GRAB! CLIMBER'S MIND Vol.1

Gramicci is now become a part of fashion in everyday life, but its roots are unmistakably in climbing. That's because the brand originated in the climbing pants of legendary rock climber Mike Graham, who was dubbed the "Stone Master" in the 1970s. In this series of articles, we will explore the mentality and lifestyle of climbers who have been captivated by climbing. The signpost that traces the origin of Gramicci once again contains the essence of surviving the present.

The moment I met him, his cheeks relaxed involuntarily, and Mr. Nagata wore a happy aura and a unique, relaxed feel. Nagata, who believes in "light clothing and casualness" as much as possible, only brings a yoga mat and chalk, and laughs, "An air cushion is essential so that I can take a nap!" It seems that his son often accompanies him on climbing, and on this day, he is ready with a bug net and a large bug cage. We interviewed Mr. Nagata at his favorite climbing area, Mitake Boulder, located in the Okutama area.

――― How did you get into climbing?

It was a festival held at a U.S. military base in Okinawa that I attended when I was 14 years old. There is a wall that you can climb with a rope of about 8 meters that you can play with for 500 yen. When you climb to the top, there is a red round button, and when you press it...... "Bee---------! It rang!　The sense of accomplishment I felt when I heard that sound was amazing. I think it was as loud as a car horn. yes, I was hooked by that red round button and I was completely hooked (laughs).

About 10 minutes from my house, there was the only climbing gym in Okinawa, "Yamacha Climbing Gym", so I have been immersed in it ever since. I was also playing basketball at the time, so after school it was like an endless loop of climbing and basketball (laughs). My friends were all older, and I used to hang out with college students and American soldiers.

――― When did you decide to take up climbing as a job?

When I was in high school, I wanted to make a living by climbing. I didn't have any basis for it (laughs). Since then, I have been participating in tournaments and other events, so I came back because Tokyo is convenient in terms of access. After that, I worked as a staff member at the climbing gym "B-PUMP" and was also active as an athlete, and I was able to participate in the national sports and the World Cup.

――― Please tell us about your climbing style.

It's about enjoying it as if you were taking a walk. Reduce your luggage as much as possible and keep it rough. I mean, I think that's what free climbing is all about. I also bring climbing shoes, but in fact, most of the time I climb barefoot (laughs). I like that I can feel the gritty feeling of the rocks, and I can become one with the rocky area because I don't rely on anything. Of course, wearing climbing shoes has more grip, but there are grooves that you can't hook unless you're barefoot, so it's functional (laughs).

Today, I'm also using a waterproof pack from an outdoor brand instead of a chalk bag. In terms of waterproofing and ease of knotting, I think the plastic bag from convenience store is really good (laughs). Well, that's how rough it feels. Of course, there are times when you attack with enthusiasm, but it rained the day before, right?　It's dangerous to climb poorly, so I thought it would be a good idea to go this easy today. It's just right to climb a little, rest, and climb again when you feel like it.

――― Has there been any change in the way you approach climbing?

It's like a hobby in the past and now, and nothing has changed!　That's why I've never been bored or thought about quitting. However, in the past, I used to participate in competitions and competitions, but lately I have been in a slightly distant position. The world is a competition! competition ! I don't know how it feels like winning or losing is the top priority...... I think it's partly due to the influence of parents, but children also have a strong awareness of this. Like, "Beat him!" I feel like it's premised on competitions, but that's not the case.

Of course, I know how fun the competition is, but “it's fun!”That's what climbing is all about. In other words, climbing is a journey. In a group of people. It's not just the moment when you're excited, when you're in trouble, or when you're climbing. So, when we get to the rocky area, each of them is at a different level, so we talk about how to climb it and enjoy each of them. There's no winning or losing, there's no. “It's fun to have!” It's just a feeling.

――― What is the appeal of Mitake Boulder?

First of all, it is easy to access by train from Tokyo. In addition, there are more than 100 challenges, and there are many cool rocky areas. I think it's a place that everyone from beginners to advanced players can enjoy. You can not only climb, but also camp and play in the river, and the location is great, isn't it?　Also, it's nice to be able to play with your kids like today!　I like it so much that I came here for a camp about 3 months ago (laughs).

――― On the other hand, I heard that there was large-scale chipping damage in the past?

That's right. The so-called chipping, which involves cutting rocks to change the grade (difficulty), and in some places the route itself has disappeared. It's just a product of nature, so when you're done climbing, return it to the state it was in before you climbed it. As a basic etiquette, I would like everyone to clean the chalk marks with a brush.

――― What kind of impression do you have of Gramicci?

Of course, I knew about it for a long time, and I often liked to wear shorts. These gadget pants have loops on the sides, so it's convenient to attach a chalk back. The white color also has marks after climbing, and I like it because it looks like work pants.

――― How did it feel to actually wear it and climb it?

Easy to move! And I also like the tough texture of the cotton canvas. I'm grateful with that because it's easy to tear your pants in rocky areas. In the gym, nylon might be better (laughs), but this one simply has more style.

――― What kind of job does a route setter do?

The work of a climbing gym can be broadly divided into two parts: "instruction" and "route set". As the name suggests, the instruction is the instructor of the school, and the route set is the job of creating the course. Since the course is the product of the climbing gym, the number of people entering the gym is completely different depending on whether the course is interesting or not. It also depends on whether there are a lot of rocky challenges or a lot of sporty challenges.

After working at B-PUMP, I wanted to start my own climbing gym, but it didn't work out for a lot of reasons. When I was thinking about what to do from there, a gym in Nippori called "Rhino & Bird" that I went to for training was looking for people, so I joined and learned the know-how of route sets.

――― You've been offered route sets from various gyms, but what do you feel is the reason for your popularity?

Hmm~, where is it (laughs)? The main premise of my work is "feeling good." In other words, you may feel excited while climbing, or you may feel a feeling after climbing that remains in your mind. In order to achieve this, I pay close attention to the distance and the direction of the hold, and just have fun.

――― What do you want to convey through climbing?

Anyway, I want to spread the "fun" and "interesting" of climbing. Route sets are one way to do this, but recently we have also started hosting events. The other day, I set up a bar counter for the competition and MCed while drinking all the time (laughs), and everyone had a lot of fun!

Oh yes, there will be an event called "EARTH JAMMIM" at the Water Source Forest Campground on November 18~19th, so be sure to check it out!　In addition to the bouldering wall, there will be an outdoor movie theater, outdoor live performances, and of course, a bar counter (laughs), so it will be an event where you can enjoy outdoor play while camping with your family and friends.

――― It seems to be a great place for children to come into contact with nature.

Let's take care of the environment for children! I think it's important to teach them to enjoy nature before telling them. After all, it's outdoor education (laughs)?　This time, the main focus is on family and friends, but eventually I would like to hold an event just for children. We set up a tent on our own, and we made a place to sleep and food. I want to create a flow where they can jump out of the climbing gym and climb while camping.

――― Lastly, please tell us about your own goals in climbing!

I simply want to go around more rocky areas!　Like Taiwan!　There are quite a few unexplored rocks, and it is a place that will become a culture in the future. Ah~, when I was talking, I wanted to go on a trip right now (laughs).

Photo:Tetsuo Kashiwada(NewColor inc)