The Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa are not only a tropical paradise of turquoise seas and jungles – they’re also a cradle of traditional arts and crafts and a budding scene for modern design and creative expression. From handwoven textiles and earthen pottery to soulful folk music and contemporary island-inspired art, the culture of Yaeyama is richly expressed in daily life. In this guide, we explore the vibrant tapestry of Yaeyama’s art, craft, music, and design, highlighting both centuries-old traditions and innovative modern twists.
Traditional Crafts and Artistry in Yaeyama
One of the most emblematic Yaeyama crafts is Yaeyama Minsā weaving – a sturdy cotton textile tradition on Ishigaki and Taketomi Island. Minsa is characterized by an alternating pattern of five small squares and four small squares (called kasuri) woven into stripes. This simple design carries a romantic message: “five and four” in local wordplay signifies “forever (itsu) and ever (yo)”, a loving motif from old times when women wove Minsa belts for their beloved. Today, you can learn about Minsa at the Yaeyama Minsah Craft Center in central Ishigaki, which has a museum of Minsa history and offers hand-weaving workshops for visitors. The center’s shop sells beautiful Minsa items – from bags and neckties to coasters – allowing you to take home a piece of this “woven love” as a souvenir. Notably, Yaeyama Minsa is still made on traditional upright looms, and artisans often hand-dye the threads using natural island plants and pigments, preserving techniques passed down for generations.
Another celebrated craft is pottery. Ishigaki Island alone is home to around 20 pottery studios, a remarkable number given the island’s size. The subtropical soil provides excellent clay, and many potters say Ishigaki’s natural beauty inspires their creations.
Each year, Ishigaki’s potters come together for the Ishigaki Island Pottery Festival, a popular event for pottery enthusiasts. With a special “Yaeyama pottery map” in hand – available at studios and the city office – you can also embark on a self-guided tour of island kilns to meet the artists and find a favorite pieceBeyond textiles and ceramics, the Yaeyama Islands boast a variety of natural crafts born from local resources. In traditional villages like Taketomi, crafting everyday tools from what nature provided was a way of life. Artifacts in the Yaeyama Museum (located in Ishigaki City) showcase this heritage: you can see old wooden fishing boats, woven bamboo baskets, farming implements, and even colorful festival masks on display. Many of these items were handmade by islanders using wood, straw, shell, and fiber – reflecting both ingenuity and a deep connection to the environment. For example, villagers would braid straw sandals, weave hats from palm fronds, and carve wooden utensils, blending utility with simple beauty. Today, some of these folk crafts are kept alive by local elders and artisan groups. If you’re lucky, you might stumble upon them at community markets. On Ishigaki’s east coast, the Shiraho Sunday Market is one such place – amid the fresh produce and snacks, you’ll find stalls selling handmade folk tools and crafts unique to the islands. Picking up a hand-braided basket is not only a special souvenir, but also a tangible piece of Yaeyama’s cultural legacy.
Shisa lion dogs
No discussion of Okinawan craft would be complete without the Shisa – the guardian lion-dog of the Ryukyu Islands. In Yaeyama, Shisa statues perch on rooftops and gates of almost every home, warding off evil with their fierce, comical faces. While many mass-produced Shisa figurines are sold in souvenir shops, Ishigaki offers a chance to see truly creative Shisa art. At the Yonekoyaki Craft Center on Ishigaki’s north shore, a pottery workshop has created a whimsical “Shisa Park” in its garden. Here, dozens of massive Shisa sculptures sit amidst greenery – each one uniquely painted in bright, psychedelic colors and patterns. Some are striped or polka-dotted, others have sea-inspired motifs – it’s an open-air gallery of Shisa imagination. The park is free to wander; afterward you can visit the adjoining studio store to purchase smaller hand-painted Shisa or other pottery. Better yet, try making your own: several workshops in Yaeyama allow visitors to sculpt and decorate their own mini Shisa to take home. It’s a fun, family-friendly activity and a personal way to engage with local craft (plus you end up with a one-of-a-kind guardian for your home!).
Yonekoyaki Shīsā park
Natural Jewelry and Ishigaki black pearls
Finally, the jewelry and adornments of Yaeyama deserve mention. The islands’ seas have long yielded precious materials for artisans – notably black pearls. Ishigaki’s Kabira Bay is famed for its pearl cultivation. These black pearls, with their iridescent charcoal sheen, have become a sought-after local product. A shop at Kabira Bay offers a limited selection of Japan-made black pearl jewelry, which can be hard to find elsewhere. A pendant or pair of earrings made with Ishigaki’s black pearls makes for a truly elegant keepsake of Yaeyama. Likewise, shells and corals (responsibly gathered) have inspired local accessory makers. In island boutiques you might find necklaces incorporating tiny star-sand from Taketomi, coral fragments, or beads made of polished cowrie shells. Even the traditional Minsa textile appears in modern accessories – e.g. cotton Minsa patterned bracelets and scarves are popular fashion statements blending old motifs with new style.
Music, Dance and Folk Performance Traditions
The artistic spirit of Yaeyama is not just seen, but heard and felt through its music and dance. Centuries of isolation allowed the Ryukyuan culture in these islands to develop distinctive performing arts, many of which remain vibrantly alive today. Traditional music in Yaeyama is anchored by the soulful sound of the sanshin – a three-stringed lute akin to a banjo, made with a snakeskin-covered body. Its gentle, resonant tone is the musical heartbeat of the islands. Visit any village gathering or community event, and you’re bound to hear the sanshin’s lilting melodies accompanying folk songs. Locals learn to play from a young age, and informal shimauta (island song) sessions often break out wherever people gather. The songs, sung in the local Yaeyama language, tell of island life, love, and nature’s beauty. Some are joyful and quick, others haunting and slow – but all carry forward the cultural memory of the islands.
Original black and white three stringed Okinawa music instrument. Sanshin with screen printed Oogomadara design from designer Yasutake Ikeshiro. Each note carries the islands’ soul, echoing a rich musical heritage kept alive in every folk song
One hallmark of Yaeyama music are the folk songs known as min’yō. Perhaps the most famous is Tubarama, a melancholic ballad often performed as a duet, which even has a yearly contest in Ishigaki. These songs are typically accompanied by sanshin and sometimes by a subtle beat of a small hand drum or tapping of a paranku drum. Dancing is inseparable from the music – in many songs, there are traditional dances with specified hand motions and steps. On Taketomi Island, for example, visitors can see demonstrations of Yaeyama folk dance performed in traditional costume. Folk dances here (and throughout Yaeyama) often express gratitude to the divine and the joy of community. Dancers wear colorful Ryūkyūan attire – men in short kasuri-patterned kimono and women in flowing bingata-dyed robes – and use props like fans or small hand sanban (cymbals). Each gesture in the dance has meaning, from outstretched arms mimicking the motion of waves to synchronized steps honoring ancestral spirits.
Angama
Speaking of spirits, a truly unique Yaeyama tradition is Angama. Angama is a lively Obon (ancestral honoring) event held during the lunar calendar Bon period (usually around August). In Ishigaki and surrounding islands, Angama involves costumed performers who represent ancestral spirits visiting the living. Two main characters – Ushumai (an old man) and Nmi (an old woman) – wear distinctive wooden masks with exaggerated features. Accompanied by a troupe of singers and sanshin players, these “ancestors” go house to house or appear at gatherings, dancing and singing folk songs to bless the families.
What makes Angama especially entertaining is the comic dialogue that ensues: the masked elders engage the audience with riddles and humorous banter, asking questions about life and the afterlife. The spectators try to answer, and laughter fills the air. It’s a wonderful mix of reverence and humor – honoring ancestors in a playful, uniquely Yaeyama way.
Travelers can witness public Angama performances in central parks or community halls if visiting during the Bon season. The sight of dancers in colorful costumes twirling gracefully, singing age-old songs under paper lantern light, is an unforgettable cultural experience that truly transports you into the heart of Yaeyama tradition.
Festivals and Rituals
Beyond Angama, each island in Yaeyama has its own festivals and rituals where music and dance play a key role. Harvest festivals (Hōnensai), for instance, take place annually to give thanks for good crops and fishing catches These often include ritual dances at the village’s sacred site (utaki), followed by communal music/dance performances in the village square. Taketomi’s Mushaama festival, held in the summer, features costumed dances and even mock battles to pray for prosperity. On Kuroshima, a small island known for cattle ranching, the harvest festival includes an energetic dragonboat race and traditional dance to honor the sea gods. Even the school children participate, learning the folk dances and songs to carry them on. Visitors are usually welcome to watch these festivals – it’s advisable to check local schedules or the ISL& guidebook’s events section for dates if you’re keen to attend.
Modern Music
While traditional music thrives, modern music in Yaeyama has also made its mark. A great example is the island-born band BEGIN – a popular trio from Ishigaki who shot to fame in Japan. They blend rock and pop with Yaeyama folk vibes, often incorporating sanshin and local lyrics into their songs. (Their anthem “Shimanchu nu Takara” – meaning “Island People’s Treasure” – has become an unofficial Okinawan folk song in its own right.) BEGIN’s success spotlighted Yaeyama’s musical heritage to a broader audience. Following their lead, a number of younger Yaeyama musicians now experiment with fusing reggae, jazz, or rock with traditional island melodies. If you stroll through Ishigaki City at night, you might find live music at local bars – many shimauta live houses host nightly performances where singers croon folk tunes (amplified by electric sanshin) for diners sipping awamori liquor. Don’t be surprised if the performance ends with everyone clapping and dancing kachaashi (an upbeat Okinawan dance) together! It’s all part of the communal spirit that art and music foster in these islands.
Contemporary Design and Local Creative Scene
In addition to its folk heritage, Yaeyama is experiencing a gentle creative renaissance, with modern artists, designers, and craftspeople finding inspiration in the islands’ culture and nature. Ishigaki, being the largest island and transport hub, is at the center of this budding art scene. Walk around Euglena Mall or along Ishigaki’s downtown side streets and you’ll come across stylish little shops and galleries showcasing island-inspired design. Local fashion brands print t-shirts and tote bags with motifs of coral reefs, manta rays, and tropical flowers – wearable art that reflects Yaeyama’s environment. In fact, Ishigaki Island has many “unique creators” producing everything from hand-printed textiles to contemporary jewelry, often incorporating traditional patterns like Minsa or images of endemic wildlife. These creators infuse a modern sensibility into traditional Okinawan crafts, resulting in fresh designs that still feel authentically Yaeyama. For example, you might find a chic dress made of traditional island-dyed fabric, or minimalist home décor crafted from local wood and coral. Many such products are on display at Yurateiku Market (the island’s public market), which features sections for local handicrafts and packaged artisanal goods. This is a great place to pick up gifts like handmade soaps using island herbs, hand-dyed indigo scarves, or even coffee mugs painted with Ishigaki’s star-sand beach pattern.
Art Galleries
Art galleries are also popping up, albeit on a small scale. Ishigaki’s modest Yaeyama Museum not only preserves historical crafts but occasionally hosts exhibits by local painters and photographers.
Ichigusuku Garou Art Gallery by local screen print designer Yasutake Ikushiro has opened its doors inside the former photography museum “MIRA Ishigaki”. It’s showcasing exhibitions from for example famous local photographer Kyotaka Kitajima.
Photography in general is a popular art form in Yaeyama: the islands’ star-filled night skies, rare wildlife (like the Iriomote wild cat), and vibrant festivals provide endless subject matter. Some local photographers have gained recognition for their stunning nature shots and portraiture of island life, holding exhibitions in community centers or cafés. If you’re a photography enthusiast, keep an eye out for any gallery showings or simply enjoy the informal outdoor “galleries” – on any given evening at Nagura Bay or Kabira, you may spot photographers lined up to capture the perfect sunset, effectively creating a pop-up art scene on the beach.
Art Hotel Ishigaki hosts lovely exhibitions throughout the year in their Art Gallery on the first floor. Make sure to check it out!
Architecture and Design
When it comes to architecture and design, the Yaeyama aesthetic again blends old and new. Traditional Ryukyuan architecture is preserved beautifully on Taketomi Island, where the entire village is a design time capsule: houses with white coral stone walls, red-tiled roofs (each topped with a pair of Shisa guardians), and shady eaves – all built low to withstand typhoons and in harmony with the subtropical climate. Walking Taketomi’s sandy lanes feels like stepping back a century. In modern construction, Ishigaki has of course modern buildings, but even these often nod to tradition – you’ll see new restaurants with rustic wooden pillars and Shisa statues by the door, or resorts landscaped with local plants and replica Sabani canoes as décor. Notably, some civic buildings incorporate Yaeyama design elements: Ishigaki’s city emblem itself is a stylized textile pattern, and public spaces display art like giant Minsa motifs or sculptures of folk dancers. The islands’ commitment to preserving cultural identity while embracing innovation is evident in these design choices.
Island Workshops
For travelers wanting to engage with Yaeyama’s creative side, there are plenty of hands-on opportunities. You can join craft workshops to paint Ryūkyū glass or make Bingata-style dyed fabrics (though Bingata is originally from Okinawa Main Island, some studios in Ishigaki offer simplified classes). At local potteries, try the wheel or hand-shaping clay – popular courses include making your own shisa. The Minsa center, as mentioned, lets you weave a coaster or belt on a loom under guidance. Such experiences not only yield a personal souvenir, but also foster a deeper appreciation for the skill involved in these crafts.
Shīsā workshop experience
Additionally, community events and markets provide chances to meet artists. Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation – island artisans are typically friendly and proud to share the stories behind their work.
As you explore, consider carrying the Ishigaki ISL& guidebook, which includes links to handy maps of artisan studios and recommended stops. It’s an ideal companion to discover tucked-away craft shops or to time your visit with local art events.
Preserving the Past, Creating the Future
In the Yaeyama Islands, tradition and innovation aren’t at odds – they dance together. The people here have managed to preserve their artistic heritage – keeping the old songs, the loom techniques, the festivals – while also spinning new threads of creativity inspired by that heritage. The result is a cultural landscape as rich and colorful as Yaeyama’s natural scenery.
For visitors, engaging with Yaeyama’s art and culture is deeply rewarding. You might join an evening of folk music where you end up dancing with islanders under the stars, feeling the thrum of the sanshin and the warmth of community. You might treasure the handmade cup you bought from a potter who dug her clay in Ishigaki’s hills, or the indigo-dyed scarf woven with a message of love. Every craft item, every song, every dance in Yaeyama has a story behind it – a story of the islands’ ancestors, environment, and heart.
As you island-hop across Ishigaki, Taketomi, Iriomote, Yonaguni and beyond, take time to seek out these cultural experiences. Visit the small museums and craft centers, attend a local festival if you can, and support the artisans by purchasing authentic handmade goods. Not only will you be bringing home something truly special, but you’ll also be contributing to the ongoing story of Yaeyama’s arts – helping these traditions live on and evolve for future generations.
In Yaeyama, art is life and life is an art. The islands are alive with creativity. Embrace it, and you’ll understand the soul of these islands more deeply. As the local saying goes, “Shimanchu nu takara” – the islanders (and their culture) are the true treasure. Treasure them, and your journey will be all the richer.
For more guidance on exploring Yaeyama’s art and culture – including maps to studios, event calendars, and interviews with local islanders – refer to the ISL& Yaeyama Guidebook. It’s packed with insider tips to connect you with the islands’ creative heartbeat.
Sources: ooritoori, visitokinawa