In Mashiki-machi, Kumamoto prefecture, shipment of watermelons, special products of the prefecture, has been continuing although most of the producers had their houses heavily damaged or collapsed by the powerful earthquakes striking the town on Aril 14 and 16. Some of those producers have been evacuated to their greenhouse for growing watermelons, while others are staying in their automobiles. One month has passed since the earthquake hardly hit the town, but it is still difficult for them to work out a plan for revitalizing their life. Nevertheless, producers maintain their hard working saying “We cannot afford to be depressed so many days.” Yuichi Murakami, 47, is a farmer growing watermelons … Continue reading →

Kumamoto prefecture’s PR mascot character “Kumamon,” one of the nationally popular “yuru-charas” (literally, loose characters), visited “Ginza Kumamoto-Kan,” on May 17, which is an “antenna shop” operated by the Kumamoto Prefectural Government in Ginza streets, Tokyo, to sell prefectural specialties as well as to acquire information on trends and tastes of the metropolitan residents. “Kumamon” came to the shop first time after the heavy earthquakes hit the Kumamoto region in the middle of April. The “yuru-chara” expressed thanks by making a deep bow to the customers visiting the shop to buy the prefectural specialties to support victims of the disaster. A wide assortment of goods is now available at the … Continue reading →