Amakusa-sarasa is a traditional dyed textile characterized by exotic bird and floral motifs and vivid, colorful designs. The word sarasa refers to patterned cotton fabrics of Indian origin, which were introduced to Japan and locally reproduced as Wa-sarasa (Japanese sarasa). It is believed that during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (late 16th century), Portuguese traders introduced sarasa fabrics from Europe, the Middle East, and India to Amakusa through Dejima in Nagasaki. In the Edo period, Japanese artisans who had mastered the techniques began producing their own sarasa, giving rise to Wa-sarasa. Although the tradition was once interrupted due to the lack of successors, Mr. Hatsuyoshi Nakamura established the Nakamura Dyeing Factory in Hondo (present-day Amakusa City) and revived Amakusa-sarasa. In 1964, it was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Kumamoto Prefecture. However, the factory later closed, and production once again ceased. Thanks to the efforts of dyeing and weaving artist Ms. Isuzu Nakamura, Amakusa-sarasa was revived for a second time in 2002 under the name “Heisei-era Amakusa-sarasa.”