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Unveiling the Charm of Minsaa Belts in Kyoto

In an extraordinary celebration of Okinawa's rich textile tradition, the 10th Minsaa Belt Competition will be held from May 2nd to May 5th, 2025, at Kyoto's Shin-Puh-Kan POPUP SPACE, "SPOT." This event, organized by Yamato Co., Ltd. and the Kimono no Mori Foundation, aims to showcase the intricate artistry of Minsaa belts, hand-woven using 100% natural dyes from the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa. The exhibition will feature an impressive collection of 84 unique Minsaa belts, inviting attendees to participate in a voting process to determine the winners based on public preference.

Event Details

The competition is set to run daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, concluding at 6:00 PM on the final day. Visitors will get the chance to cast their votes for their favorite pieces by filling in numbers corresponding to the entries on provided forms. The winners will be announced in late June on the official websites of Yamato and the Kimono no Mori Foundation. An awards ceremony, recognizing the most popular artisans, will follow at a later date in the production area of Okinawa.

Beyond the competition, the event will also include a display of "bashofu," or banana fiber fabric, known as the “fabric of legends” from Okinawa. As guests explore these remarkable creations, they will gain insights into the tools and materials used in the production of this unique textile.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship

The Minsaa Belt Competition first commenced in 2013, rooted in a commitment to preserve and carry forward the legacy of the Minsaa belt, which boasts a history spanning approximately 400 years. This milestone 10th edition has been strategically timed to coincide with Minsaa Day on May 4th, falling within the Golden Week holidays. This timing allows more people to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that Okinawa's textile tradition represents.

Held in Kyoto, a place where the appreciation for traditional crafts runs deep, this competition offers both local and international audiences a rare opportunity to discover and celebrate the allure of Minsaa belts.

What is a Minsaa Belt?

The term “Minsaa” translates to a narrow belt woven from cotton, showcasing intricate designs primarily produced on Ishigaki Island, Taketomi Island, and Iriomote Island in the Yaeyama Islands. These belts are woven using cotton dyed with natural pigments extracted from local plants, resulting in every piece being handcrafted with love and tradition.

The hallmark patterns feature an alternating design of five and four squares, symbolizing a wish for enduring harmony and unity, as expressed in the phrase, “May you and your partner remain in love forever.” This emotional depth embedded into the Minsaa belt holds universal resonance even today, echoing the heartfelt sentiments of the artisans who once believed that these belts made for loved ones were imbued with care.

Response to Last Year’s Competition

The previous installment of the Minsaa Belt Competition, which was also held at Kyoto's Shin-Puh-Kan, saw significant participation, attracting 562 visitors over five days. Voters cast a staggering total of 1,684 votes (approximately three votes per person), showcasing the community's engagement and enthusiasm for this traditional craft.

To relive those moments, detailed reports and results of the 9th Minsaa Belt Competition can be found on the provided links. It is anticipated that this year's event will yield even greater public interest and participation, strengthening ties within the craft community and inspiring an appreciation for Okinawan culture.

About Yamato Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1917, Yamato operates under the philosophy of “Co-creation,” emphasizing collaboration with customers, artisans, and society. The company aspires to create an exciting world of kimono culture through its multiple brands and 78 retail locations across Japan. Yamato is dedicated to nurturing the preservation of traditional crafts while fostering innovation, accessibility, and appreciation for kimono as a vital part of cultural heritage.

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About Kimono no Mori Foundation

Established in 1978 as the Clothing Research Promotion Foundation, the Kimono no Mori Foundation focuses on the preservation and development of kimono-related crafts and technologies. The organization actively supports successor training programs for artisans across various regions, including Amami and Arimatsu. From 2025 onward, it will facilitate joint workshops in Kijoka, Okinawa, focused on the preservation of bashofu weaving techniques. The foundation aims to promote the joy of kimono culture globally.

Official Site