Hanamaki and Morioka: A Journey of Discovery with Miyu Otani and Heralbony
Iwate: A Journey Wrapped in Sensibility

Hanamaki City in Iwate Prefecture is a tranquil area surrounded by abundant nature. It is known for its hot springs, such as Hanamaki Onsen-kyo, and as the hometown of poet Kenji Miyazawa. Additionally, places where expression thrives naturally, like the Lulunbii Art Museum, are dotted throughout the city, quietly fostering culture. Morioka City, on the other hand, the prefectural capital, boasts a calm cityscape and an atmosphere of elegance. The good old coffee shop culture still remains, with bookstores, cafes, and craft shops loosely connected. It is a city where daily life and culture blend seamlessly. We traveled through Iwate with model Miyu Otani.



"This is my third time visiting Iwate. The first was to Hanamaki Onsen with my family when I was a child, and the second was to Morioka for a photo shoot about five years ago. Iwate has my favorite bookstore, BOOKNERD, and with Kenji Miyazawa's presence, I feel it's a place where a literary atmosphere lingers. It gives me the impression that culture is quietly rooted in everyday life."
場面
01

Rupini Art Museum

ヘラルボニーが数々のアーティストと出会った、その原点ともいえる場所。生活のなかから自然に生まれた表現が、そのままのかたちで展示されている。静かなギャラリーには、作品とまっすぐ向き合える余白があり、作家の人生や背景までがゆっくりと立ち上がってくる。

This is the place where Heralbony met many artists, a place that could be called its origin. Expressions that naturally arose from daily life are displayed in their original form. The quiet gallery offers space to truly engage with the artworks, allowing the artists' lives and backgrounds to slowly emerge.
"I've had opportunities to encounter artists' works through Heralbony's clothing and products, but this is the first time I've been able to carefully view the originals. The dress I wore this time features the work of Sanae Sasaki. When I thought of Sanae-san, the circle motif was very striking, but the actual work is much more than that—it's incredibly powerful, including the brushstrokes and the subtle variations in the paper. I felt that such qualities can only be appreciated in the original artwork. To then wear a dress with the same motif and face the work gave me a sense of finally encountering it, and I was very happy."
場面
02

Marukan Building Grand Shokudo

This is the place where the restaurant on the top floor of the former Marukan Department Store was revived by popular demand. With approximately 550 seats, it retains the atmosphere of a Showa-era department store. It's a somewhat nostalgic yet lively space, almost like a theme park.

"It was like a dream. You could see the entire town of Hanamaki from the large windows, and just gazing at the scenery made my worries melt away. I visited around lunchtime, and there were many locals there, all genuinely enjoying themselves. It was clear how much this place is loved. The wallpaper, lighting, chopstick holders, and even the food samples – the cuteness in every detail was impressive. The famous 10-tier soft-serve ice cream was both visually delightful and delicious, allowing me to experience a truly unique time here. Marina's mint green shirt also looked very refreshing in this space. It matched the color of the omurice well, and I felt it was a piece of clothing that subtly added color while seamlessly blending into the place."
場面
03

Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum

A literary museum introducing the world of Kenji Miyazawa's thoughts and creations from multiple perspectives: science, art, the universe, agriculture, and religion. Personal belongings and manuscripts are displayed, creating a space where one can feel his personality.



"Kenji Miyazawa was someone I learned about in school since childhood, so I've always been curious about him. When I actually visited, there were so many exhibits that delved into the background of his works and his way of life that I didn't have enough time. The experience here made me want to reread his works carefully, so I bought 'The Restaurant of Many Orders' again that day. The building itself was also very charming, and the cat motif greeting visitors at the entrance, as well as the atmosphere of the cafe space, were impressive. Located on a small hill, the scent of greenery and the breeze were pleasant, making it a place where you constantly want to take deep breaths. The knit combination dress by Iga Otome, named 'Night View,' made me feel as if I had stepped into a story. The top part is sleek, and the silhouette, which flares out towards the hem, is beautiful, making it a comfortable piece to wear throughout the day."
場面
04

Kissaten Park

A long-established, locally beloved coffee shop located very close to Sakurayama Shrine. It's a picturesque space where time seems to slow down, no matter where you look.

"When I visited Morioka five years ago, this was the only place I stopped by. I was truly happy to be able to visit again. Everything, from the walls and signs to the demeanor of the staff, was in harmony, and everywhere you looked was beautiful. The walnut pound cake from the 'Park Set' was crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and the nutty aroma of the walnuts was very memorable. If it were closer, I'm sure I'd be a regular. I also remember seeing a local couple quietly spending time by the window. I felt that this place isn't something special, but rather exists naturally as part of daily life, and that was very lovely and enviable. Kahoru Sugimoto's dress, though seemingly vibrant at first glance, somehow harmonized with the colors of this space. It's a dress that has the power to instantly brighten your mood just by wearing it."
場面
05

ISAI PARK

Heralbony's flagship store is a cultural facility that integrates art, a shop, and a café. As its name suggests, it is an open space where anyone can freely stop by, like a park. The café offers a HERALBONY blend, supervised by Nagasawa COFFEE, with diversity as its theme.

"It was a calm and open space, so much so that it was hard to believe it was inside a commercial facility. You could feel the attention to detail in every chair and piece of interior design, creating a comfortable atmosphere that made you naturally want to stay longer. The artwork was also easily accessible, and I felt it was great to be able to experience art as an extension of everyday life. It's the kind of place where you can just drop in while shopping. Satoru Kobayashi's shirt was simple yet very striking. It had a calm, mature charm that was different from Heralbony's previous colorful image, which was refreshing."
場面
06

Morioka scenery

岩手の山や川に囲まれた風景は、どこまでもおおらかで、空気はやわらかく開かれている。深く息を吸い込むたびに、心の余白が広がっていくようだ。

「空が広くて、風がすっと通り抜けていく感じがとても心地よくて。ここにいると、自然と気持ちに余裕が生まれる気がします。時間の流れ方が少し違うような、不思議な感覚もありました。ただ景色を眺め、街を歩くだけで、穏やかな気持ちになれる場所。最後に着た伊賀敢男留さんのニットコンビワンピースは、水色のようなやわらかな色味で、ブラックとはまた違った軽やかさがありました。周囲の緑ともよく馴染んで、この風景の中に自然と溶け込める一着だと感じました」

Miyu Otani

Began her career as a model at age 14.
Hoping that sharing her passions will be a small catalyst in someone's daily life, she also writes essays and collaborates with brands. She loves cats and retro Japanese cafes. Her nickname is Omiyu.

Her books include "Sukima Jikan (Loopsha)" and "Atsumezu Niwa Irarenai (Loopsha)."
She is the navigator for J-WAVE's original Podcast "Omiyu's Love Collection Club."

@omiyuno

STORE LIST

Lumbini Museum of Life
1-21-29 Hoshigaoka, Hanamaki City
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Closed: Wednesdays, Sundays, 4th Tuesday of the month

Marukan Building Grand Restaurant
Marukan Building 6F, 6-2 Uwamachi, Hanamaki City
Operating hours: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Last Order) (Closes 3:30 PM, Mon-Fri), 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last Order) (Closes 6:30 PM, Sat, Sun, Public Holidays)
Closed: Wednesdays

Kenji Miyazawa Memorial Museum
1-1-36 Yazawa, Hanamaki City
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed: Tuesdays, New Year holidays (December 28 – January 3)

Kissaten Park
4-6 Uchimaru, Morioka City
Operating hours: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed: Thursdays, Sundays

ISAI PARK
Parc Avenue Kawatoku 1F, 1-10-1 Saien, Morioka City
Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Closed: Same as Kawatoku Department Store

Credit

Model: Miyu Otani
Producer: Rina Park (HERALBONY)
Visual Director: Miu Nakatsuka (HERALBONY)
Editor / Text: Shoko Matsumoto
Photographer: Takumi Kimura (HERALBONY)
Videographer: Yui Sugawara
Stylist: Konomi Nishikawa
Hair & Make-up: Minami Kikuchi / Hiromi Kawada