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Tori

@toguchi.bsky.social
621 followers 709 following 373 posts

Previously a collections photographer at a museum. Currently an Okinawan Kenpi Student. From Hawaiʻi, living in Okinawa.

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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Went to the Yaese Matsuri with a friend whose roots are there. We ended up being gifted some alcohol and snacks from this older couple sitting next to us. It's always nice to talk about being diasporic with strangers.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
And the 綱引き itself. So very cool to see each town and district's rendition! I have yet to go to two different towns that felt the same! Everyone has their own twist to it, in one capacity or another!
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
This is the tug-of-war event I went to in Aza-Okuma in Kunigami. This part of their ガーエー before the tug-of-war begins. Such a cool and fun experience, especially because my friend's roots are here.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
On the day of the Autumnal equinox (秋のお彼岸), the sunset was so beautiful! In Okinawa, people usually observe at home with their Butsudan and Hinukan. Some offer/eat Fuchagi. Usually around this time, there are also harvest festivals (usually Tsunahiki or Hounensai).
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
A little cafe tucked in the mountains of the Yanbaru. Agachi Mui (喫茶あがち森) is located in the mountains of Kunigami and has a beautiful view of the ocean. The food was also delicious!
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
It's fascinating to watch the chip bags lose color in real time.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Went to mofgmona in Ginowan. Beautiful space, delicious food!
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
A little treat at my local coffee shop before 台風13号 Typhoon Dolphin hits.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
A small team based in Okinawa is looking for Okinawan survey responses for their genealogical research and reconnection to family members in Okinawa. English forms.gle/9XHiJZYhLMiG... Español forms.gle/mZkryBDrB5yT... Português forms.gle/DSi2Y8qa2SYJ... 日本語 forms.gle/x2fyMwyJYBZk...
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
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.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Was walking around yesterday and the full moon was giving us her all. I wish I had my actual camera instead of my phone!
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Just a walk around Nago.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
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!
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Some amazing blue corn tacos and small explorations of Grand Central Market and Angels Flight Railway a few days ago.
Taco over the plate of tacos.One big taco with guacamole View from Angeles Flight Railway
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Just a little coffee run and picnic last weekend.
Noodles and KimchiCafe counter with blue. Heart decorations.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
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...
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
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.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
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.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
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...
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 30/12/2025
Kakigori at Uchina Cafe Bukubuku うちなー茶屋ぶくぶく and wanderings around Tsuboya.
Jasmine tea and brown sugar kakigori on black lacquer plate.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 29/12/2025
A very cute and funny cat that I met in Okinawa.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 28/12/2025
Some basic Uchinaaguchi from Yuntanza (Yomitan). Goes over basic greeting phrases, pronouns, common nouns, and counting. Has translations in Japanese and Chinese.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 27/12/2025
November explorations in Kyoto.
Looking towards a temple, next to a grey building.Kimono on left side display.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 27/12/2025
New Kitanaka ニューキタナカ Cafe in Okinawa.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 27/12/2025
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
那覇市歴史博物館 提供 (Naha City Museum of History) photograph. https://www.orionbeer.co.jp/story/ryuso/
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 27/12/2025
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.
Miyo, Kino, J.T. Sata, and other family members and relatives of Kino. Woman on far right is likely to be Okinawan.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
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)!
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
Mango Sticky Rice Matcha and Pumpkin Spice Latte with colleagues today. ☺️
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
Two different Okinawa Soba, both with Asa (アーサー). Soba on the left also has Yushi Dofu (ゆし豆腐).
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 09/11/2025
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.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 08/11/2025
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!
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
A photo in Kyoto from 2018.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
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!
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 12/10/2025
Farmer's Market.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
Matcha. 🍵
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
First day back at work. Second day back in Los Angeles.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
Accidental Hajichi meetup at Po’ai by Pono Potions! ☕️
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
Something to Hold, curated by Dane Nakama. Work featured in these pictures are of Dane Nakama, Chie Fuji, and Ako Castuera.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
Nanjo wanderings.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
Japanese American National Museum. Pictures from the Miné Okubo, Sutra and Bible, and (old) core exhibition(s) from the past few years.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
Neko Koneko, one of my favorite cafés. The aesthetic is so cute and the drinks are tasty!
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
Breakfast at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum. I still haven't gone through their permanent exhibitions. One of these days...
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
A gathering at my family's house in Okinawa. Fresh sātā andāgī, Mozuku tempura, soup, and Orion beer.
Top: Brown fried donuts called Sata Andagi. Bottom: Yellow and brown mozuku tempura.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
My friend and I were looking for a place to drink tea and landed on the cutest cafe-restaurant! The owner of 茶房 華 was such a kind person and told us that she picked the Mozuku and made the Chinsuko. The meals was affordable and delicious.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
My two pirate pets. ❤️
Grey cat with head cocked to right, lying down on lighter grey blanket.Black and white dog with brown eyebrow spot, laying head on arm.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
For application material and information, please check out : drive.google.com/drive/folder... There is no age limit or language requirement for applying! This is a great opportunity for folks to have the experience of living in Okinawa, while also being able to study and receive generous support!
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
This is a call for application by the University of the Ryukyus to descendants of Okinawan immigrants residing in South America (only Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Bolivia) and Hawaii as auditing students or research students to study at Ryudai!
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
Last July in Naha. One of the prettiest sunsets I saw from the monorail.
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
My last two creations were purple sweet potato "crinkle cookies" and a sweet potato latte. All in all, very fun to make!
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Tori @toguchi.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
Inspired by my friends, I made different things out of purple sweet potato! The left is a latte and the right is mashed potatoes. The color came out so pretty!
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