About the Center

General information, the history of craft in Okinawa,
and responsibilities of the Center

Conveying history and craftsmanship, connecting today with tomorrow

The history of craft in Okinawa

Okinawa's unique traditional culture is the amalgamation of active trading ties with mainland Japan, China and countries in East Asia that took place during the 14th to 16th centuries. In particular, craft in Okinawa often embodies the finest elements of foreign countries, and are characterized by their variety and diversity. Craft techniques have been passed down since the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and continue to be developed in various parts of the prefecture to this day.
There are a total of 16 traditional crafts in Okinawa that have been officially designated by the national government, making Okinawa the prefecture with the third largest number of designated crafts in Japan (as of November 7th, 2018).

* Nationally Designated Traditional crafts: Crafts that meet all of the specified criteria and have been designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, based on the Law for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries.

The three main roles of
the Okinawa Craft Industry Promotion Center

The Center has three main roles to fulfill in deepening understanding on craft in Okinawa for the purpose of a better future for the industry.

MISSION 1

Promotion of information regarding Okinawa craft

The Center engages in active sharing of information regarding Okinawa craft through a permanent exhibition showcasing a comprehensive collection of Okinawa's traditional craft that allows visitors to learn about its rich history and production processes. The Center also offers an exciting lineup of skill training workshops and seminars suitable not just for the general public, but trained professionals in the craft industry.

MISSION 2

Assistance to craftspeople and professionals in the craft industry

Our shared studios are equipped with a range of equipment and facilities that can be utilized in various processes of craft production. In addition, the Center also houses a design studio dedicated to developing design prototypes based on local craft materials and library archives. Our rental studios for newly established craft businesses aim to offer support to the development of fresh industry talent.

MISSION 3

Space for interaction between craftspeople and the general public

Craftspeople work on various stages of craft production at our rental and shared studios. Visitors can observe craftspeople at work and also try their hand at creating their own craftwork at our experiential studios. Through such experiences, the Center creates a communal space where creators and visitors may interact.

General Information on the Okinawa Craft Industry Promotion Center

Name of Facility	Okinawa Craft Industry Promotion Center
Location	1114-1 Aza-Tomigusuku, Tomigusuku City (within the Tomigusuku Castle Site)
Total Land Area	Approximately 9,788m²
Main Purposes of Use	Development and training of craft industry professionals, product development and information dissemination
Floor Area	9162m²
Our Operating Hours	9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (tentative)
Days of Closure	Every Monday *Subject to change depending on planned events (tentative)
Available parking for cars	Parking: Approximately 70 spaces