Kids

Hey Mom and Dad!
Did you know the clothes we’re wearing right now were originally made from animal fur and plants?
We just learned that at school today!

Parents

That’s right!
Almost everything around us comes from some natural material.
Even the roads you walk on to school start out as stone!

Kids

Wait, really? Like the regular stones lying around outside? Those become roads?

Parents

Not exactly. There are special places called quarries where rock is mined.
We’d love to actually visit one, but they’re not usually open to the public…

Gussan

Mind if I jump in?
Guess what — there’s actually a quarry tour happening this November!
It’s a real-world learning experience you can’t miss!

Organizer

Not only will you tour the quarry, but you’ll also see real heavy machinery up close — and even ride in some of it!
Plus, you’ll witness a real dynamite blast!
Let me share all the details with you.

An Adventure Packed with Discovery and Learning!

Uncover the Secrets of Quarrying with “Mokkosu Fire”! Yatsushiro Day Bus Tour
Departure Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025 (held even in light rain)
Time: Departs at 9:00 AM / Returns by approx. 5:00 PM (Check-in starts at 8:40 AM)
Meeting Point: Kumamoto Prefectural Office (departure and return)
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Elementary and junior high school students with a parent/guardian (preschoolers not allowed; children cannot participate without an adult)

Organizer

On this tour, you’ll explore a quarry in Yatsushiro.
The powerful mining site and dynamite blast are sights you’ll rarely get to see — definitely a must!

Dive Into the Secrets of the Quarrying Industry!

Organizer

The tour visits both the quarry and a facility that uses products from the quarrying industry.
Here’s a closer look at the itinerary.

(1) Depart from Kumamoto Prefectural Office
(2) Yatsushiro Saiseki Kogyo Co., Ltd. — Yatsushiro Quarry Site
(3) Lunch (Hotel Daikokuya)
(4) Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. — Ohira Power Station and Aburatani Dam
(5) Return to Kumamoto Prefectural Office

*A restroom break will be made at Miyahara Service Area on both the outbound and return legs.

Parents

Bus transportation AND lunch included — and it’s totally free?! Amazing!

Organizer

The popular comedy duo “Mokkosu Fire” will also be joining the tour!
They’ll keep things lively and entertaining throughout the trip!

Kids

I know Mokkosu Fire!
I’ve seen them on TV!

Quarry Worker

At the quarry, we’ll explain how the industry works, the role it plays, and our daily efforts!
You’ll also get to see live demonstrations of massive machinery in action, hop in for a ride, and watch the dramatic mining and blasting up close!

Kumamoto Family

Honestly, even Mom and Dad don’t know what kind of machinery is used or how big the quarry is!
We’ll all be learning together!

Quarry Worker

At Kyushu Electric Power’s Aburatani Dam and Ohira Power Station, you’ll discover how the quarrying industry connects to our everyday lives!
Try to figure out the connections together as a family!

Kumamoto Family

Understanding how everyday things are connected to industries we don’t usually see is so important. Plus, learning about different jobs broadens kids’ future career possibilities!

Quarry Worker

We’d love for the next generation to walk away thinking, “Wow, quarrying is amazing! It’s such a cool job!”

Gussan

Seeing parents excited and curious is such a great motivator for kids too!
A dynamite blast will get even adults pumped up — this will be an unforgettable family memory!

How to Apply

Organizer

Here are the application details.

Application Period: Wednesday, October 8 — Friday, October 24
How to Apply: Submit through the online application form

Click here for the application form

*If applications exceed capacity, priority may be given to children in 3rd grade or higher through a lottery.
*Lottery results will be announced via email in early November.

Kumamoto Family

Alright, I just applied!
No way I’m letting an opportunity like this slip away!

Gussan

Love that energy!
To every parent reading this — we’re hoping you’ll join us for a tour packed with experiences you can’t find anywhere else!

Organizer

If we receive more applications than spots available, a lottery will be held — but we look forward to hearing from many families!

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