Hotels that expand your travel possibilities
What does traveling mean to us?
Traveling gives us the opportunity to learn more about ourselves.
Such opportunities enrich the soul.
Compassion for oneself overlaps with the hotel's hospitality and connects to the charm of the area.
It's nice to meet you, but it's not nice to meet you.
It feels like it has been here forever.
Southwest Grand Hotel is a hotel and restaurant where you can feel this charm while staying in the city.
Surrender your mind to the next level of relaxation.
Experience something out of the ordinary while blending in with the locals.
A series in which we welcome guests who are good travelers and listen to their stories about their travels.
The first Voice is ATSUSHI SUGIMOTO, who is also a photographer and runs an apparel brand.
The moment the elevator opened, a bright neon sign for "The Sailor's Club" greeted us.
The walls of the sunset bar were gorgeously decorated with colorful art related to jazz and blues, and the interior was set in calm tones, creating a high-quality atmosphere.
This is the 11th floor of the Southwest Grand Hotel, which stands right in the heart of Naha.
Located one street from Kokusai Dori, you can overlook the city of Naha from the window. This space, which appeared away from the hustle and bustle of the city, felt like I had suddenly wandered into a New York speakeasy.
Mr. Sugimoto says that when he travels, he doesn't research his destination at all and doesn't make any plans.
“I want to take photos inspired by the places I go to for the first time.”
When he said that, he spoke with a refreshing smile.
Mr. Sugimoto, who is also a photographer and runs an apparel brand, moved to Okinawa about 10 years ago. Born in Osaka and was an alpine skier from a young age, he has extensive experience living overseas in Europe and Canada. His life as an athlete ended due to an injury, and from there he began taking photos of the ocean in Hawaii, Bali, Australia, and other places through surfing.
Mr. Sugimoto has made a spectacular transition from the world of snow to the world of the sea.
I used to run an apparel store in Osaka, but there was no access to the ocean. I used to go back and forth to islands like Hawaii and Bali, so I didn't need a passport and I moved to Okinawa because I like the beautiful Okinawa.
Onna Village, where Mr. Sugimoto is based, is further north than Naha. It takes about an hour and a half by car, but the sea is beautiful. It is an irresistible spot for sea lovers, with its amazingly different colors of blue shining.
In fact, Okinawa is vertically long, so you can enjoy a completely different expression from cities like Naha, as well as the southernmost and northernmost points that are filled with rich nature.
``There is a clear on and off side within the vertical structure, so when you come to Okinawa, I want you to experience both during your trip,'' says Mr. Sugimoto in a soft voice.
It is said that sunsets seen when one's mind is turned off are more memorable.
When it's on, the information at that moment comes into your head and doesn't stick in your memory.
If you can practice turning off like that, your trip will be even richer.
When I said that, he smiled and nodded.
A camera is undoubtedly a travel companion.
Mr. Sugimoto says that he always carries a small camera with him so that he can quickly take pictures in his daily life. I assume he sharpens his senses and never misses an opportunity to take a photo.
In fact, most of the photos Sugimoto takes are of landscapes.
When people are included, the story becomes complete.
``Everyone enjoys photographs in different ways.I try to allow the person looking at the photo to get into the story.You can get into the story at any time, whether it's sad or happy.I like that way of enjoying it, so I purposely do it that way. .”
His photographs are left to the viewer.
Such a sense of 'blank space' is not easily created without being conscious of it.
“The reason I try not to know too much about a destination is because I value that margin.”
Keep your distance and stay safe no matter what.
“The more I interact with people, the more fashionable the photos become.”
Southwest Grand Hotel has a sauna on the 11th floor that guests can use, as well as a jacuzzi and heated pool overlooking Naha.
Mr. Sugimoto regularly uses the sauna at home. He thinks that it is important to warm up his body in the morning.
“I grow herbs in my garden, so I make bouquets of mint and other things, place them on hot stones and throw water on them to refresh myself.”
I was surprised that bouquet garni could be useful in a sauna.
He is a professional in that he never neglects to take care of his health.
``I wake up in the morning, walk the dog, do yoga, take a sauna, and then go to work.''
Even in his busy days, he creates a routine and takes time to take deep breaths.
While you are quietly in the sauna, you become conscious of your breathing slowly, and the zazen-like environment helps you organize your mind and heart, and you feel refreshed by the time the waste products come out in the form of sweat.
``When I'm staying at a place, I often look at the taste of the space and furniture.I like to think about the purpose behind the selection and the design.I like to think about the background and why things are placed there.''
The Southwest Grand Hotel is a must-see for interior design enthusiasts, with its mid-century furniture and numerous pieces of art, giving it an unassuming, playful yet elegant cohesiveness.
The selection of interior design items that only those who truly love it will appreciate is a point that only those in the know can enjoy.
"I'm happy to have a hotel like this that is authentic."
Every ``experience'' you have had up until now shapes you as a person.
“The same goes for traveling.Experience is important in order to experience various scenery and art.My experiences bring out the five senses in my body, and even if I walk straight, I find that there are more things that interest me. That's right. If you don't have that much, you'll just walk straight."
It is said that all of my history up until now comes alive.
This is Mr. Sugimoto's interpretation because he was an athlete in the past.
His life as an athlete was one in which he faced himself to the fullest and experiences such as setbacks.
Also, the work experience shared with the team during the production process.
A casual day with friends.
There are only so many things you can realize by getting to know yourself.
All in all, even when he is casually walking down the street, he takes photographs through the lens of experience.
Traveling makes you realize this.
I wonder what my “lens” is.
The journey continues.
Guest: Atsushi Sugimoto
Photo: Makoto Nakasone
Interviewer/Text: Michiko Nozaki
Producer: Keita Shimabukuro(Blendwell.inc)
Director: Reiko Ushigome(Blendwell.inc)
This article is a collaboration article with "Champlu", a media for enjoying a new Okinawa.
https://champlu-media.com/2024/03/4075/