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Paradise Calling
Livin’ & Working in MIYAKOJIMA
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Atsushi Hashida

A quiet lifestyle in the place I dreamed of

The island of Miyakojima, a flat expanse of land covering approximately 204 square kilometers, is home to about 55,000 people. Among them are those who were so captivated by the island that they chose to move, as well as those who left their homeland, only to return later in life. Let’s take a closer look at the lives of four individuals who now call Miyakojima their humble abode.

01/27/2025

A place for slow living


“When a friend introduced me to this opportunity in Miyakojima, it took me three or four months to decide,” Hashida explains. “But I realized it was probably a once-in-a-lifetime chance, so I took the leap.”

During university, he’d been inspired by a close friend from Miyakojima, who planted the idea of someday living on the island. Now, as part of the HR team, he’s helping onboard international staff while fully immersing himself in the island lifestyle.

Hashida, already seasoned in free-diving from his frequent pre-move visits, slips into his fins with ease.
With the hotel’s opening on the horizon, he joins a lively, multicultural team for daily planning sessions.

“Living in urban areas for so long, I was a bit worried about the inconveniences of island life,” Hashida admits. “But looking at it now, life back then was just way too hectic. Weekends were always a rush—events, shopping, constantly on the go. Here on Miyakojima, my weekends are much more relaxed. I can sleep in and head to the beach if I have the time. The slower pace has really helped me feel more at ease.”

He often grabs a fresh smoothie at Juice Shop Uru, offering loads of seasonal island fruits and vegetables.
 Picking up dinner ingredients at Atarasu Market, one can’t help but get excited seeing all the vibrant island produce.

Spending time at the beach with colleagues or unwinding in nature after work has added a richness to Hashida’s daily life that seems to fuel his professional energy.

“The inconveniences I was worried about before moving here have hardly been an issue,” he shares. “But what truly stands out is how warmly the locals welcome you. It’s something I feel grateful for every single day—it’s a big part of what makes this island so special.”

Tonight, he’s adding urizun (winged beans), one of Miyakojima’s local staples, to the menu.
Cooking with local ingredients is a favorite ritual of his—another way to savor Miyakojima, right at home.

Rosewood Miyakojima

Set to open in 2025, this ultra-luxury lifestyle hotel promises an unparalleled escape. Designed by Dutch architect Piet Boon, the property will feature 55 guest villas, including three signature houses, each complete with its own spacious private pool. Guests can savor the flavors of Miyakojima across four distinct restaurants and bars, while a spa is also planned to offer ultimate relaxation.

Atsushi Hashida
A member of the HR department at Rosewood Miyakojima. Originally from Nagano Prefecture, Hashida worked in Tokyo’s hotel industry after graduating from university. Having visited the island over 10 times as a tourist, he eventually decided to make it his home. Now, he is hard at work preparing for the opening of Rosewood Miyakojima, scheduled for 2025.

Photography | Taro Ikeda Text | Yusuke Kajitani Support | Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd.