Ezuko was quite pleasant today. This photo was taken in Shimo Ezuko (Lower Ezuko), near the zoo. -- Kirk
Posts
Sakura Lanterns at Honmyoji Temple 桜灯篭 本妙寺
Sharing Higo journal, Kumamoto local information.⸜(*ˊᗜˋ*)⸝
William Heading into peak cherry blossom season this weekend, here is a suggestion to two sites to visit. The park on Shirakawa between Taikobashi and Meigobashi is interesting - it was begun by common citizens following the ravages of war, and though now maintained by the city, it retains a home-spun vibe. Convenient access by tram or bus, and you can enjoy the burbling of the stream while hanami-ing.
The last spot for this month of Funky Friday Finds in Kengun is JiccA, a small restaurant that serves southeast asian dishes, including Green curry, Pad Thai, Ka Pao rice and Nasi Goren. The shop is just a little ways down from the Kengunko tram stop and there is some parking behind the real estate agent a few doors down.
William An earthquake occurs when some parts of a plate scream "Yikes!" and skedaddle in one direction while others stay put. Kumanichi posts that the Kumamoto Disaster Prevention Center in Suizenji has an earth cut displaying the fault rupture. Yikes.
Kirk here. In my view, the arbitrary drawing of lines is part of what is behind this disappointing decision in the Minamata disease saga. Another issue is the argument that "symptoms could have been caused by something other than the condition." Even though it is acknowledged fact that Chisso poisoned the fish that the plaintiffs consumed and that mercury poisoning can cause the kinds of symptoms the plaintiffs are suffering from, the plaintiffs are still forced to prove that their illnesses could not have been caused by something else. Such logic protects the polluters and puts an unfair burden of proof on the victims. :(
It's getting to be that time of year. The cherry trees in my area are not in full bloom yet but some branches are looking very nice. -- Kirk
Here's an eight-minute video segment from NHK World. -- Kirk
Goodbye, SL Hitoyoshi! Well done! -- Kirk
Kirk here. Kumamoto Kokufu plays Ananhikari of Tokushima today at 2PM. We're already in the second round of the Koshien Tournament. If Kumamoto Kokufu win today, they will be one of eight teams to move on to the next round.
Kirk here. It seems Mr. Kimura has won the governorship. I have nothing against him personally but I was rooting for Mr. Koyama (former Kumamoto-city mayor), in part because I know him but also because Mr. Kiyama campaigned with the support of the LDP and the LDP has given me numerous reasons to dislike them (connections to the Moonies, recent financial scandals, xenophobic and nationalistic stances of various individual politicians, etc.). The race was seen as a sort of referendum on the LDP and, sadly, it looks like the response from the people of Kumamoto was "no problem."
Kirk here. This isn't local news but there is a Kumamoto connection. On this evening's NHK news, Takerufuji's mom said that she frequently sends him basashi. The people of Kumamoto are the leading consumers of basashi but the delicacy is also enjoyed in Aomori, Takerufuji's home prefecture, Fukushima, and Nagano.
Kirk here with a must-read for train fans:
Kirk again. Wish I could have given readers of this page advance notice. But, if you live here, you might want to put it on your calendar for next year.
Kirk here. I passed by this place on Friday afternoon, several hours after the incident. The only odd thing I noticed at the time was that there were TV cameras and people with media arm bands in the area:
Boneless Lanterns advance screening
Kirk here. In order to rely on wind and solar energy as primary power sources it's necessary to come up with some way of storing excess power for times when the sun isn't shining and the wind isn't blowing. A facility intended to help solve that problem has been build in Kawashiri.
Joe Tomei and here at the Funky Friday Find department, we aren't just about food and drink. This next FFF is an honest to goodness old fashioned sento, the Kuwamizu Koshu Yokujo (神水公衆浴場) Nothing fancy, but nice to go and relax. There is parking next to it, though you have to get off Higashi Bypass and go down the side road It is just up from the Baskin Robbins 31, so after a nice soak, you can get your cup or cone of Rocky Road.
Atsuko here.
