"Toncati," born from the concept of "mottainai" (avoiding waste), offers a fateful encounter

Discarded scraps and small pieces of wood.

"toncati" features many works that combine these materials, paint them, and transform them into accessories and miscellaneous goods.

Stepping inside, you'll be so captivated by its atmosphere that you'll find yourself momentarily lost in thought. Let's take a peek into the world of "toncati," where the warmth of wood and soft paintwork intertwine.

It may not be particularly Okinawan, but any girl would be delighted to receive it as a souvenir. With each piece having a different expression, which one will you choose to bring home?

<Contents>
1. The store is immersed in the world of Toncati.
2. "Mottainai" and "Itadakimasu"
3. Recommended souvenir items
4. Items I would like to welcome into my home and add to my collection.
Final thoughts

1. The store is immersed in the world of Toncati.

This is a back street off Kokusai Street in Naha. Turn off Market Main Street, which leads to the First Makishi Public Market, and you'll see this brightly colored shop at the end of the narrow alley – that's "toncati".

If you're walking from Ichiba Hon-dori, it's located on a slightly hard-to-see corner, so when you reach "Nigiwai Hiroba," please look behind you to the left.

Stepping through the bright blue window frames into the store, you'll find yourself in a warm, woody space filled with a wide array of cute items.

Although their shapes and uses may differ, everything blends seamlessly into the "toncati" world, and first-time visitors are sure to be captivated by this space.

Many of the items at "toncati" can be hung on the wall, and the entire wall of the store is adorned with mirrors, wall clocks, single-flower vases, and more.

This shop also doubles as a workshop, and the workshop is beyond this wall.

The shop owner, Saeko Takida, works on her creations while serving customers, and she always appears wearing an apron.

This is a space where discarded materials, which keep coming in, are transformed into cute items through Ms. Takita's ideas and skills.

2. "Mottainai" and "Itadakimasu"

All the works displayed at "toncati" are made from discarded materials that would otherwise have been thrown away.

Small scraps of wood from when I make wooden furniture, or postcards from direct mail from shops that I would normally throw away after looking at them once.

So, if you take a good look at "toncati's" work, you'll find it very enjoyable.

Direct mail and used newspapers are often used as design elements, especially in earrings and piercings.

The design blends in so seamlessly that you wouldn't know it was a supermarket flyer unless someone told you, and I was surprised when Ms. Takita told me, "Actually, this is a supermarket flyer!"

Since everything is handmade, even if they look similar, no two pieces are exactly alike.

Since each piece of wood has a unique texture and color, take your time and choose carefully until you find that one that feels just right!

There are also plenty of other items to decorate your table, such as ring cases, memo pads, and pen stands.

This photo shows a small box for storing rings and other small items. It looks lovely simply placed on a dresser or counter.

3. Recommended souvenir items

A bird brooch makes a great souvenir for a friend.

Of course, each one has a different color and design, so it's fun to choose one while thinking, "This color scheme suits that girl so well!"

Since it's made of wood, it's very light, and there's no need to worry about it breaking unless you handle it roughly.

The fact that you can buy a lot without it becoming a burden makes them excellent souvenirs. Of course, they also have a wide variety of earrings and piercings, which I highly recommend.

4. Items I would like to welcome into my home and add to my collection.

This vase-shaped item is actually a single-flower vase. It can be hung on the wall or placed on a surface, so it can be used anywhere.

They're all different in shape, color, and design. That's precisely why you're sure to find one that's "my favorite!"

If you come across a piece that gives you that "wow" feeling, you might never see it again, so be sure to take it home with you.

Our entrance hall is a "toncati" corner, creating a soft and gentle atmosphere.

I had been looking for a wall clock and a picture frame for a long time, but I couldn't find a color scheme and design that I really liked. It took me many years to finally find one with a design I loved.

Final thoughts

What did you think of the world of "toncati," born from the concept of "mottainai" (avoiding waste)?

To be honest, it doesn't really have an Okinawan feel to it, but it's a shop I still find myself stopping by every time I go to Okinawa, hoping to find that one special item.

For handmade, one-of-a-kind items, "the encounter is everything."

While this workshop and shop offers a wide selection of products, smaller items such as bird brooches and earrings can sometimes be found in cafes and general stores throughout the prefecture, so please be sure to check them out if you come across them.

Why not choose a unique Okinawan souvenir from "toncati"?
[Store Information] tonkachi

Address: 2-9-1 Matsuo, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
Telephone number: 098-868-9288
Business hours: 10:00-12:00/13:00-18:00
Closed holiday: irregular holiday
home page:http://toncati.com/