Bashofu is a textile made out of banana fibre. The only place still producing bashofu is a small workshop in Ogimi Village, Okinawa. It’s survival as a craft and art form is due to Toshiko Taira who is recognized as a Japanese Living National Treasure.
Banana plantations owned by the Ogimi Village Bashofu Hall, Kijoka, Ogimi, Okinawa
Bashofu production at Ogimi Village Bashofu Hall, Kijoka, Ogimi, Okinawa
Toshiko Taira age 96 Japanese Living National Treasure, Ogimi Village Bashofu Hall, Kijoka, Ogimi, Okinawa
Ryukyu Indigo plants for dye at Ogimi Village Bashofu Hall, Kijoka, Ogimi, Okinawa
Indigo dying of bashofu at Ogimi Village Bashofu Hall, Kijoka, Ogimi, Okinawa
Bashofu production at Ogimi Village Bashofu Hall, Kijoka, Ogimi, Okinawa
Bashofu kimono at Ogimi Village Bashofu Hall, Kijoka, Ogimi, Okinawa
A real honor to photograph one of Okinawa’s icons.
TRAVEL 67 : Chris Willson Photography 
Do you have anymore information about this woman or her family, I believe she could be related to my grandmother Sumiko taira who passed away 7 years ago, we have no contact with her family in Okinawa, but we know that she did have a sister named toshiko.
Hi Monica, sorry I don’t have any more information about Toshiko Taira. I hope she is well, but haven’t contacted the weaving center in recent months. Taira is a very common name in Okinawa, but of course it is a possibility.