Khun Set Aung

The charm of Okawa and traditional business experience Okawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is known as one of the leading furniture production areas in Japan, and its history and culture are deeply fascinating. During this trip, we visited Okawa City for two days, and Kumi was able to experience the craft industry and furniture making firsthand. In addition, we learned about the historic bridge connecting Okawa and Saga, and about vinegar making.

⸻ History and Charm of Okawa Okawa City is located in the southern part of Fukuoka Prefecture and is surrounded by the Ariake Sea and the Chikugo River. It has been known as an important city in the lumber industry since the Edo period and is famous for its furniture production. Okawa City is an interesting city with many historical buildings and cultural heritage, where tradition and innovation are fused. Traditional knowledge and technological innovation have been fused to achieve progress so far.

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Kumiko craft experience "Kumiko" is a traditional Japanese craft of assembling wood without using iron or glue. I participated in a Kumiko craft class and was impressed by the work of the skilled craftsmen. By carefully combining finely cut wooden parts, valuable geometric shapes can be created. Cosmetics are not just about beauty. It is a high-tech technique that can also be used in home decoration and architecture.

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Experience in the furniture industry Okawa City is one of the leading furniture manufacturing cities in Japan. We visited the factory and were able to see the entire process from wood selection, cutting, joining, coloring to the final product and import. I learned that high-quality furniture can be produced by combining advanced industrial technology and traditional craftsmanship.

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The bridge connecting Saga and Okawa The bridge connecting Okawa and Saga is designated as an important cultural property. It was previously used as a railway bridge, but has now been renovated into a pedestrian bridge that is also open to tourists.

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Vinegar making in Okawa City Okawa is famous not only for furniture manufacturing, but also for its shochu production. When I visited the vinegar factory, I saw that they combine traditional manufacturing methods with modern technology to produce high-quality pure water and spicy noodles.

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Summary Okawa is a tourist destination where tradition and innovation come together.  • Okawa has developed as a furniture manufacturing town since the Edo period.  • The waterway of the Chikugo River makes it easy to transport wood.   • Chemistry, furniture making, and vinegar production combine history and expertise.  • The large number of historical sites makes it particularly suitable for travel. Therefore, we felt the need to promote the appeal of Okawa more widely. I hope that Okawa's wonderful craftsmanship and culture will continue to flourish.