Okinawa Prefecture will hold “ISETAN OKINAWA EDIT” at the Isetan Shinjuku store. Indie creators from Okinawa will gather under the theme of next-generation x new interpretation of craftsmanship.

Okinawa Prefecture will hold “ISETAN OKINAWA EDIT” at Isetan Shinjuku. Indie creators from Okinawa will gather under the theme of
next-generation x new interpretation of craftsmanship. ​
bluespot Co., Ltd. Press release: July 8, 2025 To the Press Okinawa Prefecture will hold “ISETAN OKINAWA EDIT” at the Isetan Shinjuku store. Indie creators from Okinawa will gather under the theme of next-generation x new interpretation of craftsmanship. Introducing new Okinawan creations, edited from Isetan’s unique perspective with a focus on crafts and fashion. ■Wednesday, July 23, 2025 to Tuesday, July 29, 2025 ■Isetan Shinjuku Main Building 5th floor Center Park / The Stage #5 ■Special website:
https://www.mistore.jp/store/shinjuku/shops/living/park/shopnews_list/shopnews_060.html
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/6969/19/6969-19-7265219ff0b026c3bc9e4cc44a746896-1080×1350.jpg Visual Okinawan craftsmanship evolves while inheriting its unique culture and traditions. Craftsmen born and raised in Okinawa, craftsmen who have moved from outside the prefecture, and the next generation are stimulating each other, and craftsmanship that captures Okinawa in a new way has begun. We bring together the individual talents of these people and present Okinawan crafts and fashion, edited from Isetan’s unique perspective. During the event, on Saturday, July 26th, the 22nd Shinjuku Eisa Festival (sponsored by the Shinjuku Eisa Festival Committee) will be held in the area around the east and west exits of Shinjuku Station, centered around Shinjuku Street, where the Isetan Shinjuku store is located. Please take advantage of this opportunity to experience Okinawa’s charm. Introduction of brands and artists (total 10) ■LEQUIO
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/6969/19/6969-19-7a65ce6e1069e2ba9763e4b372a38d11-3900×2600.jpg ＜LEQUIO＞ LEQUIO, led by CEO Yoshinari Kakazu, develops resort wear from Okinawa while cultivating the plant “Ryukyu indigo” used for dyeing. The brand name comes from the fact that immigrants called Ryukyu “LEQUIO” during the Age of Exploration. This time, the store will feature comfortable wear born in the tropics, as well as a colorful linen series and pieces dyed one by one with Ryukyu indigo. “Long ago, Ryukyu was a small island nation, but it had exchanges with other countries across rough seas, and was influenced by the cultures of many countries, building and passing on its own unique culture. At LEQUIO, we pay tribute to the techniques and ideas of our
predecessors, and with the concept of “manufacturing that can be passed down through generations,” we pass on our culture, techniques, and aesthetic sense in the same way as our predecessors who prospered by trading with foreign lands. We aim to create things that blend into our lives, that are free and beautiful, and that can be passed on even as generations change. (LEQUIO)’ ■Honda Seitosho Honda Nobuaki
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/6969/19/6969-19-e6471c95387afe20480aea174e16b46b-2025×2700.jpg Honda Nobuaki is a ceramic artist born in Osaka and raised in Nara. He moved to Okinawa at the age of 18 and studied ceramics at Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts. He currently works at his own studio, Honda Hoshi Pottery, in Tsuboya, Naha City. This exhibition will feature a collection of original works that overturn the conventional concept of “Yachimun,” centered around his representative “Blue Silhouette” series, which is attractive for its deep colors and dignified, clean appearance. “While being conscious of the ‘beauty of utility’ in crafts, we aim to create objects that are beautiful and functional. We hope you can feel the story of the clay and the maker that resides in the appearance of the work. (Honda Nobuaki)’ ■Nishiishigasaki Yuriko
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/6969/19/6969-19-320ca42bd80693f527bd093f88c1e12b-2025×2700.jpg ＜Yuriko Nishiishigaki＞ Yuriko Nishiishigaki is a woodworker born in Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Prefecture, and currently based on the main island of Okinawa. While focusing on the Okinawan wood where he was born and raised, he creates shapes while interacting with the material in his hands, preserving the vitality of the wood itself. The shapes and textures that bear the traces of each cut are shapes guided by the wood itself, and are also traces of the conversation between the maker and the material. At this exhibition, he will be showcasing unique pieces born from his daily dialogue with Okinawan wood, with a focus on flower vases. “There was a time when I was fascinated by stretchy materials and crafts with colorful and vibrant colors. However, the trees that came into my hands due to various reasons such as being knocked down by a typhoon were eaten by insects, cracked, or warped. The expressions of the trees that grew in harsh environments and died were very rich, and I would never encounter the same grain or shape twice. The material that I thought was restrictive was actually a material with infinite freedom. (Yuriko Nishiishigaki)’ ■Yuuki Tomura
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/6969/19/6969-19-abd44bf0f11156f8cbc78218356ddd76-3456×2304.jpg ＜Tomura Yuki＞ ＜Tomura Yuki＞ is a ceramic artist who also works under the name of “tomboy ceramix works”. Inspired by pop culture such as manga and anime that have been familiar since childhood, as well as dinosaurs, ruins, minerals, celestial bodies, and other things that give a sense of transience and nostalgia, the works are all full of the artist’s unique character. This time, the exhibition will feature unique works that combine traditional crafts with new interpretations, centered around the “Bishojo Ceramics” series. “I am working on the theme of ‘works that will trouble future archaeologists.’ The ‘Bishojo Ceramics’ series, which I have been working on since 2010, is a representative series of my work, mixing traditional ceramic techniques with manga expressions and pop culture. I also develop craftwork with dinosaur and insect motifs under the name ‘tomboy ceramix works.’ I hope you will pick up each piece and enjoy the new world of Yachimun. (Yuki Tomura)” ■Kot’oli
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/6969/19/6969-19-5f117cec446bcea141875f4385af3921-1127×1448.jpg ＜Kot’oli＞ The tradition of the island’s treasure, the Pandanus Leaf Hat, is brought to the present day. The Kot’oli workshop, located on the remote island of Iejima, about 9km northwest of the main island of Okinawa, is working to preserve and pass on the wonderful techniques of making Ryukyu-style Pandanus hats, which were once almost lost. This time, we will be bringing hats that highlight the individuality of each knitter. “About 120 years ago, the Pandanus leaf hat industry, which played a major role in the Okinawan economy, disappeared with the changing times. However, the unique Okinawan method known as the “Ryukyu style” has continued to be woven by the elderly women of Iejima (bosikuma), and has been beautifully revived in modern times by Yumiko Itokazu (Ginowan City), who was taught by the island’s bosikuma. Kot’oli and its associates have taken over from their mentor, Mr. Itokazu, and are working to spread the word both within and outside the prefecture about the once-extinct “Ryukyu-style” Pandanus leaf hat-making technique, as well as the splendor of the Pandanus leaf hats themselves, which are well suited to the climate and environment of Okinawa, as “treasures of Okinawa (Ie Island).” (Kot’oli)” ■KIZUKI OKINAWA
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/6969/19/6969-19-389db23f92c71a9606f8dc425a4db814-3900×2600.jpg ＜KIZUKI OKINAWA＞ ＜KIZUKI OKINAWA＞ is a writing instrument brand that uses wood from Okinawa Prefecture. We create pens that have beauty that makes use of the grain and color of the wood, a warm feel, a shape that fits in your hand, and enrich your soul with use. At this exhibition, there will be a lineup of unique pens, none of which are the same. “Each pen is handmade using trees that have grown in the natural environment of Okinawa Prefecture, such as Ryukyu pine, Fukugi, Gajumaru, Iju, and Okinawan Quercus salicina. Even with the same type of wood, the grain is different, so the finished product is a one-of-a-kind pattern. Feel the warmth of the wood as you write. We would be happy to be a part of that “careful lifestyle.” (KIZUKI OKINAWA)” ■nakamurakenoshigoto
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/6969/19/6969-19-d3903edd5f7aa0fb64b03c56f07603d6-1045×1567.jpg ＜nakamurakenoshigoto＞ In 2018, Nakamura Oji and Nakamura Satomi moved to Okinawa and set up their atelier, ＜nakamurakenoshigoto＞, in Nanjo City. They produce a variety of products, mainly pottery, but also woodwork and leather goods. At this exhibition, the popular ceramic statues “Uncle Collection” will be on display among the many works. The “Uncles” will welcome you while telling you their stories. “What is a comfortable life? We create our products while asking ourselves this question every day. (Nakamura Satomi)’ ■Uezu Anryu
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/6969/19/6969-19-16bed11f8e84c37f7eb4cba3404d6e9f-3900×2550.jpg After graduating from Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts, Uezu Yasutatsu is an artist who is currently engaged in creative activities while studying Ryukyu lacquer art. The works, based on traditional Okinawan techniques such as lacquer and mother-of-pearl, are infused with the fresh sensibilities of young artists, and have a modern feel that matches modern life. In addition to exhibiting archive works (not for sale) that show the artist’s skill, the store will also sell art panels made with Tsuikin and Chinkin, boxes made of mother-of-pearl, and accessories that can be used daily. *Some items will be delivered after the event ends, and some items will be made to order. “I incorporate the traditional techniques of Ryukyu lacquer art while searching for new forms, and I work on my creations with the awareness of daily use and decoration. I am also involved in the reconstruction of Shuri Castle, and I am working on my creations with the aim of being an artist who can disseminate new Ryukyu lacquer art from Okinawa. (Anryu Uezu)” ■Yoshihisa Kuwae
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/6969/19/6969-19-ccc2fba1005bd133db2f584514a07a6d-2403×2700.jpg Born in Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture. Studied pottery at universities and studios in the prefecture, and is currently exploring the creation of “flowerpots” that utilize the characteristics of “kucha”, a raw material unearthed in Okinawa. A commitment to functionality and materials hidden behind the unique shapes. We offer unique flowerpots that can stand up to the powerful plants of the tropics, including rare plants. (The artist is not scheduled to be present) “Kucha” is excavated in large quantities from the central to southern parts of Okinawa Island. It is also the main ingredient of the “red tiles” that are traditional Okinawan architecture, and in recent years, taking advantage of its fine grain, it has also been used as an ingredient in beauty products. This flowerpot was created by blending “Kucha” with soil characteristic of various places in Okinawa in the artist’s own unique mixture. I hope you will feel the strength of this product, which is like ironware, when you pick it up. (Kuwae Yoshitoshi)’ ■Ryukyu Glass Studio glass32
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/6969/19/6969-19-036385c97cb764c6bbe94dc3547d8510-2039×1378.jpg was established in Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture in 2014 by Mitsuru Gushiken, who is certified as an Okinawa Prefecture craftsman (traditional craftsman). Waste glass, the origin of Ryukyu glass, is recycled and used as raw material. At the entrance to the Yanbaru Glass Highway, vessels that have been given new life and are reborn are lined up. (The artist is not scheduled to be present in the store) “We have entered our 11th year together with the two craftsmen who support glass32. How can we make even better products? We continue to face glass every day. My hobby is surfing. You will never meet the same wave twice, and the same goes for glass. That’s why I can’t quit. (Mitsuru Gushiken)’
■Event Overview ISETAN OKINAWA EDIT “Okinawa Indies – Next Generation x New Interpretation of Manufacturing” July 23rd (Wed) – July 29th (Tue), 2025 Isetan Shinjuku Main Building 5th Floor Center Park / The Stage #5 Organizer: Okinawa Prefecture ※This fair will be held as part of the “FY2025 Earning Prefectural Products Support Project” conducted by Okinawa Prefecture. [Visual] Chibana Yukinobu (Bingata Research Institute Somechika) A dyer who creates works that incorporate elements of street culture, pop art, and subculture with a focus on bingata. He aims to create new value by combining the diverse cultures of today with classical bingata. [Produced by] Keisuke Kato (bluespot Co., Ltd.) [Secretariat] Ryubo Shoji Co., Ltd./bluespot Co., Ltd. *The photos are images of the works of each artist. They may differ from the actual products. *Products are limited in number. (Some products can be ordered.) *For information on the performance venue and timetable for the Shinjuku Eisa Festival, please visit the official website of the Shinjuku Eisa Festival. More information about this release *This email has been sent automatically, so please do not reply.