Tori
@toguchi
Previously a collections photographer at a museum. Currently an Okinawan Kenpi Student. From Hawaiʻi, living in Okinawa.
TW: Dead Snake Went to chase the sunset with a friend who was visiting. Stopped at a lovely beach, but unfortunately also came across a mangled sea creature. I think it was a sea snake or eel that got caught up in some sort of fishing tool. It was incredibly sad and frustrating to stumble across.
Was walking around yesterday and the full moon was giving us her all. I wish I had my actual camera instead of my phone!
My friend took me to Tā Falls in Ogimi and we saw an endemic Ryukyuan lizard on our way back to the parking lot. It's called Takydromus smaragdinus, アオカナヘビ (Aokanahebi) in JP and ジューミー (Jyūmī) in Uchināguchi. Wouldn't have seen it if it hadn't run across the pavement!
Some amazing blue corn tacos and small explorations of Grand Central Market and Angels Flight Railway a few days ago.
From Okinawa to Singapore to NYC: Talk with Aya Rodriguez-Izumi, Jacqueline Kiyomi Gork, and Fang-Tze Hsu. JANUARY 14, 2026 at 5PM PST. www.aaa-a.org/programs/fro...
I have to better my Japanese, I'm sure I'd find a lot of interesting stories written. I found an article written by the missionary, Henry Bulter Scwartz, about Japan's colonial rule in Okinawa. The subtitle reads, "That she is civilizing power of Orient." From Nippu Jiji (Honolulu, HI), 1921.01.01.
I was trying to find if there was mention of Ryukyuan Hajichi in older newspapers. Still in the process of looking but thought this was interesting. 1920's Japanese Flappers getting tattoos. From Nichibei Shinbun (San Francisco, CA), 1928.07.11.
For 2026, I probably will do nothing. But here is some Muuchii that I made with my friend at the beginning of 2025. It's usually eaten on 12/8 (lunar calendar date). It was really cool to learn and try some Ryukyuan foods that I've never had before. More info: www.onookinawa.com/2016/12/19/m...
Some basic Uchinaaguchi from Yuntanza (Yomitan). Goes over basic greeting phrases, pronouns, common nouns, and counting. Has translations in Japanese and Chinese.
The caption says, "other family members and relatives of Kino (J.T. Sata's mother)," but the woman's clothing and hair leads me to believe they aren't close relatives. In fact, she's dressed as many Okinawan women did in the late 19th/early 20th century, as seen here. PC: Naha City Museum of History
I stumbled across this photograph a few years ago when looking at the work of Japanese-American photographer, J.T. Sata in Kagoshima 9066 Westridge, a visual biography of Sata's life. What's peculiar about this photo is the woman on the far right and she sticks out like a sore thumb.
Catching up with a friend at Ülëw Coffee & Juice, which serves Guatemalan flavors and ambience! It was a lovely way to spend my afternoon (and the coffee was delicious)!
Two different Okinawa Soba, both with Asa (アーサー). Soba on the left also has Yushi Dofu (ゆし豆腐).
More Ryūkyūan confections! Top left, Chinsukou (ちんすこう) - biscuit created during the Ryūkyū Kingdom. Top right, Kokutou Agarasā (黒糖あがらさー) - steamed confectionary made with flour and brown sugar.
Tsukazan-aza, Haebaru Tsunahiki in Okinawa last year. Unfortunately didn't make it to the actual tug of war but experiencing this district's way of celebrating it was fun!
Last year's experience at the Haebaru Kasuri Kaikan with my friend, Mai. Learning more about the textile and its history and seeing masters at their craft was such a cool experience!
Something to Hold, curated by Dane Nakama. Work featured in these pictures are of Dane Nakama, Chie Fuji, and Ako Castuera.