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Kumejima Tsumugi

Kumejima Tsumugi no Sato, Yuimaru-kan　　

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Kumejima Tsumugi

Experience a sustainable traditional craft that has been thriving for more than 500 years

Kumejima Town

A pongee fabric made of silk thread, Kumejima Tsumugi is a traditional craft of Kume Island, 100 kilometers west of the main island of Okinawa. Designated as a national Important Intangible Cultural Property in 2004, Kumejima Tsumugi has been woven since the Ryukyu dynastic period (1429-1879) and retains some manufacturing processes that are quite rare in the rest of Japan. The production is still carried out by hand and patterning and dyeing are done by a single craftsman until the final step.

Kumejima Tsumugi has a simple and supple texture and is made entirely from natural materials, including the dyes, which utilize mud, trees, and plants grown on the island. Mud-dyeing, in particular, is highly regarded for its unique reddish-black color and luster. The kasuri kukuri technique is used to make patterns on the fabric. It is an extremely delicate process, which involves tying threads to specific parts of the fabric to prevent them from getting dyed, and it takes a long time until the desired pattern is created.

At Kumejima Tsumugi no Sato Yuimaru-kan, visitors can learn about the history of Kumejima Tsumugi, shop for traditional crafts, and try several hands-on activities, such as weaving coasters and dyeing with natural materials from plants and trees. Meet craftsmen involved in the weaving process at the workshop and see how Kumejima Tsumugi is actually made. Discover an ancient tradition and enjoy a valuable experience that is sure to enrich your Okinawa trip.

How to get there

To get to Kume Island, take an airplane from Naha Airport (about 25 minutes) or a ferry from Tomari Port on Okinawa Main Island (3.5 hours). Yuimaru-kan is 25 minutes by taxi from Kumejima Airport and 20 minutes by taxi from Kanegusuku Port.

1878-1 Maja, Kumejia-cho, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa-ken