A Visit to Kumamoto Castle:Recovery After the Earthquake

Japagrit
5月6日
読了時間: 3分

Recently, I had the privilege of organizing a local tour showcasing the charms of Kumamoto's pride, Kumamoto Castle, and its surrounding areas. Sharing the sight of the fully restored castle with our participants was a truly moving experience.

The Road from the Kumamoto Earthquakes

One of the key themes we focused on during the tour was the story of recovery following the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes. The severe damage inflicted on the castle by this unprecedented disaster is still fresh in many people's minds. Stone walls crumbled, turrets tilted – the castle was battered and bruised.

In preparing the tour and guiding participants on the day, we made sure to convey just how difficult the road to recovery was. Imagine the painstaking restoration work undertaken without the original blueprints to guide the way. Consider the challenge of securing enough skilled craftspeople proficient in the specialized techniques essential for castle architecture – artisans who are rare even across Japan. And picture the constant threat of aftershocks, with restoration work proceeding alongside the very real risk of complete collapse.

Sharing the story of how Kumamoto Castle was powerfully resurrected, overcoming these immense challenges with nationwide support, hopefully allowed our participants to feel the weight of the reconstruction and the hope it embodies. It's truly wonderful that the castle has recovered to the point where local tours like ours, as well as guided tours for international visitors, are now frequently held.

Touring Through History: Lord Kato Kiyomasa and Modern Heroes

During the tour, we delved deep into the history of Kumamoto Castle. The achievements of its builder and the first feudal lord to govern this region, Kato Kiyomasa, are immeasurable. We explained how the foresight and leadership behind the castle's robust structure, the development of the surrounding castle town, and his flood control projects laid the very foundation for modern-day Kumamoto.

Furthermore, we incorporated spots into our tour route that symbolize contemporary Kumamoto. Chief among these are the bronze statues of characters from the globally popular manga and anime series, "One Piece." We shared the background story: how the creator, Eiichiro Oda, who hails from Kumamoto, initiated the "Hi no Kuni" (Land of Fire) Reconstruction Project. His desire was to support the recovery efforts after the earthquakes and bring enjoyment to the entire city, leading to statues of the Straw Hat Pirates being placed in various locations throughout the prefecture.

The sight of historic structures interwoven with these beloved characters, who also serve as symbols of recovery, offers a unique charm found only in Kumamoto. We heard particular delight from the anime fans among our participants!

In Conclusion

Organizing this local tour reaffirmed the powerful narrative Kumamoto Castle holds and the joy of sharing it. Seeing this symbol of resilience firsthand is an experience I highly recommend. Come and visit Kumamoto and its magnificent castle to discover its diverse attractions for yourself.

Why Do Business Elites Choose Japagrit?

Japagrit offers a unique travel experience that transcends mere sightseeing, incorporating a keen understanding of the business landscape.

* A Bridge for Business: We aim to spark future business opportunities through your travels in Japan, fostering connections within local communities to explore new avenues for growth.

* A Distinctive Network: Led by our representative, a founding member and current mentor at "BSJ" (Business Support in Japan), we leverage collaborations with experts across various fields, including accountants, immigration lawyers, real estate developers, and more, to provide comprehensive business support.

* Deep Local Connections: Beyond our marketing alliances with travel agencies, we maintain strong ties with local traditional artisans and those involved in cultural industries, enabling us to offer unparalleled and authentic experiences.

* A Global Perspective: Our experience in fostering B2B collaborations with marine travel companies in Italy, Portugal, Australia, and our membership in the Indian Chamber of Commerce Japan and the Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan provide us with invaluable insights into the needs of international travelers, allowing us to propose the most suitable plans.

* Experience in Supporting Foreign Entrepreneurs: Our origins lie in providing business Japanese lessons to foreign entrepreneurs in Japan. This history has equipped us with a rich understanding of the challenges and success stories of doing business in Japan, which we apply to crafting insightful business travel itineraries.