[Ginza Wako] 'Dyes and Weaves Inherited in Shuri: Yukou Tamanaha and Kyoko Taira Exhibition' opens on Friday, May 22

Seiko House Hall will host the 'Dyes and Weaves Inherited in Shuri: Yukou Tamanaha and Kyoko Taira Exhibition' from Friday, May 22 to Monday, June 1.

Okinawan dyeing and weaving that conveys the aesthetic sense of the Ryukyu Kingdom to the present day.

This exhibition brings together the powerful Bingata dyeing with the dignity of Mr. Yukou Tamanaha, a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property 'Bingata' (Living National Treasure), and the beautiful 'Nigashi' Bashofu with delicate hues and luster by Ms. Kyoko Taira, who was born in Nago City and has been familiar with Bashofu since childhood.

Please take this opportunity to view the numerous works by these two artists, woven from the traditions of Shuri and modern ingenuity.

◎ What is Nigashi Bashofu? It is a technique where fibers are boiled and refined in wood ash lye before dyeing and weaving. During the Ryukyu Kingdom era, only high-ranking individuals such as Ryukyuan royalty and clans were permitted to wear this Bashofu.

[Yukou Tamanaha]
Bingata Obi 'Yuki Tsumugi Fabric, New Sprout Pattern' / Aigata Obi 'Yaeyama Jofu Fabric, Lobster Pattern'

[Kyoko Taira]
Nine-sun Obi 'Nigashi, Forest at Dusk' / Kimono Fabric 'Nigashi, Waves of Light'

[Yukou Tamanaha x Kyoko Taira]
Bingata Obi 'Kushi Bashofu Fabric, Deigo Flowers and Butterflies Pattern' / Bingata Obi 'Kushi Bashofu 8-sun Fabric, Basho Circular Pattern'

Biography of Yukou Tamanaha
Born in Okawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture in 1936
1962: Studied Ryukyu Bingata under Eiki Shiroma
1975: Won the Silver Award at the 10th Seibu Traditional Craft Exhibition; Selected for the first time at the 22nd Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition
1996: Designated as a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property 'Bingata' (Living National Treasure)
1998: Awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon
2000: Exhibited and demonstrated Bingata at the G8 Kyushu-Okinawa Summit
2006: Awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays

Biography of Kyoko Taira
Born in Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture in 1952
1987: Studied Bashofu as a tradition student at the Ogimi Village Bashofu Hall (for about 10 years). Later joined the Kijoka Bashofu Weaving Workshop and was involved in Bashofu production.
2008: Became independent and began creating Nigashi Bashofu with her unique sensibility in Kushi.

[Comment from Ms. Kyoko Taira]
'I started Bashofu because I was attracted to the fact that I could do everything consistently from making the thread, dyeing, weaving, to finishing. Fortunately, both my grandmother and mother wove Bashofu (for home use), and since we are also farmers, I planted thread banana trees (ito-basho) as soon as I started learning. Because it is a mountain village, there is no salt damage, making it suitable for growing thread banana trees.
For dyeing, I use plants collected from nearby fields and mountains to dye various colors. For weaving, I proceed by considering temperature and humidity first and foremost. Since thread banana is a blessing from nature, I value creating each process naturally within the flow of nature.'

'Dyes and Weaves Inherited in Shuri: Yukou Tamanaha and Kyoko Taira Exhibition'
May 22 (Fri) - June 1 (Mon), 2026
Venue: Seiko House Hall (6th Floor, Seiko House, 4-5-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
Inquiries: 03-3562-2111 (Main)
Business Hours: 11:00 - 19:00 (Closes at 17:00 on the final day)
Closed: Open daily
Admission: Free
Organizer / Wako

◎ Wako Hall has changed its name to 'Seiko House Hall'. We will transmit various messages to the world, including exhibitions related to the Seiko Group's overall business and co-creation with artists.
◎ Photography is accepted outside of business hours.
Business hours and events are subject to change without notice. Please check the website for the latest information.