Learn by making pearl accessories! An eco-friendly experience at the retreat facility "UmiLab"

Japan's leading jewelry brandMikimotoToba City is where Kokichi Mikimoto, the founder of the company, successfully cultivated the world's first semicircular pearls.

The facility will open in April 2024 in a location facing Ago Bay in nearby Shima City."Umi Lab" opens, a new facility that effectively utilizes the site of a closed pearl farmI did.

Kawano, the representative of UmiLab, works in public relations and human resources at a startup company, while also founding UmiLab on the site of his family's former business that had gone out of business.

I met Kawano at a PR industry networking event and we've been friends ever since.

We sympathized with Kawano's passion for her hometown and her energetic activities, and after continuing to communicate with her, we were invited to a pearl accessory making experience event in March 2024.

This time,A valuable experience at UmiLab, where you can experience the world of pearls while taking in the beautiful scenery and historical background of Shima.I will tell you about...

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The pearl accessory making experience will be held at the former pearl farm in Ise-Shima.This was a special opportunity for me, as I am interested in ecotourism and local sustainability.It was a great event. I'd like to start by giving you an introduction to UmiLab's facilities, based on my experience at the event.

First of all, what is UmiLab?

"Umi Lab" faces the beautiful Ago Bay.Outdoor facilitiesIt is.

It's not just an outdoor facility,It was established to fulfill the role of connecting the local community and its people.

UmiLab was built on the site of the former pearl farming business of the family of Mr. Kawano, the manager of the facility.

The facility's grand opening was held on April 1, 2024 after a three-year revitalization period, with the aim of providing a place where the local community and visitors from other regions can interact and where people from various backgrounds can come together to pool their wisdom and tackle social issues.

The facility offers a camp-style setting with all the facilities you need to relax, play, learn and work, as well as the option to rent the entire building for lodging.

these are,It has been designed as a complex retreat facility to offer visitors a variety of experiences and cater to their individual needs.

Umirabo is located in a place that can only be reached by boat, so you will be taken to the site by boat from the pier.

On the day of the experience, Kawano's father was driving the boat as the captain.

The boat ride takes about 10 minutes, and I felt that one of the attractions was being able to visit the facility while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

About the pearl accessory making experience

This experiential event was a special one that allowed participants to fully experience the rich natural environment of Ago Bay in Ise-Shima and the charm of pearls.

Another attraction of this program is that you can learn about the history and characteristics of Ise-Shima pearls, while also experiencing the experience of actually harvesting pearls from pearl oysters and making accessories with your own hands.

At this event, you could choose to make one item of your choice from a necklace, earrings, or tie pin, and I chose a necklace.

Most people chose necklaces or tie pins, as they can be made with just one pearl.

This necklace uses 6mm Akoya pearls and has an elegant shine, smooth texture, and a simple design that will never get boring, making it perfect for everyday use.

The lecturer for the experience event on the day wasYashima PearlsThis is Yamamoto Yukita from

Yamamoto-san is the fifth generation owner of Yashima Pearls, which originated from the Yashima Pearl Farm established in Shima City, Mie Prefecture in 1949.

Calling Akoya pearls "gems that illuminate the future," the company is committed to communicating the appeal of pearls from multiple angles, with new values that go beyond tradition.

Flow of the experience on the day

Here is a brief overview of the experience on that day.

1. Learn about pearls

First, classroom lectures.I learned about pearls (the different types of pearls, including Akoya pearls, and the quality standards).

Mie Prefecture is one of the four major producing areas of Akoya pearls, and this experience also uses Akoya pearls.

Ago Bay, known for its ria coastline, has nutrient-rich water supplied from the mountains and is characterized by gentle waves and few sandy beaches.

This unique topography makes it easy for shellfish to grow.

② Pearl harvesting experience

After learning about pearls, we had the opportunity to experience harvesting pearls from Akoya oysters.

The steps are as follows:

1. Insert the knife into the shell and open it (once the adductor muscle is cut, the shell will open up on its own with a bang!)

②The pearl is inside the pearl sac inside the shell, so use a knife to search for it.

3) A hole is drilled into the pearl using a special electric machine.

④ Thread the necklace chain through to complete (staff will assist you)

Once they had finished making their accessories, they had the opportunity to taste some scallops taken from the Akoya pearl oysters they had used, fried in butter.

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The scallops were delicious with a juicy, sweet flavor and crunchy texture.

What we learned through this work is that there are times when there is not necessarily a pearl inside the oyster, and in fact, no pearl is found.

I also learned for the first time that the size of the shell has no relation to the size or color of the pearl inside.

It was a great opportunity to learn about the history and techniques of pearl farming, as well as about oysters and pearls, while being close to the beautiful local sea.

summary

By learning about pearls and experiencing the process from pearl harvesting to accessory making,I was able to learn more about the value of natural resources and the responsibility involved in managing them.

This experience has made me even more interested in local traditional techniques and culture.

We recommend you to experience this unique concept and have a fun and special experience!

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Umi Lab is currently developing a second building on the former site of a pearl farm in Ago Bay. The previous crowdfunding campaign quickly reached its goal, and the second round is currently underway! For more information, please visitHere!