Bingata nurtured under the Ryukyu Kingdom has been passed down through generations, overcoming hardships such as the annexation of Okinawa by Japan and the devastating ground battle of Okinawa during World War II. “Bingata is still dyed by hand. Its charm lies in its stark contrast to the mass-production and consumption-driven apparel industry that prioritises economic efficiency,” says Shinji Odo, Secretary-General of the Ryukyu Bingata Preservation and Expansion Consortium.
Odo is also the CEO of BAGASSE UPCYCLE, a company that offers a sharing service of Kariyushi wear (Kariyushi means “auspicious” or “celebratory” in Okinawan dialect). He collaborated with Chinen to develop Kariyushi wear with classical Bingata patterns. Using fabric upcycled from sugarcane bagasse, Odo proposes innovative concepts and fashion lifestyles that challenge the conventional norms of the apparel industry.
“Bingata was never intended to be consumed,” says Chinen. “Artisans have always been mindful of its roots and heritage, formed as Bingata passed down through generations after being presented to the royal family. The concept of upcycling, which promotes resource circulation, aligns closely with the philosophy of Bingata. Through these initiatives, we aim to create new demand and continue dyeing, believing that someone in the future will inherit this culture and technique.”
The 500-year history and future of Bingata, ceaselessly woven in Okinawa, teaches us about the sustainable relationship between people and resources.
AloJapan.com