Story: Caution, Artists at Work

The people of Okinawa Japan are perhaps some of the most creative artisans the world knows today. On top of all that, they are probably some of the most resilient people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting in my life. They survived a living hell they now refer to as the "Typhoon of Steel" Most people know it as "the Battle of Okinawa." To them it was a hellish nightmare and the total devastation of their island paradise. (roughly a quarter million people were killed during the three month long struggle).

In spite of this, they bounced back and displayed amazing grace in the process. One of the ways in which that artistic genius and resiliency met and manifested itself is in the art of Ryukyu Glassware. Before the war there was no glass manufacturing industry on Okinawa to speak of. Afterward and in the wake of total devastation they had nothing. Well, nothing except for a lot of empty and broken whiskey, beer and soda bottles left over from all the American GI's.

There wasn't enough of them for it to be worthwhile for more than a handful of people to gather and collect the deposits as a way to be able to support themselves. That's where entrepreneurial genius and art met. By taking one mans waste and turning it into art (as well as something everyone needed) they created an entire industry and helped to rebuild their little corner of the world.

Today the local glassware industry is tailored to the tourist trade. While Ryukyu glass is still very highly prized and quite expensive, the many tourists who visit desire lower cost goods to send home as souvenirs. Now much of what is sold in the stores comes from outsourced manufacturers in third world countries such as Vietnam. But the chance to see this art form in action as well as take an active part in the creation of something still brings the people in and is a great pleasure to watch.

Be sure to click on the individual pictures for added details and descriptions of the action.