JAPAN
Illustration of Takahiro Takiguchi

(Illustration by Yukiyo Oda/Stripes Japan)

Commodore Matthew C. Perry and the U.S. Navy were not the only ones that paid a visit to Okinawa in the 19th century. Representatives of other western countries such as France and the Netherlands visited Okinawa around the same time. As a result, the Ryukyu Kingdom signed treaties with them. Just like the one between the kingdom and the U.S., these treaties with the European countries covered agreements on commerce, replenishment, and consular jurisdiction.

A Chinese character which means sun or day is written. “Interesting” in Japanese is “Omoshiroi.”

(Illustration by Stripes Japan)

Takahiro Takiguchi is a writer based in Yokosuka, Japan. Takiguchi covers travel, food and culture stories for Stars and Stripes Japan. Follow along as Takiguchi takes readers to less crowded destinations around the mainland, you might also catch him out and about recording Speakin’ Japanese lesson videos for Instagram.

The best stories from the Pacific, in your inbox

Sign up for our weekly newsletter of articles from Japan, Korea, Guam, and Okinawa with travel tips, restaurant reviews, recipes, community and event news, and more.

Sign Up Now