About us
Elegant traditional techniques passed down from generation to generation
Shuri, which flourished as the castle town of the Ryukyu Kingdom, produced elegant textiles with beautiful colors and patterns for royalty, aristocrats, and samurai. The outstanding techniques used in this textile production have been recognized as intangible cultural assets by the national and prefectural governments.
Recognition as an intangible cultural property
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Shuri Hana-kura Ori
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Shuri Doton Ori
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Muruduchiri
The culture of Shuri weaving was born from the intersection of climate and techniques.
The background to the development of this dyeing and weaving culture lies in the history of Okinawa, located on the East Asian coast, which has had deep ties with China, Japan, and Southeast Asian countries through overseas trade since the 14th and 15th centuries. The Ryukyu Kingdom focused its efforts on textile policies, actively introducing techniques and raw materials from overseas. Okinawa's subtropical climate is hot and humid, and it is also blessed with plant resources that serve as raw materials for dyeing and weaving.
It is believed that the kasuri technique, which originated in India, was introduced to Okinawa via Southeast Asia around the 15th century. Okinawa's unique "hand-tied kasuri" was also invented, and many kasuri patterns were woven from familiar elements of daily life, such as motifs of nature, flora, and fauna that reflect the local climate. Okinawan kasuri has influenced kasuri-producing regions in Japan, and is considered one of the roots of Japanese kasuri.
Along with the techniques, fibers and dyes were also imported. In the past, fibers from the wild ramie and banana plants were used, but cotton, silk, and paulownia wood (tonban) were imported from Japan and China through trade. Shuri textiles developed greatly by combining these natural fibers with the two major techniques of kasuri and patterned weaving. Shuri textiles are characterized by their vibrant colors. Blues are dyed with Ryukyu indigo, and yellows are dyed with a variety of plants such as fukugi and turmeric, and vibrant yellow was influenced by China and was considered a color reserved for royalty and the nobility.
Today, Shuri textiles are produced in small quantities and in a wide variety of styles, without division of labor, and are produced entirely by hand, under the leadership of Living National Treasure Miyahira Hatsuko. Shuri textiles, which have continued to inherit traditional techniques and develop creatively, are in high demand, and kimonos and obi are highly acclaimed both within and outside the prefecture.
Currently, over 5 million tourists visit the area annually in search of the beautiful coral reefs and nature. In order to meet the demands of these tourists, we are working on various fronts to develop new products that are in line with the times, such as interior goods and decorative items.
Professor LEBARS-MIYAHIRA Ginko, Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts
Characteristics of the technique
Shuri Kasuri
This kasuri pattern is made using the "teyui" technique, which is unique to Shuri and is called "habagwayui," and is said to be the prototype of kasuri.
- Tejima (Tejima)**: One of the kasuri patterns, called tijima in the Okinawan language. This weaving method incorporates kasuri into warp and weft stripes, and two-colored threads (mudi), such as red and white or navy and white, are woven into the warp and weft. Tejima with red and white mudi was used for celebratory wear, while navy and white was used for everyday wear or for memorial services.
- Aya no naka**: Aya means stripes in Okinawa, and this weaving technique combines kasuri patterns with warp stripes. The warp stripes are made using threads made of two colors, such as red and white or navy blue.
- Muruduchiri**: A method of weaving a full kasuri pattern that combines warp and weft kasuri. Muru (various) means "all," and tucchiri is the Shuri word for kasuri.
Shuri Flower Weaving
There are four types of Hanaori: three types of heddle Hanaori (double-sided floating Hanaori, warp-floored Hanaori, and weft-floored Hanaori) that use a patterned heddle (flower heddle) to create the Hanaori pattern, and tehanaori, which does not use a patterned heddle but instead weaves the patterned threads by hand or with a bamboo stick. Currently, the mainstream method of tehanaori is to create patterns using a tehana heddle for tehanaori, invented by the late Hatsuko Miyahira.
Shuri Dotonori
This is a type of floating weave, also known as double-layered damask. During the royal court era, it was worn by upper-class men. The patterned parts are made with colored threads inserted between the warp threads, and as the warp threads float on both sides, you can wear either side depending on your preference.
Shuri Hanakuraori
This fabric is considered to be the finest among the many Okinawan textiles. It is a patterned weave with floral and silk weaves arranged in a checkerboard pattern or alternating, and was once only permitted to be worn by members of the royal family.
Shuri Minsa weaving
This refers to a thin obi woven from dyed cotton thread. The techniques of Minsa weaving, which is woven in the Shuri area, have advanced and become more sophisticated, and it is woven using a patterned heddle like double-sided Ukihana weaving. It is a type of varied plain weave, and is a combination of ribbed weaving, in which the weft threads are pulled together to create a thick weave, and double-sided Ukihana weaving. The late Hatsuko Miyahira wove Minsa obi not only with cotton thread but also with silk thread.
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Please call us before coming to the workshop.
Translation missing: en.custom.tel_label：098-851-7120
Company Profile
| Company Name | Limited company Cuwa |
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| Representative name | Sinsuke Miyahira |
| Establishment date | November 1, 1991 |
| location | 3-497 Nishizakicho, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture |
| contact address | +81-98-851-7120 |
| capital | 5 million yen |
| Business content | Manufacturing and sales of Shuri textiles |
Workshop History
| Founder: Kazuo Miyahira | ||
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| 1946 | Born in Naha, Okinawa | |
| 1970 | March | Graduated from the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Law, Chuo University |
| 1983 | May | Started weaving training at Miyahira Textile Studio under the guidance of her mother, Hatsuko |
| 1984 | July | Weaving training at the Okinawa Prefectural Traditional Crafts Training Center (approximately half a year) |
| August | Selected for the Newcomer Dyeing and Weaving Exhibition hosted by the Japan Kimono Dyeing and Weaving Crafts Association in Kyoto - Shuri Hanaori Hand-Dyed Obi Fabric (Helmet Pattern, Plum Skin Dyed) |
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| november | The couple opened Shuri Weaving Studio | |
| 1986 | His wife Sanae exhibited at the Japan Crafts Association (selected) - Shuri Hanakuraori Kimono Fabric 20 Patterns (Beige Pink) |
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| 1988 | Exhibited at the Japan Folk Crafts Museum Exhibition (Encouragement Award), purchased by the Osaka Folk Crafts Museum - Shuri Hanakura-ori Kimono Fabric 20 Patterns (Shiiki Gray Dyed) | |
| 1989 | His wife Sanae exhibited her work at the Japan Folk Crafts Museum (selected). - Shuri Dotonori Kimono Fabric (Navy) |
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| 1991 | november | Participated in the opening of the Okinawa Prefectural Products “Washita Shop.” In order to incorporate the workshop, Kyuwa Co., Ltd. was established together with his wife. |
| 1992 | His wife Sanae exhibited her work at the Okinawa Exhibition (selected). The couple exhibited at the Japan Folk Crafts Museum exhibition (selected) |
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| 2021 | January | Appointed as Advisor. |
| Current Representative: Shinsuke Miyahira | ||
| 2014 | April | Joined the company and began training under his father, Kazuo Miyahira. |
| 2021 | January | Appointed as President and CEO. |
| 2023 | Launched the “Gamaguji Series.”
Using fabric woven with Shuri Doton-ori—once used in official court garments—the series features mini bags with detachable chains, pouches with stain-resistant polyester linings, and wallets designed for comfort and ease of use.
To enhance the dignity of Shuri Ori, the company collaborated with a specialized sewing factory in Kyoto known for its high level of craftsmanship, carefully refining usability, form, and gusset dimensions with skilled artisans. Particular attention was paid to durability in metal fittings and to elegant finishing on the chains.
The series was also selected as a return gift for Itoman City’s hometown tax donation program. In the same year, at the FY2023 Okinawa Craft “Mono & Koto” Product Development and Business Improvement Support Project exhibition, the company presented chic and refined business totes and handbags that differed from the traditionally vibrant image of Shuri Ori, receiving high acclaim. |
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| 2024 | Produced process videos (Japanese and English versions) to clearly explain the Shuri Ori production process and released them on YouTube. | |
| 2025 | Under the FY2025 Okinawa Craft “Mono & Koto” Product Development and Business Improvement Support Project, designs were further refined and the number of product variations increased in preparation for launching a new brand. A bilingual (Japanese–English) company brochure was also produced, featuring the founder’s philosophy, a process overview, and an introduction to Shuri Ori. |
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| 2026 | Spring(Planned) | Planned launch of a new brand. Future expansion into apparel and interior products is also envisioned. Inheriting founder Kazuo Miyahira’s pursuit of originality, current representative Shinsuke Miyahira continues to challenge himself to create new expressions while preserving traditional techniques, working in parallel with traditional tanmono production. “By offering items that can be easily incorporated into daily life, I want people to experience the charm of Shuri Ori and rediscover its value. I hope to continue creating products that pursue the essential beauty and craftsmanship of Shuri Ori and expand its community of admirers,” he says. |