ARTBOOK

The trees of the island's forests thrive on the island. There are approximately 70 species of trees on the island. Each species has its own unique characteristics, such as wood with beautiful grain suitable for furniture, or straight wood suitable for building materials. To preserve this bountiful forest for future generations, the island's woodworkers continue to create works using island timber. As they pass on their techniques and evolve to keep pace with the changing lives of the people, their works convey the gentle warmth of the island's wood and the passion of the craftsmen.

The history of pottery in Yaeyama dates back to the mid-18th century when potters were dispatched from Okinawa Main Island. Although this history was interrupted for a time, now more and more artists have moved to the islands from outside, and each workshop produces unique and distinctive works using the island's clay and glazes derived from local materials, and depicting the island's landscapes and way of life. Ishigaki Island holds a "Pottery Festival" every year, attracting many fans from both within and outside the island.

Wisdom inherited from our ancestors. The bark of the Fukugi tree turns yellow, the reddish-brown of the Beni-tsuyu tree, and the blue of the Moku-indigo tree... "Dyeing" using natural dyes, once just one step in the weaving process, is now applied to leather and fabric, creating wearable items such as accessories and clothing. The colors become more familiar the more you use them, which is irresistible. Of course, when weaving, the process also begins with dyeing the yarn. Because the dyes are made from materials derived from the island's nature, the finished products have a certain island feel to them.

From the bounty of nature, fibers are extracted, spun into yarn, and woven using traditional techniques. For someone else, for oneself. Preparing with meticulous calculations while imagining how to create the most beautiful pattern—in fact, the process leading up to weaving is very difficult, and it is at this stage that the final product is largely determined. Each weave is woven with heartfelt care. With use, it becomes softer, conforms to the skin, and gives a sense of security as if you are wearing nature itself. While cherishing traditional materials and patterns, weaving continues to evolve by incorporating new sensibilities.

Since ancient times, people have skillfully used the plants around them to create tools. They used the large single leaf of the palm tree to draw water, or to make hats and winnowing baskets. They also made hats and baskets from ginger lily, pandanus, and screwpine. Throughout the island, there are events where you can enjoy weaving with natural plants. Nowadays, they also make accessories such as earrings and hair accessories, which look great with island attire. You might think that anyone can make something if they have plants, but the beauty of the works created by artists who understand the characteristics of plants and weave every day is on a different level. Be sure to experience these wonderful works for yourself.

The island's sea, mountains, and sky—each landscape is vibrant in color, and along with the creatures that inhabit it, they inspire the creativity of the creators and artists. Accessories,雑貨 (miscellaneous goods), and clothing are created with the island's inspiration. Photographs capture the scenes woven by nature without missing a single moment. The power that permeates the island is infused into each and every piece.

In Okinawa, healthy and delicious food has long been considered "nuchigusui" (medicine for life). The time spent enjoying delicious meals made with good ingredients and prepared with care and effort is truly "nuchigusui." Enjoying the bounty of the island using your favorite tableware makes you feel happy. And of course, it's best accompanied by Awamori, or "Shima-zake."

Islands and music are inseparable. Flutes, drums, and sanshin (Okinawan stringed instrument) are essential to festivals. And of course, human singing is also important. In Yaeyama, "Tubaraama" is a song that has been passed down through generations, with people adding their own lyrics to the same melody, and a festival is held every year on the 13th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, under the beautiful moon. ART HOTEL Ishigakijima Island hosts live performances by local island artists every night!

On Ishigaki Island, located at 24 degrees north latitude, all 21 first-magnitude stars can be seen, and 84 of the 88 constellations are visible. Stars have long been closely intertwined with people's lives, with people using them as a guide for agriculture and fishing. Folk tales and songs related to stars still exist, and a rich star culture remains in the Yaeyama region, including Ishigaki Island and the surrounding islands. In March 2018, Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park was designated as Japan's first "Dark Sky Reserve," and efforts to protect the dark and beautiful night sky continue in Ishigaki City and Taketomi Town.