Oritori Ishigaki City Official Tourism Information Site
In the naturally rich Yaeyama Islands, over 60 types of trees, including Ryukyu pine, caltrop, and China tree, have been used as "island timber." In the past, the unique characteristics of island timber were utilized to transform it into building materials, patterns for agricultural tools, materials for geta sandals, materials for furniture such as chests, materials for incense, and oars for ships, enriching people's lives. Island timber, which has been loved by islanders throughout history, is now being used in reduced amounts.
Island wood, which is no longer used much, is filled with the wisdom and passion of our ancestors. There is a workshop that is working to pass on this charm to the next generation.
Uezato Woodworking is located on a small hill at the foot of Mount Maese, about a five-minute drive from the city center. The workshop overlooks the ocean and the surrounding area is a pleasant spot surrounded by sugarcane fields.
Uezato Woodworking mainly produces furniture and fittings to order, using both machine and hand processing techniques.
Higashiuezato Kazuhiro, the representative of Uezato Woodworking, began to have doubts about the fact that most of the wood used in his products was imported from outside the prefecture or overseas.
Inspired by the words of his predecessor, "In the past, all the tools used in daily life on the island were made from island trees and timber," he visited the factory of Tomai Woodworks representative Hiromu Tomai, who is an expert on island timber and the techniques involved, many times to learn about the fascinating techniques of using island timber in an environment where knowledge could be passed on.
Based on the knowledge and history of trees that I learned from Tomai, I created and published "An Illustrated Guide to Island Trees" and "The Story of Island Trees."
Using the knowledge and techniques inherited from Tomai, Uezato Woodworking has established a workshop called KATARIGI to revive island timber as modern wooden products.
"We see wood as a living thing. Island wood in particular is full of vitality and has a soul."
"The texture and feel of wood can be enjoyed with all five senses, and the longer you use it, the deeper its flavor becomes. The more lovingly you use it, the more loving it will be in return. It's as if it's telling you something important."
In today's world where disposable items are common, KATARIGI creates "things that can be enjoyed for a long time, things that can be cherished," and "important items that can be passed down from parent to child and to the next generation."
For example, in addition to furniture and fittings, various products such as tableware, chopstick rests, wall clocks, name plates and photo frames that make use of the grain and characteristics of each island wood add color to our lives.
Hana-kurubachi (chopstick rest). Kurubachi means pillow in the Yaeyama dialect. It is shaped like a flower block, a unique Okinawan block used for walls and other structures.
Production leader Nishizato Hiroki grew up watching his grandfather work in the woodworking shop.
"I had always wanted to inherit my grandfather's techniques and passion and work in a woodworking shop, so it was a natural progression for me to be here. When I thought of it as something to be passed down from generation to generation, I wanted to first get children interested in island timber. With that in mind, I am preparing to start an activity called 'Wood Education' aimed at elementary school children," says Nishizato frankly.
"We try to use all the timber from the island that can be used. However, we still have some leftover wood, so we ask local residents to sell it to people who need it or take it away. Some people use it as firewood, while others use it as stands for displaying accessories and other items."
Island wood scraps
In addition to tableware and chopstick rests made from local wood, we also produce collaborative products with Ishigaki Island artists.
The business card holder, a collaboration product with 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 feel and pick up the wood and realize that each tree is different in color, shape, feel, and weight. I want the islanders to know that there are these kinds of trees on their island, and to feel close to them in their daily lives and develop an attachment to them. In the future, I would like to focus on developing new products that can be used more effectively as gifts."
ProfileHiroki Nishizato
Born in Ishigaki Island, Okinawa in 1986
He grew up watching his grandfather, a woodworker.
After graduating from university, he returned to his hometown of Ishigaki Island and worked in the education field and at a publishing company.
Influenced by his grandfather, he joined Uezato Mokko, which was founded by his grandfather, in 2020.
As the production leader for the company's own brand "KATARIGI," he promotes the appeal of the island's trees.
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