「ロングライフデザイン」を掲げるセレクトショップ「D&DEPARTMENT」。その沖縄店であるD&DEPARTMENT OKINAWA は、沖縄本島中部、沖縄市の「プラザハウスショッピングセンター」内にあります。ここでは暮らしの道具、クラフト、食品などがセンス良く並び、地元の人や観光客に愛されています。
Point 1: What are the features and location of ‘D&DEPARTMENT OKINAWA’?
D&DEPARTMENT OKINAWA is located on the second floor of the historic Plaza House Shopping Center, established in 1949. This facility, which still bears strong traces of its American occupation era, is a venerable site once called “the finest shopping center in the Orient” and Japan’s very first shopping center.
Nestled within this classic space, the Okinawa branch of this shop continues to captivate locals and tourists alike as a hub for introducing Okinawa’s “truly good things,” unaffected by generations or trends.
The store features a select shop, gallery, and café, making it a place to enjoy not just shopping, but a “stay.”
Approximately 40 minutes by car from Naha City.
Point 2: Popular Items at ‘D&DEPARTMENT OKINAWA’
Inside the store, crafts, food items, and household goods selected from across Okinawa are beautifully displayed. Particularly popular is “Yachimun” (Okinawan pottery). The vessels crafted at kilns in places like Tsuboya in Naha City and Yomitan Village possess the warmth of handcrafted work and are perfect for everyday use.
Bold patterns, rustic designs, and contemporary, innovative ceramics beautifully complement any meal.
“Ryukyu Glass” is also a perennial favorite. This glass craft, which developed after the war by repurposing scrap materials from U.S. military bases, is rich in color and brimming with the charm of one-of-a-kind pieces. The lineup includes glasses perfect for pouring awamori or tea, vases, pitchers, and more—items that are a joy just to look at.
For food items, you’ll find jams and sweets made with locally sourced ingredients, additive-free seasonings, and other items that appeal to those with a natural lifestyle. These are also popular as tasteful souvenirs.
Point 3: The cafeteria attached to ‘D&DEPARTMENT OKINAWA’ is also recommended!
Another highlight of this store is the attached “d Shokudo OKINAWA.” This cafe serves set meals and sweets made with an abundance of locally sourced ingredients, making it the perfect spot to take a break during shopping or sightseeing.
For example, you can savor uniquely Okinawan flavors like the “Yanbaru Chicken Karaage Set Meal,” “Island Tofu Salad,” and “Brown Sugar Cheesecake,” all prepared with a gentle seasoning.
Furthermore, the gallery area occasionally hosts exhibitions of works by young Okinawan artists and artisans, as well as pop-up events, ensuring discoveries with every visit. With numerous community-based initiatives, it transcends being just a shop, functioning more like a cultural facility that showcases “contemporary Okinawa.”
