MYAT THANDAR MON

This time, I visited Okawa City in Fukuoka Prefecture and observed the famous traditional craft of kumiko.

When I saw kumiko for the first time, I was surprised by how detailed and beautiful it was, and I wondered if it was really made by hand. The wood was cut into very small pieces, and each piece was carefully assembled one by one. I was especially impressed by how accurately even the smallest parts were made.

I felt that completing such a work requires a great amount of time, as well as strong concentration and patience. Because of this, I was able to understand why kumiko works have such high value. Considering not only their beautiful appearance but also the effort and skill of the craftspeople, kumiko felt to me not just like furniture or decoration, but like a work of art.

Another thing that left a strong impression on me in Okawa was the karaage. In Japan, karaage can be eaten in many places, but the karaage I had in Okawa was especially delicious and had a different charm from karaage in other regions. It was crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and had a rich flavor. I was surprised that even a dish I often eat can be so different depending on the region.

In addition, there are many restaurants where people can enjoy sushi together with karaage, so I was also able to experience Okawa’s unique food culture.

When visiting Okawa, I also recommend watching the sunset at the Chikugo River Lift Bridge. Seeing the beautiful scenery made the memories of the trip feel even more special.

Through this visit, I was able to learn that Okawa has many attractions, including traditional crafts such as kumiko, unique local food culture, and beautiful scenery. If I have the chance, I would definitely like to visit again and learn more deeply about the charm of Okawa.