining fate. Kitakyushu was first on the list but, lucky for them, was cloudy; Kumamoto was fortunately lower on the list than Nagasaki, which had clear weather that day.
Pope Francis recently made an unusual act of issuing official cards with a photo of a boy carrying the corpse of his sibling, a result of that tragedy, marked with "the fruit of war" ("il fruito della guerra") along with his signature "Franciscus."
This action from the Holy See is a bit unusual. Perhaps he sees something we do not (For those interested in Latin - useful) - William

Sea urchin roe (uni, ウニ) is a traditional dish on New Year's morning, perhaps a result of a felicitous combination of extravagant spending on food and cold weather allowing its transport. But - kanji time! The three kanji pairs representing uni each have a different nuance. (Note: all are pronounced "uni" and that the katakana is most commonly used in any case).
「海胆」- literally, "sea bile" - the roe. This is the part we eat. It is yummy.
「海栗」- literally, "sea chestnut" (kinda evocative!) This refers to the animal itself.
「雲丹」- literally, "vermilion cloud." In the Edo era, transporting fresh uni was impracticable, so it was often pickled, resulting in a vermilion-tinted cloud of Echinoidea roe.
"Uni don" 「うに丼」is a popular but barbarous combination of warmed uni atop a bed of rice. Avoid it. The best uni is plucked directly from the rocks and eaten with a slight bathing of sea water (that's how I do it).
Mention this the next time you visit your local fishmonger to elicit a startled reaction. - William

Happy new year!
Here's part of an e-mail announcement from the International Center:
"This event is hold to raise morale, keep discipline and to raise awareness of disaster prevention for citizens. This year marching parades and exhibition of firefighting vehicles will be conducted.
January, 7th (Sun) 10:00 am - 11:30 am, at Shirakawa riverbed (between Shirakawa Bridge and Taihei Bridge)
※This event will be canceled in case of heavy rain.
Firefighter Marching Parade, members and firefighting vehicles, inspection by mayor.
Shishimai · Performance · Taiko · Woodwind song · Ladder riding, All-out watering"
http://www.kumamoto-if.or.jp/topics/topics_detail.asp?PageID=5&ID=9600&pg=1&sort=0&LC=e
The following page has the same information in Japanese:
http://www.city.kumamoto.jp/hpkiji/pub/detail.aspx?c_id=5&type=top&id=17768
Here's the URL of a web page in English about a similar event in the Tokyo area:
https://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/spot/festival/dezomeshiki.html
-- Kirk
Dezome-shiki - Japan National Tourism Organization
Warning people of the dangers of fire through acrobatic stunts on top of ladders.

During the blur that is New Years in Japan, you'll likely find yourself seated before a TV, and that TV will likely display a bunch of college students running in the Kanto cold. That would be the Hakone Ekiden ("ekiden" = relay race; trust the Japanese to turn everything into a team sport).
This is the premier running event of the year, with a few score of universities competing on outbound and return courses of about 108 kilometers split into five legs corresponding to roughly 20KM each; the outbound and return legs are conducted on separate days, usually 1/2 and 1/3. It has been held since 1920. There is a big hill. And sometimes snow.
Anyway, this year, six Kyushugakuin high school graduates will take part, representing their respective newfound universities. The high school is known nationally for its running program. So when you're ensconced under the kotatsu munching on mikan with your in-laws watching on TV a bunch of people running and you randomly point out and say, "Ah! Kyushugakuin!," you have a decent chance of being correct. - William
東京箱根間往復大学駅伝競走 - Wikipedia
東京箱根間往復大学駅伝競走（とうきょうはこねかんおうふくだいがくえきでんきょうそう）は、例年1月2日と翌3日の2日間にわたって行われる大学駅伝の競技会（地方大会）である。関東学生陸上競技連盟が主催し読売新�...

It may not be entirely appropriate to use this old "editor wanted" post to write a thank you note to everyone who has helped with the editing of the page this year, but I'd like to combine a "thank you" post with an invitation to join the team.
I started the "Kumamoto-i" mailing list about 18 years ago and then moved to Facebook more-or-less as my own pet project, though I got lots of help at each stage along then way. I'm very happy that many thoughtful and talented writers have come on board to help with the care and feeding of the page and that, in the process, the page has become less of my own pet project and more of a community forum. I am particularly grateful for the posts of other editors during periods in December when I was preoccupied with other matters and unable to post myself. Many people have posted thoughtful, interesting, and well-written posts during the past year but I'd like to thank William in particular for all of the energy he has put into the care and feeding of the page. There are many others I would like to thank as well but I'm afraid that if I try to name everyone I'll forget one or two and I don't want anyone to feel slighted or left out. Please know, though, that I appreciate each and every contribution.
One regret I have is that there were a couple of instances when I received requests to help publicize events, etc. but I failed to do anything in time. I'd like to apologize for all such failures and invite people who would like to utilize the page to promote their own projects to come on board as editors. You won't be asked to post regularly but the capability to post will mean that, when the time comes to get the word out about something, you won't need to wait for me to help you get the word out.
Thanks and best wishes for a happy 2018!
-- Kirk

If you've any length of experience in Kumamoto, you've seen Aramoto-san (新本さん). As a baker, he bakes a lot, but unlike others of his profession, he then gets on his bicycle to hawk his muffins all around town. He's 62 now and has been doing this for 30 years. If you see him pass by, a wave and a smile will be promptly returned. Better, stop him and buy a muffin.
He was recently portrayed on NHK. It's a tear-jerker of a video, so please watch. - William
ペダルを踏んで届ける元気～熊本 自転車販売のケーキ職人～【Human】
荷台にパウンドケーキの山を積んだ赤い自転車が熊本の町を走る。新本高志さん62歳、30年前から自転車を走らせケーキを売り歩いてきた。去年、熊本を襲った大地震。なじみの客の多くが被災、消息が途絶えた人もいる。�...

Best wishes for a happy and prosperous Year of the Dog (inudoshi, 戌年) to all of our Kumamoto International friends.

Here's another way to enjoy the castle:
https://en.rocketnews24.com/2017/12/17/miniature-kumamoto-castle-exhibition-lets-you-marvel-at-its-remarkable-architecture-up-close/
-- Kirk
Miniature Kumamoto Castle exhibition lets you marvel at its remarkable architecture up close
The intricate displays offer an alternative perspective on one of Japan’s finest castles.

Breaking news! Editor William's whippet receives a Kumamon blanket from his daughter (William's, not the dog's) and appears not displeased.

As the article explains, this international event is slated for November, 2019. -- KIrk
Promoting Kumamoto with Handball - NHK WORLD
People in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture are excited about hosting a major international sports event two years from now. They see the World Women's Handball Championship as a great way to promote the region.

Here's some information that was sent to Kumamoto International by Olivia Saputra. Thanks Olivia! -- Copied and pasted by Kirk
--- begin quote ---
Hello Kumamoto International 😊
My family went to Ashikita area at beginning of this month. It was not as cold as now when we visited there.
It was our first time visiting the town, and we loved it.
The town offers both beauty of the sea and mountain.
There is big park called Otachimisaki Park. And there is an Onsen nearby. We went to view the stars in the night nearby the onsen, but it was cloudy, so we only saw the moon.
We didn't check out the inside of the park because my oldest Son was not so interested in checking Parks anymore 😅
So we went straight to Luge Park and Playground.
The town has English Page, so everyone can check it out.
http://www.nihon-kankou.or.jp.e.wp.hp.transer.com/kumamoto/434825/detail/43482cb3282025751
Parking entry cost 500 yen, and kids will enjoy Long hours running around and burning their energy in the playground.
It will be great to visit here again when the weather gets warmer. I plan to do so 😃
I would avoid visiting here during Golden Week though because I heard it is one of the busiest time for them.
We drove a bit to Tanoura area for our culinary experience. My family loves Japanese Food and we love to try new dishes. The Michi No Eki at Tanoura city sells Fried Tachiou (LargeHead Hairtail) Set Dish. One should try it out. Their Shirasu Donburi was great too (for Fish Fan). My Husband sticked to Fried Tachiou. He was not a big fan of Shirasu 😃

The Year of the Dog (inu doshi) is rapidly approaching. You'll often see these two kanji to represent the new year:
犬 - pronounced "inu" or "ken". This is the most common for actual physical barkey-lickey-take-me-for-a-walk kind of dogs; those who keep dogs will often have a government-issued sticker above their door with this kanji. One theory of its usage is that it's onomatopoeic - that the "ken, ken!" sound dogs make resulted in its adoption. It can be used to represent the zodiac year, but the kanji below is more common.
戌 - this kanji is used for both the Asian zodiac and the 9th month of the lunar calendar (October/November in the Gregorian). Apparently, the kanji is a conflation of two axes ("ono", 斧); how it came to mean "dog" is unclear, but perhaps the brush clearing requiring axes conducted in autumn was equated with canines (I'm sure they enjoyed it).
Note: A third kanji, 狗, is on occasion seen. It is the most common Chinese kanji for dog. That the two languages did not settle on a single character for such an indispensable animal (as they did for others such as cow 牛, horse 馬, chicken 鶏, fish 魚, etc.) is interesting. - William

Here's an update on the "baby-in-city-council" issue.
In response to the attention Ms. Ogata's case has focused on the lack of daycare facilities within the Kumamoto City Hall building, Kumamoto City is reported to be planning the establishment of a daycare on the 3rd floor of the Shiyakusho (city hall) building. The Mainichi Shimbun article reports that one factor in the city's decision was over 500 letters / messages that individuals sent to the city after the media began to cover Ms. Ogata's case. Many of those messages called for the establishment of daycare facilities within the city hall building. Moreover, in response to a survey of more than 6000 city employees that was conducted between September and October (that is, before the media frenzy over Ms. Ogata's case), 86% replied that such a facility was needed in the building.
This is actually rather old news. The Mainichi article I'm quoting came out on the 16th of December and, since then, many other media outlets have covered this development and its implications for government facilities throughout Japan. Still, I came up empty handed when I searched for news articles in English on the topic via Google. I found the following articles (December 25th and 23rd respectively) but neither mentioned the concrete progress that has resulted from Ms. Ogata's actions:
"Baby in assembly" raises controversy in Japan
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2017/12/dcb4bb523a75-focus-baby-in-assembly-raises-controversy-in-japan.html
Men still making houses as women try to leave home
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/23/national/media-national/men-still-making-houses-women-try-leave-home/#.WkXCHyOB3_Q
Come on, English media (Kyodo, Japan Times, etc) -- get your act together. You guys are supposed to be professionals. ;)
-- Kirk
https://mainichi.jp/articles/20171216/k00/00m/010/204000c
熊本市：市役所に保育施設設置へ　働き方改革で対応加速 - 毎日新聞
　熊本市が来年度にも市役所に保育施設を設けることが１５日、関係者への取材で分かった。熊本市議会では１１月に緒方夕佳市議（４２）が子供を抱いて本会議に出席しようとして開会が遅れる問題があり、市にも子育て...