The clear blue sea and lush greenery span across Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture. Known as a popular tourist destination, this area is also home to the traditional craft "Yaeyama Minsah-ori Weaving," which deserves special attention.
"Yaeyama Minsah-ori Weaving" is a type of kasuri weaving produced in Ishigaki City and Taketomi Town (Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture), characterized by alternating patterns of five and four kasuri designs. Originally featured as a single indigo color sash, it now comes in a variety of vibrant colors reminiscent of the area's abundant natural beauty.
Azamiya Co., Ltd. has been carrying forward the history of "Yaeyama Minsah-ori Weaving" for over 50 years, actively engaging in activities beyond crafting. We talked to them about the unique features of "Yaeyama Minsah-ori Weaving," the company's history, and their initiatives.
PROFILE
Kenji Ara
Born April 2, 1958
[Educational Background]
March 1983: Graduated from Department of Law, Economics, and Management, Okinawa University
[Work History]
April 1984: Joined Azamiya Co., Ltd.
July 1994: Became President and Representative Director of Yaeyama Genki Nyugyo K.K.
July 2000: Became President and Representative Director of Azamiya Co., Ltd.
Present
The Beginning of Our Business was the Difficulty in Selling Textiles
Please tell us more about "Yaeyama Minsah-ori Weaving."
"Yaeyama Minsah-ori Weaving" is a kasuri weaving made from dyed cotton yarns into plain weave. It is woven in Ishigaki City and Taketomi Town and was designated as a national traditional craft in 1989, then referred to as "Yaeyama Minsah."Okinawa has a variety of dyed textiles, but "Yaeyama Minsah-ori Weaving" is distinctive for its kasuri patterns of five and four motifs, incorporating tropical colors like red and blue.
This five and four kasuri pattern bears the meaning "forever," and was traditionally given by women to men as a token of engagement.
Since when has your company been involved with "Yaeyama Minsah-ori Weaving"?
Our company was founded in 1971 by my parents, just before Okinawa's return to Japanese administration. They envisioned that various businesses would start emerging in the islands due to the reversion, and decided to turn the weaving craft they had pursued into an industry.As anticipated, the return of Okinawa led to a surge in tourists. We created souvenirs to meet the needs of visitors. Once the booms of honeymoon trips dwindled, the "Yaeyama Minsah-ori Weaving" slogan "forever" resonated as a perfect souvenir, becoming a particularly popular product.
I joined the company as the trend began to settle.
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