16 crafts designated by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Chihana Hanaoui from Okinawa City features intricate raised floral patterns woven into silk and cotton, reviving a lost Ryukyu weaving tradition in the postwar era.
Haebaru Hanaoui is an Okinawan textile tradition featuring bold raised floral patterns woven into kimono fabric. Rooted in centuries-old Ryukyu royal weaving culture.
Kijoka Bashofu from Okinawa is a rare textile woven from the fiber of Ryukyu banana plants. Cool and breathable, it is one of Japan's most treasured summer fabrics.
Kume Island Tsumugi is a prestigious Okinawan silk woven using natural dyes and traditional kasuri techniques. Produced on the remote island of Kume for over 600 years.
Miyako Jofu from Miyako Island is Okinawa's finest ramie textile, hand-spun from plant fiber and woven into kimono prized for their cool texture in summer.
Ryukyu Bingata from Okinawa is a vivid stencil-dyed textile tradition of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Its bold tropical motifs and brilliant colors remain iconic Japanese craft.
Ryukyu Kasuri from Okinawa is a vibrant ikat weaving tradition using bold geometric patterns inspired by nature and Ryukyu Kingdom court culture. A UNESCO craft heritage.
Ryukyu lacquerware from Okinawa features vivid red and black urushi with bold mother-of-pearl inlay designs. Shaped by 600 years of Ryukyu royal court culture.
The sanshin is Okinawa's iconic three-stringed lute, the soul of Ryukyu music. Handcrafted from snakeskin and hardwood, it is central to Okinawan cultural identity.
Shuri weaving from Naha encompasses multiple royal court textile techniques from the former Ryukyu capital, producing luxurious kimono and obi in vivid colors and patterns.
Tsuboya pottery from Naha is Okinawa's central ceramic tradition, famous for the shisa lion guardian figures and distinctive bulbous sake vessels called karakara.
Yaeyama Jofu from Ishigaki is a fine ramie textile woven with ikat patterns in earth tones. Valued for its cool, crisp feel and deep connection to island culture.
Yaeyama Minsa from Ishigaki is a traditional narrow-band cotton weaving featuring five-and-four diamond patterns. Historically given as a token of devotion.
Yomitan Hanaoui from Okinawa features geometric and floral raised-pattern weaving rooted in Ryukyu court textile tradition. Used for kimono, obi sashes, and table textiles.
Yomitan Minsa from Okinawa is a narrow-band weaving tradition producing obi sashes with alternating five-and-four diamond patterns symbolizing eternal love.
Yonaguni weaving from Japan's westernmost island uses traditional Ryukyu techniques to create bold geometric kimono fabric and obi. Each piece reflects island heritage.