Maaki Sakanashi is turning waste shells from Sazae, a local delicacy in the Oki Islands of Japan, into decorative candles. Sazae, also known as turban shell, is a popular seafood item in the region, with a long history in the local diet. Inspired by craft-person counterparts in Jamaica who use discarded materials to create imaginative craft items, Sakanashi saw potential in the shells left behind after eating Sazae.
Instead of letting the shells go to waste, Sakanashi started collecting them and turning them into decorative candles. During the peak season for Sazae in July and August, she collects around 50 shells from households willing to pass them on for free. With her creative vision, she saw the shells as the perfect canvas for crafting candles, and thus, a business was born.
Sakanashi sells the locally crafted candles to visitors for 300 yen (JA$312), allowing them to take home a piece of the Oki Islands. What sets her candles apart is the option for personalization. Guests can create their own candles under Sakanashi’s guidance, using a colored sponge, colored sand, small sea shells, beads, and a wick. Sakanashi handles the pouring of the hot wax into the shell, and after a few minutes of hardening, the result is a kawaii (Japanese for cute) candle.
By repurposing waste shells into decorative candles, Maaki Sakanashi is not only creating unique craft items but also fostering a stronger connection between her community and the local delicacy of Sazae. Visitors can now take home a piece of the Oki Islands while supporting a sustainable and creative business.
