Posts

Yesterday, I posted an article by Rebeccas Nakagami about onsen in the Hitoyoshi area. The article contains a link to this article, also by Rebecca, about other attractions in the Hitoyoshi area.
-- Kirk
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/cool_japan/fun_spots/AJ201510170013
FROM AROUND JAPAN/ Hitoyoshi: The perfect picnic on the grounds of a castle - AJW by The Asahi...
It is a good day for a picnic, and the cooler is packed with enough ice to compensate for the heat of a summer afternoon.

The opportunity described on the Kumamoto JET page "will be mainly oriented towards study abroad students and ALTs/CIRs" but I think it should be open to all interested persons.
http://kumamotojet.com/shin/index.php/2016/01/07/noh-workshop-in-kumamoto-city-january-31/
By the way, the image I've attached to this post is from the following page:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2091.html
-- Kirk
Noh Workshop in Kumamoto City – January 31 Kumamoto JET
Noh Workshop in Kumamoto City – January 31 January 7, 2016 Events The Kumamoto UNESCO group will be holding a Noh workshop in Kumamoto City later this month. It will be mainly oriented towards study abroad students and ALTs/CIRs so this is a great opportunity to learn about the traditional Japanese…

Fans of onsen and/or the Hitoyoshi area will want to have a look at this article. I've had the pleasure of meeting the author, Rebecca Nakagami, during a visit to the Hitoyoshi area. Nicely written article, Rebecca!
-- Kirk
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/cool_japan/fun_spots/AJ201601080060
FROM AROUND JAPAN/ Hitoyoshi: Dipping into onsen culture - AJW by The Asahi Shimbun
You are completely naked. As is everyone else. Move slowly, copy the actions of those around you and keep your eyes from wandering.

This article describes the company that makes the Kumamon's suits (and the suits of other such characters):
"There are dozens of mascot-outfit makers in Japan, but the Kano family’s company, Kigurumi.biz, stands out in the crowd. Its suits, which cost $4,000 to $6,500, are the Cadillacs of the mascot world, with features like motorized fans to keep their occupants cool during Japan’s humid summers. Most are based on existing images, but Kano employs artists who can create characters from scratch or who can refine customers’ designs.
Kano’s biggest claim to fame is creating the wearable version of Kumamon, a red-cheeked bear that has become one of the most popular fantasy creatures in Japan."
http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/in-japan-empire-of-cute-mascots-rule/
In Japan, empire of cute, mascots rule
Whimsical mascots have become a virtual obsession in Japan, and seemingly every town, business and arm of government has one.

"The ministry conducted on-site inspections on the Kumamoto-based drugmaker from May to December last year to check in-house documents and interrogate those concerned. As a result, the ministry found that Kaketsuken had manufactured blood products based on procedures that are different from those that have been approved by the government for the last 40 years. Starting about 20 years ago, the institute began submitting false manufacturing records at the time of government screenings."
http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0002669876
110-day suspension ordered for Kaketsuken
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry on Friday ordered drugmaker Kaketsuken to suspend business for 110 days for using unapproved procedures in the manufacture of blood products and vaccines.

Got a message on Facebook from a Thai graduation student at Kumadai. He writes:
Hi, my name is Pear. I am a graduate student from Thailand. I am going to Kumamoto University, and spend for 4 months. I want to use a bicycle during I stay there. Could you please give me any suggestion about rental bicycle in Kumamoto for long period (4 months). Thank you so much in advance.

Bungy jumping in Kumamoto as a rite of passage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRXa8kwZ0Ic

Local opponents of the LDP are trying to cooperate. Reminds me a little of the coalition built to limit the influence of the National Front in France. I wonder if it will be as effective.
"The DPJ has so far decided to back eight independents affiliated with the party in single-seat districts. One of them will be a unified candidate in Kumamoto Prefecture chosen in agreement with other opposition parties."
Oh, and since this is my first post of the new year, I'd like to wish everyone a happy 2016! I hope I can be a little more consistent in my management of the page this year.
-- KIrk
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/01/02/national/politics-diplomacy/249-candidates-to-run-in-upper-house-election-as-ldp-seeks-outright-majority/#.VojIVja5gpY
249 candidates to run in Upper House election as LDP seeks outright majority | The Japan Times
A total of 249 people are planning to compete for the 121 seats up for grabs in the triennial election for the House of Councilors this summer, a Jiji Pres

Hi everyone,
While the call for presentations is closed, we are accepting poster presentation proposals until 15 Jan. Just go to
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZS5n8A4ush0YT2kTnYn6h0F548-PfmwKW-YeVwoVLqA/viewform
We especially encourage students and teachers to present their ideas in this relaxed format. Hope to see you there!
Sojo University Teaching and Learning Forum 2016:
Engaging Learners with Materials
Co-sponsored by NanKyu JALT
Date:
Saturday January 30th, 2016
Location:
Sojo University International Learning Center
Sojo University, Kumamoto
Early-bird Fee (before January 15th, 2016):
￥1000 for JALT Members and ￥1500 for non-members (includes lunch)
Normal Fee (on or after January 15th, 2016):
￥1500 for JALT Members and ￥2000 for non-members (includes lunch)
Click here to register
Call for papers due:
December 18th, 2015
Click here to submit
Plenary Speakers:
l Barbara Hoskins Sakamoto, Director, International Teacher Development Institute
“Designing Materials that Work”
l Prof. Curtis Kelly (EdD), Kansai University Japan
“The Neuroscience of Lesson Design”
For more information:
http://www.nankyujalt.org/sutlf-2016
Hope you can present or attend!
SUTLF 2016 Call for Presentations SUTLF 2016 発表申し込み　
Complete and submit this form electronically to apply for a presentation slot at the Sojo University Teaching and Learning Forum 2016: Engaging Learners with Materials on January 30th, 2016. Note that space is limited, so early registration is recommended. The deadline for regular presentations was…

Hong Kong Airlines begins Kumamoto service - TTG Asia - Leader in Hotel, Airlines, Tourism and...
HONG Kong Airlines has launched a new flight between Hong Kong and Kumamoto, Japan which will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays.

Kumamoto Airport seems to be on its way to establishing itself as an international airport.

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/12/14/national/kumamoto-airport-first-open-one-stop-tax-refund-counter/#.Vm_-Tja5jng
Kumamoto Airport first to open one-stop tax refund counter | The Japan Times
In response to the nation's steadily growing influx of foreign tourists, Kumamoto Airport on Monday became the first in the nation to open a dedicated one-

Here's a link to a Google map that shows the precise location:
https://goo.gl/maps/ofuACyUQkBm
http://www.japantoday.com/category/travel/view/one-of-japans-stunning-secret-destinations-the-road-to-laputa-in-kumamoto
For more pictures, etc. see
http://en.rocketnews24.com/2015/12/06/we-visit-one-of-japans-stunning-secret-destinations-the-road-to-laputa-in-kumamoto/
One of Japan’s stunning secret destinations: the 'Road to Laputa' in Kumamoto
If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into an animated film from Studio Ghibli, “The Road to Laputa” in…

Here's an update regarding the power plant:
--- start quote ---
Canadian Solar (CSIQ), a manufacturer of solar power products,, said Tuesday that it has signed a project financing agreement with Deutsche Bank AG, Tokyo branch for a JPY 12 billion ($97.2 million) senior non-recourse credit facility, which will be used for the construction of the company’s Kumamoto Mashiki solar power plant in Japan. The 48-megawatt-peak Kumamoto Mashiki solar projected is expected to commence commercial operation in 2017 and will sell electricity to Kyushu Electric Power Co., under a 20-year feed-in-tariff contract.
--- end quote ---
More at:
http://www.articlebasis.com/equity-debt-offerings/canadian-solar-secures-jpy-12-bln-financing-for-48-mwp-kumamoto-mashiki-solar-project-in-japan-nasdaqcsiq-19868.html
Canadian Solar Signs Agreement with Mashiki Town and Kumamoto Prefecture to Build 47 MWp Solar...
GUELPH, Ontario, Oct. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Canadian Solar Inc. (the "Company", or "Canadian Solar") CSIQ, -1.62% one of the world's largest solar power companies, today announced that it signed an agreement with Mashiki Town and Kumamoto Prefecture to build a 47.0 MWp solar power plant. Once com…

I've been busy lately and have found it difficult post regularly to this page. The easiest things to post are rather disturbing news items like this one. I hope to post more positive items (information about events, etc.) in the future:
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/12/07/national/crime-legal/kumamoto-man-24-held-stimulant-death-baby-hotel/#.VmjT1ITgPng
Kumamoto man, 24, held in stimulant death of baby in hotel | The Japan Times
A 24-year-old man was arrested Sunday for allegedly killing his girlfriend's baby by feeding him a fatal dose of a stimulant drug in a hotel in the city of

I have a friend with connections to this company. I didn't realize the extent of the corruption they were being accused of until I read this article.
---- start quote ----
When Kaketsuken reached a settlement with people who had filed lawsuits after contracting the AIDS virus from contaminated blood products in 1996, it promised to "continually make the utmost effort to prevent the occurrence of tragic suffering."The report states that even at that time, Kaketsuken was covering up shady aspects of its product manufacturing. "The pledge made for this settlement was just a show. This strongly suggests the company fundamentally gave little consideration to patients and placed priority on its profits," it said.
---- end quote ----
http://yourhealth.asiaone.com/content/drugmaker-blasted-40-yr-cover
-- Kirk
Drugmaker blasted for 40-yr cover-up
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry plans to impose an administrative penalty on the drugmaker. -The Japan News/ANN

A new store is coming . . .
"The second Japanese store opens Nov. 28 in Kumamoto, the capital city of Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu. At 2,000-square-feet, that store is about the same size as the one at 3100 W. Cary St. in Carytown."
http://www.richmond.com/business/local/article_8fa21a6b-2c76-5268-aeff-e6db7520e598.html
Need Supply Co. opens store in Japan
Apparel retailer Need Supply Co. has gone international.

Free Japanese classes

This is a shorter version of an article I posted earlier.
-- Kirk
http://www.japantoday.com/category/travel/view/hong-kong-airlines-to-launch-flights-to-kumamoto
Hong Kong Airlines to launch flights to Kumamoto
Hong Kong Airlines has confirmed that it will launch flights between Hong Kong and Kumamoto on Dec 14. The new…

Those of you who lived near Kami Kumamoto might have used this train.
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/cool_japan/style/AJ201511030004
Last 'green frog' train running in Kumamoto headed for final run after 60 years - AJW by The...
KUMAMOTO--With a rigid suspension and no air conditioning, a ride on Kumamoto Dentetsu Co.'s Kikuchi Line's "aogaeru," or green frog, does not offer the passenger comforts of a modern train.

The article says that six Santas that have been certified by the Greenland International Santa Claus Association will be in the Amakusa area until Dec. 20th (after the 20th, Santas tend to be rather busy checking lists, etc. ;)). The article mentions an American Santa named Douglas Gowin (sp?) whom I think is pictured here.
-- Kirk
https://www.facebook.com/amakusafan/posts/1029716183739515
熊本）サンタクロース、天草に「常駐」　６人交代で：朝日新聞デジタル
　グリーンランド国際サンタクロース協会の公認サンタが３０日から、天草市内のホテルやイベントに登場し、地元の人や観光客をもてなし始めた。協会メンバーも含む６人が交代で、１２月２０日まで（１１月１９～２７…