Artist: Kozue Shigeyama
Our studio is located in the quiet town of Kohnoya, Setouchi Town, surrounded by Amami’s rich natural beauty. Working from Kohnoya, Kozue Shigeyama has been active as an artist who brings small touches of color to the island — from creating pieces with Oshima Tsumugi to sewing, weaving, and even sign design.

Kohnoya, Setouchi Town
Kohnoya, Setouchi Town sits at the southern tip of Amami Oshima Island, an island recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.

Amami: The Japanese Island With the Most Sumo Rings
Amami Oshima Island has more sumo rings (dohyo) than anywhere else in Japan. Every year from August to October, communities across the island hold Hojonsai, a harvest festival that prays for the safety of the community and a bountiful harvest. During the festival, babies wearing a “baby ceremonial mawashi” take part in their very first ring-entering ceremony. Artist Kozue Shigeyama has created countless ceremonial mawashi over the years, supporting island children through this “first step into the ring” of their lives. A “baby ceremonial mawashi” is the ultimate gift — carrying wishes for a rich and strong future for the child who wears it.