Akiko Ishigaki - a life of design and weaving fabrics

On my last visit to Japan a visit to Iriomote-jima was on my radar - however, the Covid pandemic affected not only my travel plans. The thought wasn't lost, especially when a few months ago an episode by 3Sat documentary program 'Universum' provided an impressive inside to the subtropical jungle island and its unique hidden gems.

And one of them definitely is 80-years old textile designer Akiko Ishigaki, known and widely acclaimed for her traditional weaving techniques.

Unfortunately I had no appointment and started this morning by chance a trip to Kuuru Koubou, a hidden place settled between the sea, mangroves along river Urauchi and dense vegetation.

'Yes, this must be her workshop', I thought immediately when approaching a house under a big shaddy tree and lots of small artifacts. 'If I might meet her and not bother her in showing up with not much more than my admiration and respect?'

I found myself alone in a place of magic. Interestingly there was no feeling of disappointment not to meet Akiko in person - I made that trip and can calmly digest that creative place over decades without having maybe that feeling of stressing Madam Ishigaki's time and patience. Arigatou, suki desu.

One can imagine the timeless harmony of this place, and I can see her going inside the house to sit down for weaving another masterpiece ...

Finally I can only recommend to 'google' for 'Akiko Ishigaki Iriomote' and browse for some of her artwork, or better, for one of the documentaries on youtube. Sayonara, Ishigaki-san, hashimemashite.