A new project I’m working on is documenting Okinawa’s traditional textile industry. Oshiro-san makes looms, shuttles, spinning wheels and other equipment from his workshop in Haebaru.
Oshiro Yoshimasa (57) carpenter making weaving looms , Haebaru, Okinawa 大城織機製作所
His customers are usually Okinawan weavers, but he has once sent a spinning wheel all the way to Texas.
Oshiro Yoshimasa (57) carpenter making weaving looms, Haebaru, Okinawa 大城織機製作所
Oshiro-san, now 57, began to learn the craft from his father at age 22. He is now teaching his oldest son.
Oshiro Yoshimasa (57) carpenter making weaving looms , Haebaru, Okinawa 大城織機製作所
Images shot with natural light, Pentax 645Z with 35mm lens.
TRAVEL 67 : Chris Willson Photography 
Wow this is amazing, I’m looking for a craftsman to work alongside me to create lightweight portable weaving looms for weaving workshops, do you have a contact for Oshiro-San? What a talented man.
Yes I can send you contact information, but he only speaks and reads Japanese.
That would be fantastic, thank you so much I’d much rather support a real crafts person then a factory.