Ishigaki Island is located in the southernmost part of Okinawa Prefecture. Until now, the image of Ishigaki Island has been that of beautiful ocean, marine sports, and Gushiken Youtaka. Therefore, Ishigaki Island has been calm and relaxing, but it seems that a tectonic shift has been occurring in recent years.

The most important reason for this is probably the existence of the Nannujima Ishigaki Airport, which opened in 2013. Easier access from Honshu and the main island of Okinawa has led to a significant increase in the number of tourists. The entire Yaeyama Islands region, consisting of Ishigaki, Taketomi, Kohama, Kuroshima, Hatoma, Hateruma, Aragusuku (Panari), Iriomote, Yubu, and Yonaguni Islands, has received over 1.1 million tourists for three consecutive years, with a record 1.2 million in 2016.

The shopping center "730 COURT" opened in the midst of such prosperity. Among the stores, "THE NORTH FACE/HELLY HANSEN Ishigaki Store" is the centerpiece.

The unique Shisa of Ishigaki Island are lined up on the outer wall of the store, which is sure to inspire travelers.

Ishigaki Island is called "Sports Island". Naturally, visitors are often looking for some kind of activity, not just sightseeing. Considering such characteristics of the land, the concept of this store is "Create a "new sports Island"".

This store was opened as a "resort store" with the sea and mountains in mind. The interior also has many nature-inspired features here and there.

It offers a wide variety of gear and goods that you may need for your outdoor activities.

Of course, there is also a lineup of products with resort-like nuances.

The store's most distinctive feature, the limited edition items, are not half as extensive as they should be.

At first glance, this series of items, which are made up of a series of incomprehensible alphanumeric characters, are familiar to "The North Face," and are printed with the latitude and longitude of the store. There are a wide variety of items, including caps, T-shirts, and parkas.

In other words, they just express "Ishigaki Island" in various ways, but why are all of them so cute and fascinating?

The kids' items were a real crowd pleaser. In particular, the "Iriomote Cat" illustrations printed on T-shirts, knapsacks, and other items are so well done that you just want to hit "like! on T-shirts, knapsacks, and other items! If you have children, you'll probably kill them in an instant.

Other items include luggage, clothing, and accessories for small trips.

From Huynem's point of view, I think the recent "Helly Hansen" is very good. I am very much in favor of the proposal to wear serious sailing jackets in the city.

The store made full use of the characteristics of Ishigaki Island.

The coverage did not end there. Goldwyn kindly offered to take us on a "light" hiking trip since we had come all the way to Ishigaki Island!

Navigators are,

Mr. Yoki Tanaka is a professional adventure racer!　He is an iron man who accomplished the "Japan's 100 Greatest Mountains Hitobuki - Great Traverse" 7800km journey from Yakushima Island in the south to Rishiri Island in the north in 208 days and 11 hours. You recently appeared on the TBS program "Crazy Journey.

Then there is trail running legend Takeshi Kaburaki!　He is one of Japan's leading trail runners, and is currently focusing on promoting trail running in Japan through lectures, training sessions, race directors, etc., in addition to being a competitor. For more information, please refer to our previous coverageThis articlePlease visit the

Anyway, the hike began, led by two extraordinary people.

Follow the dense Ishigaki trail and partake in the "hiking course".

The road is so uphill that it is not very light. Out of breath, I looked back and saw the spectacular view you see.

This time we climbed Omotodake, the highest mountain in Okinawa Prefecture. The elevation is 526 meters. I am persistent, but it was not light, but the view from the summit was outstanding.

Both Tanaka and Kaburaki have smiles on their faces.

The day after the interview was the opening of the sea (March 1), so the number of tourists is expected to increase rapidly.

Finally, a little more about the store. In this "THE NORTH FACE/HELLY HANSEN Ishigaki Store", there are staffs who are well versed in the activities of the Yaeyama Islands, so you can rely on them like a concierge.

In addition, they are planning various ideas such as seasonal workshops, development of original tours in collaboration with local guide clubs, and development and sale of souvenirs in collaboration with local industries.

It can be said that the store is the hub of all sports and culture in Ishigaki Island. No matter what you do in Ishigaki Island, it is a place that you should visit at least once.