AZAMIYA

Woven Yaeyama Minsah Textiles from Okinawa

About Azamiya

History

Traditional Textiles continued from the Ryukyu Dynasty era

Azamiya was founded in 1971 as a textile business. The idea was to make "Minsah-ori," which has been handed down from generation to generation on the islands of Yaeyama and is a local industry.

The origin of Yaeyama minsah-ori is not known, but it is said to date back to about 400 years ago when cotton cultivation began.

While incorporating techniques and materials from other countries, a textile unique to Okinawa was created. Originally, the fabric was used for everyday obi worn by men, but in the 1970s, with the increase in the number of tourists, the product became popular as a souvenir.

In 1989, it was designated as a traditional Japanese craft. At the Okinawa Summit held in 2000, Kariyushi wears with a minsah pattern were worn, making them famous.

Today, Azamiya continues to offer products that match the lifestyles of the times by listening to their customers' opinions while preserving the traditions that have existed since the company's founding.

Patterns that symbolize "happiness together forever"

YAEYAMA minsah is characterized by a simple square weave pattern, which has a very romantic meaning. The five and four kasuri patterns symbolize "Forever and ever..." as in the past, Okinawa had a custom of "commuter marriages," in which a man commuted to a woman's house. Thus, an obi sash with a centipede foot pattern woven into it was given to the man with the meaning of of "please come a lot ".

In addition to obis, the brand offers a wide variety of items that can be easily incorporated into modern lifestyles, such as tapestries and bags. The use of colors reminiscent of nature, such as the clear blue skies of the tropics, vivid flowers, the evening sun, and the sea at night; combined with the distinctive pattern, results in products that are eye-catching.

They are the perfect gift for a cherished family member, loved one, or long-time friend.

Skilled weaving nurtured in a rich natural environment.

Following the original principles of founding weaver Ara Kinue to "aim for innovation while continuing the tradition," the company has developed a range of products.

Items inspired by Okinawa's climate and local sensibilities have an appeal that sets them apart from the rest, while remaining firmly established as items of modern life.

Azamiya's products are woven by skilled hands with minsa patterns symbolizing "Happiness together forever," using threads in colors that represent the rich nature of Yaeyama. They are truly gems that convey a feeling of love to the recipient.

Achievements

-1995 The 17th Okinawa Traditional Crafts Public Contest, Grand Prize, Title: Tapestry "Prayer"
-1996 Encouragement Prize, 48th Oki Exhibition, Japan Name of work: Yaeyama Basho Gunbo Kijaku
-2003: Prize, 50th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Name of work: Kimono "Evening star" made of Yaeyama joufu on indigo ground
-2003 Prize, 38th Seibu Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Name of work: "Marugumu Tsunagi Pattern" (Yaeyama joufu Kimono)
-2004 Kinue Ara was awarded Medal with Yellow Ribbon2018 The 53rd Western Traditional Crafts Exhibition Hemp obi "Fana Arsi Tsunagi Pattern"
-2018 65th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition Hemp Obi "Hurley, Sea God Festival"2019 The 54th Western Traditional Crafts Exhibition Hemp Obi "Season of Urizun"