Posts

Kirk again. Wish I could have given readers of this page advance notice. But, if you live here, you might want to put it on your calendar for next year.
Fire-spinning ritual held in front of restored shrine gate destroyed in 2016 Kumamoto quake - The Mainichi
ASO, Kumamoto -- A fire-spinning ritual to pray for bountiful harvests took place at a Shinto shrine in this southwest Japan city on March 21.

Kirk here. I passed by this place on Friday afternoon, several hours after the incident. The only odd thing I noticed at the time was that there were TV cameras and people with media arm bands in the area:
--- quote from Yomiuri ---
Kumamoto central police received an emergency call at around 9 a.m. Friday saying someone had been injured after being stabbed with a knife in the Chuo Ward of Kumamoto City. Officers rushed to the scene and found three women, believed to be in their teens to twenties, to be injured. All three were responsive when they were transported to the hospital by ambulance. The police apprehended a 29-year-old man nearby on suspicion of attempted murder.
--- end quote ---
https://japantoday.com/category/crime/man-arrested-after-3-women-stabbed-in-kumamoto-building
The RKK video report from which I took the screenshot said that the young women seem to have been attacked by their employer -- an extremely bad boss.
RKK video report:
https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/rkk/1070259?display=1

Atsuko, with information about the advance screening of the Yamaga movie(*´∀`)ノ
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
The advance screening of the movie "Boneless Lanterns," set in Yamaga, will finally begin March 22 (Friday) at Denkikan (Kumamoto City) ✨✨.
In addition, from March 22 to 25, there will be stage greetings by the lead actors and the director after the screenings 😊.
Please come and see the film!
Screening times.
From March 22 (Friday) to March 28 (Thursday), there will be two screenings per day
1st screening: 10:50am
　2nd screening from 15:10
Movie theaters
Denkikan
Address: 8-2 Shinshigai, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City
Phone number: 096-352-2121
Story
A man wanders around with his late wife's urn in his arms, looking for a place to die.
In Yamaga, a hot spring town on Kumamoto's Buzen Highway that still retains the atmosphere of the old days, the man sees the image of his wife, Yukari, in a "lantern girl" depicted on a festival poster.
Yusuke Ichii (49), a former art teacher, is lured into working by Naoki (30), an apprentice lantern maker, but even after a year has passed and the third anniversary of his wife's death, he cannot shake off his deep sense of loss and loneliness.
On the day of a festival, he decides to leave the town.
Suddenly, Akari, Yukari's twin sister, appears.
I have a favor to ask you."
Akari says that she has come from Spain to dance the "Sen-nin Toro" (Thousand Lanterns).
What is her purpose?
Official movie website:
https://honenashi.com/
For more information about greetings and screening schedule, please visit Denkikan's official website and Instagram @denkikan_1911.
#yamagafan
https://honenashi-com.translate.goog/en/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en
https://honenashi-com.translate.goog/en/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en#modal_hon
↑↑↑translated page.
映画『骨なし灯籠』公式サイト | Boneless Lantern Official WebSite
亡き妻の骨壺を抱え、死に場所を探し、彷徨う男がいた。 古き時代の佇まいを残す温泉町、熊本・豊前街道の山鹿（やまが）。 祭りのポスターに、妻・ゆかりの面影を見た男は―――。あなたの心に灯をともす、珠玉のス....

Kirk here. In order to rely on wind and solar energy as primary power sources it's necessary to come up with some way of storing excess power for times when the sun isn't shining and the wind isn't blowing. A facility intended to help solve that problem has been build in Kawashiri.
Completion of Battery Station Kawashiri, a Joint Project of JR Kyushu and Sumitomo Corporation Group
View Sumitomo Corporation's News : Completion of Battery Station Kawashiri, a Joint Project of JR Kyushu and Sumitomo Corporation Group

Joe Tomei and here at the Funky Friday Find department, we aren't just about food and drink. This next FFF is an honest to goodness old fashioned sento, the Kuwamizu Koshu Yokujo (神水公衆浴場) Nothing fancy, but nice to go and relax. There is parking next to it, though you have to get off Higashi Bypass and go down the side road It is just up from the Baskin Robbins 31, so after a nice soak, you can get your cup or cone of Rocky Road.
The google maps link has a number of photos
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zKKr89cMehJ3L8B88
and their Instagram is here
https://www.instagram.com/kuwamizu_sento/?utm_medium=copy_link
and they are a member of the Kumamoto Public Bath association, whose webpage is here
https://kuma1010.com/
Do check out the English pdf with several other local baths
https://kuma1010.com/wp-content/uploads/map_english.pdf
And I'll put up the sento listed on the FFF google map, which can be found here
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1qUH94Bac7Hr939b7_8gtvebaJZffGRsX&usp=sharing
神水公衆浴場 · 2 Chome-2-18 Kuwamizu, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, 862-0954, Japan

Atsuko here.
Here is a good video introducing the streets of Kumamoto.( ˊᵕˋ*)
I have attached a video introducing Kawashiri, but there are also videos introducing Kumamoto Castle, Shinmachi and Furumachi. It is good to know not only the interesting buildings but also the history of how they were built.
Please come to the place of ''あんたがたどこさ''= Senba.
(Sembabashi and Tanuki are located in the Shinmachi Furumachi area. Both raccoon dogs and shrimps (shrimps are in the second verse of the song) are there.)
Kumamoto Rekimachi 360° is a 360-degree video that allows you to experience a simulated tour of Kumamoto's history, and allows you to control your viewpoint.
http://rekimachi360.com/?lang=en
https://m.youtube.com/@user-ir1zz5dq4k
川尻歴まち まとめ ロングVer　Kawashiri Long Version
くまもとの歴史をめぐる旅に行った気分を味わう▼くまもと歴まち360公式サイトhttps://rekimachi360.com/▼ナレーション　Narration熊本市中心部の南方約8kmに位置する川尻地区。川尻の港は、中世以来貿易港として栄え、近世期に.....

Kirk here with more TSMC news:
--- start quote ---
One option the chipmaking giant is considering is bringing its chip-on-wafer-on-substrate (CoWoS) packaging technology to Japan, according to one of the sources who was briefed on the matter.
CoWoS is a high-precision technology that involves stacking chips on top of each other, boosting processing power while saving space and reducing power consumption.
Currently, all of TSMC's CoWoS capacity is in Taiwan.
--- end quote ---
TSMC eyes advanced chip packaging capacity in Japan, sources say
Bringing its chip-on-wafer-on-substrate packaging technology — currently all in Taiwan — to Japan is one of the options the chipmaker is considering.

Kirk here. In response to Joe's post about Charichari (the bicycle rental service), Atsuko shared this link. Thanks Atsuko! Thanks Joe!
https://charichari.bike/blog/chari-guide-2023-en
Original post by Joe:
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/pfbid02mJPBJ913rYKteDntQDiz4j14aha9bjCpCeP3wkvdjMEoRJCBj6cA3fobcfmBR9x9l
Guide to Charichari in English | チャリチャリ
This is a guide to Charichari in English. Please read this before using the service, then enjoy safety ride !

Kirk here with an AI translated article on the election that I tweaked slightly:
--- start translation ---
Kumamoto governor election, Kimura and Koyama compete - Effectively a ruling vs. opposition party showdown
The Kyodo News Agency conducted a telephone survey on the 15th and 16th regarding the Kumamoto prefectural governor election (voting and ballot counting on the 24th). The leading canditates are vice-governor Kei Kimura (49) [recommended by the LDP and Komeito] and former Kumamoto City mayor Masashi Koyama (58).
The prefectural organizations of the Constitutional Democratic Party, the Communist Party, and the Social Democratic Party are independently supporting Mr. Koyama, effectively making it a ruling party vs. opposition party showdown.
In terms of support by political party, Mr. Kimura has the support of 70% of those who answered they support the LDP, nearly 90% of Komeito supporters, and has penetrated nearly 50% of those who support the Japan Innovation Party. Mr. Koyama has secured nearly 80% of the supporters of the Constitutional Democratic Party and Social Democratic Party, and nearly 90% of the Communist Party supporters.
Hidenori Mori (46), president of a construction company, and Kazuhiko Miyagawa (58), a former high school teacher, are facing an uphill battle.
--- end translation ---
Personally, I'm not a fan of conservative parties -- either in Japan or in my home country (the U.S.). So, I'd far prefer to see Mr. Koyama elected, though have nothing against Mr. Kimura personally.
I understand that the LDP fat cats are paying close attention to this election as a sort of indirect referendum on their leadership after all of the recent scandals.
熊本知事選、木村・幸山両氏競る/デイリースポーツ online
共同通信社は１５、１６両日、任期満了に伴う熊本県知事選（２４日投開票）の電話調査を実施し、取材結果を加味して情勢を探った。いずれも無所属新人で前副知事の木村敬氏（４９）＝自民、公明推薦＝と、元熊本市長...

Kirk here. This item, which came to me via a Google news alert for "Kumamoto," made me smile. I imagined an intrepid explorer and his expedition party, trudging through the "unexplored regions" of Kumamoto in search of liquid gold -- honey. 😉
It seems that "unexplored" is the word used to translate the Japanese 秘境 (hikyo). Here's how ChatGPT defines hikyo:
--- start ChatGPT explanation ---
The Japanese word "秘境" (hikyō) refers to a "hidden or secret place," often implying a location that is remote, secluded, or difficult to access. These places are usually untouched or unspoiled by human activity and can be thought of as hidden gems in nature, offering pristine and often breathtaking environments. They are often sought after for their untouched beauty, mystery, and the sense of adventure they evoke in exploring unknown or little-known locales.
--- end ChatGPT explanation ---
I guess "unexplored" is sort of close. Yet, as translations go, I would put this in the "close but no cigar" category. Words like "pristine" or "isolated" might have been better. The place can't be "unexplored" because, obviously, somebody did some "exploring" in order to find the honey.
The reason I can say with confidence that "秘境" is the Japanese word that led to the "unexplored" description is that searching for information about the honey brand led me to the original Japanese-language text. Here's the URL of the Japanese:
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000001.000132298.html
And here's the URL of what came to me in English:
https://ktla.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/695639095/premium-honey-enju-sourced-from-the-unexplored-regions-of-kumamoto-japan-is-available-online-for-a-limited-quantity/
Both texts explain that the honey comes from an isolated, mountainous area near Kikuchi.
I have no doubt that the honey is good but, at over 30,000 yen per little jar, I think this honey will have to remain "unexplored" -- at least by me. 😉

William If you've got a car, a tent, and a bit of cash, you could do worse than to visit Toimisaki 都井岬（といみさき） in Miyazaki Prefecture. The location is famed for its native breed of horse called "Misaki uma" 「御崎馬（みさきうま）」. They're a unique example of dwarfism, when an animal migrating to an area with minimal resources evolves to a smaller size. https://www.tabirai.net/sightseeing/tatsujin/0000480.aspx
Recently, the American television "Shogun" has featured these horses - due to their small size, they make riders appear larger. Compared with most horse breeds, they are quite docile, with even the feral types allowing people to visit closely and pet them. For a taste of ancient Japan, Toimisaki is a must-visit. (Disclaimer: I am unaware of the exact breed of the horse used in the film, but it's small size indicates that it is a Misaki uma.) The Guardian reports on the success of the series: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2024/mar/15/the-guide-130-shoguns-tv-mastery

Kirk here looking forward to delicious watermelons arriving in my local supermarket! :)
Watermelon Shipments Begin in Southern Japan; Grown in Greenhouse in Kumamoto’s Ueki Area
Shipments of greenhouse-grown watermelons have begun in Kumamoto’s Ueki district, one of the nation’s leading watermelon-producing areas.

Joe Tomei here. It's Friday and you know what that means! Another Funky Friday Find! This week, I'd like to introduce Kanelujah, a newly opened coffee shop. It's a short walk from the Dobutsuen mae tram station. There are two parking spaces just down the street.
It's a short walk for me, being just behind Kengun jinja, so it's become a go-to place, but they also have some baking classes and a small video theatre and I've posted the notices they have, though you'll have to check on how that works. For me, it's the coffee and baked goods!
The FFF map is here
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1qUH94Bac7Hr939b7_8gtvebaJZffGRsX&usp=sharing
And the shops Instagram page is here
https://www.instagram.com/kanelujah/

Kirk here. The image you see is of a newspaper (Asahi) article about KDS (Kumamoto Driving School) classes in various languages for foreigners. There have been several Japanese-language media reports about such classes, most or all of which are indexed on the school's website at the following address:
https://www.k-ds.net/international_blog/international
This page has a subtitle that reads as follows: "Foreign staff support foreigners in obtaining their driver's licenses" （外国の方の免許取得を外国人スタッフがサポートします）. I'm not sure but I think I recognize one person in the picture who I've met and is a native speaker of English (apologies if my memory is incorrect).
The newspaper article talks about classes for people from Vietnam and Myanmar and says that such classes have been provided for people from at least eight countries. The article says that one of the teachers (a Japanese person, judging from the name) speaks Tagalog. The classes help people understand the meaning of various signs and to learn Japanese traffic rules. The website lists a toll-free number. The person who answers may not speak English (or at least I'm not sure about that) but, at the very least, if you ask about the "international division" (国際課; kokusaika) you should be able to find out more.
By the way, here are some previous posts about driving in Japan:
Inquiry with many responses about driving schools
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/pfbid0HqmbqyV2A3JsEoZPbyfw9EYEsGNEzqU5ebcPXqNHieTKU9cZkasGhtXGK6Y8jpREl
Laws about "distracted driving" (driving while looking at your phone)
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/pfbid02Mjce1sNnbMujCzowHaQc4RgYrhZDT5JH23yfFTvfN5DVqnke9JMUYKF6U9DS4eRDl

William I eat at McDonalds maybe twice a year when my daughter returns from America. It always reminds me of why I don't eat there more often. Kumanichi points out that their largest US competitor, Burger King, will make Higo inroads with a stand in Yatsushiro, maybe targeting the cruise ship crowd. There are, really, very few reasons to visit Yatsushiro, and this has made it one fewer.
「バーガーキング」が熊本初出店　13日、八代市にオープン　人気の「ワッパーチーズ」など提供｜熊本日日新聞社
　ハンバーガーチェーン「バーガーキング」の「ゆめタウン八代店」が13日、八代市建馬町のゆめタウン八代2階フードコートにオープンする。熊本県内初出店。九州では福岡、鹿児島に次ぐ進出で、全国217店舗目。　米バー...

For MIZUAKARI fans. Atsuko⸜(*ˊᗜˋ*)⸝
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
Today! It's finally on the air!
CHIKAKEN will be introduced to 160 countries and regions around the world!
NHK WORLD TV's
NHK WORLD TV's "Direct Talk" program!
Please watch it!
The first broadcast: Tuesday, March 12, 10:15~.
Second broadcast: Tuesday, March 12, 14:15
Third broadcast: Tuesday, March 12, 20:40 - *Fourth broadcast: Tuesday, March 12, 20:40
Fourth broadcast: Wednesday, March 13, from 1:15 p.m.
The program will be broadcast a total of four times.
NHK WORLD TV is viewed in approximately 160 countries and regions around the world.
NHK WORLD TV is viewed in about 160 countries and regions around the world.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/ja/world/howto/
If you are in an environment where you can watch NHK WORLD programs locally
NHK WORLD TV can be viewed through your TV set,
If you are not able to watch NHK WORLD
If you are not able to view the program, please click on the following address
If you are not able to view the programs, you can click on the address below and watch them live on your PC or other device.
In Japan, you can basically watch the program on your PC, tablet, or smartphone.
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/live/
Connect an Amazon Fire TV Stick or similar device to your TV and download the NHK WORLD JAPAN app on the screen,
You can watch it on your TV in Japan.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/tv/directtalk/20240312/2105096/
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/tv/directtalk/20240312/2105096/?fbclid=IwAR37U_FtuYNR605GLouMAcB6oDbDObM7ejRhqWQ_hfd9fDk-ewP8xTeK57I
Bringing People Together with Bamboo Lanterns: Mishiro Kenshi / Take-Akari Director - Direct Talk - TV | NHK WORLD-JAPAN Live & Programs
Mishiro Kenshi creates installations with ornate bamboo lanterns known as "take-akari." He talks about the potential of the craft, including his work to bring light to disaster-stricken communities.

Kirk with a note on the governor's race. The gentlemen in the picture is MOHRI Hidenori (毛利秀德). The bad news is that he's taking an anti-foreign stance. The good news is that I don't think he has any real change of winning.
--- quote from interview in Kumanichi ---
Q: Your motto is "Politics by the Japanese, for the Japanese" but there are many foreigners living in Kumamoto.
A: Appropriate measures should be taken for those who are currently living here, but when it comes to the use of various systems such as welfare and health insurance, there should be a distinction between Japanese and foreigners. The number of foreigners is increasing due to the country's immigration policy, and there are many foreigners and foreign capital buying land in Japan. If this continues, Japanese culture will disappear. If I become governor, I will also consider stopping the prefecture's efforts towards multicultural coexistence.
--- end of disturbing quote ---
Translated by ChatGPT with a little tweaking by Kirk
https://kumanichi.com/articles/1352081
--- original Japanese text ---
－モットーは「⽇本⼈による⽇本⼈のための政治」です。県内には外国⼈も多く住んでいますが。
「今住んでいる⼈には、それなりの対応が必要だろうが、⽣活保護や健康保険といった各種の制度の利⽤については⽇本⼈
と外国⼈で線引きすべきだ。国の移⺠政策で外国⼈は増えており、⽇本の⼟地を買う外国⼈や外国資本も多い。このままでは
⽇本⼈の⽂化もなくなる。知事になったら、県の多⽂化共⽣の取り組みを⽌めることも検討する」
--- end original Japanese ---
I'll write a bit more about the race for the governor's office some other day.

Kirk here sharing this nice post from Michi No Eki Aso. Reading the post made me want to visit Tarutama Onsen, in part because I'm particularly interested in facilities with private baths.
Tarutama Onsen in southern Aso
A visit to Tarutama hot spring in Aso as part of the 88 hot spring challenge Kyushu.

Kirk here, forwarding information from an e-mail I received from the Prefectural Advisors.
--- start quote ---
Can you believe it’s already March? I hope you guys are keeping well!
Without further ado, we present you with the YOKA Winter 2024!
The newest edition of the YOKA is now available for your reading pleasure on KumamotoJET.
This issue of the YOKA features...
First Winter - Melanie Wakefield
"The Right to Bear Arms" - Shane Meekin
Come Join - KUMAJET
JET Spotlight - Ryan Pascua
Winter in Kumamoto - Alexander Gilmour
"JP VS NZ" - Megan Wilson
"How Far to Home" - Paige Turner
"The Oil Squisher" - Austin Fontenot
Artist Statement - Quinlan Fletcher
Winter Fashion - Shawna Kay Lipscombe
Photos Exhibition - Austin Fontenot, Lily Nguyen, Tiffiany Tsang, Shane Meekin
International Recipes - Julie Pearl Guanzon
This YOKA was Designed by Megan Wilson
--- end quote ---
URL: https://www.kumamotojet.com/reiwa/the-yoka/
I'm always impressed by the extremely high quality of the artwork in each edition of YOKA. :)

Joe Tomei here, apologies is this has been posted before but I picked up this English postcard for the red Charichari bikes that have popped up around town explaining the process. I've never used one so anyone who has experiences with the bikes, please comment!!