Glass flowers are displayed in an exhibit titled Cocoon at Ryukyu Glass Village on Okinawa, Aug. 13, 2025. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
Okinawa’s history describes strength, resilience and rebirth. Through a craft born out of necessity, local artists transformed past lessons into a vibrant art form seen today.
Okinawa-made glass dates back centuries and is believed to have been initially introduced through international trade in the 1600s. During the Meiji Era, from 1868 to 1912, factories began producing glass-related products and eventually produced bottles for medicine and candy, laying the foundation for its glass industry.
After World War II, despite significant devastation, glassmaking endured. Discarded soda and beer bottles from American forces were recycled and repurposed. The final products often became thick, colorful and unique. The materials used embedded air bubbles that amplified the vibrant hues of blue, green and red, marking them as one-of-a-kind souvenirs from Okinawa.
The craft is celebrated at the Ryukyu Glass Village in Itoman city, the largest handmade glass workshop on Okinawa.
Visitors can witness artisans working at 2,372-degree Fahrenheit kilns and even try their hand at creating their own unique glass souvenirs. Lively and intense artisans shape glowing molten glass into vibrant vases, cups and ornaments. The experience costs 4,400 yen, or about $30 for both children and adults.
A glass craftsman cuts the handle from a glass cup at Ryukyu Glass Village on Okinawa, Aug. 13, 2025. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
Beyond the interactive activities, a main building serves as an office, a nontraditional museum and a shopping center.
There is no entry fee required to meander through the labyrinth of product shelves, but there is temptation. Many products are offered from a few hundred yen to a few thousand.
Navigating to the back of the building you will find historical displays. Early examples of glass fly traps, glass medicine containers and World War II Coca-Cola bottles are showcased giving you a sense of their creative evolution.
As you explore, look for an immersive exhibit titled Cocoon, with admission at 1,000 yen. Opened in December, this space showcases three galleries dedicated to portraying Okinawa’s nature through the artistry of Ryukyu glass.
Exhibits titled Beautiful Sea, Beautiful Universe and Beautiful Flowers, highlight the skills of the local craftsmen with some of their products being offered for sale throughout the facility.
Inspired by the island’s bright nature and the ingenuity of the crafting community, Ryukyu Glass Village stands as a proud symbol of Okinawa. From wartime necessity to artful expression, visiting the village offers a remarkable insight into this inspiring craft.
A glass craftsman handles molten glass at Ryukyu Glass Village on Okinawa, Aug. 13, 2025. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
On the QT
Directions: GPS Coordinates: N 26.0974210, E 127.6773451. From Naha Internation Airport drive 30 minutes south on Route 331.
Times: Open daily, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Costs: Admission to Ryukyu Glass Village is free; 1,000 yen to visit the Cocoon exhibit.
Parking: Free; 100 available spaces.
Food: The facility hosts one café and one on-site restaurant.
Information: Phone: 098-997-4784; Online: ryukyu-glass.co.jp
AloJapan.com