Kasaoka Islands has Kitagi-shima Island, which is a source of high-quality granite.
The one making accessories from the stone of Kitagi-shima is Imoto Eri, the owner of the select shop "MAMAN" and an accessory planner, located in Kasaoka City.
For Imoto, Kitagi-shima is her father's hometown and the place where her grandmother lived for a long time. It is a memorable island that she visited about four times a year during her childhood.
The brand name for the accessories made from Kitagi-shima's stone is "Re:ef" (meaning fragment).
Let's introduce Imoto's activities, which connect thoughts through accessories as if bringing fragments together.
The information provided is based on the article published in October 2023. Please note that it may differ from current information.
Accessories using Kitagi-shima's stone "Re:ef"
Here, we introduce the accessories "Re:ef" made from Kitagi-shima's stone.
What is "Re:ef"
Inside the select shop MAMAN, you can find a variety of items including mainly Korean women's clothing, miscellaneous goods, accessories, and natural stones.
In the center of the shop is the corner for the original accessory brand "Re:ef".
When you hear "accessories made from stone," you might have a rugged, masculine image, but "Re:ef" is characterized by many feminine designs.
From cute designs to glamorous and stylish ones, a variety of unique earrings, bracelets, and necklaces are available.
Each piece is crafted by Imoto herself.
About Kitagi granite
Kitagi-shima is one of the Kasaoka Islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea.
Among the 31 islands, Kitagi-shima is the largest.
In July 2019, it was recognized as a Japan Heritage site under the title "Do you know!? The timeless stone island where the sea crosses, building the foundation of Japan, the Setouchi Bisan Islands."
The granite "Kitagi stone" produced on Kitagi-shima is characterized by its shining whiteness and has been used in historical buildings such as the stone walls of Osaka Castle and the main gate of Yasukuni Shrine, as well as in tombstones due to its high quality.
Accessories related to Japan Heritage
The Kitagi stone used for the accessories is made from waste materials given to Imoto by an acquaintance who was formerly in the stone industry.
The stone is finely crushed, solidified with resin, and decorated to complete the accessories.
"Re:ef" is also gaining attention as accessories related to Japan Heritage.
On Shodoshima Island, which is famous as a stone-producing area like Kitagi-shima Island, we participated in events such as the Setouchi International Art Festival and also set up a booth at the Marugame Castle Festival in Kagawa Prefecture.
Imoto has also participated as a panelist in the symposium promoting the Japan Heritage "Stone Island Setouchi Bisan Islands," organized by Kasaoka City, and at the "Japan Heritage Summit," which promotes the charm of Japan Heritage as a whole.
Especially during events outside the prefecture, visitors often find it surprising to see "Why is there a Japan Heritage seal on the accessories?"
In 2023, it was certified as a "Kasaoka Brand" for its high quality, utilizing excellent materials and techniques, overflowing with the unique charm of Kasaoka.
The accessories of "Re:ef" are available not only at MAMAN's storefront but also at events inside and outside the prefecture, and in the online shop.
Outside the prefecture, they are also handled at "Daimon Terrace" in Tokyo and "Nishiyama Stone Materials" in Shodoshima.
The accessories sold in Shodoshima are made from stones from Shodoshima, not Kitagi-shima.
You can also consult for custom designs via DM (direct message) on "Re:ef's" Instagram.
Kitagi granite as a protective stone
Like natural stones, which are said to harbor various fortunes depending on their types, Kitagi stone (granite) can also carry wishes.
Granite is a protective stone that balances energy and maintains the best condition.
It is said to help maintain the power balance in human relationships and enhance communication skills.
It is also a perfect power stone when you want to clear your mind and make a fresh start.
Imoto, drawing from her experience working at a natural stone shop, creates accessories that combine the powers of natural stones and Kitagi stone.
For example, by combining Kitagi stone as a protective stone with the wishes for health, love, and other desires associated with natural stones, the accessories become supportive of each person's wishes.
Imoto, Kitagi-shima, and "Re:ef"
Imoto's father is from Kitagi-shima.
Her grandmother lived on Kitagi-shima for a long time.
After moving to the mainland, her grandmother often said, "I want to go back to the island."
Until the summer of 2017, Imoto worked as a salesperson, but in September 2017, she became independent and opened "MAMAN."
Fifteen years ago, when she worked at a natural stone shop, she enjoyed making bracelets from natural stones.
She had always thought, "If I could open my own shop someday," and her long-held dream has come true.
Inspired by a friend's suggestion, "Why not try making it with Kitagi stone?", she began making accessories using Kitagi stone around December 2019, collaborating with a woman who had been creating accessories from local specialties under the brand name "Char∗M."
Since December 2021, she has been working alone under the name "Re:ef."
Re:ef means "fragment."
It was named with the image of connecting thoughts by shaping fragments into one form.
The brand theme is "Re and WILL."
Re means "recycle," and WILL means "to connect feelings going forward."
Using fragments of waste Kitagi stone and shaping them into accessories, "Re:ef" connects the thoughts of people.
What specific thoughts does Imoto want to connect?
We conducted an interview at MAMAN.
MAMAN Information
| Name | MAMAN |
|---|---|
| Address | 8-7 Yobanchō, Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 070-2424-1390 |
| Parking | Available |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Regular Holiday | Wednesday Temporary closures may occur |
| Payment Method |
|
| Website | MAMAN Online Shop |
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