#Japan #Ayabe #Yarn Spinning #Sericulture #Ayabe Culture

Celebrating Sericulture in Ayabe: The Okai-Ko Festival

The Gunze Museum, located in Ayabe, Kyoto, is set to host the invigorating 'Okai-Ko Festival' from May 16 to May 24, focusing on the rich heritage of sericulture with the theme 'Wisdom and Life of Sericulture City'. This event aims to bridge the past and present by showcasing the local wisdom and techniques involved in silk production, alongside supporting individuals with developmental disabilities through the nonprofit organization Ayabe Grants.

Event Overview

From May 16 to May 24, the Gunze Museum will open its doors for this festival, which promises a blend of workshops and exhibitions that highlight the traditional skills of sericulture. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to engage in activities such as mulberry leaf picking, silk thread spinning, and crafting silk-related items. These activities not only serve as a hands-on exploration of traditional practices but also emphasize the significance of sericulture to the local community.

Workshop Details

The festival includes several engaging workshops, taking place over the weekends of May 16, 17, 23, and 24:

• - Mulberry Leaf Picking and Feeding Experience: Free of charge, held at Gunze Mulberry Garden.
• - Thread Spinning Workshop: 500 JPY
• - Silk Cocoon Crafting: 500 JPY
• - Mini Loom Thread Spinning Experience: 1,000 JPY
• - Thread Spinning & Amulet Strap Crafting: 1,000 JPY
• - Silk Thread Spinning and Raw Silk Crafting Experience: 500 JPY

Workshops will be conducted in two sessions each day: one in the morning (10:00 to 12:00) and another in the afternoon (13:30 to 15:00). It's important to note that reservations are not available, and some offerings have age restrictions requiring supervision for children under six.

Exhibition Highlights

In addition to workshops, the festival encompasses thematic exhibitions:

• - Using Tools for Raising Silkworms: An interactive exhibition that allows visitors to handle tools used in sericulture.
• - Historical Panel Display: Showcasing the evolution of the silk industry in Ayabe and Fukuchiyama, as well as emphasizing the local schools associated with sericulture education, including Ayabe High School and Oe High School.

Community Engagement

The festival is organized by Ayabe Grants in collaboration with the Gunze Museum. It also received support from the Ayabe City Council, Ayabe City Board of Education, the Ayabe Citizen Newspaper, and FM Ikari. Moreover, it features cooperation from the Silkworm Heritage Research Association and the Yura River Campus of Ayabe High School.

Admission and Location

The event is free to enter the museum, while there is a participation fee for workshops. The Gunze Museum is located at 1 Aonocho Zenzo, Ayabe City, Kyoto Prefecture. Further details can be found on their official website.

By engaging in hands-on activities and exploring the historical significance of sericulture, attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for Ayabe's heritage. Join us in celebrating the timeless art of silk production at the Okai-Ko Festival, where tradition meets modern community spirit.