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In the naturally abundant Yaeyama Islands, more than 60 species of trees, including Ryukyu pine, Calophyllum inophyllum, and Chinaberry, have been used as "island timber." In the past, the unique characteristics of island timber were utilized to create building materials, handles for farming tools, materials for clogs, materials for furniture such as chests of drawers, materials for incense sticks, and oars for boats, enriching people's lives. Although island timber has been loved by the islanders for a long history, it is said that the amount used is decreasing now.
The island timber, which is rarely used these days, is full of the wisdom and thoughts left behind by our ancestors. There is a workshop that is working to connect and pass on its charm to the next generation.
Located on a small hill at the foot of Mount Maesedake, about a five-minute drive from the city center, Uezato Woodworking offers a pleasant setting with views of the sea from the workshop and sugarcane fields stretching out in the surrounding area.
At "Uezato Woodworking," we primarily accept orders for furniture and fixtures, using both machine and handcrafting techniques.
Kazuhiro Higashiuezato, the representative of "Uezato Woodworking," began to question the fact that most of the wood used in his production was sourced from outside the prefecture or even from overseas.
Inspired by the words of my predecessor, "In the past, all the household items on the island were made from island wood," I visited the factory of Hiromu Tomai, the representative of Tomai Woodworking, who is intimately familiar with island wood and its techniques, many times. There, in an environment where knowledge could be passed down, I learned the fascinating techniques of working with island wood.
Based on the knowledge and history of trees that I learned from Ms. Tomai, I created and published "The Illustrated Guide to Island Trees" and "The Stories of Island Trees."
Based on the knowledge and techniques inherited from Mr. Tomai, Uezato Woodworking established the "KATARIGI" workshop to revive island timber as modern wood products.
"We see wood as a 'living thing.' Shima timber, in particular, is full of vitality, and we feel it has a soul."
"The texture and feel of wood can be enjoyed with all five senses, but the longer you use it, the deeper its character becomes. The more you use it with love, the more it returns that love. It's as if it's speaking to you about something important."
In today's world, where "disposable" products are commonplace, "KATARIGI" creates "things to be cherished and used for a long time," and "important items to be passed down from parent to child, and to the next generation."
For example, in addition to furniture and fixtures, the wood from each island is used to create a variety of products that enrich our lives, such as tableware, chopstick rests, wall clocks, nameplates, and photo frames, each showcasing the unique grain and characteristics of the island's timber.
Hanakurubachi (chopstick rest). Kurubachi means pillow in the Yaeyama dialect. It is modeled after the flower blocks, a unique type of block used in Okinawa for walls and other structures.
Production leader Hiroki Nishizato grew up watching his grandfather work in a woodworking shop.
"I had always wanted to inherit my grandfather's skills and passion and work in a woodworking shop someday, so being here felt like a natural progression. When I think about it as something that will be passed down through generations, I first thought that I wanted to get children interested in island timber. With that in mind, I'm preparing to start an activity called 'wood education' for elementary school children," Nishizato says straightforwardly.
"We make sure to use every usable part of the island's timber. Any leftover scraps are then offered to local residents, either for sale to those who need them or for them to take away. Some use them as firewood, while others use them as display stands for accessories and other items."
Scrap wood from the island
In addition to tableware and chopstick rests made from local materials, we also produce collaborative products with artists from Ishigaki Island.
This business card holder, a collaborative product with the Ishigaki Island textile brand "Ichigusuku Mode," is a popular gift item.
"I want many people to see and touch the island's timber. I want them to actually hold it in their hands and feel how each piece of wood differs in color, shape, texture, and weight. I want the islanders to know that their island has these kinds of trees, to feel closer to them in their daily lives, and to develop an attachment to them. In the future, I would like to focus on developing new products that can be used more as gifts."
Profile: Hiroki Nishizato
Born in 1986 on Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Prefecture.
I grew up watching my grandfather, who was a woodworker, at work.
After graduating from university, I returned to Ishigaki Island and worked in education and at a publishing company.
Influenced by my grandfather, I joined Uezato Woodworking, which he founded, in 2020.
As the production leader for our own brand "KATARIGI," I am promoting the appeal of wood from the island.
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