Qing Dynasty history in Shimonoseki and a red-light-district jaunt in Fukuoka

KYUSHU – The sun is blazing over Kanmon Straits as the ferry I am on sets forth from the charming port city of Mojiko.

I look at a group of Japanese students, in their uniforms of woollen vests over white shirts and blouses in the heat of summer, and feel hot on their behalf.