Takahiro Takiguchi

United States

Writer at Stars and Stripes

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Articles

VIDEO: Virtual Vacation: Hokuriku, Japan

2 days ago | okinawa.stripes.com | Takahiro Takiguchi

Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Pref. (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi) Welcome to virtual vacation video series where we can explore destinations from the comfort of our homes. Join us as we take a short virtual journey to Hokuriku in Japan. Sitting in the central northern area of Japan’s mainland facing the Sea of Japan, Fukui, Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures make up the picturesque Hokuriku region.
Did you know?: Okislo - Okinawa slot machine

2 days ago | japan.stripes.com | Takahiro Takiguchi

There is a slot machine known as “Okislo (Okinawa slot).” It generally refers to pachislot, a mixture of pachinko and slot machine, which utilizes coins with a diameter of 30 mm. While many pachislots use coins with a 25mm diameter, those of Okislo are made for bigger coins. The difference comes from the fact that American slot machines were used as Okislo in the past, which were made for coins of the bigger size.
Flowers in Japan: Yellow colza brighten up Misawa

2 days ago | japan.stripes.com | Takahiro Takiguchi

(Photo by Yoshihito Morita ) While spring is growing in Aomori, the northernmost area of mainland Japan, colza flowers are in full bloom near Misawa Air Base. Walking through the spacious colza field of Shizen-en Park will brighten your day. Over the past weekend, Yokohama Town in Aomori held Nanohana (colza flower) Festival.
Agat Mango Festival: Guam’s tasty, fruity fest to be held May 23-25

3 days ago | guam.stripes.com | Takahiro Takiguchi

(Photo courtesy of Agat Mayor’s Office) Agat Village has got a lovely bunch of mangos – and they will be showcased in all their splendor at the 16th Agat Mango Festival on May 23-25. We’re talking about a variety of Guam’s favorite fruit, ranging from piko mangos and banana mangos to Saipan mangos.
Fresh Catch: In Japan, nothing says summer like bonito

3 days ago | japan.stripes.com | Takahiro Takiguchi

Fallen cherry blossoms and greening mountains may be telltale signs that summer is nigh for most. For many in Japan, however, the real harbinger of summertime is the sight of the first freshly caught bonito fish at the market.
Did you know?: Traditional Japanese art Ukiyo-e

1 week ago | japan.stripes.com | Takahiro Takiguchi

Japanese manga has quickly become a popular comic genre worldwide, but long before Sailor Moon, Pokémon and ONE PIECE, a different art form was used for storytelling in the country. Ukiyo-e, literally translated to “paintings of the floating world,” dates back to the Edo Period (1603-1867) uses woodblock prints and paintings to capture portraits of kabuki actors, sumo wrestlers, travel scenes and landscapes.
Enjoy Golden Week in Japan with impressive colors of Tochigi

1 week ago | japan.stripes.com | Takahiro Takiguchi

(Photo by Miyuki Takiguchi) A two-hour drive from most U.S. military bases in Japan’s Kanto Plain, Tochigi Prefecture is home to many great tourist attractions. Visit there during Golden Week, a chain of holidays from April 29 to May 6, to enjoy vivid and colorful views in a less-crowded atmosphere.
Guam’s tasty, fruity fest Agat Mango Festival May 23-25

1 week ago | japan.stripes.com | Takahiro Takiguchi

(Photo courtesy of Agat Mayor’s Office) Agat Village has got a lovely bunch of mangos – and they will be showcased in all their splendor at the 16th Agat Mango Festival on May 23-25. We’re talking about a variety of Guam’s favorite fruit, ranging from piko mangos and banana mangos to Saipan mangos.
Did you know: Power spots in Japan

2 weeks ago | japan.stripes.com | Takahiro Takiguchi

Japanese often associate “Power Spots” with Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, along with large mountains, islands and lakes. In fact, there are about 165,000 shrines and temples, more than three times the number of convenience stores (50,000) within the nation. Among tens of thousands of Power Spots, Meiji Shrine (Tokyo), Osorezan (Aomori Pref.), Ise Shrine (Mie Pref.), Miyajima Island (Hiroshima Pref.) and Izumo Shrine (Shimane Pref.) are extremely popular and widely worshiped.
Speakin’ Japanese: Sushi sayings

2 weeks ago | japan.stripes.com | Takahiro Takiguchi

The following Japanese phrases sure will help you fully enjoy some tasty sushi. Don’t be afraid to speak up, it’s part of the fun. “Maguro to hamachi to saamon wo kudasai.” = Give me tuna, yellowtail and salmon, please. (Maguro = tuna, Hamachi = yellowtail, saamon = salmon, aji = horse mackerel, ikura = salmon roe, iwashi = sardine, tamago = egg, kudasai = give me, please?) “Kyo no osusume wa nan desuka?” = What is your recommendation today? (Kyo = today, osusume = recommendation, wa nan desuka?