Hi there!
I'm Cayun, a writer from Okinawa.

Okinawa has many traditional crafts, but are you familiar with "Yuntanza Hanaui" and "Yuntanza Minsaa"?

Actually, it's one of the venerable traditional crafts passed down in Yomitan Village, in the central part of Okinawa Prefecture.

This time, in order to explore its charm, we visited the "Traditional Crafts Comprehensive Center," where you can also experience making your own coasters!

From your own original creation to items woven with heartfelt care, these are sure to make truly special souvenirs!

<Contents>
1. What kind of place is the "Traditional Crafts Comprehensive Center"?
2. The Romantic Charm of "Yomitanzan Hanaori" and "Yomitanzan Minsā"
3. Create your own original coaster with a hands-on crafting experience!
4. Here are our recommended souvenirs!
5. Conclusion

1. What kind of place is the "Traditional Crafts Comprehensive Center"?

If you're using a rental car, it takes about 70 minutes to get to the "Traditional Crafts Center" in Yomitan Village from Naha Airport.

Entering the phone number into your car's navigation system will make the process smoother.

With easy access to popular tourist spots such as "Yachimun no Sato," a collection of traditional Okinawan pottery workshops, and the World Heritage site "Zakimi Castle Ruins," it's a great place to include in your Okinawa sightseeing itinerary!

At the "Traditional Crafts Comprehensive Center," you can view exhibits of "Yomitanzan Hanaori" and "Yomitanzan Minsaa," both with a history of approximately 600 years, free of charge!

As you'll be able to see world-class crafts up close, including those designated as Okinawa Prefecture Intangible Cultural Properties and Traditional Crafts by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, it will be a truly invaluable experience.

2. The Romantic Charm of "Yomitanzan Hanaori" and "Yomitanzan Minsā"

The techniques that form the root of Yomitan Hanaori weaving are said to have been introduced from China and Southeast Asia during the Ryukyu Kingdom era.

It later developed independently, but gradually declined around the time the Ryukyu Kingdom became Okinawa Prefecture. There was a period when the tradition completely died out, and it was said to be known as the "phantom flower weaving."

However, in 1964, the "phantom Hanaori" was revived by passionate volunteers in Yomitan Village! This textile, which traveled across the sea from a distant foreign land, was once forgotten, and has now been revived, is a craft overflowing with a long history and romance...!!

Hanaori, woven with gentle colors and delicate patterns that evoke the nature of Okinawa, is unique to each weaver because they freely combine patterns to create their own distinctive designs!

If you look closely at the fabric,
① Jinbana (Money Flower): A prayer for good fortune in money.
② Kajimayabana (Pinwheel Flower): A prayer for longevity (derived from the custom of distributing pinwheels to people who turn 97 in prayer for their long life).
③ Ojibana (Fan Flower): Prayer for prosperity of descendants and fertility
It is composed of geometric patterns that combine three basic patterns, each with its own meaning.

Knowing the meaning behind the patterns helps us understand the creator's intentions even more.

If you turn the fabric over, you'll see that it's densely packed with colorful threads, giving it a different feel from the surface.

Thus, the ability to perceive a unique depth even in parts that are not usually visible is one of the charms of Yomitan Hanaori textiles.

"Yomitan-san Minsaa" refers to a narrow belt.
Yomitan-san Minsaa textiles are made by using bamboo skewers to pick up the warp threads and create patterns.

Incidentally, the distinctive patterns of five and four that you often see are affectionately known in Yomitan Village by the local name "Innuhisagwa" (dog's footprints)!

Furthermore, Yomitan Hanaori textiles are characterized by their vibrant colors. These tasteful hues are created by dyeing them using natural materials such as the bark and branches of trees native to Okinawa.

For example, the Fukugi tree, commonly found in Okinawa, is said to produce soft colors such as yellow, deep yellow, and green, creating a gentle atmosphere.

3. Let's make original coasters with a hands-on experience!

Looking towards the back of the exhibition space, I discovered a row of wooden looms!

Here, you can experience making coasters by making a reservation in advance. If you'd like to experience more of the charm of traditional crafts, why not give it a try?

The weaving technique you can experience while sitting on a loom is the "Gushi flower technique" of Yomitan-san Minsaa.

The process involves stepping on a foot pedal to lower the warp threads and passing the weft thread through them, repeating this process alternately with the left and right feet.

As my body learned the process, even a beginner like me was able to weave at a good pace!

Once the weft thread is threaded through, it's so much fun to tap it with a comb-like board to tighten it!

When your carefully woven coaster is complete, you'll be filled with a sense of accomplishment. The experience of creating a one-of-a-kind original coaster, feeling like a weaver, will surely become a special memory!

4. Here are our recommended souvenirs!

If you don't have time to try it out, of course, you can just buy a ready-made product!

At the "Traditional Crafts Comprehensive Center," you can find high-quality items bearing "union certification" or "traditional craft certification" labels, which serve as proof that they have undergone rigorous inspections.

The coasters (500 yen), which are especially popular, are appealing because of their cute appearance and affordable price!

It's also a good idea to get different color variations for your friends and family.

To go with the coasters, we recommend the "Table Center (Small: 2,500 yen / Large: 3,500 yen / Extra Large: 7,000 yen)".

Simply placing a table runner in beautiful colors can instantly brighten up your usual dining space.

The "Maasu Strap" (838 yen), featuring a bag made of Yomitan Hanaori fabric containing salt and rice, is irresistibly cute and sure to appeal to any girl's heart!

You can choose from three designs: Jinbana, which is for praying for good fortune; Kajimayabana, which is for wishing for longevity; and Ojibana, which is for praying for children.

I definitely want one for myself, in addition to the ones I'll buy as souvenirs!!

"Kariyushi wear" featuring floral patterns on the chest and other areas is highly recommended for men!

If you're visiting as a couple or family, it would be lovely if the woman chose the perfect outfit for the man!

In addition, they also have a selection of everyday accessories such as ties, business card holders, and coin purses, so be sure to stop by and check them out!

【Facility information】 Traditional Crafts Comprehensive Center (Yomitan Hanaori Business Cooperative) Address: 2974-2 Zakimi, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District TEL：098-958-4674 Closed holiday: irregular holiday Opening hours: 9: 00 to 17: 00 (Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: 10:00 AM onwards) *All prices of the products featured in this article are exclusive of tax. [Experience information] Gushi Flower Coaster Making Experience Duration: about 30-40 minutes Price: ¥750 *Reservations required (parent-child participation is also welcome)

5. Conclusion

How was it?

The term "traditional craft" might give the impression that it's a bit intimidating, but Yomitan Hanaori and Yomitan Minsah textiles are so colorful and cute with their vibrant patterns!

The "Traditional Crafts Comprehensive Center," where you can see, learn about, and experience Yomitan Village's proud handicrafts, is especially recommended for adult women seeking a truly immersive travel experience!

Why not immerse yourself in the charm of Yomitanzan Kaori and Yomitanzan Minsā, which will grow on you the more you look at them?

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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