Fusion of Ryukyu Indigo Color and Chinami Audio Sound: Birth of 'Indigo-dyed Speakers' - New Possibilities from Okinawa's Nature and Tradition

This product is a color model completed through numerous painting processes, where powder of "sediment indigo (mud indigo)," a plant-derived natural dye, is mixed into the paint.

By repeating the application, similar to the indigo dyeing process, an indigo color with depth and richness is achieved. Its appearance changes depending on how the light hits it, exuding the serene presence unique to Ryukyu Indigo.

While being an audio device, the "Indigo-dyed Speaker" blends into the space and functions as a work of craft, providing experiential value through both visual and auditory senses.

### Background of the Collaboration

This project began with a proposal from Yoshinari Kakazu, representative of the Ryukyu Indigo Laboratory, which handles everything from the production to the processing of Ryukyu Indigo.

The attempt, which started with the question "Could the newly developed sediment indigo powder be mixed into paint?" was a challenge that went beyond the boundaries of conventional painting techniques.

Due to the nature of the material, indigo powder tends to precipitate or form clumps, requiring trial and error for uniform adherence. Through repeated prototyping, a texture and expression never seen before were achieved. This product was born as a new intersection between traditional craft and industrial products.

### Comment from Amiko Chinami, Representative of Chinami Audio

"When I received the proposal from Mr. Kakazu, I instinctively felt that something interesting could be created.

When we actually started prototyping, the indigo pigment, being insoluble, naturally did not mix uniformly with oil-based paint, and there were also challenges with adherence. Therefore, we repeatedly applied processes like spraying the powder, finishing it with great time and effort.

Until now, I have had many opportunities to interact with craft businesses in the same field of 'monozukuri' (manufacturing), but it never led to a form of 'creating together.'

I am very happy to have been able to be deeply involved with traditional crafts in this way."

### Comment from Yoshinari Kakazu, Representative of Ryukyu Indigo Laboratory

"This initiative was also a challenge to explore new possibilities for indigo.

Until now, indigo has been treated as something to 'dye' with, but I feel there are still many possibilities when viewed as a material. In particular, sediment indigo has a strong individuality as a particle; while difficult to handle, it has the power to produce a texture unlike any other.

I am very happy that its characteristics were successfully brought out by Chinami Audio's technology and sensibility, expressed in the new field of audio products.

I feel that the possibilities for 'RYUKYU BLUE®' are still expanding."

### About Ryukyu Indigo Laboratory

The Ryukyu Indigo Laboratory explores the possibilities of Ryukyu Indigo rooted in the climate of Okinawa.

The color named "RYUKYU BLUE®" has a depth and fluctuation that cannot be reproduced with chemical dyes. By plowing the fields ourselves, growing indigo, and handling everything from the manufacture of dyes to dyeing processing, we continue to face the essence of the material.

**Expanding Traditional Techniques to Modern Materials**

The laboratory has also succeeded in developing a process to dry sediment indigo and turn it into a stable powder.

This powder can be used as a dye by dissolving it in water, similar to regular indigo dyeing. Furthermore, it is expected to be applied in various fields beyond traditional dyeing, such as a pigment for building materials.

### About Indigo Dyeing

Indigo dyeing is a traditional technique where dye is created by fermenting indigo leaves, and the blue color is developed by bonding with oxygen in the air. By repeating the process of dyeing and exposing it to air many times, the color gradually deepens, changing into a deep, rich indigo.

Every step is done by hand, and the characteristic hues can only be created through a layer of time and effort. The coloring is not uniform but includes the minute fluctuations unique to natural origins, creating a different expression for each piece.

Furthermore, indigo dyeing has long been said to have functions such as insect repellency, antibacterial properties, and UV protection, and has been used practically in daily life. Even if the color fades with use, it can be re-dyed, allowing for long-term use.

Due to this high circularity, indigo dyeing is being re-evaluated in modern times as sustainable manufacturing that reduces waste.

**We explore the Blue.**

This product will be unveiled for the first time at the Ryukyu Indigo Laboratory's first solo exhibition, "We explore the Blue."

Period: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 – Sunday, June 7, 2026
Time: 10:00–19:00
Venue: Hotel Anteroom Naha (Gallery 9.5 NAHA)
Admission: Free

You can actually experience the sound and color within the space.

### Chinami Audio

Chinami Audio (Chinami O-da-de-yo Co., Ltd.) is an audio manufacturer in Okinawa founded in 1975. With the philosophy of "bringing sound closer to live performance and conveying emotion," we use unique technology...