Muhammadibrokhimov Botirjon
I can confidently say that Ishigaki Island is the “Hawaii of Japan”. Located in the southwest of Okinawa, it is considered the largest island in the Yaeyama Island group (after Iriomote Island), with beaches in every corner (though, I do not recommend swimming unless secured). Ishigaki is closer to Taiwan on the west (around 300 km to the eastern coast of Taiwan) rather than the capital city of Okinawa on the northeast, Naha (around 1000), and it combines the culture and historical bonds with Taipei, including cuisine. Approximately 47,5 thousand people live on this island, as of 2020 (City Population, 2020).
As students during the study trip on the island were engaged to be particularly curious and attentive to the activities and events with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), I will be referring to some 2030 Agenda goals. Interestingly, Ishigaki Island has been certified as an “SDGs Future City” (SDGｓ未来都市) and “Local Government SDGs Model Project” (自治体SDGｓモデル事業) in FY2 of Reiwa, which is 2020 (Ishigaki SDGs Promotion Platform Secretariat, 2024).
I do not want to beat around the bush and will tell straight. My background is in international economics, so I am really into observing economic activities as well as patterns and connections between things. Based on my humble research, the island is reliant on tourism as a main driver of the economy. Forests (42%) and sugar cane cover most of the land. Figure 1 showcases that forest mountains define the northern part. Almost each of our bus trips from one place to another was accompanied by the scenery of vast forest areas, mountains in the north as well as sugar cane farms. About 21% of the land is used for harvesting sugar cane, 15% is grassland, and only about 10% is urbanized (N Yoshie et al., 2020). However, we have learnt that the southern part of the island is a “protected area”, and the southwest is not. Perhaps it would be a good idea for local people and stakeholders to engage in promoting the southern part of the island as to “protected area”, as we found that there are certain environmental issues on the island which need to be addressed, thus the question of funding stays vital for the future of the whole Island.
Figure 1. Land use, terrain and satellite maps of Ishigaki Island (Google Maps).
Traditional Hand-weaving Crafts Museum
Located at 1129-2 Arakawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, the Traditional Hand-weaving Crafts Museum is easily accessible whether you’re driving or taking public transport. The museum welcomes visitors with ample parking facilities and clear signage for those arriving by car – just a 10-minute drive from the city centre or about 25 minutes from Ishigaki Airport. But our study group reached the museum by bus.
From the moment I stepped inside, the warm welcome from the founder of the museum Mrs Yukiko Takamine set the tone for an immersive cultural experience. The museum not only exhibits a rich collection of textiles but also provides a historical and cultural reflection of Ishigaki Island. Unfortunately, taking photos inside the museum is not allowed, but we have an opportunity to share the stand representing various symbols. Figure 2-a represents various symbols used for weaving and crafting. According to Mrs Yukiko Takamine, once only women were supposed to make textiles and clothes, while men were supposed to bring logs and harvest rice. Various symbols have different meanings, and women used to weave them for various occasions and contexts, and the technique was carried on until today. The traditional material is “Choma” (tropical plant) instead of cotton, and fibres are extracted manually and woven using traditional methods (Figure 2-b). This method not only preserves the ancient techniques but also gives the textiles a distinct texture and natural colour palette. Today, everyone can “challenge” themselves in this practice, and the museum offers hands-on experiences, beyond exhibits. According to the official website, visitors have the chance to try their hand at weaving or participate in natural dyeing workshops where they can create personalized handkerchiefs using local dyes.
Figure 2. Ornamental patterns (a) and traditional weaving technique (b)
One of the most fascinating aspects of the museum is its showcase of 96 different ornamental patterns. Each design holds a distinct cultural significance. For example, the first pattern “toonii”, composed of two vertical blocks, means a wish for livestock, as once this was regarded as an important source of income and wealth Well-fed herd signifies a thriving household, or “jindama” which meant money straight and clear (for lazy people, haha). The most intriguing pattern was the pattern in Figure 3, which showcases two distinct 4 squares and 5 squares. It is called “Minsa Belt” and it carries a romantic meaning. The thing is 5, itsutsu, plus 4, yotsu, creates itsuyo, or “forever”, playing with Japanese words. Two meanings derive from this pattern, First, 5+4=9 is considered the highest number in traditional Japanese numerology, thus representing endless happiness. The second meaning is a woman’s wish for her husband to return home safely via the same path. Moreover, women in the past used to add more symbolisms and meanings by weaving additional lines or changing their thickness, which strengthened their feelings of love or changed the meaning of their message from mere romantic interest to strong passion up to the point of inviting men to their home. I would highly recommend the reader to go check out the place themselves and hear the story from the staff’s narrative (no spoilers from my side).
Figure 3. Minsa belt, or “forever” pattern
Mineya Kobo Hand-craft Museum is not just a display of old techniques—it’s a living institution that plays a critical role in preserving Okinawa’s cultural heritage. The museum’s efforts in promoting traditional handcrafts are closely aligned with global sustainability goals. By focusing on sustainable production methods and cultural preservation, the museum supports:
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Through the preservation of cultural heritage, the museum strengthens local identity and community pride.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – By championing traditional, handmade production methods, the museum promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
The museum is also an important part of the local tourism strategy. It helps bridge the gap between traditional artisans and modern consumers.
My journey to the Traditional Hand-weaving Crafts Museum was much more than a field trip—it was an opportunity to experience a living tradition. As I walked through the museum, I witnessed a seamless blend of history, art, and innovation, all woven together by the skilled hands of local artisans. For anyone visiting Ishigaki Island, the museum is a must-see destination that offers not only a window into the past but also inspiration for a sustainable future.
Bibliography
1. City Population. (2020). Ishigaki (Okinawa, Japan) – Population Statistics, Charts, Map, Location, Weather and Web Information. Citypopulation.de. https://www.citypopulation.de/en/japan/okinawa/_/47207__ishigaki/
2. Ishigaki SDGs Promotion Platform Secretariat. (2024). いしがきSDGs推進プラットフォーム. Ishigaki-Sdgs-Pf.jp. https://ishigaki-sdgs-pf.jp/
3. N Yoshie, Noda, K., & Iida, A. (2020). Long term change of land use in Ishigaki Island, Japan. IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science, 423(1), 012020–012020. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/423/1/012020
