Nakasu, one of Japan's premier entertainment districts, also embodies a cultural charm rooted in tradition and history. At the same time, it harbors a passion for innovation to build the next era. This atmosphere is captured as "Okunaka-su" in...Part 1,Part 2and so on. In this third installment, "The Royal Park Canvas Fukuoka Nakasu," scheduled to open in August, finally unveils itself. What are the charms of "Okunaka-su," and by extension, Kyushu, as envisioned by Masakazu Yamamoto, the head of the pre-opening office (who will become General Manager upon opening), and Kengo Oba, who has been involved in the preparations with Yamamoto? What kind of hotel will "The Royal Park Canvas Fukuoka Nakasu" be? Miyako Akiyama, editor and writer, sits down with them to find out.

Miyako Akiyama (hereafter Akiyama): You must be very busy with preparations for the August opening. I had the chance to see the construction site for The Royal Park Canvas Fukuoka Nakasu, and it's in a wonderful location along the Hakata River in Nakasu.

Masakazu Yamamoto (hereafter Yamamoto): Nakasu is said to be the largest entertainment district in Western Japan, a very lively place. A unique point is that it lies exactly between Hakata, which prospered as a merchant town since ancient times, and Fukuoka, which had the Fukuoka Castle and was a samurai town. As a gateway to Asia, it's close to China and South Korea, and it's a place where diverse cultures intersect.

Kengo Oba (hereafter Oba): We mustn't forget the Kawabata-dori Shopping Street, the oldest in Hakata. It's about 400 meters long, from Hakataza Theater to Canal City Hakata, and it has a truly wide variety of shops. During the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, decorative floats are displayed, allowing visitors to experience the festive atmosphere.

Akiyama: I recently went to see a Kabuki performance at the Hakataza Theater, and I was surprised that it was such a modern and new theater, despite hosting traditional performing arts. It must be a city with deep roots, where seemingly opposing elements like samurai and merchants, old and new, coexist. Many different kinds of people seem to visit, but who are the main target customers for The Royal Park Canvas Fukuoka Nakasu?

Oba: Millennials, from their mid-20s to 40s. As is often said, preferences are shifting from consuming goods to consuming experiences. We want our guests to enjoy a diverse range of experiences during their stay at The Royal Park Canvas Fukuoka Nakasu.

Yamamoto: I feel that the role expected of hotels has changed around the turn of the millennium, around the year 2000, marking the start of the millennial era. For example, 30 years ago, hotels were often used for special occasions, like weddings...

Akiyama: Or matchmaking meetings! (laughs) It was an era when hotels were valued for their sparkling spaces with grand chandeliers. Now, there's even a trend called "Nunkatsu"*, where hotels are becoming more like cafes... It feels like an extension of a high-quality lifestyle, and I think they are also playing a role as media that disseminates lifestyles. What is the most appealing aspect of The Royal Park Canvas Fukuoka Nakasu?
*A trend of enjoying afternoon tea

Oba: I highly recommend the rooftop garden on the third floor. The concept for this hotel is "Healing by Kyushu's Nature," and the lush greenery, reminiscent of Kyushu's natural landscapes, might make you forget you're in the bustling Nakasu. On the same floor, there's a large public bath and sauna. After warming up in the public bath, which is designed to resemble a Kyushu valley, feeling the breeze coming across the Hakata River will be incredibly refreshing. It's the perfect way to relax (laughs).

Akiyama: Kyushu's valleys, like Takachiho in Miyazaki, are often the settings for myths. It seems like it will become a new power spot. What about you, Yamamoto-san?

Yamamoto: I'd like to recommend the "CANVAS Lounge" on the second floor. The site where The Royal Park Canvas Fukuoka Nakasu is being built was formerly the hall of the "Meiji Yasuda Life Fukuoka Building," where various performances were held. We've been fortunate enough to borrow a Steinway & Sons full concert grand piano that was used there for 50 years.

Akiyama: A full concert grand! It's about 3 meters long, isn't it? It must have an incredible presence.

Yamamoto: We plan to hold regular concerts and live performances by local musicians, utilizing that full concert piano. Like other "Canvas" locations nationwide, we also have a DJ booth, and here too, we want to transmit the unique culture of The Royal Park Canvas Fukuoka Nakasu, blending the old and the new.

Akiyama: Earlier, you mentioned that the hotel's overall concept is "Healing by Kyushu's Nature." It's "Kyushu," not just "Fukuoka," isn't it?

Oba: Nakasu, facing Hakata Bay, was a hub for trade using canals and has served as a gateway to Asia and the world. Therefore, when building a hotel in Nakasu, we wanted it to be a place that disseminates the culture of all of Kyushu. Kyushu itself, from Fukuoka in the north to Kagoshima and Amami Oshima in the south, has incredibly diverse cultures and climates. We wanted to create a space where these charms can be fully conveyed.

Akiyama: Indeed! Even with just alcoholic beverages, Northern Kyushu, including Fukuoka and Saga, is sake territory, while Southern Kyushu, including Miyazaki, Kagoshima, and Kumamoto, is shochu territory. Kyushu also has many hot springs due to its active volcanoes, and it feels like a place brimming with energy.

Yamamoto: Nature isn't just about landscapes and plants; we believe people play a significant role too. At The Royal Park Canvas Fukuoka Nakasu, each guest room will feature artwork by artists residing in Fukuoka Prefecture, themed around "Kyushu's Nature." This allows guests to enjoy the nature of each prefecture in Kyushu—Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Oita, Kagoshima—right from their rooms.

Akiyama: Ultimately, it comes down to people, doesn't it? Fukuoka has produced many entertainers since ancient times, and I have an image of people being talented and cheerful. I also feel a friendliness, a welcoming attitude towards newcomers.

Yamamoto: I strongly feel that too. In our "Canvas" brand line, we value the phrase "We think local." We plan to include cards for our guests with recommendations and trivia about Fukuoka and Nakasu, provided by our hotel staff. We believe that people are the most important form of hospitality.

Oba: People in Fukuoka are very embracing. I believe that nature shapes the climate, and the climate shapes the people. It's likely that Kyushu's rich nature is what creates such appealing individuals.

Akiyama: So, it all comes down to the charm of the people in the end. This has been a wonderful conversation that has further heightened my anticipation for The Royal Park Canvas Fukuoka Nakasu, which you two charismatic individuals are creating. Thank you very much.

The "refined daily life" and the "passion for change breathing within tradition"—the charms of Okunaka-su that we've conveyed in previous installments. From the words of Yamamoto-san and Oba-san, we can feel that it is "people" who support these qualities. Why not experience these charms of Okunaka-su at The Royal Park Canvas Fukuoka Nakasu?

Dialogue and Photo Location: The Royal Park Canvas Ginza 8 (https://www.canvas-ginza8.jp/ )