2026 Winter YOKA Released

[Kumamoto Prefectural Advisors]

Hello everyone,

I'm happy to announce that the 2026 Winter YOKA is now released!

I hope you can enjoy it while the nights are still a little cold, at least in the northern hemisphere.

You can access it at https://kumamotojets.weebly.com/the-yoka/the-winter-2026-yoka

In this edition, we have the following contributions:

• The Lost Sheep by Shawna-Kay Lipscombe
  After drifting away from her faith and prioritizing worldly pursuits, Shawna-Kay Lipscombe rediscovered her connection with God 
  through a renewed commitment to church and ultimately found a sense of belonging and lasting fulfillment.
  
• Winter Plans by KT Setlhodi
  Kurokawa onsen is a great spot, but in winter you may need snow tires... KT reveals her instant messages of her travel plans gone wrong!
• Standing on the Shoulders of Giants by Rebecca Wood
  An Aussie high school teacher reflects on Australia and Japan’s approach to foreign languages, and how she ended up as an ALT. 
  A journey shaped by mentors, and a fateful rendezvous with a bookstore.
• Shirakawa Noir by Kerr Pili
  Black-and-white photos on the Shirakawa riverside.
• I’m PROTESTING Winter! by Ariel Meshea Pace
  A Floridian, struggling with the unexpected harshness of winter, expresses deep sadness and frustration, pleading for a 
  return to warmer temperatures and a sense of comfort.
• Aqua Dome Freezes in Winter by Ivan Yatsko
  Aqua Dome in Kumamoto transforms into an ice skating rink during the winter months, offering a unique experience with 
  rentals available and a surprising shift in atmosphere from the usual swimming center.
• Ascent by Grace Shong
  A beautiful photo aboard a ski lift, with bright white snow and a perfectly blue sky.
• The Spirit of the Kuma Valley by Richard Ho
  The article explores the unique history and thriving culture of Kuma shochu, a distinctive Japanese spirit originating in the 
  Hitoyoshi-Kuma Valley of Kyushu, highlighting its geographical indication status, diverse production methods, and the 
  enduring traditions surrounding its consumption and enjoyment.
• Taipei by Daniel Leopoldo Julián Martínez Salgado
  Photos from Taipei, with a playful take on motion and light.
• Why Not Take a Day Trip to Nagasu Town? by Rebecca Wood
  Rebecca showcases the attractions and her favorite spots in Nagasu, a town in the north of Kumamoto prefecture.
• What’s on Today’s Menu: Episode Five by Shawna-Kay Lipscombe
  The fifth article of the series! Shawna-Kay introduces the Kumamoto Volters, a basketball team, and interviews one of their players.
• With Jonathan Vuong, Shawna-Kay Lipscombe, and Grace Shong contributing to the front, inner, and rear covers respectively!

I'd like to give a huge shout out to all our contributors this time around!

I will send an email regarding submissions for the spring edition soon as well.

If you would no longer like to receive email notifications for the YOKA, please let me know.

Happy reading,

Ivan Yatsko

Coordinator for International Relations (CIR)

Kumamoto Prefecture JET Programme Prefectural Advisor

Kumamoto Prefectural Government

International Affairs Division

6-18-1 Suizenji, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, 862-8570, JAPAN

Tel: 096-333-2159

Email: kumam...@gmail.com

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