[JO1] Josei Seven 220714

Traveling with JO1’s Yonashiro Sho and Kawashiri Ren
A secret summer vacation in Okinawa

Finally the real summer is here! No doubt that especially this year a lot of people think “I want to have fun in Okinawa!”. The invincible chemi of “YonaRen”, made of Yonashiro Sho and Kawashiri Ren, from the global boys group JO1 show us secret spots that have been introduced nowhere else and places that are different from your usual tourist spots. Let’s hop on the plane and go on a summer vacation that the two and the readers have never experienced before!

Yonashiro Sho (26)
From Okinawa. He leads the group as the oldest member. His charm is that he is impressive as their reliable leader, but actually he is also an airhead.

Kawashiri Ren (25)
From Fukuoka. He is the reliable performance leader with his dance skills. He choreographed the new song “ALL HOURS” that was released in June.

Enjoying a exclusive gourmet experience

“It smells like the home of my grandma!”
A nostalgic smells brings a smile to their faces

The Fukugi tree is the “village tree” which protects the Onna Village in Okinawa. And ”Fukugi” is an Okinawa Soba restaurant, located in a traditional-style house surrounded by those Fukugi trees. When the two entered it, the owner, Matakichi Hiroko, who runs the restaurant all by herself, greeted them with a smile. “It smells just like the home of my grandma~”
TN: Since there are no furigana, I am not sure whether I transcripted the name of the store owner correctly. It is possible that the name is read differently.
To Yonashiro-san’s surprise, the restaurant is in a traditional house that has not been renovated in the more than 80 years since it was built, with the exception of the kitchen.
The menu contains only three dishes: “Sooki soba”, limited 15 servings per day, “Sanmainiku Soba” and “Juushii”, an Okinawan rice dish limited to 7 servings per day. Kawashiri-san struggled with how to eat the “Sooki soba”, but Yonashiro-san, who hails from Okinawa, advised him “You bite into the sooki (meat from the rips still attached to the hard bones) just as they are”. We also witnessed the scene of Yonashiro-san picking up the Sanshin and teaching Kawashiri-san how to play it. “It was a taste that made me want to say ‘I am home’.”
These words slipped out of Kawashiri’s mouth on the way back. So he decided on Okinawa as his “Second home”…?

Yonashiro-san ordered the “Sanmainiku soba” (600¥). “It was a very nostalgic ‘Okinawan taste’!”

Kawashiri-san also challenged playing the Sanshin that was found in the restaurant. He played a wonderful melody while being taught by Yonashiro-san.

A family friendly experience at “Gangster’s world” (the ‘Restaurant Old Gangster’)

The two were in high spirits while posing in front of the “gangsters”. “It felt like I went back to old America.” (Yonashiro-san)

The first feature! (of JUNKY ICE)

With its pop interior and “piled up ice cream” it is recognised as Okinawa’s most photogenic spot!

Named by Kawashiri-san!
“Chimu dondon
choco dondon”

It happened that Kawashiri-san almost spilled his toppings. But Yonashiro-san rushed to his help, extending his hands (to catch them).

Get to experience horse riding at an unexplored picturesque scenery

With the best horses at the best location

Kawashiri-san was encouraging his horse even during the shot under the burning sun. “Roney, just hang on just a bit longer”.

Yonashiro-san was super delighted, saying “I met a ‘genius horse’.”

Yonashiro-san and Kawashiri-san rode “Goody” and “Roney”. Initially they were surprised by the size of the horses, but soon enough they became friends.

Riding along the beautiful shores of Okinawa is a big attraction of the “Okinawa Horse Riding Club”. Kawashiri-san gave his seal of approval by saying “The location was undeniably the best”.

Fully enjoying a luxurious time

The two were about to enjoy a “morning champagne” fitting to the luxurious atmosphere of their room. But they struggled with popping the cork…

Careful… Careful

Pop!

A graceful “morning champagne”!

The “AQUA TERRACE“ in front of the hotel is a 2200m2 area that offers a variety of contents like open air pools.

Kawashiri-san said “The room had some cuteness in the middle of the luxurious feeling.” A refreshing feeling from the early morning on!

All rooms are equipped with wide balconies. “I was so happy to be able to greet the morning while smelling the sea”, said Yonashiro-san as he relaxed and enjoyed the view after the shot finished.

As the last part of the Okinawa trip, they went “Treasure hunting” in a store that is full of Okinawan culture!

Yonashiro-san selected a set containing a coffee mug, a saucer and a spoon. While staring at all those sizes and forms, he finally made his choice. “I love coffee, so I really hope you will use it!”

Kawashiri-san selected a bracelet with a “wave” motif that was made from brass from Miyakojima. “I just knew it was the one! Actually I also bought a bracelet here in Okinawa, so if you happen to win it, please enjoy the feeling of us matching.”

The last store they visited was the store “Proots”. This is a coined word out of “chanpuru”, meaning “mishmash” in the Okinawan dialect and “roots” expressing origin and source, showcasing the theme of “sending Okinawa‘s netsuke culture to the world” in a variety of products such as accessory, art, drinks and food.
“I was once more reminded of the coolness of Okinawan pottery. I want people in the whole country to know about this store that is full of the charms of the past!”, said Yonashiro-san.
They took their time to select “souvenirs” for our readers. They seemed to have made satisfying choices that “they would have wanted to use themselves”.
As the conclusion of the trip we took a pic in the plane. “For me Okinawa was “my source of energy”, said Yonashiro-san while Kawashiri-san commented “I fully enjoyed the time in Okinawa!”.

“Bye bye Okinawa! We're gonna come back!”

The feature was also published over here: https://www.news-postseven.com/archives/20220720_1775113.html?DETAIL