The roots of this fabric go back to the 14th and 15th centuries to Japanese exchange and trade with China and Southeast Asian countries. This kimono fabric is mainly a kasuri or ikat type with repeated patterns with a tropical feel. Despite its long history, it was not until about 1920 that a full-fledged center for weaving was established. Since then, traditional skills and techniques peculiar to this weave have become widespread and continue to be popular today.

Many of the designs are named after plants, animals and other natural phenomena in Okinawa. Using local dialect names. The main yarn is silk, and some chemical dyes are used in addition to natural dyes. Main products include cloth for kimono and a cloth suited to summer, called kabejofu.