This might come as a surprise, but have you ever heard of a "Kijimuna"?
The Kijimuna, a legendary creature from Okinawa, is said to be a tree spirit or a type of yokai (supernatural creature).

In Okinawa, you can find a variety of folk crafts featuring the Kijimuna as a motif... But apparently, in Miyako Island, there's a popular item called "Kijimuna-kun," which is a collaboration between the shop owner's face and the Kijimuna.

So this time, we went to interview "Zakkaya Papa Hando," the store where Kijimuna-kun works!

<Table of Contents>
1. A heartwarming story between Kijimuna-kun and the shop owner
2. The ultimate in handmade craftsmanship.
3. Access Information
Final thoughts

1. A heartwarming story between Kijimuna-kun and the shop owner

The shop owner is originally from the Kanto region.
After four years of being assigned to Miyako Island for work, he began to question whether this was the right path for him, and that was the moment he decided to quit his job.

I didn't move to Miyako Island out of a dream; I came without any preconceived notions, and as a result, I became a resident of Miyako Island without any hesitation.

After that, he worked desperately, and apparently started out in a small shop that was only about 4 tatami mats in size.
When I first started, I was selling products I bought overseas, but one day I suddenly started making clay sculptures of my own face.

That's when the idea of ​​the "Kijimuna" came to me.
By collaborating with your own face, you can create your own original Kijimuna...

From that day on, day after day, I made and baked my own faces, and a variety of Kijimuna figures began to line up. From then on, it gradually evolved from a select shop to a "handmade shop"!

2. The ultimate in handmade craftsmanship.

Stepping inside, you'll find remnants of its past as a select shop, but it's almost entirely filled with handmade items.

A wide variety of items are on display, including pottery, Ryukyu glass accessories, keychains, and more. It's a paradise for lovers of unique goods, with so many things you'll want to pick up and examine.
And as mentioned earlier, the presence of Kijimuna-kun is also significant, with various children of different faces, shapes, and appearances welcoming visitors.

Apparently, the Kijimuna character, riding on bleached coral that washed ashore on the coast of Miyako Island, is also popular, as it gives people a taste of the tropics!
Another item that's very popular right now is the "Aiueo Shisa".

Here, the shape of the Shisa's mouth is expressed using vowels, and you can even arrange and display your own original designs!

Since it's strictly a vowel, for example, in the case of "okaeri" (welcome back)... that's right! It's "o-a-e-i"♪ I'm sure many people have never encountered this idea before.
There's also a Kijimuna-kun whose price varies depending on its size and the number of people riding on the coral!

As you may have noticed, the pattern on its belly is the letter "Ki" from Kijimuna-kun's name.

Those who take these little ones home will also receive an information card about Kijimuna-kun, so they would make wonderful souvenirs, wouldn't they?
And then there's this tree, casually placed in a corner of the shop.

Apparently, it's a unique item that actually washed ashore on Miyako Island. And what's more, it's not just used as an interior decoration; it's actually used in crafting!

However, only a very small amount can be used and sold. We also meticulously process them to prevent insects and other pests from getting inside.

Reusing nature's bounty after it has served its original purpose, these cute items are sure to bring comfort and peace to the customers who take them home.
The natural form of the tree is preserved, and combined with the Kijimuna character to create a single product.

The possibilities are endless! It's perfect for hanging earrings and necklaces, keys, necklaces, rings, and more!

I was allowed to touch the driftwood, and even the slender pieces were quite sturdy, so it seems like it can handle a fair amount of weight as long as you don't hang anything incredibly heavy on it.

It's not that Miyako Island is overflowing with natural materials... rather, it's the thought and care that shop owners put into handling and using these limited resources.

They say that the best time to buy unique items that are only available now and at that particular time is when you feel a connection to them.

Perhaps the appeal of this shop lies in the fact that you can't say "I'll buy it later," which simultaneously allows you to experience the superiority of acquiring something one-of-a-kind.
Earrings made from Ryukyu glass are also very popular among fashionable women!

You can also get some clever earrings to go with it and hang them on Kijimuna-kun's earring holder as part of your entryway decor... that's another thing you could do!

This general store, where you'll want to buy everything, is apparently popular for people buying souvenirs for their wives when they return from business trips. The welcoming atmosphere, even for men dining alone, is another big plus!

3. Access Information

Shop name: Zakkaya Papa Hando Address: 13-1 Nishizato, Hirara, Miyakojima City Phone: 0980-72-0858 Business hours: 10: 00 ~ 19: 00 Closed holiday: irregular holiday

Final thoughts

What did you think?

The Kijimuna, waiting in various styles, will not only provide comfort but also become a memorable part of your Miyako Island experience, won't it?

You should definitely go and meet them at least once!

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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