Following our look at Haneji Choshu, I have researched his political successor, Sai On (1682–1762). Let’s explore his personality, philosophy, and his remarkable achievements within the Ryukyu Kingdom. Early Life and Youth Sai On was bor...

Walking through the streets of Okinawa, you’ll often spot stone monuments inscribed with the characters "Ishiganto" or small lion-like guardian statues called "Shisa" perched on rooftops. While these customs originated in China before sp...

When discussing the early modern history of Okinawa, one cannot overlook Haneji Choshu (1617–1676) and his spiritual successor, Sai On. Haneji spearheaded sweeping political reforms and fiscal reconstruction during his tenure. Born in 16...

This time, I decided to look into our ancestors, who are said to have crossed over from the mainland to the Japanese archipelago in ancient times. Migration Routes to the Japanese Archipelago According to various historical documents, th...

The second leg of the LPGA Spring Asia Tour, the HSBC Women's World Championship, will be held at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore for four days starting February 26. Last year’s tournament saw a spectacular performance by Japanese players...

Following the tournaments in Thailand and Singapore, the third leg of the LPGA Tour’s Asia Swing, the Blue Bay LPGA, kicks off on March 5th as the action shifts to Hainan Island, China. Last year, Rio Takeda secured her second LPGA victo...

The Honda LPGA Thailand, the opening event of the LPGA Tour's Asian swing, is set to tee off on February 19th! Last year, fans were treated to a thrilling neck-and-neck battle between Angel Yin and Akie Iwai that electrified the gallery....

Yesterday, on February 8, 2026, Japan held its 51st General Election for the House of Representatives. The results mark a historic shift in the country's political landscape, providing a massive mandate for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi....

My connection with Enryakuji spans over 50 years. Beyond its historical significance, this temple holds a deeply personal place in my heart, rooted in a transformative encounter with a legendary monk. About Enryakuji Located on the seren...

New Drama of 2026 If the hit series SHOGUN sparked your interest in the world of the samurai, there is a new epic you won’t want to miss. In 2026, NHK’s Taiga drama "Toyotomi Kyodai!" (Toyotomi Brothers) takes us deep into the Sengoku pe...