Do you know ITONAMI's "Denim Brothers"?
They are brothers who have gained attention both domestically and internationally, having been selected as one of the "30 Under 30" by the economic magazine Forbes and featured in "Gaia's Dawn."
The new base for the Denim Brothers, who have traveled across all 47 prefectures to meet makers nationwide, is DENIM HOSTEL float.
Opened in late September 2019 in the Kojima area of Kurashiki City, it is a hostel with a view of the Seto-Ohashi Bridge.
There are many "float fans" around the author, including members of "Kuratoco"!
It offers breathtaking views, warmth, and encounters with things you want to talk about, making it a place full of charm that I would like to introduce: "DENIM HOSTEL float."
This is who ITONAMI's "Denim Brothers" are
"ITONAMI" is a denim brand created by the real brothers, Yohei Yamawaki and Shunsuke Shimada.
They initially operated under the name "EVERY DENIM."
For three years, they conducted sales events across the country without having a store.
Since April 2018, the two have been traveling across Japan in a camper van every month, meeting and talking with producers rooted in the local community about "the way of production and consumption that fills the heart."
They are sharing and practicing what they believe is good, and many people who resonate with the Denim Brothers have gathered around them.
DENIM HOSTEL float is a restaurant + hostel + denim shop + sauna
"DENIM HOSTEL float," which opened in September 2019 as the new base for the Denim Brothers.
DENIM HOSTEL float has mainly four faces.
- Restaurant
- Hostel
- Denim shop
- Sauna
Located with a view of the Seto-Ohashi Bridge, it is just a one-minute walk to the sandy beach!
It is also a place where you can encounter "good things" with visible production backgrounds, chosen by the Denim Brothers who have met makers from all over the country.
Let me introduce the restaurant and hostel.
Restaurant "pile" with a view of the Seto-Ohashi Bridge
What spreads outside the window of float is the view of the calm sea and islands, creating the beautiful archipelago of Setouchi.
Since it is located just a little up the slope from the seaside road, the view is even more beautiful than from the road!
You can take off your shoes and wear slippers, making it easy to spend time there even with children.
With free Wi-Fi available, it would be nice to relax and work as well.
Not only during the bright hours but also the scenery around sunset and just before sunset is attractive.
Recommended menu at pile
The restaurant inside float is "pile," featuring homemade lasagna and natural wine.
The ingredients provided are from reliable "people who are trying to convey the thoughts of the producers."
I asked for recommended food and drinks.
Lasagna featuring "Toyofuku Beef" and "Garaebi"
The lasagna at pile is made with carefully selected ingredients that emphasize the visibility of the producers.
The beef lasagna features the unique brand beef "Toyofuku Beef" produced in Nagi-cho, Katsuta-gun.
The shrimp lasagna uses "Garaebi" caught in the Seto Inland Sea, sourced from the long-established fish shop Uoharu in Kurashiki City.
And for the pasta, they use the "Fukuhonoka" variety of wheat from "Ichimonji Udon" in Osafune-cho, Setouchi City.
Each menu item was born from encounters between the Denim Brothers, staff, and producers.
Why not reflect on the carefully selected ingredients while gazing at the Seto Inland Sea?
"Natural Wine" that pairs well with lasagna
The natural wine is mainly Italian, prepared to pair well with the lasagna.
With the thought of wanting guests to "spend a leisurely time," they made it easy to enjoy wine even during lunch.
The wines they source may vary from time to time.
Asking the staff for recommendations can also be a fun part of your journey.
Iwakijima Lemonade
The lemons used in float's lemonade are purchased from Mr. Oka, whom the brothers met on Iwakijima.
Mr. Oka sells delicious lemons while creating an environment where lemon farmers on Iwakijima can continue their agriculture with peace of mind.
The lemons are juiced slowly in a slow juicer without using wax or preservatives.
Since no syrup or honey is used, it is a lemonade where you can feel the acidity as well as the natural sweetness of the lemon.
I will introduce it in more detail in the latter part of the article.
Carefully crafted drinks
There are also carefully crafted drinks available.
- The coffee is an original blend from "CALMA COFFEE ROASTERS," started by a former live-in staff member.
- The tea is Takahashi Black Tea, which is working to promote Japanese black tea.
- The cola is a homemade craft cola made with plenty of spices and citrus.
Cola, lemonade, and coffee can also be served as floats.
The ice floating in the drinks resembles the islands floating in the sea.
Cold drinks use sugarcane straws.
Next, let’s introduce the hostel.
