THE PRESIDENT OF GINPASO, TOSHIAKI NARUSE, TELLS THE STORY OF A CHANCE ENCOUNTER THAT BROUGHT RITZWELL FURNITURE INTO ONE OF THE MOST FASCINATING RYOKAN IN AKO, HYOGO PREFECTURE. OVERLOOKING THE HARIMA SEA, GINPASO COMBINES THE TRADITION OF JAPANESE HOSPITALITY WITH A CONTEMPORARY VISION OF COMFORT, WHERE DESIGN ACCOMPANIES THE GUEST EXPERIENCE. A STORY OF FORTUITOUS ENCOUNTERS, CONSCIOUS CHOICES AND FURNISHINGS CAPABLE OF DEFINING A SPACE OF WELCOME, CONTEMPLATION AND RELAXATION.
"If there had not been the airport strike, I probably would never have met Mr. K. It was an encounter guided by destiny." _Toshiaki Naruse, President of Ginpaso .
A place overlooking the Harima Sea
In the city of Ako, in the southwestern part of Hyogo Prefecture, near the border with Okayama, lies Ginpaso. Located approximately fifteen minutes by car from Banshu-Ako Station - a place deeply connected to the history of the Ako Gishi, the loyal samurai protagonists of the Chūshingura tale - the ryokan stands on a hill in the Misaki area, with an open view over the Harima Sea. As the name Ginpaso itself suggests, under the sunlight the surface of the sea transforms into a vast expanse of silver reflections stretching toward the horizon, while beyond the waves appears Shodoshima Island, in Kagawa Prefecture. Here, Ritzwell furnishings - LEEWISE EXCLUSIVE | MODULAR SOFA, design by Junichiro Watanabe and Ritzwell, BEATRIX | HIGH BACK EASY CHAIR, design by Shinsaku Miyamoto, OS TABLE | SIDE TABLE, design by Ritzwell and BLAVA | EASY CHAIR, design ATELIER D.Q - contribute to defining the ryokan’s common areas, creating an environment where comfort, contemplation and the connection with the landscape become an integral part of the hospitality experience. The story of this place is told by third-generation president Toshiaki Naruse, who leads this hospitality facility known for the open-air hot spring baths of Ako Onsen. “Here, the sunsets are beautiful. I was born in Ako and spent many years looking at this sea: it always manages to convey a sense of tranquillity. Ginpaso was founded by my grandfather. Until I was 32, I managed several shops for a company connected to Osaka, then twelve years ago I returned to Ako.” Ako is located farther away compared to Himeji, but it continues to attract many visitors passionate about the history of the Ako Gishi and Chūshingura, the legendary tale of the forty-seven Ako samurai who, in the 18th century, carried out their revenge to honour their lord, becoming one of the most celebrated stories of loyalty and devotion in Japanese tradition. In addition to its spectacular view and hot springs, Ginpaso is also known for its local cuisine, particularly its oysters during the winter season. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the inn experienced a temporary closure lasting more than a month. However, this period strengthened the staff’s awareness of the value of their work and their passion for hospitality. In recent years, the number of international visitors has also increased. Thanks to the attention dedicated to its hot springs, cuisine based on local ingredients and recent renovation works involving the lobby and special rooms with private open-air hot spring baths, Ginpaso has seen an increase in the number of guests choosing to return.
An encounter born from destiny
Behind the choice of Ritzwell furnishings lies an unexpected story.
“In 2017, we carried out a complete renovation of the lobby. In March, while the works were underway, I was in Italy visiting farms and selecting imported beef. I had organised the trip so that I could also visit the Salone del Mobile Milano, which takes place every April. I wanted to personally choose the lobby furnishings.” The renovation was almost complete and this seemed like the ideal moment to define the final choices. However, delays in the schedule prevented Naruse from attending the fair. To further complicate the journey, a strike blocked his return flight, leaving him stranded at the airport while he searched for a solution together with other Japanese travellers. It was precisely in that situation that he met Mr. K. “We took different flights to return to Japan, but we met again at a connecting airport and then once more after arriving at Narita.” Mr. K turned out to be an executive of a real estate company. He had just visited the Salone del Mobile Milano and showed Naruse numerous photographs of the event. “While continuing to talk, I realised that we shared a similar aesthetic sensibility. I told him that I had to choose the furnishings soon, but that I had not yet found a precise direction. At that point, he offered to help me with the interior coordination.” Just one week later, Mr. K visited Ginpaso to see the space and the plans for the new lobby. This was how the search for the furnishings began. It was Mr. K who introduced Naruse to Ritzwell.
The discovery of Ritzwell
“Mr. K had a deep knowledge of the interior design world, and I learned a great deal from him. The inn industry can be considered traditional, but I wanted to combine tradition and innovation.” Ritzwell’s refined sensibility, capable of competing with international brands while simultaneously conveying a profoundly Japanese spirit, immediately appeared consistent with Ginpaso’s vision.
“If I had managed to reach the Salone del Mobile Milano, I might have discovered Ritzwell on my own. However, considering the entire process of coordinating and selecting the furnishings, I am truly grateful to Mr. K for having guided me.” For Naruse, that encounter was not simply a coincidence. In fact, he says:
“If there had not been the airport strike, I would never have met Mr. K. It was an encounter guided by destiny.” After the renovation, the sofa (LEEWISE EXCLUSIVE | MODULAR SOFA) became the central element of the lobby, accompanying guests during moments of rest and contemplation while looking out over the sea. “Guests seem to greatly appreciate the comfort and the relaxing atmosphere while sitting and observing the sea. We changed the covers once. Originally, the cushions were softer, but we modified them by replacing them with a firmer version, which is better able to maintain their shape.” According to Naruse, his experience with Ritzwell has confirmed the choice he made over time, “Thanks to Ritzwell, we have received very positive comments from our guests. Every day, I feel that I made the right choice. Even today, without exaggeration, I truly believe that Ritzwell furniture was the best possible choice.” His first impression has not changed. “The design is delicate, but at the same time it conveys a timeless strength. There is also a certain essence of Italian design. I still remember sitting in the BEATRIX high-back easy chair in the showroom and feeling how perfectly it fit my body. The upholstery was perfectly balanced.” For Naruse, many products can be aesthetically beautiful, but few are able to offer a level of comfort that reaches the same level as their appearance. “In the case of Ritzwell, the balance between aesthetics and functionality is truly extraordinary. Even in the smallest details, one can perceive kindness and softness.” For the Japanese brand, furniture is not a product that exists for its own sake, but an instrument intended for everyday life.To transform a piece of furniture into an irreplaceable presence in people’s lives, care after purchase also plays a fundamental role. Through the Ritzwell Owners Club, exclusive maintenance services, dedicated visits and temporary upholstery renewal campaigns are offered. The showroom also organises seminars during which staff demonstrate techniques for the daily care of furniture. The relationship between Ritzwell and its owners does not end with the delivery of the product, but continues over time through attention, care and sharing.
The landscape as the protagonist
When asked what he wishes for Ritzwell’s future, Naruse responds with great confidence in the brand. “Since discovering Ritzwell, I have no longer considered any other possibilities when it comes to choosing furniture. I trust the brand and I am truly satisfied. At the same time, I hope that Ritzwell will continue to dedicate itself even more to its research and craftsmanship.” He also expresses the desire to connect with other owners and participate in Owners Club activities, creating a community around the furnishings. Through the stories of the owners, it emerges how Ritzwell is experienced not only as an aesthetic choice, but as a presence capable of accompanying everyday life. When check-in time arrives at Ginpaso, international guests begin to arrive, filling the space with energy, and before leaving the facility, their gaze once again returns to the lobby. Almost every guest who has just arrived is drawn to the view of the sea and sits down on the sofas facing the landscape. Their attention is completely captured by the silver waves that appear like pearls scattered across the surface of the water. It is as if, for a moment, they even forget that they are sitting on a sofa. If the seascape were compared to ningyō jōruri, the traditional Japanese puppet theatre, the furnishings could be compared to the kuroko, the black-clad assistants who silently support the scene. However, in marine scenes, these figures wear blue garments called namigo. In this sense, Ritzwell furnishings become the namigo: a discreet presence that accompanies and supports the scene of the silver waves of the Harima Sea. A deeply precious role.
Photo Credits by Tonari_no_koho
