Explore the Grocery and Antique Shops of Yomitan Village – The Red Southern Land’s Elsala Grocery Store

Upon entering Yomitan Village, you’ll soon spot a striking little shop by the main road—Elsala Grocery Store. With its bright red walls and sky-blue door, and wind chime-like pig figurines and coral ornaments hanging at the entrance, it resembles a distinctive seaside cottage. Even before stepping inside, you can feel the vibrant, colorful island vibe.

The wide array of goods on display includes not only Okinawa’s most iconic ceramic cups and bowls, but also earrings and necklaces beloved by women, as well as many delightful knick-knacks that bring smiles. Among them, wooden toys and handicrafts from Thailand, transformed by the owner’s skillful hand with hibiscus floral designs, add a touch of Okinawan color. Since the male owner, Takai Tatsuro, is a designer and an outsider who fell in love with Okinawa, he not only captures the beauty of various spots around Okinawa with his camera, but also personally designs a variety of representative Okinawan goods. Whether it’s the Q-version bitter melon, Orion beer, pineapple, or the demon-repelling lion gazing at the blue sky printed on square coasters, or the sunset clouds on canvas tote bags, each is a unique creation by the male owner, showcasing his boundless love for Okinawa.

Every corner of this small space holds surprises. Vintage suitcases of various sizes catch the eye, and upon closer inspection, they turn out to be miniature worlds. The male owner, who loves to travel, combined his passion with craftsmanship to handcraft everything from sawing the wood and assembling the pieces to creating the tiny worlds inside the suitcases. One miniature iron-built rural bus stop even features travelers waiting to depart, with a little yellow dog napping on a bench in the afternoon, all exquisitely detailed—it feels as if you can see the bus about to arrive and people saying their reluctant goodbyes. The female owner, Takai Kumiko, has been teaching at Okinawan craft workshops, so some of the store’s items are her handiwork. From dyed and woven fabrics, she creates exquisitely sewn small fabric bags, each one utterly delightful.