An Island of Art, Nature, and Timeless Traditions
Amami Oshima is not only home to lush mangroves and subtropical forests, but also to a rich cultural heritage deeply rooted in the island’s natural environment. For centuries, the people of Amami have crafted their lives and art in harmony with nature, giving birth to unique traditions such as Oshima Tsumugi weaving and mud dyeing.
This page invites you to explore the intersection of sustainable living and island artistry — where ancient techniques meet eco-conscious values. Whether you’re a traveler seeking slow travel, meaningful cultural immersion, or simply looking to connect with authentic Japanese craftsmanship, Amami’s arts and crafts offer an experience unlike any other.
Oshima Tsumugi Textile
With a history spanning over 1,300 years, Oshima Tsumugi is one of Japan’s most renowned traditional textiles. Every piece is handcrafted using a meticulous and highly skilled process involving pre-dyeing the yarn with natural plant dyes and mud, followed by hand-weaving the intricate patterns.
Each step is carried out by a different artisan, reflecting a traditional division of labor that has been preserved for generations. The result is a fabric both beautiful and durable — often passed down as a family heirloom.
Dorozome (Mud Dyeing) Crafts
Dorozome is a unique dyeing technique that uses natural tannins extracted from local plants combined with the island’s iron-rich mud. The interaction between these natural materials creates deep, earthy tones of brown and black. This “earth-dyed” method is not only visually striking but also deeply eco-friendly. No synthetic chemicals are used, making it a truly sustainable craft rooted in nature.
Craftsman’s Voice -Takahiro Yamamoto-
Takahiro Yamamoto is a craftsman who carries on the traditional mud dyeing technique of Amami Oshima. Using natural plant-based dyes and the island’s iron-rich mud, he creates deep, earthy shades of black and brown through repeated dyeing and binding. The colors he produces reflect the warmth and strength of Amami’s soil itself.
His brand, Amami Earth Color Dorozome, was founded in 2005. Since then, he has dedicated himself exclusively to mud dyeing, expressing Amami’s nature, history, and culture through modern, wearable creations.
His passion for handcrafted work has remained unchanged since the studio’s founding. Alongside deep gratitude for the island’s natural environment, he is also committed to ecological conservation and local community support. Passing down both the technique and its spirit to future generations is at the heart of his mission.
Indigo and Botanical Dyeing Crafts
In addition to mud dyeing, Amami artisans also use indigo (ai) and various native plants to create vibrant, natural hues. Indigo-dyed fabrics are known for their deep blues and cooling effect in the subtropical climate. Local dyeing masters often gather leaves, barks, and flowers from the island, infusing their work with the essence of the land. Botanical dyeing reflects the island’s seasonal cycles and spiritual connection to nature. It’s a slow, mindful process — perfect for travelers looking to reconnect with the natural world through color and craft.
Join a Hands-On Craft Experience
Looking for a deeper connection with Amami’s culture?
Try weaving your own Oshima Tsumugi Textile or dyeing fabric with mud and indigo in a workshop led by local artisans.
It’s more than a souvenir, it’s a memory you’ll take home.
