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Like any other region in the world, we have a strong textile tradition here in Okinawa. During the Ryukyu Kingdom which lasted until about 125 years ago, in some areas like Miyako and Yaeyama, people were forced to weave intricate textiles as a form of taxation. Of course, now, such a system is gone, but the tradition of weaving textiles into beautiful designs has been handed down from generation to generation and is being preserved by people who love this art form. Although Okinawa is a very small island, each individual area produces their own textiles with their own unique design and style. One of the most famous designs is known as Minsa-Ori. Five squares followed by four squares are aligned horizontally to create this design, which symbolized the word Forever. It is said that textiles with this design were given to a boy by his girlfriend so that their love would last forever. I think that the traditional designs native to Okinawa will keep comforting peoplefs minds and hearts forever, like the tranquil sounds of the sanshin.