Posts
Aso highlands burning festival
William Japan has some pretty fascinating footwear. Most are familiar with the wooden geta, which allow the wearer to stay above the muck. The jikatabi are cotton boots with a rubber sole used by construction workers for their flexibility. They hook up the back, are very comfortable. come in different heights, and are often worn in festivals. A great place to buy such footwear is on Kokai shopping street. In particular, near the torii at the entrance is a large shoe shop which is popular among festival-goers, providing a wide selection of unique footwear.
Agricultural Festivals - Shirakawa and Agricultural Park
Kirk here. The student shown in the image you see actually said 'We call it nohgakuden in Japanese'; the mistake is that of whoever put the subtitles on the video at RKK. The TV report is about how this university student is studying to become a certified English-language guide.
Kirk here. This came in my news feed but it's from the Fuji Film website so it might be sort of a cross between an ad for the company and news, I do think it's another indication of the growth of the high-tech sector in Kumamoto.
Kirk here. This painting by Tomikichiro Tokuriki (1902-1999) is mentioned in an article about Japanese art and the crescent moon published in the Modern Tokyo Times.
Kirk here. I read this article about rules pertaining to the use Kumamon's image with interest. Here's and odd one: Since Kumamon is considered to be male, he's not allowed to like sweet things like cake (cake!!). I've heard the idea that, in Japan, people used to think that sweets were feminine and therefore it was thought that men and boys shouldn't like them. But, I thought that was an old, discredited stereotype and so was a bit surprised to learn that it has been made an official rule. Read the whole article for more interesting tidbits.
Kirk again. The article I posted about a few hours ago mentioned the pamphlet described on the page I'm linking to. Here's a ChatGPT translation of the text on the page:
William For American denizens residing in Kumamoto, it is voting time! To request an overseas ballot (they'll generally consider that you are military), go to the below link. Here is a recent message from the Fukuoka Consulate:
TSMC Kumamoto Fab Opening Ceremony
William with an inquiry from a British reader. At his request, please post responses below, and thank you for your contribution to our international community.
William Looks like we may get some snow later in the week. Mt Kimpo is a good place to experience the phenomenon. There are two parking lots, the lower and upper, and in the event of snow, the former is greatly recommended. Also, hiking the road up is not only safer than the trail but preferable from a viewpoint point of view: the road winds around about 300° of the mountain, with wonderful views of the paddies of Tamana, Nagasaki's Mt Unzen, and our city with Mt Aso. Go up one side and down the other. Make sure to bring bread crumbs for the birds that will feed from your hand at the peak.
Atsuko here with information about standing demonstration against genocide in Palestine today.
Relief supplies handover for Ishikawa
Kirk here. I think it's cool that an article about an new development in AI starts with a Kumamoto dateline.
Kirk here. The high tech investment news just keeps coming.
Kirk here with a job offer.
William Once was a time that the only way to travel to Kagoshima to Kumamoto was via the coast. With the advent of the expressway, though, the route has turned into a seldom-used backwater with its chain of small towns withering. Yet this adds to its charm, particularly if you have a few days and a tent (all you need can be purchased at a single outing to Hirose - avoid those expensive "trekking" shops) . Even a map is not required, though a bit of advanced research on onsen locations is recommended to plan overnight stays. Remember, you can camp anywhere as long as you leave your site as you found it.
Kirk here with some news: "Twelve people from Jikei Hospital in Kumamoto City arrived in Ishikawa on Thursday with foodstuff for about 300 people."
