DESIGN /
FEATURES
January 23, 2026
Rest and residence for victory. Natsumi Tsunoda, Olympic gold medalist, on "unconscious conditioning."
THE GRANDUO | The Granduo
Natsumi Tsunoda, who won a gold medal in judo at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has been supported by a thorough preparation that focuses on "how to eliminate negative factors." The ability to switch between on and off, unconscious recovery, and the water and air that protect the body. This mindset extends to her home.
What kind of living environment does an athlete, whose sensitivity to their body is honed to the extreme, perceive as "good"? It's a home where you can relax the moment you return. It may be the ultimate form of what we, living in modern times, truly need.
Text by AOYAMA Tsuzumi | Photograph by DESHIMA Yu | Hair and Make-up by IITSUKA Yuko | Fashion Styling by HARUKI Maho | Interior Styling by KONISHI Akiko
In "THE GRANDUO YOGA," located in a quiet residential area of Yoga, Setagaya Ward, a conversation began between Tsunoda and Jiro Hachiya, the representative of Face Network, the real estate developer behind the property. The theme was "preparation ability" and "unconscious health." We explore the philosophy of thorough preparation cultivated in the world of competition and the potential for wellness that housing can offer.
What is the distance required to transition from the outside world to one's "own space"? THE GRANDUO YOGA, with its 46-meter long property extension and six 900mm thick concrete slabs, embodies the company's concept of "FULNESS," which aims to "unconsciously fulfill the mind and body simply by living there."
What does Tsunoda, an athlete whose sensitivity to her body is honed to the extreme, feel in this space? Her perspective also illuminated the essence of "good housing" for all residents.
50 Meters of "Distance" to Switch Between On and Off
The most distinctive feature of THE GRANDUO YOGA, the setting for the discussion, is the approximately 50-meter approach leading from the road to the entrance. With its wooden eaves and line lighting illuminating the path, the design gradually distances you from the hustle and bustle of the outside world as you walk.
The entrance to THE GRANDUO YOGA. The approximately 50-meter approach encourages a shift in consciousness.
"We designed this property to utilize its length as a distance for transitioning from daily life to home," says Hachiya.
It is rare for a rental property in the city center to have such a luxurious amount of "space." However, Hachiya explains that this physical distance is precisely the "switch-off device" that modern people need.
For Tsunoda, switching between on and off has also been a long-standing challenge.
"I couldn't feel like I was off when I got home. I was always mentally tense and had to consciously make an effort to switch off."
Tsunoda, who felt constantly tense unless she consciously relaxed, often experienced a sense of being rushed even on her days off, accompanied by guilt about resting.
"I try to be conscious about having a clear distinction between when I'm working and when I'm not. Time off is absolutely essential."
Conversely, she explained that when she's performing well, she needs to consciously hold back to prevent overtraining. If she doesn't take breaks based on advice from her coach or others, the risk of injury increases. Tsunoda spoke about the dangers of continuously overexerting both body and mind.
"Spaciousness" and "Rhythm" for Deep Breaths
The long entrance of THE GRANDUO YOGA offers a hint for switching mindsets. Physical "distance" encourages psychological "transition." The time spent walking the 50-meter approach serves as a warm-up for shifting consciousness from the outside world to one's personal space.
Beyond the entrance, the living, dining, and kitchen (LDK) area, measuring 12.5 meters deep, unfolds. Instead of walls, a skip-floor structure with 350mm high steps gently divides the space. Architect Tatsuya Ogawa (16Architects), known for his work on the members-only circuit "MAGARIGAWA CLUB," emphasizes "spaces that don't over-explain."
"This skip-floor structure creates a subtle psychological division between rooms," says Hachiya. Rather than completely separating spaces with walls, the steps create rhythm and definition, while the open sightlines prevent a feeling of confinement.
For athletes in weight-cutting phases, confinement is a major enemy. Tsunoda has experienced grueling weight cuts, losing 6-7 kg in just four weeks.
"Weight cutting is incredibly tough. I gradually developed my own methods and found ways to do it effectively, but in the final stages, it's close to water cutting. At that point, I'm monitoring my weight down to the gram."
In such extreme conditions, the presence of open sightlines and changing light holds significant meaning. Natural light, shifting throughout the day, helps maintain emotional balance.
Of course, the extreme situations faced by top athletes like Tsunoda are not common. However, deadlines, fatigue from childcare or caregiving, and uncertain projects – moments of mental and physical strain are common to everyone in modern life.
Air Quality for "Unconscious Recovery"
The walls, ceilings, and floors of THE GRANDUO series are coated with Phiten's "Metatech" technology. This is the company's technology, previously applied to wearable items, coatings, and adhesives, now implemented throughout the entire space. In essence, simply breathing in this room is said to provide the same benefits as wearing Phiten products.
Tsunoda's relationship with Phiten dates back to her middle school days. Applying tape to her temples before matches was her routine, and she did the same at the Paris Olympics. However, Olympic regulations restrict the use of branded products. Phiten provided her with plain, unbranded tape.
"I originally planned to compete in the Olympics with the branded tape, but I was told it wasn't allowed due to regulations. When I said I couldn't compete without it, they said, 'We have plain ones!'"
Tsunoda recalls that her performance was noticeably worse in matches where she forgot to apply the tape. She felt foggy, her vision wasn't clear, and she couldn't concentrate. She remembers one match where she realized she'd forgotten the tape, applied it before the second round, and went on to win. Because its effects are invisible, it's difficult to explain to others, but for her, it's indispensable.
In this context, Hachiya states, "We aimed for 'unconscious health' that allows you to be well simply by living here." An environment where recovery progresses just by being present, rather than through effort. For someone like Tsunoda who wants to "rest without doing anything at home," this is the ultimate ideal.
Water to Protect the Body During Weight Cutting
THE GRANDUO series is equipped with the "Yoshimizu Kobo" whole-house water purification system. All water from the kitchen, bath, sink, and toilet is purified. Chlorine is reduced, and harmful substances are removed.
"By purifying not only drinking water but also water that touches the skin, we reduce stress," Hachiya explained, to which Tsunoda nodded emphatically.
For athletes who frequently travel internationally, water quality has been a pressing issue.
"On international trips, hard water irritates my skin and makes my hair stiff. I realized how much water quality affects my body. It's very reassuring that even the bathwater at THE GRANDUO is purified."
For Tsunoda, bathing is an important recovery method.
"Bath additives are extremely important. During weight cutting before a match, sweating in the bath to lose weight is my routine, so when I go abroad, I prepare about 20 to 30 types of bath additives for the bath," says Tsunoda.
The body is sensitive during weight cutting. It reacts more than usual to the taste of water and skin irritation. Therefore, having purified water in one's home base provides a significant advantage in maintaining condition.
For those who suffer from skin problems or hair damage, or who are bothered by the chlorine smell of tap water, the concept of whole-house water purification is appealing.
Data-Driven "Predictive Ability"
The bathroom at THE GRANDUO YOGA features an embedded smart bath mat. In the three seconds it takes to dry your feet after a bath, 15 body composition data points are automatically sent to an app.
"With a smart bath mat, you can unconsciously collect data just by stepping on it. Noticing changes leads to 'predictive ability,'" explains Hachiya.
Tsunoda is well aware of the importance of objectively assessing one's condition. Before the Paris Olympics, she used a smart ring to monitor her sleep and stress levels.
"If you know you haven't recovered properly, you can avoid overexerting yourself, which helps prevent serious colds or illnesses. By managing these numbers closely on a daily basis, you can prevent physical problems before they occur."
The peace of mind that comes from being able to confirm with numbers, rather than just relying on intuition. Tsunoda noticed patterns, such as her heart rate not rising as easily during training after several nights of poor sleep. Understanding these correlations allows for countermeasures and risk management.
"I'm thrilled that everything is automated in so many ways," says Tsunoda. Stepping on the scale and recording her weight daily is a habit that can easily be broken amidst a busy schedule. However, if the measurement is integrated into a natural action like stepping on the bath mat, the barrier to consistency is dramatically lowered. Things that can be done without conscious effort. Data that accumulates unconsciously. This becomes the infrastructure that supports preparation ability.
The Concept of Eliminating Negative Factors
Tsunoda has a routine she always follows before a match.
"I always make sure to clean my house before I leave. If I come home after a loss to a messy house, I'll feel even more down."
Whether she wins or loses, her home is her sanctuary. Therefore, by thoroughly eliminating negative factors from her living space, she prepares her mind.
"How can I eliminate negative factors? If I remove stress caused by my home, I can't make excuses. If I know the cause is within myself, I can improve next time."
For Tsunoda, this was the shortest path to her next victory. However, this approach can likely be applied to work and daily life as well. If one's home is in order, one realizes that the cause of fatigue lies within oneself, not the environment. Perhaps the first step to regulating one's mind and body is to focus on the living environment.
"What I seek in a home is my own space, relaxation, a place where I won't be disturbed, a place where my favorite things are, where my favorite scents are, a calming space."
Responding to these words, Hachiya said:
"Our theme is not to over-design. The final designer is the resident. Therefore, we must not over-create."
What a world champion seeks in a home is surprisingly simple. But how much technology and philosophy are required on the architectural side to achieve this simplicity?
Face Network, led by Hachiya, pursues "homes that bring well-being simply by living in them" by investing not only in design but also in invisible elements such as air, water, light, and data.
"Conversely, many developers spend money on visible elements. That's why we chose to invest heavily in housing functions that truly contribute to health. It's something other companies find difficult to do," says Hachiya.
The reason is clear. Many developers build and sell properties, then outsource management to other companies. In such cases, investment decisions tend to be biased towards what looks good during viewings. Air quality and water purity are not visible in photographs.
On the other hand, Face Network handles everything from planning and design to management and operation in-house. Because resident satisfaction directly translates to long-term profitability, they can invest in "value that becomes apparent only after moving in." Investing in the invisible requires the resolve to see it through.
Home as a "Place to Return To" and a "Starting Point"
Towards the end of the discussion, Tsunoda said:
"It's incredibly gratifying when your home can regulate your health without you having to consciously think about it. When you have to be mindful of your health, there are restrictions on what you must do and what you must be careful about. Thinking about those things is probably stressful."
The very act of striving for health can become a source of stress. It seems contradictory, but it's a dilemma many modern people face. That's why an "environment where you can be healthy without conscious effort" holds value.
Having余裕 allows you to challenge new things. Being in good physical condition expands your possibilities. Home is not just a "place to return to"; it is a "starting point" for creating the person you will be tomorrow.
The strength of a gold medalist is not cultivated solely on the judo mat. It comes from a mindset that connects every aspect of daily life to victory, supported by an environment that enables it. When these two elements align, individuals can achieve peak performance.
This is not limited to athletes. For everyone striving in their work, family, and daily lives, a home that unconsciously regulates mind and body becomes a source of vitality for tomorrow. The THE GRANDUO series presents one form of such "housing for living well."
(Tsunoda) Jacket, top, and skirt all by STUDIOUS (STUDIOUS WOMENS Omotesando Store Tel: 03-6629-2335) https://studious.co.jp, room shoes by &MEDICALhttps://and-medical.com).
Natsumi Tsunoda
Judo athlete. Born in Chiba Prefecture in 1993. Affiliated with SBC Shonan Beauty Clinic. Won the gold medal in the women's 48kg judo category at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Known for her sharp "Tomoe Nage," she has also won multiple World Championships. Since middle school, she has maintained a routine of applying Phiten tape to her temples before matches, a practice she continued at the Paris Olympics. She is meticulous, always cleaning her house before departing for a match. On her days off, "doing nothing at home" is her ultimate form of rest.
Instagram account |@tsunoda_natsumi
Jiro Hachiya
Representative Director and President of Face Network. After working in loan processing at a financial institution, he founded Face Network Co., Ltd. in 2001. The company was reorganized into Face Network Co., Ltd. in 2006 and listed on the Mothers section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2018, followed by the First Section in 2021. In 2023, it transitioned to the Standard Market from the Prime Market. Under the philosophy of "remaining a one-stop partner supporting the realization of each individual's dreams," the company develops its business by closely supporting the life plans of its clients and their families. It has handled over 300 properties, primarily in Setagaya, Meguro, and Shibuya wards, known as the "Jyonan 3 Wards."
For those who are even slightly interested in a home that harmonizes mind and body.
THE GRANDUO YOGA, featured in this article, is located in a quiet residential area of Yoga, Setagaya Ward. Properties that inherit the same "FULNESS" concept are also available in Sakurashinmachi and Futako-Tamagawa. All of them embody the philosophy of investing in invisible value.
Detailed rental conditions and availability can be checked on each property's page.
THE GRANDUO SAKURASHINMACHI
1-22-10 Sakurashinmachi, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
https://thegranduo.com/sakurashinmachi/
1-22-10 Sakurashinmachi, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
https://thegranduo.com/sakurashinmachi/
THE GRANDUO FUTAKOTAMAGAWA
2-10-14 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
https://thegranduo.com/futakotamagawa/
2-10-14 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
https://thegranduo.com/futakotamagawa/
THE GRANDUO
Inquiries
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https://thegranduo.com/