13. SHIROMA Eiichi
The Shiroma family is one of the three main families in Okinawa engaged in traditional bingata stenciled resist dyeing, and as the 16th successor, Shiroma Eiichi has endeavored to redefine bingata. He has arrived at the vision of a “fertile islands,” which seems to be a key concept for deepening one’s familiarity with bingata.
For this project's imagery, Shiroma drew inspiration from the tropical Alola region, one of the settings of the Pokémon video game series. The first theme is “Wind of Journeys.” Embarking on a journy is an essential aspect of the Pokémon universe. How delightful the Pokémon appear, jouneying through the swaying leaves of the fragrant screw pine! Note the distinctively bingata technique of using dark colors to accentuate the composition. For the second theme, Pokémon are drifting across the calm waters of a tropical sea. Lightning bolts are a classical bingata pattern symbolizing prayers for children’s healthy growth. The repeated pattern, resembling an unending series of waves, conveys a timeless hope of humankind.