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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。

Daily flights between Kumamoto and Incheon starting November 24. -- Kirk
Korean Air announced on the 15th that it will start operating once a day on the Kumamoto route from .. - MK
Korean Air announced on the 15th that it will start operating once a day on the Kumamoto route from Incheon to Japan from November 24 due to increased demand for travel to Japan. It has been 27 years ..

Kirk with another post about the artificial (but cool nonetheless) mist at the castle.
Japan's Kumamoto Castle floats in artificial sea of clouds - The Mainichi
KUMAMOTO, Japan (Kyodo) -- Kumamoto Castle, a popular tourist destination in southwestern Japan, appears to be floating in a sea of clouds after its h

Kirk here with some local news about power harassment in a high school.
Japan high school operator accused of power harassment against staffers - The Mainichi
KUMAMOTO -- Four staffers at a private high school in this southwest Japan city announced on Oct. 11 that members of the corporation running the schoo

Atsuko here.
I could see Tsuchinshan-ATLAS in Kumamoto!!!
It is a beautiful day today with no clouds.
It was visible in the western sky after the sun set, around 6:30 p.m. today. I managed to take a picture of it with my cheap smartphone without a lens. It will probably be visible again tomorrow if conditions are good.
This is a comet that appears only once every 80,000 years, so please try to see it.
With the moon on your left shoulder, face west and look for Venus in the western sky at about the same angle.
I will report again if I can take a proper and beautiful photograph.
It's not a dirty lens, it's a comet!🤩
https://theskylive.com/c2023a3-info

Some of those who went to see Mizuakari yesterday may have heard the sound of fireworks near Kumamoto Castle. Last night, there was an autumn festival held by the PTA and the local community association at Joto Elementary School near Kumamoto Castle. I didn't share it in advance because it was a festival for the children of the school district, but I will share these pics with you because the match of the fireworks display by the family fireworks prepared by the children's parents and Kumamoto Castle was magnificent.
I think you can feel the love for Kumamoto Castle from the residents.(^O^)／Atsuko
We　love　Kumamoto．
We　love　Kumamoto　Castle.
Mizuakari　Information
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/CXnR8YsUFpNiHXxM/

Kirk here with an announcement from Josh, who has a job announcement from Kiyomi.
--- start quote ---
Hello everyone. An old student of mine who works at the Kashima Board of Education is looking for an evening class English teacher for May 2025 to March 2026 (11 months). Details as below:
Time: 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. (time can be changed a little if needed) twice a month, any weekday fine
Location: Kashima Chomin Kainan
Pay: 6,000 per lesson (=12,000 a month for 2 lessons)
No transportation allowance. (Having a car might be better because public transportation not convenient.)
Work details: English conversation class for beginners. Can use textbook or your own materials
Native English speaker preferred.
Call (096)237-0058 if interested.
Contact person: Kiyomi Osaka
--- end quote ---

Kirk here. Thursday "Kumamoto International" will be a quarter of a century old. It started as a mailing list on October 17, 1999. I remember the date because eGroups (later taken over by Yahoo!Groups, now defunct) used to show the "founded" date on the group's webpage. I wish I had a screenshot of that but can't seem to locate one.
Five years ago we had a big celebration, which was a lot of fun:
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/pfbid02GCYhb5tDuEVBBmHiRPeqgi3xJY9yt1aRf8eQcvLLncgFb7yq57zAnJ1w512oTZt4l
This year I think I'm a bit too busy to plan something like that but I wanted to at least mention that 25 years have passed. Thanks to everyone, especially fellow editors (posters) who have been feeding and caring for the page!
My own view is that, just as the page transitioned from a mailing list into this Facebook page, it will eventually become necessary to leave Facebook or add some other platform to the community even if we don't completely abandon Facebook. I'll post a bit more later about the issues I've noticed with Facebook (many of which I've already mentioned in previous posts).
Thanks again and, looking forward, yoroshiku onegai shimasu!
P.S. In the very early days of the mailing list, Mr. Yagi of the Kumamoto International Foundation was quick to recognize the value of what I was trying to do and help me get the word out. A special shout out to him!

Kirk here with another view of the castle, take from this web page:
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/524f66bbf97787ea5a8149bc185136c3e3b9cd16
For details and this mist-eerie-ous scene, see the following post of mine:
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/pfbid02p8Cq3KR2Qf9hytjC7xLyWtsjMfYCkJQRc4ULQpufjhmjFncvD8HQpyuR1yTo6CqWl

Kirk here with some information about how to get mist-eerie-ous perspective on the castle.
--- start ChatGPT translation ---
Artificial Sea of Clouds near the Stone Walls of Kumamoto Castle, Creating a Fantastical Atmosphere for Many Tourists
October 11, 17:22
On the 11th, an initiative began to create an artificial sea of clouds near the stone walls of Kumamoto Castle, captivating many tourists with its magical atmosphere.
This initiative was planned for the first time by the city, in conjunction with the "Autumn Kumamoto Castle Festival," which started on the 11th to attract more visitors.
The artificial sea of clouds is produced between the special viewing path leading to the main keep and the stone walls.
The "Two Styles of Stone Walls," where stone walls from different periods overlap, were enveloped in pure white mist, and tourists were mesmerized by the fantastical sight of the towering main keep behind them.
According to the Kumamoto Castle General Office, the mist is generated using water from an old well within the castle grounds, making this one of the largest artificial sea of clouds in the country.
The initiative will continue from the 11th until November 4th, with the mist being created every 30 minutes from 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM.
After 6:00 PM, the sea of clouds will be illuminated, and there will also be performances using music.
A man visiting with his family from Taiwan said, "The traditional castle itself is amazing, and I feel lucky to have come on the first day of this new sea of clouds initiative."
--- end ---
熊本城の石垣付近に人工の雲海 幻想的な雰囲気に多くの観光客｜NHK 熊本県のニュース
【NHK】１１日から熊本城の石垣付近に人工の雲海を出現させる取り組みが始まり、幻想的な雰囲気に多くの観光客が見入っていました。 この取り組みは多く…

Mizuakari is tomorrow and the day after.
Please enjoy not only watching but also volunteering to light the lights.
Please also find the welcome triangular lantern I made. Atsuko (∩^o^)⊃━☆ﾟ.*･｡
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
🌟The 19th Kumamotol Mizuakari 🌟
🌟Date 🌟Time
October 12 (Sat), 18:00-18:00, 2024
Saturday, October 12, 18:00-22:00 (tentative)
October 13 (Sun) 18:00-21:00 (tentative)
🌟Venue 🌟Venue
Hanabatacho area, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City
🌟Map 🌟
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LAnbV2VAeUwJcVUx5
🌟Mizuakari official website🌟
http://mizuakari.net/
(You can see the details such as the place of the event)
🌟The 2024 19th Kumamoto Kurashijin Festival "Mizuakari" Traffic Regulations for preparation, holding and cleanup 🌟
https://www.kumamoto-if.or.jp/kcic/kiji0032575/index.html"
🌟日時🌟
2024年
10月12日（土）18時～22時（予定）
10月13日（日）18時～21時（予定）
🌟会場🌟
熊本市中央区花畑町一帯
🌟地図🌟
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LAnbV2VAeUwJcVUx5
🌟みずあかり公式サイト🌟
http://mizuakari.net/
（開催場所などの詳細をご覧いただけます）
🌟令和6年　第19回熊本暮らし人まつり「みずあかり」準備・開催及び撤収に伴う交通規制について🌟
https://www.kumamoto-if.or.jp/kcic/kiji0032575/index.html
Mizuakari website in English
https://mizuakari-net.translate.goog/?fbclid=IwY2xjawF2E_tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHaF4turIQ-6buEIWpzQG1oEN8ZP8p9qWd-tRbPdbi5Mpe_yiYF6VbRSSIA_aem_wTxMUgV2ikYDiOKlWLe41g&_x_tr_sch=http&_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en

Post

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Atsuko here.
Information about international BBQ @YWCA near Kumamoto University.٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
Autumn BBQ party in Kumamoto YWCA's garden✨
This is Halal BBQ🍖
From 11:30 noon on Saturday, October 19.
All meat and seasonings used are halal-compatible🙌🏻
It's gotten cooler and it's easier to spend lunch, so I'd like to enjoy it in the garden!!
The participation fee
will be 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children as spring campaign support prices. Please refer to the leaflet for details♪
If you wish to participate, please apply through Google Form!

Sean here -
Teen Dirven's next 2024 Ezuko Trick or Trash Halloween event is just around the corner. Sunday October 27th
I hope many of you will be able to join us.
Please message the group if you can. The teens are working very hard to make this a successful event.
Your support would be appreciated.
If you have kids clothes/ books /toys in good condition, we will have a small bazaar. The proceeds will go to out charity org. What is not sold will be donated to Jiaien (Local orphanage)

Please share this with anyone you think might be interested. We need to get the word out!!
===========================
Kirk here, asking that you help Takemura-sensei. I think many of you know of her work. For those who don't please read the following brief description which ChatGPT and I translated from the website where you can donate:
--- start translation ---
Message from the Organizer
We provide Japanese language instruction and create safe spaces for children with foreign roots who are living in Kumamoto Prefecture, helping them achieve their dreams. We kindly ask for your continued support so that we can keep these efforts going!
Project Highlights
1. Over the past 15 years, we have expanded our Japanese language support for children.
2. However, the rapid increase in the number of children has made it difficult to continue our support activities.
3. We want to keep supporting these children so they can live confidently in Japan!
--- end translation ---
Website where you can donate
https://for-good.net/project/1001095
The image you see is of Takemura-sensei, the amazing person who started the school and has kept it going all these years. It's a screenshot of an NHK program about her activities that was broadcast nationwide in 2017:
https://www2.nhk.or.jp/chiiki/movie/?das_id=D0015010752_00000
The webpage has a segment of the show that you can see (that's where the image is from) and this blurb (as always, translated with ChatGTPs help) about her organization and activities:
--- start translation ---
In Koshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, there is a house where children with roots in foreign countries gather on weekends. It is run by the NPO "Support Network for Children from Overseas, Kumamoto" (外国から来た子ども支援ネットくまもと). Children come from all over the prefecture to learn Japanese. While the children can speak Japanese fluently, they struggle with reading and writing. Due to the language barrier, they tend to feel isolated at school. In this house, they can converse in their native languages and enjoy meals together, making it a "second home" where they feel safe.
--- end translation ---
Takemura-sensei's work has been mentioned on this page several times. Here's one relevant post from Atsuko Kumabe:
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/pfbid0Y9fZ4AarCBfhwz1LeXX6EVbBuwS2xLFnfn66nwLKXrtx8PZrYbS3445Yst3G7nNWl
Some of the people who have donated and left comments are former students (writing their comments in excellent Japanese, of course). Here are some examples, translated into English:
--- start quote ---
from Fumei
October 8, 2024
I owe who I am today to the Support Network.
今の私がいるのは支援ネットのおかげです。
from son.h
October 7, 2024
It is no exaggeration to say that I am who I am today thanks to Takemura-sensei. I am truly grateful for your efforts on behalf of children overseas. I will continue to support you. Please always stay well.
竹村先生のお陰で今の僕がいると言っても過言ではありません。海外の子供のためにご尽力頂き、本当に感謝しております。これからも応援し続けます。先生はいつもお元気でいらしゃってください。
--- end quote ---

Joe Tomei here, passing this on. Details in the flyer

Kirk here with news about preparations being made for the start of Kumamoto University's new international school in 2026.
https://www.educ.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/kokusai/
The website has both English and Japanese explanations and surveys. You can check out the English on your own so here's an English translation of the Japanese (prepared with ChatGPT's help):
--- start translation ---
Date: September 2024 Kumamoto
Title: University Elementary School International Class Establishment Survey (For Japanese Students' Parents)
At Kumamoto University Elementary School, starting in the 2026 academic year, an international class will be established where, in line with the Japanese national curriculum, all subjects, except for some like Japanese and moral education, will be taught in English. This will involve so-called "immersion education*" in English.
In this international class, in addition to developing Japanese language skills, we aim to enhance English proficiency and enrich students' learning across various subjects. The class is expected to include both Japanese and foreign students, creating natural opportunities for using English in daily life. Moreover, classes will be co-taught by a Japanese teacher and a native English-speaking foreign teacher, with Japanese used as needed to ensure that students acquire the desired skills and abilities through attentive, detailed instruction.
*Note: Immersion education refers to teaching subjects in a second language to enhance language learning.
--- end translation ---
https://forms.office.com/r/0VC2WrN5mJ
Here's the English form:
https://forms.office.com/r/Ac1TD8znvz

Sean here - For yoga practitioners and or those who are Yoga curious:
ヨガをやっている、もしくはヨガに興味のある方へ：
私たちは月に2回ヨガをやっています。よく「体が硬いからヨガをするのは難しそう」という方がいますが、ヨガには曲芸師のような柔らかさは必要ありません。その人の柔軟性に応じて行うのがヨガで、それで十分です。心を落ち着けるストレッチのようなものだと考えてください。
クラスは日本語で行われます。
私たちはこのヨガの集まりを週1回に増やすことを考えています。もしあなたやあなたの知り合いがヨガの先生で、教える場所を探している場合、ぜひご連絡ください。
They have classes twice a month, Sunday mornings. You don’t need to be a contortionist to participate—think of this as mindful stretching. Classes are conducted in Japanese.
They are considering expanding our meetings to once a week. If you or someone you know is a budding entrepreneur yoga teacher looking for a venue to practice, please message me (Sean) or contact them directly using the QR code found on the flyer.