Posts

Kirk here with news about an interesting (in my view, at least) kind of kuyo (thanksgiving) ceremony. The word kuyo (供養) normally refers to a ceremony in which worshipers pray for the soul of a departed person. The practice of performing kuyo ceremonies for miscarriages and abortions has found its way into American culture where funerals (at least as far as I know) are usually reserved for those who have been born live. Here's an NPR piece about mizuko kuyo being adopted in the U.S.:
https://www.npr.org/2015/08/15/429761386/adopting-a-buddhist-ritual-to-mourn-miscarriage-abortion
The most famous kind of kuyo for inanimate objects is hari kuyo (針供養), which is described in this Wikipedia article:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hari-Kuy%C5%8D
Instead of merely throwing broken sewing needles In the trash, a ceremony is held to thank them for their service. While hari kuyo is quite famous, the news article I'm introducing today is about a much more unusual ceremony. It's about a kuyo service for old advertisements, which was held for the second time this year.
I'm not sure how those of you feel about such services but personally, even though I have never participated in a formal kuyo ceremony for a work-related object, I can appreciate the sentiment. Sometimes when I need to throw away an object that has served me well for an extended period of time, or something that was given to me but which I can no longer use, I'll put my hands together in a quasi-religious gesture of gratitude and appreciation before I place the item in a trash bin.
Here's a link to a YouTube video about this unique kind of kuyo ceremony held in Kumamoto:
１年間の広告物に感謝　熊本広告供養 (23/12/21 11:00)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QT-Kyw1eAY

Kirk here with something about the schooling of the children of TSMC employees who relocate here. I think a lot of this is review but, nonetheless, here it is:
--- start quote ---
Kumamoto City in September. It was scheduled to open in April next year, but was moved forward by more than half a year. This is because expatriate employees and their families had to come to Japan in advance as the completion of Taiwan’s TSMC’s Kumamoto Plant 1 was approaching. When the factory is completed, the number of TSMC expatriates and their families is expected to reach about 750. Of the 20 employees selected by Kumamoto International during its expansion process, four are Taiwanese. It is an international school that uses 70% English and 30% Japanese, but plans to also hold Taiwanese language classes. Nearby Kumamoto University-affiliated elementary, middle, and high schools also decided to establish English classes for families of TSMC expatriates.
--- end quote ---
Japan moves schools and establishes Taiwanese language classes for children of TSMC employees
[일본 반도체의 역습] 〈China〉 Japan-TSMC’s ‘Honeymoon’ Japan's Kumamoto Foundry Plant 1 is scheduled to be completed by Taiwan's TSMC in February next year. As this factory is built, Japanese semiconductor-related companies are also investing in nearby areas. Provided by Asahi Shimb...

Kumustaka (http://www.kumustaka.org/English/index.html) will submit a formal letter of protest to Higo Bank and then hold a press conference tomorrow (Wednesday, Dec. 27th) beginning at 11:30 AM. The venue will be the Kisha Club (記者クラブ) room on the 5th floor of the Kumamoto Shiyakusho（市役所）, downtown. I would like to attend but unfortunately I will not be able to be there tomorrow. If any of you who are interested in the issue can be there, I think it will help show that the foreign community is paying attention.
There are five main points that Kumustaka's three page letter makes. Here's a brief English-language summary.
1. Most foreigners in Kumamoto are from Vietnam and China. An important message like this should have been prepared in languages that the recipients can understand.
2. Please do not follow through on your threat to freeze the accounts of people who have not complied by the Dec. 29 deadline.
3. Make it possible to provide the requested information online.
4. Make it possible for foreigners who leave Japan but plan to return to maintain accounts. Japanese people are not required to close their accounts if they move abroad for a period of time so foreigners should also be able to maintain accounts, particularly when they plan to return.
5. The letter cites the government's guidelines on the prevention of money laundering but, in treating all foreigners as equally suspect, Higo Bank fails to follow those guidelines, which clearly state that the risks posed by permanent residents should be assessed individually, just as the risks posed by Japanese citizens must be assessed individually.
I sent a message to Kumustaka about some other points that have come up on this page, such as the way the letter makes it seem as though it is being sent to Japanese citizens as well as foreigners when, in fact, that is not the case. But, even if the letter does not contain all possible points regarding this issue, I think it's very, very good.
It looks like there will be lots of press there tomorrow. If you can attend, you may have an opportunity to add your voice to the conference and be quoted in the media. Or, it will be fine to remain silent and merely witness the conference. In either case, if you are interested and have time, please consider attending.
I'll add the addresses of other related posts in comments to this post.

Kirk here. I hope you all are enjoying the holiday season.
In this post I'd like to share a message from Miguel Varela who lives in Kami Amakusa in which he introduces himself to the community. I will be happy to post similar messages on behalf of other readers of the page. Just as Miguel mentions that he can do online tutoring in Spanish, I think it's fine if others of you would like write about the work you are doing. I hesitate to publish posts that are merely advertisements but I think it's fine to include notes about what kind of work you are doing and/or are interested in doing in a message to the group.
By the way, I got this message from Miguel a couple of weeks ago. I'd like to apologize to him and to all the readers of the page for being so slow to publish his message here.
----- message from Miguel -----
Hello everyone!
I trust this message finds you well. I'm Miguel Varela, and I'm genuinely excited to be a part of this wonderful community. Allow me to take a moment to introduce myself and share a bit about my background and interests.
I hail from the picturesque Costa Rica and pursued my academic journey in Industrial Engineering across universities in Costa Rica, Holland, and Japan, where I earned my Doctorate in 1990. My diverse professional path led me to roles as a college professor, systems engineer, sales and marketing manager, and eventually, the Training and Service Quality Director for Western Union in South Florida, USA, for nearly 15 years. Before retiring, I had the privilege of serving as the General Manager of Coopelibertad, a coffee farmer's cooperative in Costa Rica, specializing in the production and export of high-quality Arabica coffee to multiple countries.
My journey took a delightful turn when I married a charming lady from Kumamoto a couple of years before my graduation at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. Blessed with two wonderful children, my wife and I decided to return to Japan upon my retirement in 2019. For the past three years, we have called the beautiful island of Oyano in Kamiamakusa home, where we immerse ourselves in the outdoors, appreciate the spectacular nature, and cultivate vegetables in our garden. Additionally, I dedicate time to online Spanish tutoring and occasional English lessons for local residents looking to refine their language skills. You can learn more about our life in Kamiamakusa at https://kamiamakusa-life.jp/voice/.
Passionate about language and culture, I'm thrilled to announce that I am offering Spanish tutoring services. Drawing on my solid understanding of the language and its nuances, I am confident in my ability to make the process of learning and mastering Spanish both enjoyable and interactive.
Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to enhance existing skills, I tailor my lessons to individual needs and learning styles. If you or someone you know is interested in learning Spanish, I would be delighted to connect and discuss how we can embark on this linguistic adventure together. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you're ready to start your Spanish-learning journey. I am available both online and in person in or around Kumamoto city.
I look forward to connecting with fellow language enthusiasts and potential students. ¡Hasta pronto!
Best regards,
Miguel Varela
https://kamiamakusa-life.jp/voice/voice01.php
移住者の声：無意識に“帰って”きたかった場所で【バレラさん】 | 上天草市公式移住情報サイト
上天草市に移住してきた「バレラさん」にインタビューしました。移住のきっかけ、住んでみてよかったこと、上天草市の魅力などお話を聞きました。

Sean here
Santa is back in town.
Christmas Eve at Cocosa from 11 AM to 6:00 PM
Good opportunities for some family photos, or 2024 Christmas cards. If you happen to be downtown doing some last-minute Christmas shopping.

Joe Tomei here with pho 4 breakfast!
Time (タイム), the pho restaurant that was next to the Kengun McDonalds, has reopened in their new place next to Kumamoto zoo. Their hours are 8 to 4 (check their instagram for their holidays) and my wife and I braved the snow (all 3 flakes) to have a pho ga and yam un sen set. There are 5 parking spaces, 3 on the road and two behind the restaurant.
Instagram is here
https://www.instagram.com/pho___time/
and the google map link is here
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y2WjVfPf4wdm14A6A

Joe Tomei here with a cruciferous vegetable request. I am trying to find some Brussels sprouts, ideally fresh, but frozen would work. I have seen them at 八百健 (map link here https://maps.app.goo.gl/jJeB2mFcDutNzed16 )
a neat little store that sells vegetables and fruit that don't match up to the 'perfect' size/shape etc at very reasonable prices. I'll check by later, but if anyone has seen them in town, please let me know in a comment here!
理容オリエント · 3 Chome-1-60 Toroku, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, 862-0970, Japan

Atsuko with deals and interesting information.
Tickets to anywhere in Kyushu during the winter holidays for 100 yen!
Unfortunately, it is only for elementary school students and under, but still a very good deal. It will be a good experience.
If you have an adult with them, you can use the 青春18切符 Seishun 18 ticket together.You can buy and use Seisyun 18 ticket over 18, me, you, any age.
It seems that the buses in the city will be free on the 23rd. I recommend this as well.
Hope you enjoy Kumamoto and Kyushu.(*Ü*)ﾉ"
こどもぼうけんきっぷ /for kids
https://www-jrkyushu-co-jp.translate.goog/railway/bouken/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en
青春18切符/ for adult
https://railway-jr--central-co-jp.translate.goog/tickets/youth18-ticket/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
Children's Adventure Ticket
100 yen per day
Validity period
Can be used for 1 day
child
Children under 6th grade
(Children can also use it alone.)
*Customers who are infants (1-6 years old (preschoolers)) or infants (0-1 years old)
There is no need to purchase a ticket when boarding the train, but in the following cases
You will need to request a ticket.
① When an “infant” travels alone
② The number of “infants” accompanying one “adult” or “child” is 2.
If more than one person
③ When an "infant" or "infant" uses a reserved seat, green seat, etc. alone.

Sean here,
Does anybody have any recommendations or personal experience with the purchasing or renting of water dispensers/coolers?
I am not interested in water service, as Kumamoto water is the best.
However, I like the convenience of having hot and or cold water on demand.
Thanks.

Sean here,
reporting from the “I read it on the Internet, so it must be true” desk
Tokyo's PAWSitive Touch offers a unique experience: dog-on-dog massage therapy.
Picture a fluffy Shiba Inu kneading a nervous Chihuahua while a Basset Hound dispenses wisdom through barks.
Canine Zen awaits stressed pups, from Jack Russell deep tissue to pampered pug cucumber masks.
It's not your typical spa, but if you're ready for tail-wagging joy and canine camaraderie,
PAWSitive Touch is the place to be.

Kirk here, trying to get back to the issue of Higo Bank demanding that many foreign residents appear at one of their banks with documents in hand to identify themselves.
A meeting that Mr. Nakashima of Kumustaka and I had with a bank representative helped me understand their position a bit better, though there are still many important questions left unanswered.
In regard to the question of why they would be asking people who have been here a long time (especially those with permanent residency) to appear, it seems that before 2018 they had not been collecting the information they are now required to collect. So, that would seem to explain -- to some extent, at least -- why old-timers would be hauled in, but there are many issues that cannot be clarified so easily. I've done very little at this point but Mr. Nakashima is continuing to work on these questions, going as far as to contact the relevant government authorities to get their official explanations regarding various points of contention.
In the meantime, if you do not feel you can comply with the bank's demands please contact them, either in writing or by phone, to request an alternative method of giving them the information they need. The Higo Bank representative indicated a willingness to be flexible in response to requests for special consideration.
One thing I learned as a result of our discussion is that Japan has been under pressure from and international organization called the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to reduce the risk of money laundering (see
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14430373). Similar demands for reform have been made on many countries, including the United States. But, we suspect that Japan may be somewhat unique (?) in targeting foreign residents in order to show that it is working to reduce the risk of money laundering. The text in the image I've added is from an FAQ put out by the government and clearly indicates that banks like Higo should verify the visa status of customers (CDD = Customer Due Diligence). But, FATF documents I have looked at thus far don't seem to say anything about the need to crack down on foreigners. Rather, this seems to be coming from the Japanese government. So, here's a question I hope you can help me answer: Have any of you heard anything about foreign residents in your home countries or other countries being subjected to similar sudden demands to appear at a bank, or to submit documents remotely? If so, please either contact me personally or, better yet, share what you know in a comment. Thanks!
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding “Guidelines for Anti-Money Laundering and
Combating the Financing of Terrorism”
https://www.fsa.go.jp/en/news/2022/20221109/20220805_en_amlcft_faq.pdf

Sean here-
Raku Sato, a member of Teen Driven, has embarked on an exciting journey as a young entrepreneur.
If you believe that today's teenagers are not merely lazy, overpampered smartphone zombies, but rather possess the potential to be innovative and driven individuals, then read on.
Let's support Raku's initiative and encourage his entrepreneurial spirit.
-Japanese below-
My name is Raku Sato.
I studied abroad in Oxford and London, England from August 12 to September 2 this year.
I decided to hold a solo exhibition/pop-up store called "UK trip pop-up" to introduce the various cultures and landscapes I saw and felt there, as well as the Japanese culture I passed on to the local people.
I will introduce my travel memories and activities and sell interesting and cute products that I have purchased in the area!
Please come and enjoy my exhibition at UNUSUAL!
開催日→12/9〜12/30
UNUSUAL→熊本県熊本市中央区白山２丁目１３−９ 富士ビル 1F
こんにちは。佐藤楽です。
僕は今年の8/12〜9/2までイギリスのオックスフォードとロンドンに留学をしてきました。
その際現地で見て感じた様々な文化や景色や、逆に自分が現地の人々に伝えた日本の文化を紹介するために、"UK trip pop-up"という個展を開催することにしました。
僕の旅行の思い出や活動内容の紹介展示、そして僕が現地で買い付けてきた面白くて可愛らしい商品の販売もあります！
ぜひ！UNUSUALで僕の展示をお楽しみください!
開催日→12/9〜12/30
UNUSUAL→熊本県熊本市中央区白山２丁目１３−９ 富士ビル 1F

Kirk here. I've been in Kumamoto for a while now but until reading this article, I didn't realize that poinsettias were a local product.
Shipments of poinsettias for Christmas season in full swing in southwest Japan - The Mainichi
YAMAGA, Kumamoto -- Shipments of poinsettias, which add brilliant color to the Christmas season, are at their peak at the Chibusan Yokaen flower farm

Kirk here. Good news! The restoration of Aso Shrine has been completed!
Aso Shrine Fully Restored for 1st Time since 2016
Aso, Kumamoto Pref., Dec. 7 (Jiji Press)--Reconstruction of a two-storied gate of Aso Shrine was completed on …

Kirk here with some recent news and some background.
News: Governor Kabashima has decided not to run for a fourth term.
Background: There seems to be something of a tradition of stopping at three terms. In the early 1980s then Governor SAWADA Issei tried to ignore that unwritten rule but was interrupted by HOSOKAWA Morihiro, who later became Prime Minister. The image you see is from a video recounting that history. I'll post a link the the video in a comment.

Kirk here with an update regarding a national issue (not limited to Kumamoto) that we've discussed here in the recent years: getting stopped and questioned by police merely because one happens to look foreign. I'm glad to say that the issue of treating people as potential criminals merely because of how they look (that is, racial profiling) has gotten increased attention in recent years. I say "I'm glad" because I'm hoping that such attention will help to keep such abuses of power in check, at least to some extent. The image is of a book published this year but a lawyer who is particularly concerned about the rights of foreigners. I've just started reading it but it seems quite good. I'll put links in comments to this post.

Many thanks to the JET and JTE community who raised 3万 for Christmas gifts for kids in Kumamoto carehomes by buying seasonal goods from the チーム トナカイ booth at their annual professional development conference!!!
This Sunday, 10th December Team Tonakai will hold a bazaar at Sunatori CC - it's in Kuwamizu-honmachi 6-29, just a 5-minute walk from the Shogyo HS tram stop!
If you've some items to donate for sale please drop them off by 11am 💡 If your contribution is bigger than one shopping bag's worth please contact Team Tonakai in advance - by Saturday 3pm.
We look forward to seeing you there to mingle with mince pies* and jingle your yennies from 10-4pm 🎶 🎄🎁 - Ruth
Parking limited, so consider parking at the gym or taking the tram!
*mince pies not guaraChristmas Bazaar Fundraiser - Team Tonakai 募金活動募金活動=fbl

William Dual nationality is a thing. If you're a foreign national in Japan, it's not such a big deal, but if you have children here, it is. I taught my kids to show their Japanese passport when exciting and their US passport when entering. They still do this.
It would be good if Japan just went ahead and allowed dual nationality.
Court rules Japan's dual nationality ban constitutional
A Japanese court on Wednesday ruled the country's nationality law that denies dual citizenship is constitutional, rejecting a lawsuit filed by a Japanese-born U.S. citizen. Yuri Kondo, 76, who resides in Fukuoka Prefecture, southwestern Japan, said in the suit filed with the Fukuoka District Court t...

Kirk here with something from the Fiji Times. Personally, I'm not a big fan of how they plaster "@ The Fiji Times" on all of their pictures, but, setting that aside, some readers of this page my find their account of Kumamoto's recovery from the earthquake and One Piece author Eiichiro Oda's role in that effort to be of interest.
Mesmerising Japan - Part 4 - The Fiji Times
Amid the glitz and glamour of Tokyo, entertainment in Osaka and historical charm of Kyoto, other destinations in Japan often tend to be sidelined. However, when I learnt that Kumamoto was among the places we would visit, the spark of excitement was too difficult to contain. You see, Kumamoto is the....

Kirk here. I'm not sure if this is related to the murder I wrote about last night, but, regardless, this proposed "Public Contract Ordinance" strikes me as a good idea. (I'll link to the source in a comment.)
By the way, ChatGPT correctly translates "市独自の" as "unique" but other reports I saw indicated that there are already several cities with similar laws. The mayor cited their effectiveness in raising wage levels when proposing the ordinance.
--- ChatGPT translation starts ---
Kumamoto City has announced its intention to establish a unique 'Public Contract Ordinance' aimed at improving the working environment for laborers engaged in public works projects ordered by the city.
This was revealed at the Kumamoto City Council meeting on December 5th.
Mayor Onishi stated that an investigation into municipalities that have established a 'Public Contract Ordinance' showed improvements such as increased wages and reduced overtime work for workers. Consequently, the city plans to set up a committee of experts next fiscal year to discuss this matter.
The ordinance is proposed to be presented in fiscal year 2025, with an aim to implement it in fiscal year 2026.