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Hi there! If you're near Nagasu Port this Sunday (6th Oct) the クリーンパークファイブ環境フェスタ2024 will be taking place from 9am-2pm. It's an Eco/Community Festival at a recycle center by the coast, with a flea market, performances by local kindergarten kids, emergency vehicles on display, an environmental poster display, food trucks, etc.
Address: 熊本県玉名郡長洲町大字名石浜４２番地１ クリーンパークファイブ
Closest Station: 長洲駅・Nagasu Station (4.4km / 1 hour walk away if you're feeling it!)
See the Japanese link for more info: https://www.ariake-kouiki.or.jp/gyousei/oshirase/320658
*Posted by Ruth (PS: I inadvertently let FB make a rather sad looking event for this, so also adding this to the feed!)
有明広域行政事務組合の公式ウェブサイト。婚活支援ウェブサイト「荒尾・玉名結婚サポートセンター KOIBANA（コイバナ）」では婚活イベント情報、婚活講座、定住情報を提供しています。また、行政ウェブサイトでは入札....

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Kirk here. Another item for bushido fans. I've provided a complete English translation (ChatGPT, of course) for the entire segment.
--- start translation ---
Experience Iaido in the “Sacred Land of Miyamoto Musashi” — Over 100 Foreign Visitors! Samurai Tourism in the Spotlight Thanks to Drama and Film
October 3, 2024 (Thursday) 19:07
Currently, Japan’s "Samurai Spirit" is gaining renewed attention.
The drama SHOGUN, produced and starring actor Hiroyuki Sanada, has won an Emmy Award. Additionally, the movie Samurai Time Slipper has become a hit.
Samurai Time Slipper tells the story of a samurai from the late Edo period who time-travels to the present day and knocks on the gates of a period drama filming studio. As attention grows toward the “samurai spirit,” there are opportunities to experience it firsthand in Kumamoto.
"Dogi," "iaido," and "matcha"...
The Kumamoto Bushido Tourism Council offers this experience plan. The plan includes an opportunity to try out the swordsmanship art of iaido at a dojo in the bustling downtown area of Kumamoto City.
The theme of the plan is the invincible swordsman Miyamoto Musashi and his Niten Ichi-ryu style. Under the instruction of Akinori Matsunaga (松永哲典, Matsunaga Akinori), who carries on the Niten Ichi-ryu tradition, more than 100 people from over 10 countries have participated in the experience over the past three years.
Recognizing the promotion of Kumamoto as the “Sacred Land of Miyamoto Musashi” and showcasing the appeal of martial arts and culture, the Kumamoto Bushido Tourism Council received the Attractive Japan Award. Among more than 600 plans handled by the booking site Attractive JAPAN, this experience received the highest rating.
Akinori Matsunaga, representative of the Kumamoto Bushido Tourism Council, said, “We offer iaido as a means of facing oneself. I hope that through this experience, people will spend more time in Kumamoto and learn more about the area.”
In addition to the iaido experience, the plan also allows participants to create Higo inlay accessories and enjoy matcha with local sweets.
--- end translation ---
「宮本武蔵の聖地」で居合道体験 海外客は100人超！ドラマ・映画で注目の“武士道ツーリズム”が好調 | 熊本のニュース｜RKK NEWS｜RKK熊本放送
今、日本の「侍精神」が改めて注目されています。俳優の真田広之（さなだ ひろゆき）さんがプロデュース・主演を務めるドラマ『SHOGUN将軍』がエミー賞を受賞。さらに、映画『侍タイムスリッパー』がヒットしてい…

Hi! Kirk here. I actually found this information in Japanese. Sometimes, I guess you have to be more-or-less fluent in Japanese in order to find out where you can study Japanese in order to become fluent. :(
Here's a ChatGPT translation of part of the text of the Japanese article:
--- start translation ---
Application Period: October 2, 2024 (Wednesday) until the class reaches capacity
Eligibility: Foreign residents aged 15 and older living in Kumamoto Prefecture
Cost: ¥4,800 (tax included, bank transfer fee not included) — one-time payment for ¥800 per month
Requirements:
- Internet access (non-metered connection recommended)
- A PC, smartphone, or tablet with Zoom installed
- Webcam, microphone, and headphones (built-in ones are acceptable)
--- end translation ---
https://japan.cnet.com/release/31034660/
I'll end with the links to the English-language form and all of the forms in other language.
In this case again (sigh) the English form has no links to the Japanese form or to forms in other languages -- it's a dead end in that regard. (What follows is meant to be dripping with sarcasm.) Who might have thought that a student of Japanese might actually be interested in taking a crack at reading the original Japanese! No, impossible! Foreigners only need English -- even foreigners who say that they want to study English -- and even when the English is a machine translation that has errors!
English form
https://attainj.co.jp/kumamoto-nihongo/form/en/
Japanese form
https://attainj.co.jp/kumamoto-nihongo/form/jp/
Simplified Chinese form
https://attainj.co.jp/kumamoto-nihongo/form/cnh/
Traditional Chinese form
https://attainj.co.jp/kumamoto-nihongo/form/cnk/
Indonesian form
https://attainj.co.jp/kumamoto-nihongo/form/id/
Korean form
https://attainj.co.jp/kumamoto-nihongo/form/kr/
Tagalog form
https://attainj.co.jp/kumamoto-nihongo/form/ph/
Vietnamese form
https://attainj.co.jp/kumamoto-nihongo/form/vn/

Kirk here with an announcement from Megan. (Thanks Megan! Congratulations Patrick!)
--- start announcement ---
Local community member Patrick Ijima-Washburn is hosting an art show beginning Tuesday October 1st! Come out and support him at a reception held on the first night: snacks and drinks provided!
English follows
レトロポップ イラストレーター「ぱとこん(patokon」個展のレセプションを開きます。
「ぱとこん」として絵を描いてる井島ワッシュバーン・パトリックのクリエーティブ活動30年記念展示です。2016年に発表した絵本『がっぱちゃんとぐまくんの一二三(ひふみ)』の原画を特別にこの日だけに展示します。
他の作品18点を1日から31日まで未来会議室下通店で展示します。
ワインとチーズを飲食しながらぱとこんさんのアートトークを楽しみましょう！
A reception will be held for the solo exhibition of retro-pop illustrator "patokon."
This exhibition commemorates 30 years of creative activity by Patrick Ijima Washburn, who draws under the name "patokon." The original illustrations from the picture book "Gappa, Guma and the Words of Wisdom," published in 2016, will be exhibited specially on this day only.
18 other works will be on display at Mirai Kaigi Shitsu Shimo-tori from the 1st to the 31st.
Enjoy Patokon's art talk over wine and cheese!
--- end announcement ---

Fiona here, posting on behalf of a member of Kumamoto-i who has created a new group for foreigners living in this prefecture. Please check it out and share the info.
:
Hi everyone, I am making a community Facebook group much alike the ones for Tokyo or Osaka, but for our beloved Kumamoto. The objective is to create a community to chat about daily stuff. Things like where to find a good dentist, any good Indian supermarkets, anyone interested in meeting up, etc. The more people the group has the better. So please join and let’s grow our Kumamoto Expat Network.
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/ShcAPPAGXZY1yP1G/?mibextid=K35XfP

Volunteers are needed at 城彩苑Josaien to help with preparations for Mizuakari.
We are waiting for those who are interested.
Till 4pm today.
Atsuko is also there.( * ॑꒳ ॑*)
Tomorrow they will not work.
Next Saturday and Sunday there will be another volunteer activity at the same place in Josaien from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/U1ae4roY3BQFb1RH/

Atsuko here.
Free concert at Hanabata Hiroba.(ﾉ˶>ᗜ​<˵)ﾉ
Do As Infinity is a band from Kumamoto, Japan.
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
On September 29, 2024, the anniversary of their debut, Do As Infinity will hold a street live performance at Hanabata Hiroba in Kumamoto, which can be said to be the starting point of Do As Infinity!
Admission will be free.
Do As Infinity 25th anniversary Free LIVE in KUMAMOTO
Date & Time: September 29, 2024 (Sun.), 1:00 p.m. - start (tentative) / free admission
Place: Hanabata Hiroba, Kumamoto　
7-7 Hanabatacho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 860-0806
https://hanabatahiroba.jp/about/
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/7spuT4Kt76DoAiQA/
【熊本市中央区】9月29日！花畑広場でDo As Infinity のフリーライブがあるよ！ | 肥後ジャーナル – 熊本の今をお届けするメディアサイト
熊本出身のアーティストと言えば、Do As Infinity伴 都美子さん！！もうめちゃくちゃお美しいですよね。2024年9月29日のデビュー記念日に、Do As Infinityの原点とも言える路上

Kirk here. We had an earthquake earlier this evening. Nothing earthshaking, well, maybe a little earthshaking, but not a huge one.
Time: 20:35
Magnitude: 3.7
Depth: About 10 kilometers
Highest shindo reading: 3
https://www.data.jma.go.jp/multi/quake/quake_detail.html?eventID=20240926203919&lang=jp

Kirk here with something for Volters (basketball) fans.
Syracuse University, Kumamoto Volters Enter Historic Sport Analytics Partnership (Video) — Syracuse University News
The sport analytics program in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics and the Kumamoto Volters professional basketball team in Japan have announced a ...

University Admissions Counselling for International Students at Kumamoto
Attention all international students studying at Japanese language schools with the goal of entering a university or graduate school!
Would you like to hear an explanation about universities in Kumamoto?
Consortium Kumamoto will be holding an online information session about university admissions on Tuesday, October 22, at 3:00 PM.
Please apply for online session if you are interested!
https://consortium-kumamoto.jp/kokusai/ryugaku/
#熊本県立技術短期大学校
#熊本学園大学
#東海大学
#崇城大学
#尚絅大学
#尚絅大学短期大学部
#熊本大学
#大学コンソーシアム熊本

Kirk here. As you know, the drama series "Shogun" has made quite a splash. It seems that it has added to already significant interest in samurai culture. This Japanese-language news report includes a section about foreigners who come to enjoy experiencing and learning at the "Kumamoto Musashi-Kan Dojo."
https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/society/094d80cdf13e47b495b6a6166608d14e
Here's an English-language article:
Become a samurai in Kumamoto! In an "Iai Experience", learn about swordsmanship developed by Musashi Miyamoto
https://kumamoto.guide/en/season/detail/174

Kirk here. The caption says "This file photo taken in May 2023 shows a large-scale solar power plant built in Oguni, Kumamoto Prefecture. (Kyodo)" I like the idea of renewable energy. In fact, I have solar panels on my house. But, I can't help but be concerned about replacing trees and other vegetation with them. :(
Japan can raise renewable energy share to 80% by 2035: study - The Mainichi
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan could boost the share of renewable energy in its electricity production to 80 percent by fiscal 2035 by expanding the use of st

Salut! Sean here -
To all the Francophiles in the group.
Tout le monde !
Voulez vous parler le français?
フランス語、話してみたい？
Hello World! Want to learn how to speak French?
Contact here ~
https://www.instagram.com/chez.ruri

Kirk here with some links to English-language pdf pamphlets about things to do in the Amakusa area:
https://www.t-island.jp/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/amakusaguide_en2-1.pdf
(pictured)
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/site/amakusa/8513.html
This page has links to identical pamphlets in Japanese, English, and Chinese. So, you can use the English to study the Japanese if that appeals to you. :)

Kirk here with a share from Mr. Yagi of the International Center.
https://www.facebook.com/hiromitsu.yagi/posts/pfbid02dfRUJ6FvCMiay6LQ6vTdst8Aw2zSNpPb6RQYbx2L3vX7yy4gHw49PyMkr2vrTnASl

Kirk here. Kedah State is in Malaysia and is famous for its rice paddies. The group seems to have come to learn about groundwater recharging in Kumamoto:
--- start quote ---
In a statement issued today, it clarified that Sanusi is in Kumamoto City to learn about underground water catchment management to be built in Langkawi, which is slated to become the first-ever project of its kind in the country and Southeast Asia.
--- end quote ---
I feel compelled to comment on the sign, which has an obvious error (it should be "delegation" not "delegate"). As one who has made thousands of typos and other types of errors on this page, I understand that we all make mistakes. On the other hand, if you're going to make a big sign that will be recorded in a commemorative photo and then published on the internet, I think you should double-check to make sure it's OK. It shouldn't be too difficult to ask a native speaker but today one can just ask an AI chatbot. Here's how ChatGPT responded to my question.
--- start dialogue transcript ---
Kirk:
Many representatives of Kedah State in Malaysia will be coming to Kumamoto. We'd like to make a big sign to welcome them. Our current plan is to put the following words on the sign. What to you think?
WELCOME TO KUMAMOTO
KEDAH STATE DELEGATE
ChatGPT:
The sign looks great for a warm welcome! However, I'd suggest using "DELEGATION" instead of "DELEGATE," since it refers to the group of representatives collectively. Here's the updated version:
WELCOME TO KUMAMOTO
KEDAH STATE DELEGATION
This should convey a more formal and inclusive message. What do you think of this revision?
--- end dialogue transcript ---
What do I think? I think people should get their English checked before making big signs.
Sanusi's office refutes holiday claims, in Japan for official work visit | New Straits Times
ALOR STAR: The office of the Kedah Menteri Besar has clarified that Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor is away in Japan for a scheduled work visit and not on a holiday with his wife.

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Kirk here with a ChatGPT translation of a nice article about the 30th anniversary of Kumamoto City's International Foundation. If you've had any interaction with the foundation or the International Center downtown (which I suspect many of you have), I highly recommend that you read the article (I think this English translation is quite readable).
--- start translation ---
Supporting Foreign Residents in Kumamoto for 30 Years: Kumamoto City International Center Contributes to Mutual Understanding and Coexistence through Consultation Services and Japanese Language Classes
September 18 (Wednesday) 8:59 AM
Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun
Photo captions: Foreigners learning Japanese at the Kumamoto City International Center, August 23, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City.
Kumamoto City International Center (Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City) has marked its 30th anniversary. Over the years, the center has adapted its role to meet the changing times, supporting foreign residents living in Kumamoto through various activities, such as holding exchange meetings between locals and foreigners and offering consultation services. With the recent influx of foreign residents due to companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) expanding into the city, the center is expected to provide even more detailed support.
"Sorting garbage is complicated." "Some Japanese people don't return greetings." "I want to interact with Japanese people, but there are no opportunities." These were some of the issues raised by foreign participants during an exchange meeting held by the Kumamoto City International Exchange Promotion Foundation, which manages the center.
The center was built in 1994, with a budget of approximately 4.1 billion yen. It has seven floors above ground and two basement levels, housing a large hall, a tea ceremony room where visitors can experience Japanese culture, and other facilities. Since its opening, the foundation has been managing the center as a hub for the city's international exchange strategy.
When the center first opened, international exchanges between cities were popular nationwide. Kumamoto City also established sister and friendship city relationships with cities like Guilin in China and Heidelberg in Germany. The center's primary mission back then was promoting "international understanding." Over time, this mission has shifted toward "intercultural understanding" and "multicultural coexistence." Tomomi Katsuya, the foundation’s director, who has been involved since the center’s opening, reflects: "While the activities themselves haven't changed, the roles we take on have evolved with the times."
Photo caption: Participants at an event on August 23, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, learning French from a French instructor (second from the left).
With the steady increase in foreign residents, the city established the "Foreign Residents General Consultation Plaza" inside the center in 2019. The plaza offers support in various areas, including healthcare, housing, administrative procedures, and mental health, with specialists such as lawyers and administrative scriveners providing expert advice. In fiscal year 2023, the center handled about 700 people and a total of 900 consultations.
A 29-year-old company employee from the Dominican Republic, living in Kumamoto City, who used the plaza for visa consultation, said: "There are many foreigners struggling with life in Japan due to language and cultural differences. The staff here work hard to support us."
According to the city, as of August 1 this year, the number of foreign residents in the city was 9,970—3.4 times the number 30 years ago. This number is expected to continue rising. As mutual understanding and smooth communication between local residents and foreign nationals become increasingly crucial for achieving a harmonious society, Shinichiro Nakajima, the 69-year-old representative of the civic group "Kumustaka—Living Together with Foreigners," emphasizes: "The responsibility should not be left solely to the foundation; the government must also work together to provide support."
One key to promoting coexistence may lie in the Japanese language classes the foundation holds across the city for foreign residents. These classes help foster good relationships in the community and workplaces. Additionally, the center regularly organizes events aimed at Japanese people, offering deeper insight into the culture and languages of around 10 countries, including Mexico and Germany. A 19-year-old female student at Kumamoto Prefectural University commented: "It's great to have the chance to casually learn from native speakers. It makes it easier to understand the culture of those countries."
Looking toward the future of Kumamoto City, where Japanese and foreigners will live together, Director Katsuya said enthusiastically: "We want to contribute more than ever to building a society where people from diverse backgrounds support each other, using the International Center as a base to connect the community with foreign residents."
(By Mitsuhiro Yonemoto)
--- end translation ---
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/779ba1b764d749bcf0a3be82c3f9938ae2649a5c

Kirk here. I'm posting this because I assume that Steffen Riley has some friends who read this page (but, personally, I don't happen to have had the pleasure of meeting him).
One point: Kumamoto FEELS tropical (especially this year) but, technically, the climatic designation of Kumamoto (except the Aso region) is "humid subtropical" (温暖湿潤気候), not "tropical."
From Potlatch to Kumamoto: How a small-town lad found his spiritual path with ELCA in Japan
Discover the fascinating spiritual journey of Steffen Riley, from a small Idaho town to working with the ELCA in tropical Japan.