Mio Suzuki

Weaver

Honouring hand-spun ramie threads

Mio specialises in Yaeyama jōfu and Yaeyama minsa weaving
Her works are closely connected to Ishigaki Island’s textile tradition
She was mentored by Sachiko Arakaki and Shinako Urasaki

Mio Suzuki is involved in every step of her weaving process – harvesting ramie, spinning thread, hand-tying kasuri patterns, cultivating indigo and dyeing pieces with natural regional plants. The journey of this textile weaver began in 2014, when she moved to Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture to study Yaeyama jōfu under Sachiko Arakaki, a recognised holder of this Important Intangible Cultural Property. "My pieces are inspired by the rich natural surroundings of the Yaeyama Islands," Mio says. In 2019, she studied Yaeyama minsa weaving under Shinako Urasaki, a certified Okinawan craftsperson. Mio later began creating minsa textiles independently in her own studio, developing her own designs while continuing to honour the region’s weaving traditions.

Interview

What drew you to weaving?: It was pure instinct. I had a vague, yet strong desire to learn weaving and natural dyeing, so I set off on a journey of exploration, in southern Japan. That is how I came across Yaeyama jōfu. Before long, I knew I wanted to move to the island.
What makes Yaeyama jōfu and Yaeyama minsa special?: Yaeyama jōfu is woven with ramie thread, with hand-spun ramie traditionally used for the weft. In contrast, Yaeyama minsa is woven with cotton thread and is known for its kasuri pattern, made of alternating squares of five and four.
Has any traditional process changed over time?: Yes. Traditionally, local women made the weft thread for Yaeyama jōfu, as producing large amounts of ramie thread was too labour-intensive for the weavers. However, as these spinners aged and their numbers declined, it became unavailable. This encouraged me to learn how to make it myself.
Is there any particular moment you cannot forget?: Yaeyama jōfu must be woven while wet. While I weave, I check the density of the fabric with a magnifying glass. The first time I saw the wet fabric, which seems almost translucent in the light, I realised how beautiful it is. It is the first image that comes to mind.

Mio Suzuki is a rising star: she began her career in 2019