Key Facts
• June 30, 2025: Harvest of Amami Golden Cocoons started in Tatsugo Town.
• Unique to Amami Oshima, these golden cocoons are a rare local product.
• First mentioned in the 1850s, production ceased but was revived in 2010.
• Tatsugo-based “Yumeori no Sato” raised 10,000 silkworms this season.
• Silkworms hatched on June 9 and formed cocoons by June 25.
• Processing must occur within 10–15 days before moth emergence.
• Amami’s non-deciduous mulberry trees enable year-round silkworm farming.
• Silkworms consume 30 grams of mulberry leaves in their lifetime.
• Amami Golden Cocoon silk is used in Oshima Tsumugi textiles and high-value products.
Summary
The harvest of Amami Golden Cocoons, a unique and rare local product, began on June 30, 2025, in Tatsugo Town’s “Yumeori no Sato.” These golden cocoons, exclusive to Amami Oshima, were first documented in the 1850s but ceased production until their revival in 2010. This season, 10,000 silkworms were raised, hatching on June 9 and forming cocoons by June 25. The process requires careful timing, as cocoons must be harvested and processed within 10–15 days before the silkworms transform into moths. Amami’s non-deciduous mulberry trees allow for year-round silkworm farming, with each silkworm consuming 30 grams of leaves in its lifetime. The silk from these cocoons is used in Oshima Tsumugi textiles and other high-value products, preserving a 15-year tradition of this revived local treasure.
