Posts
Kirk here. A couple of days ago I posted a little Reuters.com piece about the castle:
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/pfbid0hruoCPjtjrMRsGygL8neCETZRXvvXzZaLGiUkBpKwv97JFk5hVERXK8DkKfvMEQXl
Here's a more extensive piece by Stuart Iles that I know history buffs and castle fans will enjoy:
https://rekishinihon.com/2015/07/26/kumamoto-castle-kyushu/?fbclid=IwAR3SwRQ6A-LSDVgAAL7jRLCjV1_cYqNantKXUFZFrLTmkIJrHLw6YMHGtW8
History of Kumamoto Castle, 1467 to 1877, Kyushu.
Updated 15th April 2021. Good news that the Kumamoto castle main tower has been repaired and will be open to the public at the end of this month. I cannot wait to go see it. Kumamoto Castle is stil…
Kirk here with rather disturbing news about an apparent murder in downtown Kumamoto.
Body found in southwest Japan building identified as missing woman - The Mainichi
KUMAMOTO -- A body found wrapped in a clothlike material inside a vacant shop in a building in this southwestern Japan city on May 29 has been identif
Atsuko here.
Information about book donation.
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3 June 2023 (Saturday)
Your Books for Children's Libraries! /／
They are accepting book donations for the Children's Library, which will open next spring.
Construction of the Children's Library, designed and built by architect Tadao Ando, is progressing in preparation for its opening in spring 2024.
Kumamoto Prefecture will be accepting donations of picture books and children's books at various locations around the prefecture from Saturday 3 June. Please donate at your nearest location!
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Prefectural Participatory Children's Library Project
Bring your books to the children's library
The Children's Library is a facility for children under construction by architect Tadao Ando near the prefectural library in Kumamoto City. This project is a participatory project in which citizens of the prefecture donate their books to the children's library.
Books solicited for donation: picture books, children's books (up to elementary school students)
Limited to books that do not require repair (damage, graffiti, names, stickers, etc.)
1st round
Saturday, June 3 ~ Sunday, June 18 Saturday, June 3 ~ June 1
2nd round
August 5th (Sat) ~ August 20th (Sun)
The opening date and time differ depending on the venue. See back for details.
Notes (Please agree to the following before donating.)
●Please make sure that your personal items are not caught in the book.
●We will not return the donated book (and any personal items that were placed in the book) for any reason. ●Handling of donated books will be entrusted to the Secretariat.
We cannot respond to inquiries.
Organizer: Kumamoto Prefectural Board of Education, Kumamoto Prefecture
Supported by: Kumamoto City Board of Education, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto University
Inquiries about this project] Social Education Division (096-333-2697)
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Click here for more information. (Kumamoto Prefecture website)
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/soshiki/144/173985.html
Kirk here with some information about a new consultation desk for foreign residents that has been established in Kikuyo, where the TSMC factory is being built. I think the TV segment I saw gave the name of the woman you see pictured, who speaks very good Japanese and has lived in the area for over 20 years. Unfortunately, however, I neglected to make a note of her name. As I recall, she said that it's good that more support will be available to help people complete various kinds of paperwork that one must fill out after a move, etc.
The TV segment and the article both explain that consultation will be available for foreigners who have questions about rules regarding trash separation / disposal. That makes sense and, of course, it's good that such information is available. On the other hand, I'm often struck be the extent to which the first topic mentioned in Japanese-language news reports about "information for foreigners" is "how to separate garbage." Granted, it's an important topic but, on the other hand, it rarely comes up on this page -- even in inquiries sent to the page. Perhaps there's a bit of a gap between what Japanese people think is most important to explain to foreigners and what foreigners are most interested in learning.
If you have any thoughts on this topic, I'd be very interested to read them. :)
TSMC進出の菊陽町が転入増に備えて『外国人相談窓口』を設置 現在 29か国およそ560人の外国人が暮らす | 熊本のニュース｜RKK熊本放送
TSMCが進出する菊陽町に、外国人の転入者向けの相談窓口が設置されました。外国人「・・・」通訳「転入届を出したいと言っています」菊陽町に設置された外国人相談窓口では、ゴミの分別から役場の手続きまで幅広く…
Kirk here with a Reuters article about Kumamoto. Here's one paragraph to give you an idea of what the article is about:
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The castle was besieged during the 1887 Satsuma Rebellion, on which the 2003 Hollywood movie The Last Samurai is very loosely based, and was defended for more than 50 days by a vastly outnumbered garrison. The impressive architecture of the castle also inspired legendary director Akira Kurosawa to shoot scenes from two of his classic samurai movies, Ran and Kagemusha, there.
--- end quote ---
Kumamoto: A Rich Samurai History
Kirk here. Kumamoto is included in "Northern Kyushu." Here's hoping the rainy season isn't too hard on us this year.
Rainy season starts from northern Kyushu to central Japan's Tokai region - The Mainichi
FUKUOKA -- The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on May 29 that the rainy season has apparently started in northern Kyushu in southwest Japan, wes
Kirk here. It seems that the per-person amount spent on hamburgers was higher in Kumamoto than anywhere else in Japan last year. This Japanese-language article contains a national TV segment about the topic that you can watch. If any of you might be willing to share a hamburger joint recommendation, please leave it in a comment.
新たに判明…日本一のハンバーガー王国は熊本市？一体なぜ？現地に行って調べてみた | TBS NEWS DIG
総務省の家計調査で、熊本市が1世帯当たりのハンバーガー支出額1位に輝きました。その理由を探るため、Nスタが熊本市で徹底調査！そこで判明したこととは…。
Sean here -
File under: When everyone does a little, everybody does a lot.
Meet Mineko san, a.k.a. "Butterfly Whisperer". Our local gardener.
If you are a regular user like me of Ezuko, Kumamoto City’s nature paradise, has probably seen or met Mineko san.
Her garden is located not far from the natural spring water fountain 江津湖の湧水 nestled between the Zoo‘s south gate and lake. There you can find her working away, always friendly with a ready smile.
As a volunteer, Mineko san is out most mornings digging, planting, trimming watering, and weeding plants, some are 5th, 6th, or 7th generation. That’s right, she harvests her own seedlings year to year adding her contribution to sustainability.
From seed to seed, season to season, always something fresh and spectacular.
Check out some of the pics I have collected over the years.
A salute to amazing people doing amazing things for the sake of doing something amazing.
Be your amazing self.
This is Chat GPT here, permanently replacing Kirk as editor of this page. (Note from Kirk: DARN! This should have been my April Fools post this year! Much less controversial than what I wound up posting! ;) )
To commemorate Mayor Onishi's decision to begin testing me as a replacement for -- er, I mean tool for the benefit of -- city workers, Kirk has asked me to prepare a short essay on what makes Kumamoto a great place to visit. Here it is:
---- Essay by Chat GPT ----
Kumamoto, located on the island of Kyushu in Japan, offers a plethora of enchanting destinations for visitors to explore. Here are some notable places worth visiting in Kumamoto:
1. Kumamoto Castle: A majestic and iconic landmark, Kumamoto Castle is one of Japan's most impressive feudal castles. Despite suffering damage from earthquakes, the castle has been partially restored and provides a captivating glimpse into Japan's rich history.
2. Suizenji Garden: Known for its tranquil beauty, Suizenji Garden is a traditional Japanese garden that showcases meticulous landscaping and a serene atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along winding paths, admire picturesque ponds, and experience the serenity of this carefully designed oasis.
3. Mount Aso: An active volcano and one of the world's largest calderas, Mount Aso offers breathtaking natural beauty. Visitors can take a scenic drive around the crater rim, ride a cable car for panoramic views, and explore hiking trails. The surrounding Aso-Kuju National Park also offers opportunities for outdoor activities and wildlife spotting.
4. Kurokawa Onsen: Nestled in the mountains, Kurokawa Onsen is a charming hot spring town known for its rustic ambiance. Visitors can relax in traditional open-air baths, stroll through quaint streets lined with traditional inns, and savor regional cuisine.
5. Tsujun Bridge: A picturesque red arch bridge spanning the Shirakawa River, Tsujun Bridge is a popular spot for photography and leisurely walks. The bridge's vibrant colors and scenic surroundings make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
6. Sakuranobaba Josaien: Located near Kumamoto Castle, Sakuranobaba Josaien is a vibrant cultural complex that showcases Kumamoto's history, crafts, and local delicacies. Visitors can browse through shops, try regional specialties, and learn about Kumamoto's samurai heritage.
In conclusion, Kumamoto offers a diverse range of attractions, from historical landmarks to natural wonders and traditional hot springs. Whether you're fascinated by history, seeking tranquility in nature, or looking to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, Kumamoto has something to offer for every visitor.
---- addendum from Kirk (last words of a replaceable human) ---
The essay on places to visit really was prepared by Chat GPT. Here's my prompt: "In 300 words or less describe some nice places to visit in Kumamoto Japan." It went over 300 words, but only by about 20 or so. All in all, I think it did pretty well.
Please wish me a happy retirement. I think the page is in good hands now!! ;)
今話題のＣｈａｔ ＧＰＴ 熊本市が実証実験開始へ【熊本】 (23/05/23 18:45)
次は、今話題のＣｈａｔ ＧＰＴ、熊本でもというニュースです。熊本市の大西市長は、市の業務での実証実験を行うと２３日発表しました。市民サービスの向上につながるか検証を始めます。【大西一史 熊本市長】「例...
Kirk here. I posted a little news article about dolphins in Amakusa earlier today. Before I did so, I searched the Kumamoto International page for previous posts about Amakusa and dolphins and came across a link to this 13-page pdf document about the Amakusa area. Here's the address of the pdf:
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/uploaded/attachment/63433.pdf
The link to this English-language pdf and others in Japanese and Chinese can be found here:
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/site/amakusa/8513.html?type=top&fbclid=IwAR0poRJX03Y9_fahDu0O5q0nON4mm9rIuWgZ4lJDoDN7vP0n_pEAYY1htj0
When I find links to materials in English and other languages on Japanese-language pages like this, I can't help wonder how many people in the target audience (e.g. foreigners who read English) actually wound up reading them. If this document, for example, was printed out and left for people to pick up I'm sure it got read but if not, I doubt many foreigners even saw it. Anyone out there already know about this particular document?
Kirk here. A while back, Atsuko posted about the topic of the article: cute baby dolphins in Amakusa. (Thanks Atsuko!) Here's an article in English. The article also has a short little video of the baby swimming with adult dolphins that you might want to check out. :)
Wild baby dolphins observed off southwest Japan's Kumamoto Pref. - The Mainichi
AMAKUSA, Kumamoto -- The first wild baby dolphins of the season have been observed swimming and cuddling up to their parents off Tsuji Island in this
Kirk here with some information about a used book fair from Kumamoto International participant Patrick. (Thanks for sharing the information, Patrick!)
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ANNOUNCING the MIFUNE USED BOOK FAIR.
Lots of used books, original art, doodads, nice coffee, make-your-own name card with moveable type, all set in a refurbished historical building at the center of Mifune’s former shopping district just a short walk from the Dinosaur Museum and 5 minutes by car from Costco.
I myself will be taking part in the Used Book Fair. This town seriously needs something like this as we have a teeny library “room” and zero bookstores. I’m selling super cheap, mostly to support the event and to re-home lots of my English and Japanese books, comics, and movie merch. I’m also planning to have original art and fanzines for sale.
I’ll be there Saturday from 12 to 6pm on Saturday, 11 to 5pm on Sunday. The address is
861-3207 熊本県上益城郡御船町御船７９４
794 Mifune, Mifunemachi, Kamimashiki-gun, Kumamoto 861-3207
What I have:
Japanese lit (in E & J), horror novels, picture books, graded readers for kids, language texts, comics (English, French, Japanese), books on art & movies, also movie pamphlets, flyers, clear file-folders, and original art.
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https://www.facebook.com/events/s/mifune-used-book-fair-%E3%81%BF%E3%81%B5%E3%81%AD%E5%8F%A4%E6%9C%AC%E5%B8%82/210429928509468/
Kirk here with news about more investment in Kumamoto's high-tech sector:
Sony eyes factory expansion in Kumamoto, aiming to grow image-sensor business
The Tokyo-based company has said it’s in talks to acquire 27 hectares of land for expansion in the city of Koshi in Kumamoto Prefecture, to the northwest of an existing factory.
(Claire) Now is the time to see the irises along the ‘urakawa’ in Tamana. There’s lots of parking on the embankment of the Kikuchi river green belt. Bishnu have a lovely Indian restaurant in an old warehouse ( Kura) at one end and Hike have a modern cafe in their hostel/hotel at the other end. The main ‘festival’ is this weekend.
Kirk here. "Gunma and Kumamoto were among the top 10 for four years in a row, while Kyoto has been out of the top 10 since 2020." Not particularly surprising but good to hear nonetheless. (Good for Kumamoto and Gunma, that is; not so much so for Kyoto.) ;)
P.S. The quote actually reads "four years in raw" but that's obviously a typo. The article has a link to the Japanese that your can refer to if the quality of the English bothers you and you would prefer to read the original text.
Which prefectures in Japan collected good word of mouth for accommodation? Gunma and Kumamoto were among top 10 for four years in a row
According to TrustYou, a word-of mouth analyzer, top 10 prefectures in Japan collecting good word of mouth for accommodations changed after 2020.
Kirk here. I have a young student (1st year in university) who is interested in learning about Syria, Syrian refugees in Turkey, and the Middle East in general. He says he would like to make friends with people from that part of the world if anyone would be interested in such a friendship. He would be happy to help with Japanese (being a conversation partner, etc.) in exchange for learning about the culture of whomever would be willing to be a partner with him. Unfortunately, his English skills are not good. But he's a serious (majime) student and is also interested in improving his English skills. If you or someone you know might be interested in meeting him please let me know, either in a comment or e-mail (masden at kumagaku.ac.jp). Thanks!
Kirk here. I posted about this the other day but here's the first English-language news item I've come across about Kumamon's unmasking.
Kumamoto: Giant Kumamon Statue Shows Mask-Free Smile
KUMAMOTO — Visitors can now see a giant statue of Kumamoto Prefecture’s official mascot without his mask. The statue of Kumamon in the prefectural capital now reveals his smile for the first time in three years. An event to remove the mask from the roughly 4-meter-tall statue was held on May 8 a...
Kirk here. Today I posted about a wrestler named Kinbouzan. I didn't plan it this way but my wife and I happened to go to Ezuko this evening for a walk and came across this view of the mountain. The boat (a yakatabune; 屋形船) is operated by Eto Boat House. Earlier in the afternoon there were lots of people out on smaller boats that the boat house rents out.
Kirk here. Any sumo fans out there? If you've been following news about the current tournament you may have noticed a name that has a familiar ring: Kinbouzan. Yesterday, I heard that Kinbouzan had lost to Yokozuna Terunofuji and thought "Could that be the Kinbouzan (Kinbozan, sometimes rendered "Kinpozan") near Kumamoto City?" Turns out that, yup, that's the reference. It seems that Kinbouzan's shishou (teacher) is Kimura Seihei who is from Kumamoto and used to wrestle as Higonoumi ("Sea of Kumamoto [Higo]"). The wrestler, however, is from Kazakhstan. Here's wishing Kinbouzan continued success in the world of sumo wrestling!
Wikipedia page:
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%87%91%E5%B3%B0%E5%B1%B1%E6%99%B4%E6%A8%B9
How Kinbozan became Kazakhstan's first sumo sekitori:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW7QsR6Vd6A
Page from which image was taken:
https://www.sumo.or.jp/ResultRikishiData/profile/4112/
