Artists and artisans of Nanjo City put their skills on display

NO DATA

A weeklong art festival in Nanjo City takes place from Nov. 14th through 23rd with the whole city as the setting for the festival.

Hand-made crafts like these rings made by a Nanjo-based artisan are on sale at discount prices during the Nanjo Art Festival.

Besides being one of the largest municipalities by area, Nanjo City is well known for its numerous ateliers and studios where skilled artisans are producing woodwork, glass, bingata, pottery, lacquer ware, paintings, and photographs among other things. They have devoted themselves to creative activities and carry on the traditional Okinawan culture.

During the art festival, people can visit to take a close look at studios and galleries in the city, and enjoy discussions with participants and artists. Most of the artists’ products are also on sale at discounted prices.

A studio called Kiboriya combines woodwork and natural objects to create unique items.

There are more than 20 studios and galleries that organize workshops during the week. Details and schedules are listed on the event guide map that is available at Nanjo City Bussan-kan; 539, Aza Kudeken, Chinen, Nanjo City; FM Nanjo in AEON Town Nanjo-Ozato 1F; 97-2, Takamiyagibaru, Ozato-Takahira, Nanjo City; Tomigusuku City Tourist Association; 1-1162, Toyosaki, Tomigusuku City; Hotel Ocean on Kokusai Street; 2-4-8, Asato, Naha City and Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum; 3-1-1, Omoromachi, Naha City.

One of the participating studios is ‘Kaneru Koubo’, a blacksmith who makes Japanese swords, which is rare on Okinawa. Another place worth a visit is Ryukyu Café ‘Kabasa’ where people can enjoy welcome dishes of the Ryukyu Kingdom era at a reasonable price. In ‘Atelier Chi-pappa’ visitors can experience traditional textile dyeing method called ‘U-ji zome’.

In addition, there is a woodworking shop that makes products from furniture to accessories, and an accessory shop that specializes in local pearls known as ‘Kerama Pearls’ where visitors can order an original, one-of-a-kind ring with a stone of their choice.