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Parutama (that big stone ball in front of what used to be Parco) is back. [It had be wrapped up for a while because it was in need of repairs.] -- Kirk
『パル玉』復活の瞬間！4か月の“調整中” 経て34年の歴史が再始動 | 熊本のニュース｜RKK熊本放送
「パル玉」の愛称で知られる、熊本市下通りのHAB＠（ハブアット）前にある球体のモニュメント（正式名称「グラニットボール」）。熊本県民の待ち合わせ場所としても親しまれている場所で、水圧によって玉がくるく…

Kirk here. On the one hand, I wonder how long this "history" might be, since all of the earthquakes listed are in fairly recent memory. On the other hand, I think it does show how the Kumamoto earthquake was very notable, not just within Japan, but internationally as well. I was also interested to see that 4 of the top 10 occurred in Japan and that the 2024 Noto earthquake isn't even included (too recent?).
Source: https://www.worldatlas.com/natural-disasters/the-world-s-costliest-earthquakes.html

Fiona here, getting excited about the Paris Olympics which will be starting in just a few days. One Kumamoto-born Olympian to watch out for is Ryotaro Araki from Yamaga who formerly played football for Kumamoto Roasso. Check out his stats and match schedule below.
ARAKI Ryotaro

Hitoyoshi's recovery from the 2020 floods continues. -- Kirk
Kumamoto: Soy Sauce Maker Revived After Disastrous 2020 Flood
HITOYOSHI, Kumamoto — A long-established soy sauce maker in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto Prefecture, has made a miraculous return to traditional production after its factory was severely damaged by the torrential rains that fell in July 2020.

For Tonkotsu Ramen Fans.
Report on the 1st Kumamoto きくらげ Kikurage ( wood ear mushroom) Festival.
The 1st Kumamoto Kikurage Festival was held today in Hitoyoshi City. I love Kikurage too. Kikurage is an indispensable ingredient in tonkotsu ramen, Taipien, and Chukadon. Hitoyoshi Kuma is one of the leading Kikurage production areas in the prefecture. There were kikurage croquettes and kikurage pudding, but I bought fresh kikurage (dried kikurage is often seen, but fresh kikurage is only available in the production area) and grilled Hitoyoshi ayu fish. I was too late to go to the market, so I did not have a chance to experience the harvesting process.
Hoping you love Kumamoto tasty Kikurage too.
٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶Atsuko

Kirk here with a fairly extensive article about the internationalization of Kumamoto that is being accelerated by the arrival of TSMC. Here's a quote that I found particularly interesting:
--- start quote ---
The Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) set up a committee in May to advance discussions on the acceptance of foreign nationals. Keidanren Chief Tokura Masakazu often quotes Swiss author Max Frisch who wrote “we asked for workers; we got people instead.” When workers are called in from overseas to tackle labor shortage, the country who invites them only deems them as “labor power.” However, the workers who actually come are, of course, people who have families and lives.
--- end quote ---
The original German seems to have been "Wir riefen Arbeitskräfte und es kamen Menschen" and here is the Japanese text on which the English has been based:
--- start quote ---
5月末。経団連は外国人政策委員会を立ち上げた。外国人の受け入れ環境の整備など、課題について議論を進めるとしている。会長十倉雅和氏が好んで引用する言葉の一つに「労働力を呼んだが、やってきたのは人間だった」というものがある。スイスの作家の言葉だ。
要するに、人手不足で海外から働き手を呼ぶときに、呼ぶ方は「労働力」という頭しかない。しかし、実際に来るのは当然ながら「労働力」ではなく「人間」で、すなわち家族もいれば、働くだけではなく、生活をする。異国で暮らすということはさまざまな困りごとも出てくるし、子どもの学校や友だち、言語の問題、生活習慣やルールの違い、医療へのスムーズなアクセス、とさまざまな対応が必要となる。
--- end quote ---
https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/economy/dd95386e8dec4a739a12866a739a1549
I think I had come across this Max Frisch quote before for reading this article, but searching for the original quote in preparation for writing this post has made me realize that Frisch is often cited in Japanese-language discourse about immigration -- and I'm glad that he is. On the other hand, I've been a bit bothered by the extent to which the expression "外国人材" (gaikokujinzai; foreign-born human resources) has become so popular as to supplant the term "外国人" (foreigner) in many contexts. The most egregious case was a notice I found on the internet that was addressed to "Gaikokujinzai" working in Kumamoto. Unfortunately, I can't find it now, but I felt it was like writing "Dear foreign-born human resources," at the top of a letter. I may be a "resource" to you but I don't consider being a "resource" for local businesses as my identity, thank you.
https://www.ntv.co.jp/englishnews/articles/2021kg1wqap98nousbdf.html
Can "Xenophobic" Japan lure Immigrant Workers?
U.S. President Joe Biden in May,made remarks on Japan’s stalled economic growth,during a campaign reception. “Why is Jap...

Attn Keirin fans: Bicycle racing has returned to Kumamoto for the first time since the track was damaged in the 2016 quakes. -- Kirk
熊本地震から復興、8年ぶりバンクに歓声　熊本競輪場でレース再開｜熊本日日新聞社
　2016年の熊本地震で被災し、熊本市が再建した熊本競輪場（中央区水前寺）で20日、8年ぶりにレースが開催された。選手は新設の1周400メートルのバンク（競走路）を駆け抜け、観客の声援が場内に響いた。　レースには中....

I used to work near Ezuko (Lake Ezu) and noticed many banana trees whose bananas never seemed to ripen. Curious, I asked an older employee why they never ripened, and he said it was because the soil was poor - but that answer didn't satisfy me, so I researched it and found that they are fiber bananas, raised not for their fruit but for their stalks, which could be harvested yearly and turned into cloth. (This is called "seni banana" - 繊維バナナ - and clothing made from the fiber can still be found online.) The Hosokawa lords, who had a summer house nearby (still marked by a plaque), raised them mostly as a vanity project.
Kasegawa (加瀬川), which originates from the springs at Suizenji Park, flows under Densha Dori and is added to by the springs behind the library, which is chock full of banana trees and deliciously cool natural water, as can be seen by the photos at the link. Parking is plentiful here and there, and the walk from the tram stop not too far. Small pools originating from springs abound, and Kasegawa itself is clean enough to drink this far up from Ezuko. There is also a large boulder (pictured) which is popular among the youngsters to jump from into the stream.
If you have children, it is an accessible location to cool off on a day off. There is no shopping in the area, so bring a picnic. Much info at the link. - William
https://www.furumono.jp/kumamoto-outdoor-about-ezu-park-basyou

Warning level for Aso volcano back to 1 (lowest level). Access to the crater should be good this summer. -- Kirk
阿蘇中岳の噴火警戒レベルを『１』に引き下げ　火口見学も再開【熊本】（TKUテレビ熊本） - Yahoo!ニュース
夏休み直前、阿蘇観光の後押しとなりそうです。福岡管区気象台は１９日阿蘇中岳の噴火警戒レベルを『１』に引き下げました。また火口見学も再開され、さっそく観光客が阿蘇の優大な自然を堪能しました。 福岡

We'd written recently about Shimabara, on the Nagasaki peninsula just across Ariake Sea. Below is an addendum.
In 1792, there was an event that became known as 島原大変肥後迷惑 (Shimabara taihen, Higo meiwaku, which translates as "Terrible day for Shimabara; an annoyance for Higo" - an understatement). Google it for interesting photos: it sculpted the geology that remains to this day.
In a nutshell, volcanic activity on Mt Unzen created a massive protuberance which broke loose, resulting in a landslide falling into Ariake Sea. This unleashed a tsunami in the bowl-shaped sea which washed several kilometers across the Higo lowlands and then bounced back to Shimabara, making what was already a bad day there much worse.
I had to take a laboratory science class in college so chose geology ("rocks for jocks") as it was the easiest, but it spawned a lifelong interest in the topic. Often in Kumamoto you'll come across a geological feature that doesn't seem to belong. That event in 1792 answers many questions about the unique features to be found on the Shimabara peninsula.
Unzen is currently dormant, but its potential to resume activity remains very high. It makes for a fascinating visit. - William
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%B3%B6%E5%8E%9F%E5%A4%A7%E5%A4%89%E8%82%A5%E5%BE%8C%E8%BF%B7%E6%83%91

Kirk here with three questions I've received and need to respond to when I get some time:
Does anyone know if there is a notary service in Kumamoto for English documents?
How do you recommend getting rid of an old computer?
Does anyone know how to rent a fridge in Kumamoto city?

Hi there! We'd like to ask our members to share information about reliable, professional mental health options; in-patient or out-patient in Kumamoto are preferred, but further afield or online mental health counselling is very welcome too.
English-speaking practitioners are greatly sought after, but, of course, details about compassionate Japanese professionals are also welcome.
If you have some information please post links or details.
Online options, including international mental help therapists are also a great resource; especially if overseas, please add JST hours, payment currency/methods, speciality, free first consultation, regular fee info, etc.
Many thanks in advance - Ruth
BetterHelp | Professional Therapy With A Licensed Therapist
BetterHelp offers affordable, convenient online therapy when you need it from licensed, professional therapists. Get help, you deserve to be happy!

As you can see from the numbers of average cases per medical institutions on the map, Kumamoto is ranked 4th (behind Okinawa, Kagoshima, and Miyazaki) in terms of new COVID-19 cases. People around me are getting sick. Take care! -- Kirk
https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/life/cfd3614bed2743d599faabb798679f93

A place to go to beat the heat: Kashima Machi is an attractive farming town that has grown in recent years due to a major shopping mall. It is also known for its natural spring-fed pool (嘉島町湧水公園天然プール, Kashima-chō yūsuikōen ten'nen pūru). There are two pools, one shaped like a normal pool and one a bit more natural. They were formed by runoff from Aso meeting an ancient volcanic substrate. You'll need a car to get there, but there is plenty of free parking. Pack a picnic and the kids and bring inflatable toys! - William
https://kumaon.kumamoto.jp/kashima-yuusui-pool

Kirk here with an inquiry from someone who is looking for a good place to swim:
--- start quote ---
I am looking for a swimming pool in Kumamoto. I am living in Honjo but no worries any place that I can reach by transportation will be fine.
--- start quote ---
Now that it's about to get REALLY hot, it might be a good time to exchange tips on this healthful way of cooling off. I'm posting one link I found but I think tips that those of you reading this may share in comments will be much more valuable.
Pool Spots in Kumamoto Area (Page 1)| Japan Travel by NAVITIME - Japan Travel Guides, Transit Search and Itinerary Planner
A list introducing the Pool spots of Kumamoto (page 1). You can refine your search by genre, and check the location on the map. If you add a spot to your favorites, you can easily create an itinerary.

Kirk here. This article is fairly old now but I think the "stay tax" (宿泊税) is still in the works. The headline refers to the "negative effects of foreign tourism" but the article doesn't explain those effects in detail. As far as I can tell from looking at a few Japanese articles, Kumamoto City needs to find funds to allow it to provide appropriate services for the growing numbers of visitors, but I'm not exactly sure what services are needed. At any rate, the tax would be a few hundred yen per hotel guest, regardless of citizenship.
Kumamoto to introduce stay tax to combat negative effects of spiking foreign tourism - The Mainichi
KUMAMOTO -- The city of Kumamoto will introduce an accommodation tax in early 2026 to raise funds in part to combat the negative effects of foreign to

Kirk here with an update about Minamata disease. I think I wrote earlier that Minister Ito finally promised to start health surveys in a couple years. (Amazingly, a proper health survey of affected areas has never been undertaken; we only know about the people who have come forward on their own.) The first line of this article points to an even more serious issue -- the refusal of the government to relax the certification criteria:
"The environment minister dashed the hopes of uncertified Minamata disease patients by saying the government has no plans to review standards for recognizing sufferers of the mercury poisoning case."
Minister offers little in meetings with Minamata disease patients | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
NAGASHIMA, Kagoshima Prefecture--The environment minister dashed the hopes of uncertified Minamata disease patients by saying the government has no plans to review standards for recognizing sufferers of the mercury poisoning case.

To our American friends: That the upcoming election is important does not need to be impressed on anyone paying attention. The Center for US Voters Abroad allows confirmation that one is registered to vote in one's state and links to register if not.
My wife voted without fail - she was of the generation that understood the sacrifices Japan had made for that right.
I understand that this is not directly related to Kumamoto, but it is tangentially; as it's said, when America sniffs, Japan catches a cold.
- William
Register To Vote From Abroad
Most U.S. citizens 18 years and older are eligible to vote absentee from abroad.

(Fiona) This event is taking place on Monday July 15th and looks very fun. Apologies for the late notice.
Time to get dirty! Mudball!!
Japanese new sport “PK (Football) World Cup“ in Rice Field
Date: July 15th 10am - 3pm
Place: Ryumon Primary School
https://maps.app.goo.gl/kvoWZtDZnF6pdsCR8?g_st=ic
Fee: ￥1,000 (3 - 10 people / team)
Prizes
⭐️1st: Natural grown Rice 30kg
⭐️2nd: 10 Onsen tickets at Shirokane no Mori
⭐️Most Point Player: Goyado (whole old house) one night ticket
⭐️MDP: Twinstar 10 gelato tickets
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8MMkMFxxSG/?igsh=MWQwNnA3OTR0dG9tbw==
If you are interested in, please message on Instagram.
菊池市立龍門小学校 · Primary school
菊池市立龍門小学校 · Primary school
356 Ryumon, Kikuchi, Kumamoto 861-1672, Japan

Kirk here with something that is not specific to Kumamoto but is definitely relevant to the lives of folks in Kumamoto who are working as ALTs. I saw this article you see pictured in Japanese and thought it would surely have been published in English but, at this point, no such luck. But, never fear, AI to the rescue -- I'll append a ChatGPT translation of an abridged version of the article to this post.
The picture you see is one I downloaded from this Japanese Facebook post:
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0yTHtPvKvUue6oJR3HAUNUgeyc4sC7oBmjaPgeya6BQySs57UhVp4vmKK2WyVkmfLl&id=100041118318919
The English summary ("grossly underpaid") is mine.
I'll place a link to the online Asahi article after the translation.
--- start translation ---
An ALT Teaching English Faces Severe Low Wages, Endures a Day on School Lunches: "Loneliness in the Staff Room"
Junichi Miyagawa, July 13, 2024, 3:00 PM
Surviving on School Lunches Due to Severe Low Wages
"My living expenses are falling short, and my debt increases every month. Even when asked if I want to get married, I can only say 'I'm sorry' because of my unstable life. I can't even afford the train fare for a date."
Jesse Ali (43; transliteration of ジェシー・アリ, spelling unverified), from California, USA, who works as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Kanagawa Prefecture, made this plea on June 17 in front of the staffing agency he contracts with.
Jesse became interested in Japan after meeting a Japanese exchange student in high school. From 2001, he studied abroad at International Christian University for two years while attending university in the US. After graduating from his American university, he returned to Japan. Through a major ALT dispatch company, he has taught in elementary, junior high, and high schools in Kanagawa Prefecture for a total of about 15 years.
At elementary schools, he is responsible for 5-6 periods per day at a single school, teaching English conversation and singing English songs with the children. Since the guidelines differ for each dispatching board of education, he needs to rearrange the content. He also puts effort into creating his own illustrated characters, among other ideas. He speaks about his sense of fulfillment: "I want students to enjoy communication and expand their international interests."
"Even if I say I have no money, people don't believe me"
However, Jesse says he doesn't earn an income that matches his work. Although the number of lessons varies, even working five days a week, his monthly take-home pay is less than 200,000 yen. It decreases significantly during the spring break in March and April. There are no bonuses either.
--- end translation ---
There's more to the article but one has to register to view it. Here's the URL:
https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASS7D31SZS7DULFA02WM.html
Anyone know anything about this?