Bridging Okinawan tradition and circular design through upcycled textiles

A new upcycling collaboration is bridging 300 years of Okinawan tradition with modern circular economy principles, creating a line of textiles that aims to preserve both cultural heritage and the environment. Upcycle Association and the historic Shirokuma Bingata Studio launched their “Upcycle Ryukyu Bingata” furoshiki and tenugui.

The partnership wanted to address the challenges facing Ryukyu Bingata, a traditional Okinawan dyeing craft known for its vibrant colours and intricate patterns. Originally used for the garments of Ryukyuan royalty, the craft has struggled with a declining market for traditional kimonos and the high level of skill required for its continuation.

They have introduced a fabric that is a blend of cotton and “TSUMUGI,” a paper yarn developed by the Upcycle association’s project. The yarn is upcycled from used paper resources and unused thinned wood, transforming them into a durable, soft, and lightweight textile.

Young artists from the Shirokuma Bingata Studio, under the supervision of 16th-generation head Eichi Shirokuma, created the designs for the new product line. The collection includes furoshiki (traditional wrapping cloths), tenugui (hand towels), and handkerchiefs, items designed for everyday use to make the craft more accessible to a wider audience.

The designs draw inspiration from both Okinawan nature and modern life. Artist Akiko Kamiya’s “Croton” pattern depicts a plant that thrives in Okinawa’s strong sun, symbolising the strength of a lifestyle in harmony with nature. Other designs feature coffee, a crop now being cultivated in Japan, as a motif.

The products will be sold at the Shirokuma Bingata Studio in Naha, Okinawa, as well as select stores in Fukushima and Tokyo, and online.