Okinawa Handloom

Documenting Ryukyu textiles

ACC Japan Page

Nanditha Nair is the 2024 Individual fellowship and Grant Awardee in Crafts of Asian Cultural Council. Nanditha’s project is to document the Okinawan weaving traditions along with her collaborators Ajilal V.C. and Phanuwit {Rico} Kanthatham. The project aims to create a documentary video, showcasing people, patterns, methods, and materials of Okinawan weaving, emphasizing the rhythmic body movements integral to Okinawan weaving.

 

Nanditha’s Individual Fellowship activities centre around the exploration and documentation of the traditional weaving techniques in Okinawa, with a particular focus on the materials used in the process. Over a period of three months, she will delve into the intricate art of weaving, emphasizing three specific types: Yomitanzan Hanaori, Shuri Ori, and Kijoka Bashofu. Additionally, she plans to explore the unique dyeing technique known as Ryukyu Bingata. She aims to collaborate with local artisans, weavers, and cultural experts in Okinawa who have inherited and continue to practice these traditional crafts.

When: The research will be from March 2025 – June 2025, allowing for an in-depth exploration of the weaving techniques and cultural immersion.

Where: The activities will primarily take place in Okinawa, Japan, specifically in locations known for their rich weaving traditions. This includes visits to weaving workshops, cultural centers, and interaction with local communities to gain a comprehensive understanding of the cultural significance of these crafts.

Why: The purpose of this fellowship is multifaceted. Nanditha aims to contribute to the preservation and documentation of the rich cultural heritage, specifically focusing on traditional weaving techniques. Additionally, she hopes to foster cultural exchange by learning from local artisans and sharing my experiences with a wider audience. By understanding the cultural context, she aims to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary perspectives.

How: The methodology involves a combination of hands-on learning, observation, interviews with local artisans, and documentation through various media such as photography and videography.

The Outcome: Through this fellowship, Nanditha hope to gain a deep understanding of the traditional weaving techniques of Okinawa, not just from a technical standpoint but also from a cultural and historical perspective. She aspires to learn the nuanced details of the rhythmic body movements involved in weaving, recognizing the cultural symbolism embedded in the patterns, and understanding the cultural evolution of these crafts. Moreover, she aims to develop cross-cultural communication skills by engaging with local artisans and the community, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation. In conclusion, this fellowship is not only an exploration of traditional crafts but also a journey into the heart of Okinawa’s cultural identity. By immersing herself in the weaving traditions and engaging with the local community, Nanditha hopes to contribute to the preservation of these crafts while fostering meaningful cultural exchange. The documentary is set to be featured at prominent documentary, literary, and textile festivals across the UK, US, and India.

Asian Cultural Council:

The core activities of the fellowship involve the exploration of Weaving Techniques 1)Yomitanzan Hanaori: 2) Shuri Ori  3) Kijoka Bashofu and the exploration of the Dyeing Technique  Ryukyu Bingata.

The Asian Cultural Council (ACC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering international cultural exchange between Asia and the U.S., as well as among Asian countries, through the arts. Founded by John D. Rockefeller 3rd, ACC is headquartered in New York City, with regional offices and affiliate foundations in Hong Kong, Manila, Taipei, and Tokyo (ACC Japan Foundation, established in 2018). ACC provides grants for individual fellowships and projects across 16 disciplines, supporting cultural immersion, cross-cultural engagement, and collaboration among arts professionals to exchange best practices and build lasting connections.

Ryukyu 1

This is not only an exploration of traditional crafts but also a journey into the heart of Okinawa’s cultural identity. By immersing myself in the weaving traditions and engaging with the local community, I hope to contribute to the preservation of these crafts while fostering meaningful cultural exchange. 

About ACC Japan Foundation

In 1983, with a donation from Seiji Tsutsumi and the Seibu Saison Group through the Japan Foundation, a fund was established to operate the Japan-U.S. Arts Exchange Program within ACC, aiming to foster cultural exchange between Japan and the United States. Additionally, Tokyo became home to ACC’s first office in Asia, making Japan-U.S. cultural exchange a major focus of ACC’s grant programs.

In 2018, to further expand ACC’s Japan programs and activities, the Asian Cultural Council Japan Foundation was established as a general incorporated foundation, taking over the operations of ACC’s Tokyo office.

The ACC Japan Foundation continues its activities through grants and donations from individuals and supporting organizations, as well as fundraising efforts through events.

Notable Japanese ACC grantees who have made significant contributions in their respective fields include:

  • Yayoi Kusama [Visual Arts] (1964, 1996)
  • Kengo Kuma [Architecture] (1985, 2019)
  • Takashi Murakami [Visual Arts] (1994, 2005, 2023)
Ryukyu 3

Through this fellowship, I hope to gain a deep understanding of the traditional weaving techniques of Okinawa, not just from a technical standpoint but also from a cultural and historical perspective. I aspire to learn the nuanced details of the rhythmic body movements involved in weaving, recognizing the cultural symbolism embedded in the patterns, and understanding the cultural evolution of these crafts.

Anticipated Impact

Engaging in a cultural exchange experience in Okinawa is anticipated to have a multifaceted impact on my communities, artistic/professional field, and the creation of new resources. Firstly, within the artisan communities, my documentation efforts aim to empower and bring recognition to Okinawan weavers. By showcasing their traditional crafts on an international platform, I aspire to contribute to the economic sustenance of these communities.

In my broader artistic and professional field, this cultural exchange is poised to enrich my design practice significantly. The exposure to Okinawa’s weaving techniques will infuse a global perspective into my work, fostering innovation and cross-cultural collaboration. This experience will deepen my commitment to preserving intangible cultural heritage through design, making my
contributions more globally relevant.


The creation of new resources, such as the website and artistic video, will serve as educational tools for a wider audience. These resources are not just a documentation of Okinawa’s weaving traditions but act as bridges connecting diverse communities. The video, focusing on rhythmic movements, has the potential to captivate and educate audiences about the beauty and intricacies
of traditional weaving practices.


Ultimately, the impact extends beyond geographical boundaries. It lies in fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity, breaking down stereotypes, and inspiring future generations to value and safeguard their own heritage. Through this exchange, I aim to contribute to a global narrative that celebrates the richness of cultural traditions and emphasizes the importance of their preservation for generations to come.

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