Since Soetsu Yanagi and others established the "Mingei" philosophy...100This year marks a significant milestone. Nihonbashi TakashimayaSCand Osaka Takashimaya2The exhibition "The Beauty of Okinawa as Encountered by Soetsu Yanagi: Ryukyuan Folk Crafts" will be held sequentially at the venue.
Soetsu Yanagi, photographed at Takashimaya Tokyo store in 1933.
This exhibition showcases Okinawan crafts, which were praised as a "treasure trove" by Soetsu Yanagi, the proponent of the folk craft movement, including dyeing and weaving, pottery, and more.100What can be deciphered from works of art that consist of dots.
Cotton ramie garment with white background, clouds, wave pattern, chrysanthemum and peony motif, stencil dyed (123.3 x 121.0 cm, 19th century)
White-glazed lidded container with colored inlay carvings, Tsuboya ware (11.0 x 11.0 cm, 19th century)
Soetsu Yanagi was captivated by Okinawan crafts because of his classmate, the head of the Ryukyu royal family, the Sho family.21The connection with the successor to the family, Lord Shosho, was the catalyst.1938From the year4During my numerous visits to Okinawa for research and collection, I encountered the richly colored dyed and woven textiles and the powerful, generous pottery and other handcrafted items that originated from the unique local culture.
Basho cotton hand towel with flowers on white background (82.0 x 24.0 cm, late 19th century - early 20th century)
Zushi jar (64.0 x 60.0 x 54.0 cm, Second Shō clan era)
The exhibition is5The book is structured in chapters. The prologue and the first chapter focus on "Bingata," which was the origin of Yanagi's fascination with Okinawa.19The exhibition showcases the vibrant costumes and patterns of the century. Following this, visitors will explore the beauty of dyeing, weaving, and pottery that have been nurtured within the daily life of Ryukyu, through textiles such as banana fiber cloth and ikat, as well as Tsuboya ware sake jars, bottles, plates, and bowls.
Akatori (19.0 x 31.2 x 29.0 cm, circa 1939)
Canopy (Height 21.6 cm, Diameter 39.6 cm, 1930s-50s)
Furthermore, the exhibition features items that reflect daily life and performing arts, such as dance costumes, theater curtains, baskets, and papier-mâché dolls. In the final chapter, works created by artists involved in the folk art movement, including Keisuke Serizawa, who traveled to Okinawa with Yanagi, as well as Kanjiro Kawai and Shoji Hamada, are introduced, based on what they learned in Okinawa. The influence that Ryukyuan handicrafts had on them is also noteworthy.
The cultural film "Ryukyu Folk Crafts" will also be screened at the venue, showcasing the scenery, lives, and vibrant performing arts of pre-war Okinawa. Adjacent to the exhibition, a "Folk Crafts Exhibition" will be held, featuring a display and sale of handcrafted items from all over Japan.3It will be held for the first time in many years.
Basho Sutra Kasuri costume (124.0 x 123.6 cm, early 20th century)
Amber-glazed, white-handled Buddhist flower vase, Tsuboya (18.2 x 8.4 cm, 19th century)
The Mingei movement focused on everyday objects made by nameless craftsmen and celebrated the wholesome and healthy beauty inherent in them as "beauty in utility."100As we reach this milestone, why not take some time to experience the rich craftsmanship of Ryukyu, which captivated Soetsu Yanagi, and the beauty rooted in that land?
◆ "The Beauty of Okinawa as Encountered by Soetsu Yanagi: Ryukyuan Folk Crafts"
[Admission Fee] General admission: 1,200 yen, University/High school students: 1,000 yen, Junior high school students and younger: Free
Tokyo venue: Nihonbashi Takashimaya SC Main Building 8th Floor Hall
[Period] July 2026th (Wednesday) – August 8st (Sunday), 26
[Hours] 10:30 AM - 19:00 PM (Closing at 19:30 PM)
*On the last day, the event will be open until 17:30 (closing time is 18:00).
Osaka venueOsaka Takashimaya 7th Floor Grand Hall
[Session] September 2026th (Wednesday) to 9th (Monday / holiday), 9
[Hours] 10:00 AM - 18:30 PM (Closing at 19:00 PM)
*On the last day, the event will be open until 16:30 (closing time is 17:00).
◆Exhibition and Sale: "Folk Craft Exhibition"
Tokyo venue
[Period] August 26, 2026 (Wednesday) - September 7, 2026 (Monday) Open daily from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM. *Closing time on the final day is 6:00 PM..
[Venue]Nihonbashi Takashimaya SC Main Building, 8th Floor Event Hall
Other events include: ●Main building, 7th floor, Gallery: Crafts and Folk Art for Everyday Life / August 26th (Wed) - September 8th (Tue)
*The venue closes at 4pm on the final day.
●Main building, 1st floor, front event space / August 26th (Wed) - September 1st (Tue)
Osaka venue
[Period] September 16th (Wednesday) - 21st (Monday/holiday), 2026 Open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. *Closing time on the final day is 6:00 PM.
[Venue] Osaka Takashimaya 7th Floor Event Hall
