
SORECCHA
Stories from Usuki, Japan.
Small city, surprising connections.
Usuki is a small city on the eastern coast of Kyushu, Japan. It may look quiet at first, but there are many stories hidden in its history, people, food, landscapes, and everyday life.
SORECCHA shares some of those stories from a local point of view — including connections you might not expect to find in a small Japanese city.
Featured Stories

The Japanese Island Where the Real-Life SHOGUN Story Began
William Adams arrived in Japan aboard the De Liefde in 1600. His story in Japan began on a small island here in Usuki.

Did Japan’s First Cannon Fire in Usuki?
Japan’s first Western-style cannon has a surprising connection to Usuki and the powerful warlord Ōtomo Sōrin.

The Woman Who First Brought Heidi to Japan
Heidi is loved around the world. But did you know that the first person to translate the story into Japanese was a woman born in Usuki?

The Man Behind Japanese Football's Three-Legged Crow
You've probably seen the three-legged crow on Japan's national football team jersey. But did you know that the artist behind its design was born in Usuki?
Discover Usuki
About Usuki
Where is Usuki? Discover the city, its history, and what makes it unique.
Getting to Usuki
Practical information for getting to this small city on the eastern coast of Kyushu.
About SORECCHA
SORECCHA is a small independent website sharing stories from Usuki, Oita, Japan. It is not just a travel guide — it is a place to discover the history, people, places, and unexpected connections that make this small city interesting.