Yuma・Sata Andagi・Japan

Full-name/nickname: Yuma

Faculty/year: 2nd year, Faculty of Letters, Department of Human Sciences

Hometown: Japan, Kanagawa Prefecture (mother is from Okinawa Prefecture)

Club activities: Art club and vocalist of light music club.

Favourite things: Girls comic, Ghibli and Disney

Q: How would you describe Japan as a country?

A: There's an amazing feeling of traveling abroad, even just within the Japan border.

There are various areas from north to south, hence you could feel like you are traveling abroad just by traveling in Japan. The most memorable places I have been to are Kyoto and Hiroshima. In Kyoto, I remember meeting Maiko San (professional dancers who perform in Kyoto) and the beautiful cityscape where you can feel a strong connection with the local history! While in Hiroshima, I learned about peace.

Q: What kind of food is Sata Andagi?

A: It is an Okinawan sweet or snack similar to donuts which are easy to make and can be eaten at any time.

The making of Sata Andagi is the same as donuts and is very easy. An Okinawa snack that you can enjoy at home anytime, regardless of the season.

Q: Please share with us the history of Sata Andagi!

A: It was originally an offering or gift for the local gods.

Sata Andagi is fried in a circle shape. After that, when it is fried, it swells and opens with a "snap". Due to the reasons it resembles and looks like a female lovely smile hence it was used as an offering or gift for the local gods.

Q: Do you have any memories of Sata Andagi?

A: My mom used to make it when I was in kindergarten.

When I was a kindergarten student, my mother often made it as a snack. Sata Andagi is similar to a donut, hence, as a little kid, I was wondering why it taste like a donut, but it does not have a hole (laugh).

Q: Where would you like to recommend to tourists who visit Japan?

A: Places such as Asakusa, Yokohama Chinatown, Animate, Ghibli Museum, Doraemon Museum, etc. are recommended!

Asakusa is a place where you can feel Japanese culture. You can enjoy various foods in Yokohama Chinatown (Kanagawa Prefecture). Besides, if you like anime culture, you should definitely go to a store called Animate! And of course, Hachioji, where the university is located. Lastly, if you love Ghibli movies, there is the Ghibli Museum (Tokyo), and if you like the character, Doraemon, there is a Doraemon Museum (Kanagawa Prefecture)!

<Reference homepage link>

Ghibli Museum https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/

Doraemon Museum http://fujiko-museum.com/

Q: Lastly, please share a few words with our readers!

A: Sata Andagi is super easy to make, so please do feel free to make it!

(Drawn by Yuma)