Trump Invited To Commemoration of Atomic Bombings

Above, the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan have invited President Donald Trump to their cities to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings that led to the end of World War II.

The Japan Times reported:

The mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have requested that U.S. President Donald Trump visit the atomic-bombed cities this year to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the attacks and the end of World War II.

“We hope that you will listen to the voices of civil society, visit the atomic-bombed cities, listen to the firsthand accounts of the hibakusha and fully grasp the inhumanity of nuclear weapons and accept the hibakusha’s earnest desire for peace,” Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui and Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki wrote in a letter sent Tuesday to the new U.S. president.

The mayors emphasized Washington’s key role in reining in the proliferation of nuclear weapons as “tensions continue to worsen” across the globe ahead of the anniversary of the attack on Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945, and on Nagasaki three days later.

The U.S. bombings of the two cities killed an estimated 214,000 people, leading to Japan's surrender and the end of World War II.

Above, the hypocenter monument in Nagasaki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Nagasaki Marriott Hotel Opens

Above, the JR Nagasaki Station in 2007. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my 2007 trip to Japan, I went down to Kyushu for a few days.

One of my stops was in Nagasaki, the site of the second atomic bomb drop that ended World War II. While there, I visited the Nagasaki atomic bomb park and museum.

I arrived in Nagasaki at the JR Nagasaki Station. As there were no shinkansens there at the time, I traveled there on a commuter train from Sasebo.

Nagasaki Station has a new neighbor that has just opened: the Nagasaki Marriott Hotel.

According to Kyodo News:

The first Marriott hotel in Japan's southwestern Kyushu region opened Tuesday adjacent to JR Nagasaki Station amid hopes of boosting local tourism.

Along with a new shinkansen bullet train service connecting Nagasaki and the Takeo Onsen hot spring resort in neighboring Saga Prefecture launched in September 2022, the new luxury hotel is expected to help attract visitors and revitalize the economy.

The Nagasaki Marriott Hotel, which is Marriott's ninth in Japan, offers restaurants and rooms with panoramic views of local attractions such as Nagasaki Port and Mt. Inasa. 

To read more, go here. 

Truman's Decision To Drop The A-Bombs On Japan

Above, the Nagasaki hypocenter monument. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The new Christopher Nolan movie, Oppenheimer, is igniting debate over atomic and nuclear bombs. As well it should. 

This month marks 78 years since the atomic bombs were dropped on Japan.

From the Harry S Truman Library & Museum website:

After President Roosevelt died on April 12th, 1945, it became Harry Truman’s job to decide how to end the war. The thought of invading Japan gave Truman and his advisors pause. The war had shown that the Japanese were fighting for the Emperor who convinced them that it was better to die than surrender. Women and children had been taught how to kill with basic weapons. Japanese kamikaze pilots could turn planes into guided missiles. The cost of invasion, they knew, would be high.

Upon becoming president, Harry Truman learned of the Manhattan Project, a secret scientific effort to create an atomic bomb. After a successful test of the weapon, Truman issued the Potsdam Declaration demanding the unconditional surrender of the Japanese government, warning of “prompt and utter destruction.” Eleven days later, on August 6, 1945, having received no reply, an American bomber called the Enola Gay left the Tinian Island in route toward Japan. In the belly of the bomber was “Little Boy,” an atomic bomb. At 8:15 am Hiroshima time, “Little Boy” was dropped. The result was approximately 80,000 deaths in just the first few minutes. Thousands died later from radiation sickness. On August 9, 1945, another bomber was in route to Japan, only this time they were heading for Nagasaki with “Fat Man,” another atomic bomb. After the first minute of dropping “Fat Man,” 39,000 men, women and children were killed. 25,000 more were injured. Both cities were leveled from the bombs and this, in turn, forced Japan to surrender to the United States. The war was finally over.

Today, historians continue to debate this decision. Was there another way to end the war?

Above, the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima in 2004. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have been to both Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. Looking at those cities today, one would never suspect that both were obliterated instantly in 1945. 

Atomic Bomb Commemorations

Above, a replica of "Fat Man" at the National Museum of Nuclear
 Science & History in Albuquerque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This month marks the 78th anniversary of the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan that ended World War II.

Commemorations will be taking place at several locations that are tied to the Manhattan Project.

According to an article in RV Travel:

Manhattan Project National Historical Park, in partnership with Pearl Harbor National Memorial, will host “Days of Peace and Remembrance” across its three sites to commemorate and reflect on the 78th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Japan in 1945.

The commemorative programming acknowledges and interprets the conflicting viewpoints, both historical and modern, that surround the development and use of the world’s first atomic weapons. These events provide an opportunity to reflect on the historical and emotional traumas of the atomic bombings. Messages of Peace programs will be held at each of the park sites over the next two weeks. Following is a schedule of events.

To read more, go here. 

Biden Unlikely To Visit Nagasaki

Above, the monument marking the atomic bomb hypocenter in Nagasaki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Kyodo News is reporting that His Fraudulency Joe Biden is "unlikely" to visit Nagasaki during his trip to Japan for the G-7 summit in May.

Perhaps that's just as well. The atomic bombings are still sensitive issues for both the U.S. and Japan.

According to Kyodo News:

U.S. President Joe Biden is not expected to visit Nagasaki when he travels to Japan for a Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima in May due to scheduling conflicts, diplomatic sources said Thursday, disappointing citizens who hoped for his trip to the atomic bomb-hit city.

Biden would have been the first sitting U.S. president to visit the southwestern Japan city, which the United States hit with an atomic bomb after dropping one on Hiroshima in August 1945 in the final days of World War II.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida hoped he and Biden could send a message to the world from the two atomic-bombed Japanese cities toward a world free of nuclear weapons, with concern growing over whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will use such destructive arms in his country's war against Ukraine, the sources said

Japan, meanwhile, has continued to arrange a visit by the G-7 leaders, including Biden, to the atomic bomb museum in Hiroshima, the sources said. If realized, it would be the first time that the G-7 heads have stopped by the museum together. 

Above, the Hiroshima Peace Museum and cenotaph (left). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have visited the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Museum with G-TOUR in 2004 and visited Nagasaki in 2007. Both are well worth visiting. 

To read more, go here.

Gaijinpot: 5 Historical and Quirky Places to Visit in Kyushu

Above, the Peace Statue at Nagaski Peace Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that Japan will be welcoming foreign tourists again in four days, it is now the time to take a look at what places to visit while there.

Gaijinpot has posted five historical and quirky places to visit in Kyushu. I visited Kyushu back in 2007 and enjoyed the trek there.

For daikaiju eiga fans, Kyushu was prominent in Rodan (1956), including Mt. Aso, Sasebo City and Fukuoka. Fukuoka was featured in Gamera: Guardian of the Universe (1995). While visiting the seven on the list, side trips to other sites are worth one's while. They are covered in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

They begin with:

Kyushu is Japan’s southernmost main island and the third largest after Hokkaido. There are seven prefectures that make up the island: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Oita, Kumamoto, Miyazaki and Kagoshima. These prefectures are home to a handful of active volcanoes (26 to be exact), world-class hot spring towns and great local cuisine.

While not as popular as Okinawa or Kyoto there’s an undeniable charm to each prefecture that make up this island. From Kokura Castle in Kita-Kyushu down to Sakurajima in Kagoshima, many other destinations await the eager explorer.

Here are our top five spots to get you started on planning your Kyushu adventure.

 To read more, go here.

Japan Tourism: No Plans To Reopen

Above, the Nagasaki Peace Statue. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like foreign tourism to Japan won't be happening anytime soon.

That is the position of the Japanese government. They've relaxed entry restrictions for students and business, but not for tourism.

According to The Mainichi:

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan has no plan for now to resume the entry of foreign tourists to the country but will make a judgment after looking at the COVID-19 infection situation and border control steps taken by other nations, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Friday.

To read more, go here.

Explore Kyushu With The JR Kyushu Discover Rail Pass

Above, a view of Fukuoka from Fukuoka Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2007, I took a trip down to Kyushu, Japan and wandered around Kumamoto, Fukuoka, Mount Aso, Nagasaki and Sasebo. This trip was before the Hakata and Kagoshima Shinkansen was built.

Now, with that Shinkansen and other commuter trains available, the JR Kyushu Discover Rail Pass will make exploring Kyushu a lot easier.

According to GaijinPot:

Whether you’re traveling in Kyushu to enjoy the lush countryside home to natural hot springs, active volcanoes and waterfalls, or heading into the bustling cities to shop your heart’s content, getting around Japan’s underrated third-largest island has never been more affordable or convenient, thanks to the new JR Kyushu Discover Rail Pass.

Although Japan’s borders are still closed to tourists from abroad due to the coronavirus, the JR Kyushu Discover Rail Pass is designed for the country’s foreign residents who want to discover Kyushu’s hottest tourist attractions in a fast and efficient manner.

The pass offers users unlimited travel on JR Kyushu shinkansen and limited express trains for three consecutive days. If you’re planning to visit more than one city on your trip, it makes sense to take advantage of this limited-time discount—as you’ll likely be using the train to move around the island.

To read more, go here. 

RV Camping: 5 Things To Do In Albuquerque

Above, yours truly with a model of "Fat Man", the Nagasaki atomic
 bomb at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.

Every so often, I have to go into Albuquerque, New Mexico to take care of business, so the following caught my attention. I have to go there next month.

Do I Yourself RV posted an article on five things to do while RV camping in Albuquerque. Of the five, I have done two of them: Albuquerque Old Town and the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.

There are plenty of RV parks in and around Albuquerque. I have stayed at three of them at one time or another. 

The article begins with:

RV camping is one of the best ways to explore a new city, giving you the freedom to roam and ability to park when you find something exciting. Throughout your journey, you can find incredible bucket-list sights to see and events to attend.

The city of Albuquerque, New Mexico is one of the cultural centers of the southwest, with plenty of area campgrounds and attractions for all ages and interests. Here are the top five things to do while RV camping near Albuquerque.

To read more, go here. 

Hiroshima Marks 76th Anniversary of Atomic Bombing

Above, the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today marks the 76th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, the first of two bombings that led to the end of World War II. 

The anniversary was commemorated today in the city.

The Japan Times reported:

HIROSHIMA – Hiroshima on Friday marked the 76th anniversary of the atomic bombing by the United States, with its mayor urging world leaders to shift away from nuclear deterrence to trust-building dialogue.

In the annual ceremony, which was scaled down once again this year amid surging coronavirus infections across Japan, Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui called on world leaders to support a U.N. treaty to ban nuclear weapons that came into effect this January.

After a moment of silence was observed at 8:15 a.m., the exact time of the bombing on Aug. 6, 1945, the mayor also highlighted the significance of combining individual efforts, particularly among youth, to encourage nuclear-armed states to change their policies.

 To read the full article, go here.

Kyushu: 5 Hidden Gem Places

Above, a snow-covered shrine at Mt. Aso Volcano National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2007, I spent several days at Japan's westernmost island of Kyushu. It was one memorable trip that I recommend to others.

Once the pandemic ends (whenever that'll be), Kyushu is a place to seriously look into during Japan vacation planning.

Japan Today has posted five "hidden gem" places that deserve a visit.

They begin with:

TOKYO - As someone who has been in Kyushu for over ten years, I can attest that it’s a pretty nice place to live. The island consists of seven prefectures: Fukuoka, Oita, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Miyazaki and Kagoshima, and often Okinawa is included too. 

Kyushu is much more laid back than its mainland counterpart, and people here are friendly and full of character. Where else can you can enjoy city life with beautiful scenic views just a stone’s throw away? I wouldn’t trade living down here for Tokyo at all. 

However, Kyushu is often overlooked in people’s Japan itineraries. A shame, because you miss out on visiting places like the Nagasaki Peace Museum, Kumamoto Castle, or other great sightseeing spots. But Kyushu has much more to offer than what a cursory Google search might tell you. Where are the places that the locals like to visit? Here are a couple for you!

To read more, go here. 

Nagasaki Marks 75th Anniversary of Atomic Bombing

Above, the monument that marks ground zero of the atomic bomb in Nagasaki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tomorrow marks the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Japan and the city is memorializing the event that led to the end of World War II.

Japan Today reported:

TOKYO - The city of Nagasaki in southern Japan marks the 75th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing on Sunday. 

It was the second nuclear bomb dropped by the U.S. three days after the attack on Hiroshima. Japan surrendered on Aug. 15, ending World War II and nearly a half-century aggression against its Asian neighbors. 

Dwindling survivors, whose average age exceeds 83, increasingly worry about passing their lessons on to younger generations. 

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE ATTACK? 

Nagasaki's sky was also hazy, but visibility briefly cleared. At 11:02 a.m., the Bockscar dropped a 4.5-ton plutonium bomb dubbed “Fat Man” from 31,500 feet (9,600 meters). About 30 seconds later, the bomb exploded at 1,640 feet (500 meters) above a tennis court, hitting the mostly civilian district. Under the mushroom cloud that rose as high as 52,500 feet (16,000 meters), the blast destroyed about 70% of the city. Seconds later, the temperature at ground zero rose to 4,000 degrees Celsius (7,200 degrees Fahrenheit). All wooden houses within one kilometer of ground zero were destroyed by the blast and firestorm. About 20 minutes later, “black rain” of highly radioactive particles started falling onto the city, causing additional radiation exposure.

Above, a replica of "Fat Man" atomic bomb at the National Museum of Nuclear
 Science & History in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History - Inside

Above, yours truly with a model of "Fat Man", the Nagasaki atomic bomb for a size perspective.

After getting a haircut at Supercuts in Albuquerque, I headed off to The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.

Above, The Beast with a Redstone rocket in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The museum covers all aspects of nuclear weaponry as well as peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

One of the first things I noticed when pulling up to the museum was a Redstone rocket standing at the parking lot entrance and, in the museum's yard, aircraft and a replica Trinity test tower. The two most interesting (to me) of the aircraft on display were a B-52 bomber and a B-29 Superfortress bomber.

Above, the front of the museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In this blog post, I am concentrating on displays inside the museum. The outdoor displays will be covered in another blog post.

The first gallery was on the pioneers of the atom. This was followed by World War II, critical assembly, Manhattan Project, temporary exhibit (the exhibit during my visit was on the B-52), Trinity & its legacy, "Fat Man" and "Little Boy", Hiroshima & Nagasaki, Cold War, Heritage Park, nuclear medicine, radiation, Nano, atomic culture, Little Albert's Lab (children's area), Whats Up With You, nuclear waste transportation, energy encounter, and uranium cycle.

The museum was established in 1969 and its current home was opened in 2009. It is a Smithsonian affiliate and is the only national museum in the state of New Mexico.

More photos:

Above, Heritage Park from the visitor parking lot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, part of the critical assembly gallery. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, B-52 fuselage art, part of the temporary exhibit. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, "Little Boy" (Hiroshima) and " Fat Man" (Nagasaki). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a V.I.P. stretch military limousine. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the flag that flew at Trinity during the atomic test. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the first atomic bomb, "The Gadget", of the Trinity test in New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a recovered Nagasaki license plate and a photo of a child's tricycle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a familiar sign during the days of the Cold War. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a collection of Cold War era missiles. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, atomic/nuclear-oriented movie posters. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, model train car toys of the nuclear age. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, an electrostatic x-ray influence machine. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For displays outside, go here.

"Godzilla vs. Mothra" Screening At Albuquerque's National Nuclear Museum

One of the things I wanted to do today while in Albuquerque (and after a haircut) was to visit The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. I had recently heard about it and thought it would be an interesting place to see.

As I walked into the main lobby of the museum, I noticed a sign featuring the Japanese poster for the 1992 Godzilla vs. Mothra movie. As it turns out, there will be a special screening of the movie on November 1 It will be an outdoor screening.

As many Godzilla fans know, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan were a couple of inspirations for the creation of the Godzilla character. With that in mind, I think the 1954 Godzilla or 1995's Godzilla vs Destroyah would have been better choices.

If one happens to be in or near Albuquerque, it would be well worth their time to see the movie at the museum.

More Foreigners Venturing Out of Japan's Metropolitan Areas

Above, Nagasaki's Hypocenter Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It used to be that foreign visitors to Japan just confined their visits to metropolitan areas such as Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka.

That is now changing as more foreign visitors are venturing outside of metropolitan areas to see different places and experience different things.

Above, the Saikai Bridge in Kyushu. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Japan Times reported:

About 18 million foreign travelers visited regions outside of the Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka metropolitan areas in 2018, some 40 percent more than the number of travelers who visited only those metropolitan areas, an annual government report showed Friday. 

The figure marked steady growth from the 10.2 million visits logged in 2015, according to the 2019 white paper on tourism, which was adopted at a Cabinet meeting the same day. 

Of the 31.19 million foreign travelers to Japan last year, 57.7 percent visited regions outside of the three metropolitan areas, and they spent more than ¥1 trillion. 

The report found that foreign travelers seeking experiences, including skiing, visiting hot springs or engaging in nature tourism, have a strong tendency to visit nonmetropolitan areas. 

Such travelers also tend to spend more per head than those who do not engage in experience-based consumption.

 To read more, go here.

Japan's Streetcars Day

Above, a Nagasaki streetcar in 2007. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Government of Japan Tweeted the following:

Until I rode several streetcars in Nagasaki, Japan in 2007, I hadn't ridden one since I was a toddler in Los Angeles. Los Angeles had streetcars until the last ones were removed in 1963.

To read more about streetcars in Japan, go here.

Visit Old Japanese Naval Port Towns of Maizuru, Kure and Sasebo

Above, the Hario Towers near Sasebo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2007, I took a trip down to Kyushu to visit several places of historical and kaiju history.

While there, I visited Kumamoto, Mount Aso Volcano National Park, Sasebo, Nagasaki and Fukuoka.

Tokyo Cheapo has an article on visiting Japan's old port towns, which includes Sasebo. In the Sasebo portion of their article, they focused on the Hario Towers, purportedly the towers that transmitted the signal to the Japanese fleet to attack Pearl Harbor. Near the towers, is the Saikai Bridge that was featured in Rodan (1956).

Above, the Saikai Bridge near Sasebo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If you are a submarine fan, there is a port town (Kure) where submarines can be viewed and a museum dedicated to the Japanese battleship, Yamato.

They begin their article with:

Many visitors to Japan limit their sightseeing to the country’s major cities, like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. Beyond those hot spots, however, exists a wealth of history and culture in local areas that can offer unique tourist opportunities. Consider Maizuru, Kure and Sasebo—three old Japan port towns chock-full of natural beauty, historical attractions and nautical adventures.

To see the full article, go here.

5 James Bond Japan Movie Locations

Above, Tokyo Tower was shown in You Only Live Twice, particularly when Tiger
Tanaka had a carload of baddies dropped into Tokyo bay. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan served as the primary central location in one James Bond movie. The movie was You Only Live Twice in 1967 starring Sean Connery.

Bond returned to Japan (although it wasn't specified) in Skyfall in 2012 at Gunkanjima (Battleship Island near Nagasaki.

Along with Gunkanjima, Gaijinpot.com has an article on four other James Bond Japan locations.

They start it with:

It’s been over 50 years now since the famous movie spy James Bond first visited Japan. Released on June 13, 1967, the film You Only Live Twice saw agent 007 adventuring in the capital and other parts of the country. Three years earlier, the Olympics had put Tokyo in the global spotlight. Now, the city is a mere two years away from hosting another Olympics. 

Next year also sees the release of the 25th installment in the Bond film series by Eon Productions. Anticipation for this latest movie has been further stoked by the recent announcement that it will be helmed by Danny Boyle, the Academy Award-winning director of movies like Slumdog Millionaire, 28 Days Later, The Beach and Trainspotting. 

If you live in Japan or plan on visiting (for the Olympics or any other time), these five locations will allow you to retrace some of James Bond’s globetrotting footsteps here. Since March 2018, Mount Shinmoedake — the volcano used for exterior shots of the villain Blofield’s secret rocket base in You Only Live Twice — has been logging major eruptions. With that in mind, it’s not the safest bet for travel at the moment — in fact, access to the mountain is currently restricted — but here are five cooler spots across the country that will allow you to get in touch with your inner spy.

Above, Sean Connery's co-star, Akiko Wakabayashi, of You Only Live Twice.

To read more, go here.

"Jurassic Island" To Open April 28 Near Sasebo

Above, the Saikai Bridge near Sasebo City in Nagasaki Prefecture. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's one thing about Japan, they seem to have new amusement park attractions opening annually.

A new one is set to open in April near Sasebo.

According to the Asahi Shimbun:

SASEBO, Nagasaki Prefecture--“Jurassic Park” will move one step closer to reality on an uninhabited island here, where an innovative theme park attraction will bring dinosaurs to life using augmented reality. 

Dutch theme park Huis Ten Bosch (HTB) here will open Jurassic Island from April 28, where Nagashima island and its woods will provide a stage for thrill-seekers to do battle with fierce “dinosaurs” in a realistic outdoor setting. 

The venue in Saikai, which occupies about 39,000 square meters in Omura Bay next to HTB, is about 6 kilometers from the main park. 

Willing “warriors” must first take a 40-minute ferry ride to embark on the adventure.

Fans of Japanese kaiju movies are familiar with Sasebo City. In the 1956 movie, Rodan, two flying giant monsters attack Sasebo and demolish the Saikai Bridge. I am curious if something involving Rodan will be included in the new park as a "hat tip".

To read more, go here.

"5 Things To Do In Nagasaki"

Above, the Port of Nagasaki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Venturing out of Tokyo, and even Honshu, is well worth the experience for tourists. There's a lot more to Japan than one would expect. The people are different and so are the cuisines in many cases.

Going down to Kyushu is one way to see more of Japan. I did it in 2007 and it was one of the best Japan trips I ever took. One of the places I visited was Nagasaki.

The Philippine Star has an article on "5 Things To Do In Nagasaki".

They begin with:

NAGASAKI, Japan — The city of Nagasaki in Japan’s Kyushu Island was the country’s window to the rest of the world as it was the only port open during the national isolation from 1641 to 1858. 

Until today, the port city reflects a mixture of Japanese, European and Chinese influences as an indirect effect of the policy. 

Below is a list of activities for those who would like to visit the city on the southern island of Kyushu.

To read more, go here.