Kumamoto International

16/08/2026

With another come-from-behind victory, Ariake has made it to the final eight. -- Kirk

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Ariake Comes From Behind in the Eighth! Perfect Double Steal Sets Up Pinch Hitter Hirosawa’s Two-Run Go-Ahead Hit; Four-Run Rally Erases 1–0 Deficit

August 16, 12:09 p.m.

[Higashi Nippon International University Shohei vs. Ariake: In the eighth inning, Ariake pinch hitter Hirosawa delivers a two-run go-ahead single. Photo by Yuka Hasegawa.]

108th National High School Baseball Championship, Day 12, Third Round: Ariake vs. Higashi Nippon International University Shohei (August 16, 2026, Koshien Stadium)

Ariake of Kumamoto, making its first-ever appearance at Koshien in either the spring or summer tournament, faced Higashi Nippon International University Shohei of Fukushima on Sunday, August 16, with a place in the quarterfinals at stake. Shohei is likewise making its first appearance in either the spring or summer tournament. Trailing by one run in the eighth inning, Ariake came from behind to take the lead.

Ariake had already advanced with comeback victories in each of its first two games, and once again produced a dramatic rally in the late innings.

Ariake entered the eighth trailing 1–0. After leadoff batter Yamazaki struck out swinging, Nagata laid down a perfect safety bunt on the first pitch and reached base. Nishiyama then drew a walk, finally forcing opposing ace Terunuma, who had kept Ariake’s hitters in check until then, out of the game.

With one out and runners on first and second, Ariake immediately put pressure on Shohei’s second pitcher, Shirata, by executing a perfect double steal, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Saneda then hit a sharp ball, but the drawn-in defense made an excellent play to record the second out. Jumonji was hit by a pitch to load the bases, and pinch hitter Hirosawa followed by lining a single into left field. Nishiyama, who had started the play on second, came home with the go-ahead run.

With two outs and runners on second and third, Sakai then delivered a two-run single to right, giving Ariake four runs in the inning.

Note: The Japanese headline gives the pinch hitter’s name as 広田 (Hirota), while both the photo caption and the body of the article give it as 広沢 (Hirosawa). I have followed the caption and article body.
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https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/d9321c390ae8e7789b70f97ac0a37ef21a4694b9

16/08/2026

The Vietnamese in Kumamoto are organized and in times of crisis organization is vital.

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The supplies were delivered by an association of Vietnamese people in the prefecture, which usually provides life advice to Vietnamese residents.
The association's leader, Le Thi Tram, 48, said that it is not customary in Vietnam to flee to evacuation centers following earthquakes and that many foreign residents in Japan do not want to go to such centers due to the language barrier or do not know where such facilities are.
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YATSUSHIRO, Kumamoto Prefecture – Many foreign residents of areas affected by last month's powerful earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, are relying on each other without using evacuation shelters due to language and cultural barriers. In the city of Yatsushiro, which recorded…

15/08/2026

"Kumamoto currently has one of the largest Vietnamese communities in Japan. As of the end of June 2025, the prefecture had over 7,050 Vietnamese people, accounting for approximately 23% of the total foreign residents in the prefecture." -- Kirk

On August 15th, a delegation representing the Standing Committee of the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Japan (VUAJ), led by Dr. Nguyen Hong Son, President of VUAJ, and Ms. Mei Phuong, Secretary General of VUAJ, visited Kumamoto province to assess the situation, visit Vietnamese communities affe...

15/08/2026

Disinformation is something that has come up several times on this page since the quakes. I think this article presents a good overview. -- Kirk

AI-generated images, anti-immigration sentiments and hoaxes are flourishing online following the quake.

14/08/2026

This may look like AI but it's from a reputable TV report (TBS) about the recent Kumamoto Earthquake. You can read a more detailed report about the moment a fault appeared on the surface at the following address. The full video report I made this clip from can also be found there. -- Kirk

https://newsonjapan.com/article/150361.php

14/08/2026

Kirk here with a little history lesson. In 2016, after the earthquakes, the A*o volcano woke up. The video shows part of what happened. Aside from the dramatic eruption (the fireworks), the volcanic ash that fell over a wide area was a significant problem for people. I hope we are not about to have an encore.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1157743610965736

14/08/2026

Kirk here with an article related to Joha's post about the A*o volcano.

https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20260814-343508/

14/08/2026

Liz here with the hope that someone can remember a query a few years back from a former Kumadai/ Blue Angels ice hockey team member who came back to Kumamoto for a visit, and was hoping to reconnect with former teammates. I , of course, have forgotten his name but recently I met another team member who would like to contact him. He did visit and I think he was able to meet up with some of his old friends. Does anyone have any idea what his name is? Not much information to go on , but any help would be appreciated.

14/08/2026

joha here:

For people living near Mount A*o:

The volcanic alert level has been raised from Level 2 to Level 3 this afternoon.

Mount A*o also erupted around the time of the 2016 earthquake. However, Mount A*o does not normally release magma, so please do not be overly worried about that.

Volcanic eruptions often produce ash. If ash gets into your eyes, it can be painful. Use eye drops if necessary.

When you return home, wash or wipe the ash off your face.

People with asthma or other respiratory problems should wear a mask.

If you notice a rusty or metallic taste in your mouth, rinse and gargle with water.

If volcanic ash gets on your car windows, wash it off with water. Do not try to remove the ash with the windshield wipers, as this may damage or scratch the glass.

When the alert level is Level 3, always remain aware of volcanic activity when going about your daily life. Check official announcements, warnings, and local information regularly.

Last, but not least, you shall not enter the area within 2 km of the Nakadake crater.

14/08/2026

Here's something I got via email from the International Center on the 3rd. Sorry for the delay in sharing.

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The Kumamoto Consultation and Support Plaza for Foreign Residents provides consultation and information services for foreign residents regarding daily life in Japan, including matters related to residence status, employment, medical care, welfare, childbirth, childcare, and education.We also offer consultations related to the recent Kumamoto Earthquake.If you have any concerns or worries, no matter how small, please don't hesitate to contact us for a consultation.
〇Location: 2nd Floor, Kumamoto City International Center
〇Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
〇TEL：096-359-4995
Note: The Kumamoto City Consultation and Support Plaza for Foreign Residents is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. However, the Kumamoto City International Center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
〇Telephone: 096-359-2121
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