MIYAKO ISLANDS of OKINAWA | 'Living as a Local' issue

PAPERSKY no.71
MIYAKO ISLANDS of OKINAWA | ‘Living as a Local’ issue


Miyakojima, Okinawa, is the most popular destination in Japan. Not only is its charm as a resort,Large and small8The island is made up of two islands and has a long history and a deep culture. The clear sea and other great nature, the unique culture cultivated with history, and the people who live there. Why not travel to live to make Miyako Island even more engraved?

One day, I went shopping at the island supermarket and took a walk to the nearby beach. 
One day, I hang out my laundry, prepare my hair at a barber shop, and cool off the evening at a cinema on the island. 
One day, I took a book I borrowed from the library and went to dinner with a friend. 
One day, the islanders came to the inn to play and chatted with tea in hand.

Experience Miyakojima's culture and enjoy everything in everyday life.1week. 
Feeling like I've taken root in the land even a little, Inspired, shared, caring. A "life journey" that continues after your journey


Matsumoto Hiyo/Kiyo Matsumoto
1995Born in Hyogo Prefecture. Artist and actor. Theme about nature and living things20He has been drawing on his own from the age of age, and has since held a solo exhibition every year. 1.19He won the Picture Book Award at the Tully's Picture Book Awards.2023In 2019, he published his picture book, "My Sex." movie,TV、WEBHe has appeared in many dramas and other dramas.

Kato Yuta/Yuta Kato
1995Born in Hyogo Prefecture. Photographer.2014Since 2019, he has been continuing his activities to listen to people going to the streets and take photos.2016First edition in 2019HAZIME-MASHITEPublished. Then in Canada1I went to photography school for the past year and a half.2019year4I moved to Tokyo on the month.20242019, Photo Exhibition and Photo Collection13' was announced.

Living as a Local’ 

In this issue of Papersky, we journey to the Miyako Islands of Okinawa, exploring one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Our story begins on a Monday. Upon arrival, like many Miyakians, we pay our respects to the spirits at the local Utaki. The next day, in our red-tiled roof house, we peel back the paper from the calendar, revealing Tuesday. We savor locally roasted Hasaba coffee, prepare Goya chanpuru with organic eggs from Nagasaki Farm, read some pages from the Banana Yoshimoto book we brought, and share laughter and conversation. Later, we stroller into town for a haircut. As the last customers, the barber invites us to go fishing together. We watch the sunset while casting our lines before returning home to greet our friend, local artist Daichiro, who arrives in a traditional Miyako Jofu kimono. After a few cups of Awamori, we yawn under the starry night sky, stretch our arms towards the heavens, and head to bed.

Then comes Wednesday and Thursday, and we peel back the calendar each day, reminiscing about the local people and experiences we’ve encountered. Before we know it, it’s Sunday.

Our trip is not just about the destination; it’s about the experience of ‘Living as a Local’―traveling simply and absorbing daily clues from the nature, culture, and people of Miyako. This allows us to delve deeper into the Miyako Islands through our own eyes and the fresh perspectives of the island’s residents. After seven days, we feel’ve become part of the landscape, embracing the essence of ‘Living as a Local.’

We invite you to peel back the pages of this Miyako Islands of Okinawa - ‘Living as a Local’ issue as we explore the ‘daily’ alongside our guests: artist Kiyo Matsumoto and photographer Yuta Kato.