Key Facts
• June 2024: Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki awarded Dave Roberts the Prefectural Honor Award.
• A ‘Kariyushi Ball’ made with Okinawan traditional fabrics was presented as a commemorative gift.
• The ball combines standard baseball leather and traditional textiles like Bingata and Ryukyu Kasuri.
• The gift was proposed by 56-year-old craftsman Mitsuo Uehara, a leather sewing trainee.
• Uehara used reinforced techniques to strengthen the delicate traditional fabrics.
• Roberts expressed great joy upon receiving the gift during a pre-ceremony meeting.
• The Okinawa Craft Promotion Center supported the creation of the ball.
• Uehara described the opportunity as a “dream come true” and a motivation for future work.
Summary
In June 2024, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who has Okinawan roots, was honored with the Okinawa Prefectural Honor Award. As part of the recognition, he received a unique ‘Kariyushi Ball,’ crafted using traditional Okinawan fabrics such as Bingata and Ryukyu Kasuri. The ball, blending standard baseball leather with these delicate textiles, was created by Mitsuo Uehara, a 56-year-old leather sewing trainee. Uehara proposed the idea after hearing about the award and utilized reinforced techniques to ensure the fabric’s durability. Roberts expressed his delight upon receiving the gift, which symbolizes his connection to Okinawa. Uehara, supported by the Okinawa Craft Promotion Center, called the experience a “dream come true” and a source of inspiration for his future endeavors.
