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This extensive article discusses various ways in which Kumamon is being used to promote tourism.
liz here , with an update for Kirk's post about the festivities underway in Yamato yesterday and today. The fireworks (which were lovely to watch with a cool breeze after dark) are over, but if you have the time and access to a car (about a hour drive from downtown Kumamoto) I highly recommend going today. The creations (floats? ) are absolutely amazing. Today they will be paraded through the main street, and I expect there will be lots of spectators but worth braving the crowds. You can park at the elementary school and the beautiful Tsuujunkyou bridge will be releasing water several times in the afternoon. It's within walking distance from the school parking lot. I will leave further glowing comments to Jane in the comments .
Classic Persian rugs, anyone? On display at the Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Center (Dento Kogei Kan).
Fireworks Show
A 6th grader at the Kumamoto International School has passed the highest level of Japan's Eiken test. The "ikkyu" level is quite difficult of adults and, according to the Kumanichi article, it's very rare for an elementary school student to pass. -- Kirk
fireworks event
Let's dance! 踊りましょう!!
The Shamrockers Irish Dance Performance at 第28回熊本国際交流祭典
Kirk here. The day has come and the Janes Residence is open to the public.
Kirk here with a pair of events that are already underway at Grandmesse. First, here's a link to an English page about the venue:
Kirk here with an update about the following post I made a couple days ago:
Kirk with a link to an article about Japan's only baked sweet potato (karaimo, yakiimo) vending machine. It can be found at the Michi no Eki in Ozu.
This cute lesser panda (also known as a "red panda") was born June 1st and is named Ako. She's getting ready to met visitors to the zoo (but I'm not sure just when that will be).
KumaHaku 2023
Fireworks in Arao
Kirk here with a note about a festival that occurred in Misato-mach over the weekend.
Kirk here with my rather infrequent series on weed removal. Pulling out weeds is hard enough on flat surfaces. To remove the weeds that grow on the sides of a stone bridge such as Tsujunkyo you need rock climbers. And, I would imagine that an appropriate insurance policy would also be good to have.
Kirk here with another reminder about how dangerous parking lots can be for kids. This sad incident occurred in the parking lot of the COSTCO in Fukuoka.
