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

Kuroshima Island in Usuki, Oita, Japan

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.

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A replica of the Kuni-kuzushi cannon at Usuki Castle Park, with visitors relaxing in a shelter in the background.

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.

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A 1970s-style anime illustration of the Swiss Alps, with snow-capped mountains, green meadows, and a wooden chalet.

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?

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Japan national football team jersey featuring the three-legged crow emblem

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?

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Discover Usuki

About Usuki

Where is Usuki? Discover the city, its history, and what makes it unique.

Learn about Usuki →

Gallery

Scenes from Usuki — landscapes, streets, food, and everyday life.

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Getting to Usuki

Practical information for getting to this small city on the eastern coast of Kyushu.

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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.