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Once there was a lil' railroad called the Minami Aso Tetsudo that connected Takamori with the JR line at Tateno so that high school students and company workers could get to where they needed to be.
Then the big bad quakes came along and took out not only their bridge across Shirakawa but also much of their track. So that was the end of that - the local folks have had to rely on buses since then.
But this is not any average lil' railroad. No: It is the lil' railroad that could. It said, "Hey, even if we don't have a bridge to connect to Tateno and over half of our rail line is damaged, we can make do with what we have!" So it did. On July 31, Minami Aso Tetsudo reopened a 7.1 kilometer route between its terminus in Takamori and a central station, Nakamatsu, mostly to be used by tourists and as a charter train.
Repairing the 10.6KM remaining damaged sections - particularly the bridge - is problematic, as the small company has no ability to pay for it. But remember: This is the lil' railroad that could. They will find a way.
Linked article at Kumanichi with maps and other cool info. - William
https://this.kiji.is/264557915006961149?c=92619697908483575
南阿蘇鉄道、部分運行再開１年　集客へ知恵、全線復旧へ腐心 - 熊本日日新聞
熊本地震後の部分運行から１年を迎える南阿蘇鉄道。観光トロッコ列車の乗客は少しずつ戻ってきているという＝２９日、南阿蘇村　熊本地震で全線運休に追い込まれた第三セクター南阿蘇鉄道が、部分運行を始めて３１日で１年を迎える。全線の半分にも満たない区...

Hi! I'm sharing this because, though I was not able to attend the presentation, I just read a Kumanichi article (July 17) about this and wanted to share a couple of points that Mr. Nakashima did not mention in his English summary.
1) Of the 30 foreign-born single mothers interviewed, all had acquired either Japanese citizenship or permanent-resident status before the earthquake. Also, all but one had already lived in Kumamoto for 5 years or more. I think it's important to emphasize that these people are not here temporarily or illegally.
2) None of the women had "regular employee" (正社員) status. The Japanese term ("sei shain") is sometimes translated as "full-time employee" but it's much more than a matter of time. If you are not a "regular" employee of an organization, your pay is lower, you have much fewer benefits to rely on and you have little job security so you are thus much more likely to be hit hard by an economic downturn, as was caused by the earthquake. Natural disasters (like human-caused environmental disasters) tend to affect the lives of the economically less secure more severely.
I think the earthquake amplified economic disparities and injustices that existed before it hit. In this sense, learning about what has happened to these women is important to understanding social problems that need to be addressed regardless of whether or not a natural disaster will strike.
As Mr. Nakashima indicated, a Japanese pamphlet (55 pages) has been published about the interview. I take it from his post that there are plans to translate it into English.
-- Kirk
Multilingual Kumamoto Earthquake Information July 3　"Kumamoto Earthquake! Symposium on Relief Activities for Foreigners"　Japanese flyer　　English flyerKumamoto Earthquake Information Maps

If you've got nothing to do and it occurs to you that strolling through a field packed with a gazillion sunflowers might be kinda fun, Tawarayama Koryukan has got you covered. - William
http://www.moenosato.net/

Though a high of 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 F) had been predicted for today, I heard on the news that the actually temperature in Kumamoto City was only (!) 36.5 C (97.7 F). This hot weather can be dangerous. In order to avoid heatstroke you should get plenty to drink and avoid exerting yourself in the sun for extended periods of time. -- Kirk
https://weathernews.jp/s/topics/201707/300045/
熊本は昨日まで4日連続、大分県日田は5日連続の猛暑日になるなど、厳しい暑さが続いており、今日も九州の広い範囲で35℃を超えてきそうです。

Dear readers,
I started this page as my own little pet project but now I am just one of several "editors" who post to the page. I would like to spend a little time on the page each day but that is not always possible. During the past week, for example, my work load led me to neglect the page for about 5 days. Thankfully, William, one of several people who have kindly come aboard to contribute to the care and feeding of the page, posted several interesting items during that time. Having several people who can contribute to the page when they have a free moment or find something particularly interesting that they want to share, improves the overall quality and value of the page. This was particularly true during the Kumamoto earthquake, when there was far more information that needed to be shared than any one person could handle alone.
So, if you think you might want to be empowered to post directly to the page from time to time, please get in touch with us by sending a message to the page. It's not necessary to post as often as I do or as William does. Editors who can only post occasionally are also welcome.
Thanks!
Kirk

I posted about this (same article; different photo and publisher) but this time, I noticed a section that I missed the first time:
"2. Big data analysis service for tourist site
The system identifies devices in the Kumamon Square that have Wi-Fi installed, and recognizes the locations that the device was carried to, including places other than Kumamoto, that the device was carried to. This anonymous information help to understand where visitors originate from, and trends in visits."
So, you take your phone to Kumamon Square and because it's Wi-Fi capable (?), your phone then gets followed "anonymously" wherever you take it? Am I misreading this or what? This doesn't exactly make me eager to take my smartphone to Big Brother, er, "Kumamon" Square.
-- Kirk
http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=211129
Toshiba Digital Solutions is helping Overseas Visitors to Kumamoto Prefecture Multi-language translation provided by Communication AI RECAIUS Service
Overseas tourists in Kumamoto, the Kyushu city known for its castle, cherry blossom and other attractions, will soon be able to get more out of their trip, thanks to a new interactive tourist information system. Based on RECAIUS, Toshiba AI communication service, the system has been provided by Tosh...

A silver lining of living in a prefecture fractured by faults and full of mountains with a tendency to succumb to gravity during its frequent torrential rains - plus, a volcano - is that the government decides it's probably not the best place to store nuclear waste.
Map legend:
brown - not suitable due to faults
blue - not suitable due to erosion
light green - cool! Let's store it here!
dark green - even better as it has adequate transportation links!
So everywhere in Kumamoto looks safe except, for some reason, Yatsushiro, which is at the tail end of a major fault that has yet to rupture. Go figure. (Notice that the entire Tokyo region is brown. That's probably where the guys who made the map live.) - William
https://japantoday.com/category/national/update1-gov't-says-70-of-land-suitable-for-nuclear-waste-disposal

Preparations to remove that symbol of Kumamoto resilience following the quakes, Ippon Ishigaki - that single corner of stone that held up the Iidamaru Turret until it was stabilized by a giant green cantilever - were completed today as a triple-branched support structure was moved along a track to a position where it can support the cantilever. Actual dismantling of the wall is scheduled to begin in mid-August. The linked article is Japanese but contains several images which demonstrate how the process works (pretty impressive - have a look). The article notes that the structure will soon be wrapped in soundproofing material, so 7/30 is your last chance to catch a glimpse of Ippon Ishigaki.
But it will be back, stronger than ever. - William
https://this.kiji.is/263471488550045175
「１本石垣」解体へ　30日で見納め　熊本城飯田丸 - 熊本日日新聞
飯田丸五階櫓を支えるため、仮受構台（上部の緑色の鉄骨）に代わって新たに設置された受構台＝２７日、熊本市（高見伸）飯田丸五階櫓を支える受構台の設置作業。仮受構台下部の灰色の鉄骨の下に、赤い鉄骨を移動させた＝２７日午前、熊本市（高見伸）　熊本市...

Personal note: Marriage is not always easy. My wife and I don't remember how many years we've been married, preferring to concentrate on each day. We enjoy splendid times together; we support each other in our work; sometimes we fight. But there are implicit red lines, one of which is: Do not stab another while he or she is sleeping. (There are other red lines which lead to a successful marriage, but this is kind of a big one.)
A woman in Kita Ward, Kumamoto, was arrested for stabbing her sleeping husband. She claims that he had been beating her (another red line). Whatever the facts, this is all very sad. There are other choices. - William
https://japantoday.com/category/crime/woman-arrested-for-stabbing-husband-as-he-slept
Woman arrested for stabbing husband as he slept
Police in Kumamoto City said Sunday they have arrested a 48-year-old woman on suspicion of attempted murder after she stabbed her 55-year-old husband as he slept. According to police, Misa Kawanishi stabbed her husband Isao in the stomach with a fruit knife at around 9 a.m. Saturday in their apartme...

I've been in Japan quite a while but there are still some aspects of Japanese culture that I have trouble understanding. One is official announcements about where certain traffic violations will be enforced. The image is of a Google Chrome translation of
http://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/police/page1016.html
The web site has it's own translation function but it's about the same in quality as the Google translation, only without the option to return to the Japanese.
In a way, I guess it's nice that some information is provided about when you need to be particularly careful about speeding and other offenses. On the other hand, isn't this penalizing those who don't know how to check the official announcements and favoring those who may break the law quite regularly but have learned how to avoid getting caught? I just don't understand why this is publicized but other information that you would think should be public (recent information about where fatal traffic accidents have occurred, etc.) isn't. (By the way, I was looking for information about the accident William reported on when I came across this.)
-- Kirk
P.S. "Ban" in the machine translation is "はみ出し禁止" or crossing the center line. I think they will be looking for people who try to pass when it is not allowed.

According to this bit of news, the Prefectural Gymnasium has resumed full operations. As I understand it, the facility has been partially open for some time now but it has taken until recently to completely recover from the quake.
-- Kirk
https://www.tku.co.jp/news/県立総合体育館%E3%80%80全館で利用再開/
[TKU-NEWS 夕方 17.07.21 ] 県立総合体育館　全館で利用再開
水の国くまもと 応援プロジェクト進行中。TKU

Driving home from work this evening, I noticed one of those red-edged white signs the police erect looking for witnesses after a hit-and-run on a narrow road in front of Oe elementary school. More ominously, next to it was an offering of flowers.
My wife confirmed my suspicions: Apparently, a first grader was struck and killed on July 16. Googling provided no news - perhaps it is being withheld. I drive a lot, frequently on such small roads, and while I'm no angel, I've learned to be extremely careful (leave early, never exceed 20KMPH, and keep your foot on the brake - on 7/21 at exactly the same spot, a kid on a bike charged across the road, causing the entire contents of my car to shift a meter forward). Even if you're behind schedule, the ramifications are life-changing, both for the driver and the victim.
He (assuming his sex) will be eventually found; nobody ever escapes this for long. If I hear any news, I'll post. Please be careful while driving, particularly on those small lanes. - William (Note: this post has been corrected: July 16, not July 20.)

This sounds cool but, on the other hand, the article raises as many questions as it answers. If staffers at "Kumamon Square provide visitors with a smartphone loaded with the RECAIUS app," does that mean that you have to find a staffer to let you use the app for a minute or two? Is this not available for anyone to download and use?
-- KIrk
https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/17/07/w9798996/toshiba-digital-solutions-is-helping-overseas-visitors-to-kumamoto-pref
Toshiba Digital Solutions is helping Overseas Visitors to Kumamoto Prefecture - Multi-language translation provided by Communication AI RECAIUS Service
Overseas tourists in Kumamoto, the Kyushu city known for its castle, cherry blossom and other attractions, will soon be able to get more out of their trip, thanks to a new...

We've received in inquiry about free WiFi in Kumamoto:
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/1530609827012444?notif_t=page_wall&notif_id=1500547123820544
There have already been some comments made there about where one can find free WiFi.
I'd also like to share the following:
https://www.wiman.me/japan/free-wifi-kumamoto
I'm not sure if all of the free spots listed are easily accessible but I like the fact that the information is organized in map form. Please add notes about what works and what doesn't.
In addition, there's the following from the prefecture:
http://www.pref.kumamoto.jp.e.qp.hp.transer.com/kumamoto-free-wifi.html
Again, I'm not sure how well it actually works.
-- Kirk
Free WiFi Kumamoto
Find all Free WiFi Hotspots and Shared Networks in Kumamoto!

This event will take place in Kumamoto between the 11th and 13th of August. The article states that " the event is normally held every three years for those in the chito-ryu style of karate." Chito-ryu karate began in Kumamoto. Click on the following links to view previous posts about Chito-ryu karate:
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/777968468943254
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/photos/a.129499733790134.25925.123734781033296/803405773066190/?type=3&theater
For more information about the upcoming event go to
http://mukashikarate.com/events/2017-soke-cup-in-kumamoto-japan/
-- Kirk
https://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/local-sports/karate-athletes-to-compete-in-japan/
Karate athletes to compete in Japan - Penticton Western News
International event in August to draw up to 500 competitors

When this article came out, the rainy season had not yet been declared over in northern Kyushu. According to NHK, however, tsuyu ake (the end of the rainy season) has just been official announced for us as well:
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20170720/k10011066061000.html
-- Kirk
http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0003828795
Rainy season over for many
TOKYO (Jiji Press) — This year’s rainy season seems to be over in the eastern and western Japan regions of Kanto-Koshin, Tokai, Kinki, Chugoku and Shikoku, the Japan Meteorological Agency said Wednesday.

Northern and central (and, to be fair, southern as well, but that's not the topic here) Kyushu is that type of question whose every answer raises a dozen further questions. That is, these are fascinating places galore.
Our friend Helen, host of that excellent site Explore Kumamoto, is searching for some knowlegeable and responsible people to be bilingual tour guides (that "responsible" criterion kinda rules me out). If interested (and you should be), please read Helen's post below and respond to her site. - William
Do you love exploring Kumamoto and northern Kyushu? Are you interested in meeting people from all over the world and sharing your knowledge and experience of Japan and the local area? Do you have a Japanese driving license and your own car? Are you responsible, friendly, dependable and a safe driver? If you can (honestly) answer yes to all these working part time as a guide for international tourists might be your ideal job! If you are interested in finding out more please contact Helen at Explore Kumamoto [email protected] And to see the kinds of tours we offer take a look at www.explore-kumamoto.com
Explore Kumamoto – information, places, tours and more
Explore Kumamoto is your English guide to the Kumamoto and central Kyushu region, introducing activities, experiences, customised tours and travel advice.

This post does not regard Kumamoto but a bit of neat Japanese technology recently deployed on the International Space Station, the "Int-Ball". A bit like a Roomba, it is "intelligent" - it moves around by itself in three dimensions using a gyroscope and returns to its home base for recharging when required. The device is designed to alleviate the burden of astronauts of recording visual activities on the ISS, which apparently now occupy 10% of their time. Plus, it's cute. Thanks, Japan!
(Best to watch with sound off - whoever chose the music should be fired.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXSTG0R_UJ4
Space Station gets new floating robocamera ball called "Int-Ball"
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has for the first time disclosed images and movies taken by the JEM Internal Ball Camera called "Int-Ball"－its firs...

Personal note: in the Kumamoto regional run-up to the Koshien baseball tournament, held at the Fujisakidai stadium, Daini (my wife's alma mater) is slated to face off against Kyushu Gakuin (my kids' alma mater) from noon today. My wife is quite conflicted. My daughter cares not a wit. - William

In contrast with TKU's shoddy reporting, both the English and Japanese versions of this Mainichi article are careful not to portray alleged crimes as established fact.
English:
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20170718/p2a/00m/0na/008000c
Japanese:
https://mainichi.jp/articles/20170717/ddp/041/040/033000c
TKU:
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/1527853653954728
-- Kirk
Vietnamese man arrested for allegedly robbing, trying to kill woman in Kumamoto Pref. - The Mainichi
ASAGIRI, Kumamoto -- A Vietnamese man was arrested on July 16 under suspicion of robbing and attempting to murder a woman here, it has been learned.