About 16 minutes by car from Naha Airport. This bag store is located a short distance from Kokusai Street in Makishi, Naha City. Using sturdy canvas, they have not only Okinawan-style bags and tote bags but also many simple and fashionable bags. The prices are expensive, but they are durable and will last a lifetime.
Point 1: What? Such a place? Where is “Ryukyu Hanpu” located?
Ryukyu Hanpu” is located on Kokusai-dori Avenue in Naha, near Makishi Station, behind Fontana Gelato, known for its rainbow-colored gelato.
Many people may have passed by Kokusai-dori many times but never noticed it.
It is an old building with a dated exterior that already has a great atmosphere, and I have a feeling we are about to find something good.
When I entered the store with great anticipation, I found a narrow array of products ranging from large bags, tote bags, pouches, stuffed animals, postcards, memo pads, and business card holders.
If you think all you will find are canvas bags, you will be pleasantly surprised to find that there are also small items for sale that make great souvenirs.
Repeat visitors to Okinawa are especially looking for high-grade products that they cannot buy at souvenir shops on Kokusai-Dori. Ryukyu Canvas” will meet those expectations.
Point 2: From traditional to modern! What kind of bags are “Ryukyu Hanpu” bags?
Ryukyu Hanpu” is designed mainly by young Okinawan artists and uses prints arranged in the traditional Okinawan Bingata style.
In addition, “Ryukyu Hanpu” has a factory in Nambaebaru-cho in the southern part of Okinawa’s main island, where several skilled craftsmen make the products. From cutting to finishing, it is the policy of one craftsman to make the products, and we are proud of the quality backed by reliable techniques.
Products range from large tote bags, bags that can be used as backpacks, handbag types, and small round totes, many of which are decorated with Okinawan-style Bingata and other patterns.
Among them, the one shown in the photo, with motifs of Okinawan animals, which can be called modern Bingata, is a work full of originality that cannot be found anywhere else.
On the other hand, there are also indigo-dyed indigo totes, simple plain tote bags, and other products that are not at first glance recognizable as Okinawan products.
The materials used for these products are also very durable, so they can be used for a long time with occasional washing and other maintenance.
Point 3: What about products other than “Ryukyu Hanpu” bags?
In addition to bags and tote bags, “Ryukyu Hanpu” also sells small items.
For example, the pouch in the photo is a print of a work by the most promising young Bingata artist, Yuka Aragaki.
The colors look as if they have been stamped on, giving the traditional design a sense of novelty.
Also popular are wallets with a collaboration of Bingata on leather and memo pads with a Yanbaru kuina on the cover.
Some pouches look like stuffed turtles and stuffed Yanbaru kuina toys.
It is fun to see not only canvas bags but also many such small items.
Please visit us.
