A hotel that expands the possibilities of travel
What does traveling mean to us?
Traveling gives us the opportunity to learn more about ourselves.
Such opportunities enrich the soul.
Thoughtfulness toward oneself aligns with the hotel's hospitality, connecting to the charm of the local area.
Even though it's the first meeting, it doesn't feel like the first time.
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.
Entrust your heart to a higher level of relaxation.
Experience something extraordinary while blending in with the locals.
A series where we invite experienced travellers and hear their stories about their respective journeys.
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.
In that sunset bar, colourful art related to jazz and blues decorates the walls vibrantly. At the same time, the contrastingly calm-toned interior brings all the elements together to create a refined atmosphere.
This is the 11th floor of the Southwest Grand Hotel, which stands right in the heart of Naha.
Located on a street just off Kokusai Street, with a view of Naha's cityscape 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 he doesn't research his destination at all or make any plans when he travels.
“I want to take photos capturing the inspiration I receive from a place I've visited for the first time.”
When he said that, he spoke with a refreshing smile.
Mr Sugimoto, a photographer who runs an apparel brand, moved to Okinawa about ten 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 made a magnificent 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. Having an experience of travelling to islands like Hawaii and Bali, I decided to move to Okinawa where it does not require passport, yet has a beautiful ocean."
Onna Village, where Mr. Sugimoto is based, is further north from Naha. It takes about an hour and a half by car, but lies the beautiful ocean. It's an irresistible spot for ocean lovers, with a sea that sparkles in an astonishing array of blues.
In fact, because Okinawa is vertically long and narrow, it offers both urban areas like Naha and completely different experiences at its far southern and northern ends, which are full of rich natural landscapes. This variety is part of Okinawa's charm.
"There is a clear on and off side within the vertical structure, so when you come to Okinawa, I want you to experience both sides during your trip,'' says Mr Sugimoto softly.
It is said that sunsets seen when one's mind is turned off are more memorable.
When your mind is on, the information at that moment comes into your head and doesn't stick in your memory.
If you can practice turning off your mind, your trip will be even more enriched.
When Mr Sugimoto said that, he smiled and nodded.
A camera is, after all, the essential companion for travel.
Mr. Sugimoto says that he always carries a small camera to quickly take pictures in his daily life. He probably won’t miss the timing to capture with his senses finely tuned.
Most of the photos Mr Sugimoto takes are of landscapes.
"When people are in the picture, the story becomes complete."
"Everyone enjoys photographs in different ways.I aim to take photos so that those who view them can immerse themselves in 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.
“I try not to know too much about a destination because I value that blank space.”
Keep your distance and stay safe no matter what.
“The more I interact with people, the more fashionable the photos become.”
At the Southwest Grand Hotel, there are facilities on the 11th floor available for guests, including a sauna, a jacuzzi with a panoramic view of Naha, and a heated pool.
Mr. Sugimoto regularly uses the sauna at home. He cherishes 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 who always pays attention to his health as well.
"I wake up in the morning, walk the dog, do yoga, take a sauna, and then go to work.''
Even in busy everyday life, he creates a routine and sets aside time for deep breathing.
While quietly sitting in the sauna, by gently focusing on your breathing, the environment, akin to zazen (Zen meditation), helps clear your mind and head. By the time the sweat starts to release the toxins, you feel refreshed.
"When I'm staying at a hotel, I tend to look at the taste of the space and furniture. I like to think about the purpose behind the selection and the design and the reason for placement."
Southwest Grand Hotel offers a feast for interior design enthusiasts with its mid-century furniture and various artworks. The decor exudes a refined cohesion that is playful yet understated.
The selection of the interior is a point of enjoyment known only to those who genuinely appreciate it.
"I'm happy to have an authentic hotel like this."
Every "experience'' you have had up until now shapes you as a person.
“The same goes for traveling. Experience is important in order to sense various scenery and art. My own experience enhance the five senses within your body, and even when walking straight, I start noticing more things. If you don't have that much, you'll just walk straight."
All of one's personal history comes to life.
This is Mr. Sugimoto's interpretation, as he was an athlete in the past.
His career as an athlete involves thoroughly confronting oneself and experiencing setbacks.
Also, the work experience shared with the team during the production process.
A casual day with friends.
By truly understanding oneself, you continually become aware of new things.
Even while casually walking down the street, he is taking photographs through the lens of his experiences, encompassing everything.
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/