Recommended for those interested in authentic Okinawan crafts!
Okinawa Craft Shop Chura Munya is an authentic craft store located in Kunigami-gun, central Okinawa Island. The name of the store is a coined word combining “chira” (beautiful) and “mun” (thing) in the Okinawan dialect.
The shop sells not only standard Okinawan crafts but also unusual crafts and collaborations such as textiles and leather. This store is a must-see for those who want to obtain authentic Okinawan crafts, not just souvenirs.
Point 1: Look for standard seers and Ryukyu glasses at the Chilamunya!
Okinawa Craft Shop Biramun-ya also sells shisha and Ryukyu glasses, both staples of Okinawan crafts.
Shisa is comical and colorful with humorous faces, not the traditional ones found on Okinawan roofs. Many people buy them as good luck charms because they contain onyx, which is said to strengthen one’s will, give one the power to make correct decisions, and repel the evil intentions of others.
Also, Ryukyu glasses with bubbles and light colors are attractive. There are regular-shaped glasses, but there are also rock glasses, slanted single-flower vases, ring holders, etc., for both personal use and as souvenirs.
Point 2: Traditional Okinawan Bingata and textiles at Chramunya
Bingata, a traditional Okinawan stencil dyeing and weaving technique, is also available at Chiramunya.
Bingata was born in the 15th century during exchanges with Southeast Asian countries. In the past, Bingata was used only for kimonos and obis, but nowadays, young artists are increasing and Bingata is still being used for coin purses, pouches, masks, and other items to carry on the tradition.
Masks, in particular, are popular among people who want to use their favorite ones because they are essential items due to the recent corona situation.
Ryukyu Kasuri is well-known, but we also offer rare textiles from all over Okinawa, such as Shuri-ori, Yonaguni Weaving, and Yomitan Mincer, as well as rare textiles from remote islands such as Kumejima Tsumugi and Miyako Kamifu.
The store is also home to rare textile crafts rarely seen on the mainland.
Point 3: Collaboration of rare leather and crafts at Chilamunya
At Chiramunya, they have been collaborating with Italian leather and Okinawan Bingata, Kasuri, and textiles to create products, which have been commercialized and are now on store shelves.
To give an example, a key holder or a card case is made of leather but has Bingata or Kasuri inlaid on a part of it.
Both of these products are attractive for their unobtrusiveness that is not immediately recognizable as “Okinawan souvenirs,” and the leather becomes shinier as it is used. How about a souvenir for an important person?
