Albatross strongly hopes to uncover the charm of Okinawa and offer it to many people, allowing them to experience and enjoy its unique appeal.
When you think of Okinawa, the image of the “sea” may come to mind.
But that’s not all. Okinawa also boasts rich natural beauty that can’t be found on the main islands of Japan.
From lush subtropical forests, rare animals, to coastal areas with expansive mangrove forests, there are countless attractions that many people have yet to experience.
One of the brands that emerged with the mission to promote these attractions to the world and invigorate Okinawa’s industries is “Utina Time.”
When we founded Albatross, one of our company’s core objectives was to support and contribute to youth associations and the Eisa tradition.
Eisa is a traditional Okinawan performing art, similar to Bon Odori (a traditional dance for the Obon festival) in mainland Japan. In Okinawa, youth associations from different regions each have their own style, and during the Obon festival, they parade through the community while dancing.
During the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were concerned that some youth associations and Eisa groups might face difficulties and even disappear. We at Albatross thought about what we could do to help.
We decided to produce and sell pendants inspired by Eisa costumes, with 40% of the proceeds donated to support the cause. Additionally, we have designed various Eisa-patterned items as part of the “Utina Time” collection.
We hope that everyone continues to support and cheer on the Eisa activities in the future. Thank you for your continued encouragement.
Albatross was founded on June 1, 2018, as a trading company based in Okinawa, specializing in import and export logistics between Japan and overseas.
I am originally from South Korea, and having lived and worked in Korea, China, and Japan, I wanted to use my experience in trade to serve as a bridge between Okinawa and the rest of the world.
There are more than 3 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Japan, with over 40,000 located in Okinawa alone. The reality is that these businesses face constant battles against economic downturns, struggling with both sales growth and cost reduction each year.
Albatross aims to be a source of support for these struggling SMEs by helping to reduce the import costs of products, equipment, and facilities sourced from both domestic and international markets. We provide direct support for imports from overseas manufacturers to Okinawa, exports from Okinawa to overseas markets, and all aspects of customs and logistics operations.
We focus on eliminating unnecessary intermediary costs and ultimately deliver products and prices that satisfy our customers.
In today’s society, the development of the internet has made it easier to import and export goods across borders, but it has also introduced significant risks. Importing from overseas is not simply about bringing in products—it requires adapting to each country’s specific conditions and laws, making necessary adjustments and ensuring the best possible products are sourced.
Our role at Albatross is to predict and prevent potential risks before they arise, and if problems do occur, to take responsibility and resolve them. This is our commitment to our customers.
Particularly when negotiating with overseas factories and buyers, where cultures, customs, and environments differ greatly from Japan, it’s not just about language; it’s about understanding and navigating the unique culture and practices of each country in order to gain a favorable negotiating position.
By leveraging my experience and knowledge gained through living and working in Korea, China, and Japan, I aim to support Okinawan SMEs and help them thrive in the global market.
We are here to support your dreams, your company’s dreams, and Okinawa’s dreams.
“Utina Time” is a series of original wooden watches featuring designs inspired by Okinawa’s traditional culture, patterns, wildlife, and tourist attractions.
Product Features
Feature 1:
It’s lightweight because it’s made of wood!
Feature 2:
Made from natural wood, it doesn’t get sweaty easily!
Unlike metals or plastics, wooden watches develop a unique patina over time, allowing you to enjoy the changes in appearance as the years go by.
It’s also suitable for those with metal allergies.
Feature 3:
We offer a variety of attractive designs that combine the distinctive appeal of wooden watches with the charm of Okinawa.
We highly recommend pairing them as couple watches.
Whether as a gift for a loved one or an addition to your personal collection, why not consider adding a wooden wristwatch to your collection?
“I love how light and easy to wear it is. There are so many designs to choose from, so I plan to add one to my collection every year!”— Woman in her 30s
“There are so many Okinawan designs I love, it was hard to choose! I went with the more subtle Min-sa pattern, and I also gave one as a gift to my girlfriend. She was so happy with it!”— Man in his 20s
“I bought it because of its gentle texture, which you can’t get from metal. I can wear it both at work and on my travels without feeling out of place, and I enjoy it every day.”— Woman in her 30s
“The simple design reminds me of my trips to Okinawa. The price is also very reasonable, and I’m so glad to have found such a great watch.”— Woman in her 40s