A historic city on Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands, Kumamoto is renowned for its imposing castle, rich regional food culture and friendly, welcoming inhabitants.

The city of Kumamoto is steeped in the spirit of its samurai past, which many of its citizens point to as a major influence on their hometown to this day. In addition to its famed castle ...

KUMAMOTO--With the grandeur of Mount Aso in the background, around 20 cranes were erecting what will be a fortress-like building on a 21-hectare site in Kikuyo town, Kumamoto Prefecture.