From November 2nd to 5th, the Kumejima Tsumugi Exhibition, organized by Yamamoto Kogei and sponsored by the Kumejima Tsumugi Cooperative　Association, was held at Kyorakutei in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. This year marked the 20th anniversary of Kumejima Tsumugi's designation as an Important Intangible Cultural Property, featuring an exhibition of over 50 works. Traditionally considered too casual for tea ceremonies, Kumejima Tsumugi has been revisited for such occasions, as suggested in the August issue of “Nagomi”, "Okinawa, Dyeing and Weaving Journey," especially due to Okinawa's heat. This revisionist approach is gaining traction beyond Okinawa as well, with Tsumugi and similar textiles regaining value amidst global warming.

Our NPO Kissako Cha Know You was honored to assist with the tea service once again. We offered Okinawan sweets and matcha tea, hoping to facilitate a meaningful encounter between Kumejima Tsumugi and chanoyu. The event was graciously equipped by the Kumejima Tsumugi Ambassador and representative of Yamamoto Kogei, Mr. Shuji Yamamoto, who provided his own handmade tea bowls, Yahime no Shiro (matcha tea from Hoshino-en), Kunpen, and black sugar Chinsuko (from Aragaki Kami Confectionery).

The exhibition was a vibrant success, featuring talks from manga artist Akiko Higashimura, the editor-in-chief of "Utsukushii Kimono", the editor-in-chief of "Nagomi", and the chairman of the Kumejima Tsumugi Cooperative Association. It also included mini concerts by the angel harp and keyboard duo Katabui, as well as tours led by Kumejima Tsumugi artists.

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