From November 2 (Sat) to 5 (Tue), the Kumejima Tsumugi Exhibition (hosted by Yamamoto Kogei, sponsored by the Kumejima Tsumugi Business Cooperative) was held at Kyogakutei in Nihonbashi COREDO Muromachi 3. Once again this year, we, NPO Kissa-ko Cha Know You, had the pleasure of assisting with the tea service.

This year's exhibition was a commemorative event for the 20th anniversary of Kumejima Tsumugi being designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property, so over 50 pieces were on display. Traditionally, it was considered unsuitable for tea ceremonies because it was seen as everyday wear. However, as featured in the August issue of 'Nagomi' in the 'Okinawa, Dyeing and Weaving Travelogue,' there's a growing suggestion to actively wear it to tea ceremonies in hot Okinawa. Beyond Okinawa, due to the effects of global warming, the value of tsumugi, chijimi, and other textiles, including Kumejima Tsumugi, seems to be re-evaluated and gaining new attention.

We are very honored if we were able to contribute even a little to a wonderful encounter between Kumejima Tsumugi and the tea ceremony by serving Okinawan sweets and light tea. The event host and Kumejima Tsumugi ambassador, Mr. Shuji Yamamoto of Yamamoto Kogei, provided his own handmade tea bowls, light tea called Hachihime no Shiro (from Hoshino-en), and sweets including Kunpen and brown sugar chinsuko (from Ryukyu Kashihonpo Arakaki Kami Kashi-ten).

The exhibition was a great success, concluding with lively events such as talks by manga artist Akiko Higashimura, the editor-in-chiefs of 'Utsukushii Kimono' and 'Nagomi,' the director of the Kumejima Tsumugi Business Cooperative, an exhibition tour by the weavers, and a mini-concert by the angel harp and keyboard unit, Katabui.

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