Naha Bingata Factory

Keegans 2nd grade class took a field trip to the Bingata factory down in Naha.  Bingata is a traditional Okinawan textile.  They use stencils and dye to create these beautiful pieces of fabric.







Keegan was very happy to not be at school that day!









 The process right to left.  The kids were given step 2 and did step 3, the rest will be finished by the workers and the kids should get them in time for Mothers Day gifts.

Little cups of paint.
Some graffiti on the tablecloth in front of me.

I love Red Hibiscus.  When I asked Keegan what color he wanted he said. "Red just like the ones we saw in Hawaii!"  Nevermind that there are red ones all over the place here.  He remembers the ones he saw there almost a year ago!

Off topic, but blogworthy nonetheless.  You may have to click on the picture to make it large enough to see, but you have  soap, water and a dryer all in one contraption right there at the sink.  Of course, in true Japanese tradition.  There was no soap.  There never is soap.  BYOS (bring your own soap)

After leaving the factory we went to a park.  He wasn't very happy in this picture because he was 'starving.'

1 PB&J later he was ready to go again.


We had a great time and I am so glad I was able to go.  Keegan and I rarely get time with just the two of us, so it was fun.  I need to start scheduling dates with all my boys so they get time alone.