This mark was created by taking the first syllable of "Kumamoto"("ku" in Japanese letter) and combining it with the geographical features of Kyushu. The white circle in the center symbolizes Kumamoto Prefecture, which is located in the center of Kyushu.

Kumamoto in early summer is full of the life forces of the budding leaves of camphor trees. One can see big camphor trees everywhere, in Kumamoto Castle, in Shinto Shrines, and in Bhuddist Temples. The camphor tree has long been familiar to the inhabitants of Kumamoto since ancient times.

The pretty purple flowers of the gentian bloom in thee grassland of Aso. It was chosen for the prefectural flower when N.H.K.(Association of Japanese Broadcast) "local flowers" for the entire country. Gentian grows naturally in the fields and mountains of Kumamoto, and it starts to bloom around October in the Aso Heights.

Larks can be seen in the grasslands and cultivated areas of Kumamoto and are familiar friends to the inhabitants of Kumamoto. The lark became the symbol of Kumamoto, which is an agricultural prefecture.

Naturally the Ariake and Shiranui seas are the main habitats of prawns. Kumamoto Prefecture has started to cultivate prawns and has taken the initiative to other prefectures. We are justly proud of having the largest production in Japan.