A collection of unique goods from all over Okinawa Prefecture! The charm of "Okinawa's Breeze"

Since you've come all the way to Okinawa, you'll want to buy some souvenirs, right?
As for miscellaneous goods, there's no end to the list, including Ryukyu glass, Bingata textiles, and Shisa statues.

As I was walking from my hotel towards Kokusai Street, I spotted a stylish general store with a European-style exterior.
I thought I might find some unusual souvenirs, so I decided to go inside.

This time, we'll introduce "Okinawa no Kaze," a select shop featuring works by approximately 40 artists from within Okinawa Prefecture.
This report features unique products from Okinawa Prefecture, as well as the atmosphere of the shops.

<Contents>
1. What kind of place is "Okinawa no Kaze"?

2. Carefully Selected Items
2-1. Ryukyu Canvas Bingata Design Bag – Ryukyu Canvas x Yuka Arakaki Collaboration
2-2. Okinawa-patterned tenugui (Japanese hand towel) – Doucatty
2-3. Okinawa Matryoshka – by Prickly Yamada
2-4. Bingata-designed accessories and miscellaneous goods – gruppo
2-5. Original clear file

3. A word from the author

1. What kind of place is "Okinawa no Kaze"?

"Okinawa no Kaze," an Okinawan art and goods select shop, opened in January 2010.
The bags from their original brand, "Ryukyu Canvas," are popular because of their simple, timeless design, attracting many customers from outside the prefecture.

In addition to these bags, works by approximately 40 artists from Okinawa Prefecture will also be on display.
They have a wide variety of unique products, including Okinawan matryoshka dolls, yakugani chinsuko cookies, and bingata-patterned accessories.

In the next section, I'll introduce some recommended items that the store staff told me about♪

2. Carefully Selected Items

2-1. Ryukyu Canvas Bingata Design Bag – Ryukyu Canvas x Yuka Arakaki Collaboration

First, let me introduce this "Ryukyu Canvas Bingata Design Bag".
A superb bag resulting from a collaboration between young Bingata artist Yuka Aragaki and Ryukyu canvas.

The functionality of the Ryukyu canvas bag remains the same, but it is adorned with beautiful Bingata patterns.
Each bag has a slightly different pattern, so please pick the one you like best.

It's now the store's best-selling product, and it's also available for in-flight sales on Japan Transocean Air starting this month. (In-flight sales only in September and October)

It comes in two colors: red and blue. I really liked the pattern on this blue one, so I couldn't resist taking a picture.
Many people buy it because they are fans of Yuuka Aragaki, and also because they like the design.

◆◇Price◇◆
Boat-shaped S tote bag: 4,320 yen
• Walking Tote Bag: 7,560 yen

Reference URL: http://www.okinawa-wind.com/hanpu/

2-2. Okinawa-patterned tenugui (Japanese hand towel) – Doucatty

Next, they introduced us to Okinawan-patterned tenugui (hand towels) with a wide variety of unique designs.
The designs feature adorable motifs such as island garlic, red snapper, Okinawa soba, and more.

Each piece is handcrafted in a workshop in Nanjo City.
No two are exactly alike.

Apparently, many tourists buy these tenugui (Japanese hand towels) as souvenirs.

◆◇Price◇◆
• Tenugui (Japanese hand towel): 1,100 yen to 1,600 yen (excluding tax; prices may vary depending on the store)

Reference URL: http://www.doucatty.com/

2-3. Okinawa Matryoshka – by Prickly Yamada

Matryoshka dolls, a familiar Russian folk art, are now available in an Okinawa version!
Dressed in Eisa or Ryukyuan costumes, each figure has a somewhat endearing face and appearance.

Matryoshka dolls are a bit pricey, costing over 10,000 yen.
However, if you really like the characters, how about some stickers or other merchandise?

◆◇Price◇◆
Matryoshka doll: 11,664 yen (tax included)
• Sticker: 972 yen (tax included)
• Strap: 842 yen (tax included)

Prickly Yamada, who designs the "Okinawa Matryoshka" dolls, is also famous as the creator of the locally popular character "Kariyushi Store".
The merchandise evokes a warm and laid-back worldview.

Incidentally, the most popular item here is apparently "Goya-san" (Mrs. Bitter Melon).

Reference URL: http://pricky.ti-da.net/

2-4. Bingata-designed accessories and miscellaneous goods – gruppo

Next, we'd like to introduce gruppo, a shop that handles design accessories and miscellaneous goods using Bingata dyeing.

These are coasters and a tissue case.
Each one is unique and has beautiful colors. I can't help but admire them.

Next up are scrunchies. There are so many patterns to choose from, it's hard to decide!
The design is sure to lift your spirits just by wearing it.

This is a popular elastic band. The design, resembling a covered button, is lovely.
Even with the same pattern, each hair tie has a different design, making each one unique.

This "Maasu strap" is a very popular souvenir from Okinawa.
It's popular both as a lucky charm and because of its cute design.

◆◇Price◇◆
Coaster: 486 yen (tax included)
Tissue case: 1,620 yen (tax included)
・Scrunchie 972 yen (tax included)
Hair tie: 378 yen (tax included)
• Mars Strap: 540 yen (tax included)

Reference URL: http://www.gruppo.jp/

2-5. Original clear file

There are a total of seven designs, including labels for Okinawa soba and Ryukyu awamori, as well as designs featuring nostalgic sweets from the past.
This A4-sized file is the perfect size for organizing documents!

It makes for a great conversation starter just by having it, and it's also recommended for bulk purchases as it's easy to hand out!

◆◇Price◇◆
• Original clear files: 216 yen each (tax included)

Reference URL: http://www.okinawa-wind.com/clear-file/

3. A word from the author

That concludes our introduction to "Okinawa no Kaze" (Wind of Okinawa). What did you think?

Despite the sudden request for an interview, the staff member kindly responded with a smile, and
The Okinawan goods, which are variations of traditional bingata dyeing and tenugui (hand towels), were all wonderful.

It's no wonder that the items carefully selected by the shop staff have been featured in numerous media outlets, including travel magazines.

I encourage everyone to visit "Okinawa no Kaze" and find some one-of-a-kind Okinawan goods.

Basic Information

[Okinawa Art & Goods Select Shop: Okinawa no Kaze]
Address: 2-5-2 Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
TEL：098-943-0244
Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (until 10:00 PM from July to September)
Closed on: New Year's Day (January 1st)
Parking: None (coin parking available next door)
URL:http://www.okinawa-wind.com/

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