Interview with Yamawaki Yohei, who runs BON
I spoke with Yamawaki Yohei, co-representative of ITONAMI, about his thoughts on the opening of BON and memorable experiences during the process of creating BON.
Commitment to creating a space for "gathering, surrounding, and sharing"
Can you tell us about the background of starting BON, which is the second accommodation for ITONAMI?
Yamawaki
The house for BON was originally rented out elsewhere.
When I heard from the landlord that the rental was ending, the concept began. I thought, "Can we carry on the landlord's wish for it to be used for the community?"
I hear that most of the interior of BON has been renovated. I understand that the ITONAMI team was involved in that process; do you have any memorable experiences from it?
Yamawaki
Overall, we thought about how to create a space that fits the concept of "BON" and realized it.
BON is inspired by the specialness of the Obon festival, where "people gather to think of others."
Additionally, the kanji for "bon" is written with the characters for "plate" and "divide," which conveys the desire for everyone to gather around the table and share plates.
Therefore, we designed the interior to allow guests to create a space for "gathering, surrounding, and sharing" with each other.
For example, we broke the floor to create a doma (earthen floor).
We removed the wall between the kitchen and dining area to create one space.
There were originally several small rooms in front of the "YO" room, but we removed all of them and turned it into a hallway leading to the rooms from the dining area.
We were very particular about creating a space for "gathering, surrounding, and sharing."
Additionally, since the bathroom was for home use, we completely renovated it to ensure guests can enjoy their stay comfortably.
During the pre-opening period, guests have been using the facilities, and they mentioned, "I can take my time in the bath."
While valuing the history and charm of the building itself, I believe we have created an accommodation that can express what we want to cherish.
It seems like a major renovation; are there any parts that you decided to keep?
Yamawaki
We kept the window frames and pillars.
If you look closely at the window frames, you will see that they have rounded corners.
This is something that is not found in modern architecture and is very rare. We decided to keep it after consulting with the landlord.
Since the pillars are also left as they are, I believe you can feel the warmth of wood unique to Japanese houses.
The importance of spending time with good friends
If you were to point out the differences with DENIM HOSTEL float (hereafter, float), what would they be?
Yamawaki
Since it is a whole house rental, we do not provide all services; instead, we prepare the space and environment for guests to use the accommodation themselves.
I think that for my generation, around 30 years old, it is hard to find time to cook and spend leisurely time with good friends in daily life. By intentionally calling it "house," we hope that guests will spend time here in a way similar to inviting friends to their home.
I want them to experience the special feeling of doing that while traveling.
When inviting friends to your home, you are the host, and your friends are the guests. However, when traveling, that distinction disappears. Everyone who gathers can spend time together on equal footing, which is the charm of BON.
It may sound ordinary when put into words, but for me, gathering and surrounding a table is special.
You personally value "gathering, surrounding, and sharing," don't you?
Yamawaki
Speaking personally, the value of gathering around the table has increased as I have aged.
In life, the time spent with good friends is important, and I feel that being able to do that regularly is happiness.
While I think traveling to seek unseen landscapes and stimulation is good, I believe that the time spent gathering and talking with good friends, surrounding a table, is even more fulfilling than seeking stimulation.
Therefore, I would be happy to have a place where I can freely use the space with good friends and enjoy talking and gathering around the table.
There are things that cannot be achieved spatially at float, so when I saw the space at BON, I thought, "This is a place where 'gathering, surrounding, and sharing' can be realized."
Moreover, there are not many accommodations in Kojima that have a home-like style, so I thought it would be good for us to take on this challenge.
Valuing what is essential to us
Having a gallery and space in the accommodation also felt fresh.
Yamawaki
While operating float, I felt frustrated that we could not fully convey our thoughts.
I wanted guests who come to BON to deeply understand our background.
So, I thought from the planning stage that we should create a gallery and shop.
I am glad that this has been realized.
Do you feel any significance in running a second accommodation in Kojima?
Yamawaki
We came to Kojima because there is a denim industry here and we met people who are involved in manufacturing.
After opening float and conducting projects within the apparel brand, we decided to open a second accommodation. We do have a commitment to working in Kojima.
Perhaps someone might wonder, "Why are they doing this here?" BON is located in a residential area of Kojima.
However, the opening of BON was made possible through our encounter with the landlord.
The fact that we are rooted in Kojima and that we are running BON has a story of encounters with people. That story is essential for us.
Even if others find it strange, we want to cherish what is essential for us and continue to take on challenges in places we believe are good for us.
Finally, please share a message.
Yamawaki
I believe the charm of BON is creating a space where good friends can enjoy together. We haven't packed in many requests from guests about "how we want you to spend this time," so I would be happy if you could spend your time freely.
We also stayed there, and while talking, time flies by quickly. The round table in the dining area is easy to talk around.
Instead of feeling like you have to do something special because you came to stay, it has become an accommodation where you can feel at home, thinking, "If we get excited while talking, then we just need to sleep afterward." I believe it is a space where you can continue to see each other, so I would be happy if you could enjoy talking and gathering around the table freely.
Also, after about four and a half years of opening float, we have opened our second accommodation.
I am also happy to be able to guide guests who have come to float to a new accommodation.
I want to convey the charm of BON to many people.
Conclusion
I was impressed by Mr. Yamawaki's words, "The value of gathering around the table is increasing."
There is value in the ordinary daily life. I think that is something you can gradually feel at BON.
Additionally, the meticulousness in creating a space where talking and gathering can continue naturally and effortlessly was a breathtaking interview.
BON, the second accommodation of ITONAMI, which has cherished encounters and connections with people.
Why not spend simple and cherished time that feels like an extension of daily life with close friends and family at BON?
Data of DENIM HOUSE BON
| Name | DENIM HOUSE BON |
|---|---|
| Location | 4-7-63 Kojima Ogawa, Kurashiki City |
| Contact | 086-477-7620 |
| Check-in | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
| Check-out | 10:00 AM |
| Payment Method |
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| Facility Information | Number of Rooms: 2 (accommodates 1-6 people) EN: Maximum 2 people YO: Maximum 4 people From 20,000 yen per night per person (includes dinner and breakfast) |
| Bath | Available (with bathtub) |
| Wi-Fi | Available |
| Parking | Available 2 cars |
| Website | DENIM HOUSE BON |
