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Special Exhibition "The World of Ryukyu Indigo"
2026/05/18
Following last year, Atelier Shimura will again be showcasing the work of the Ryukyu Indigo Research Institute in Okinawa.
For us, indigo is one of the most striking colors that plants provide. Ryukyu indigo, once widely cultivated from India and Taiwan to Western Japan, is now a precious indigo that is only preserved in Okinawa. It takes a long time and effort to cultivate seedlings, ferment leaves, and add shell ash to create mud indigo. The dye liquid is clear emerald green, and each time the thread touches the air, its color slowly deepens. Even with the same dye liquid, the shade changes depending on the temperature and weather, resulting in a unique indigo that cannot be expressed by chemical dyes. We are endlessly drawn to its deep color, reminiscent of the Okinawan sea.
This exhibition will feature products made with Ryukyu indigo and a special workshop to dye threads with Ryukyu indigo.
In the height of summer, we will deliver the refreshing color of indigo. We hope this will be a unique opportunity to experience Okinawan dyeing and weaving culture.
▪️Event Overview
Date: Friday, August 7th – Tuesday, August 25th, 12:00 – 17:30 *Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Open on public holidays.
Venue: Atelier Shimura Gallery & School Tokyo, Setagaya
6-17-7 Soshigaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Exhibition and Sales: Ryukyu indigo clothing, fashion accessories, Ryukyu indigo dye
Contact: Tel: 03-6411-1215 Email: gallery@ateliershimura.co.jp
◼︎Related Event"Special Workshop - Dyeing with Ryukyu Indigo -"
In conjunction with the exhibition, we will hold a workshop to dye threads with Ryukyu indigo, supervised by Mr. Yoshinari Kakazu, representative of the Ryukyu Indigo Research Institute. This is a rare and valuable opportunity to experience Ryukyu indigo, native to Okinawa, in Tokyo. We look forward to your participation.
Venue: Atelier Shimura Gallery & School Tokyo, Setagaya
Participation fee: 19,800 yen (tax included, materials included)
Capacity: 6 people per session (first-come, first-served)
＜About Ryukyu Indigo＞
Ryukyu indigo refers to a type of indigo traditionally cultivated in the Southwestern Islands, centered in Okinawa Prefecture. It encompasses the plant used as a raw material for indigo dyeing, as well as the dye and dyeing techniques themselves.
Ryukyu indigo is a valuable resource that symbolizes Okinawan tradition and culture, possessing a charm that evokes the history of the Ryukyus. It is characterized by its vibrant and deep blue color.
＜Supervisor Profile＞
Yoshinari Kakazu
Born in Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture, in 1984. Founded LEQUIO in 2009, launching the bag brand "MADE IN OCCUPIED JAPAN" which recycles surplus US military goods, and the linen resort wear brand "LEQUIO," which is sold at resort hotels within the prefecture. In 2016, he began Ryukyu indigo production, engaging in agriculture for Ryukyu indigo production in Higashi Village, Okinawa Prefecture. While producing Ryukyu indigo, he began research into methods for manufacturing precipitated indigo, overseeing everything from agriculture to dye manufacturing. In 2019, he designed the uniforms for all facilities at "Hoshino Resorts Hoshinoya Okinawa." In 2021, he established the "Ryukyu Indigo Research Institute," developing an integrated business from Ryukyu indigo production to dyeing.
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