Okinawa Resort Workcation Promotion Council

‘Howlive’ is a multifunctional workspace, located in the heart of Nago, the gateway to Yanbaru. It is a dynamic shared workspace where diverse people and thoughts intersect.

howlive operates the largest network of coworking spaces in the Okinawa Prefecture, spanning seven locations. Centered around the theme 'To work is to live,' the workspaces, designed with the working person in mind, each equipped with kitchen facilities. Each of our seven locations feature a unique color palette, creating their own sense of identity. The Nago Miyazato branch hosts a variety of tenants, including a food company, an FM radio station, a newspaper branch, and a gym, creating a dynamic environment where a wide array of people interact daily.

By car, it's roughly an 80-minute drive from Naha Airport to Nago via the highway, and just 10 minutes from the Kyoda Interchange at the end of the Okinawa Expressway. For a direct route without transfers, you can opt for the Yanbaru Express Bus or a high-speed bus to reach the Nago Bus Terminal (it's then about a 15-minute walk from there to ‘Howlive’).

Nago City, the entrance to 'Yanbaru' (the northern part of Okinawa Island), which became a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 2021, serves as the business heart of Okinawa’s northern region. It boasts excellent access to city offices, financial institutions, hotels, and dining options. The coworking space in Nago has a distinctly laid-back vibe, unlike the bustling office spaces in Naha. It uniquely blends the liberating feel of a resort workcation with the practicality of urban amenities, complete with a spacious free parking lot.

At the reception, you'll use a smartphone for registration, but staff are always on hand to assist. Once you scan the QR code and complete your registration with your smartphone, you'll enter a relaxed, cafe-like space adorned with greenery. The first thing you'll notice is a communication area furnished with spacious, large sofas.

Business born from an initial greeting

The collaboration area is used for meetings and such, but it's also a place where spontaneous conversations between users from different industries happen, providing introductions and leading to new business opportunities.

There is a dedicated concentration area in the back offering a quiet space, however, conversation and eating is allowed, with users mindful of others and conscious not to be disruptively loud.

A focused area where privacy is maintained.

The focus area, designed to ensure privacy, offers personal chair areas enclosed by panels on three sides with an integrated wide desk.

Ergonomic design has been considered, with Herman Miller's Sayl chairs provided to ensure comfort during extended periods of sitting.

We offer monitor rentals, allowing you to work comfortably and maximize productivity with a small-screen laptop without experiencing any stress.

Meeting rooms are available offering secure private rooms with top-notch security measures.

There are three private rooms available. In Yanbaru, where office properties are scarce, this is a valuable opportunity. It is suitable for corporate registration, and with the availability of a mailbox, it can also serve as an Okinawa branch for companies from outside the prefecture. Room members not only have exclusive access to private rooms but also enjoy significant benefits, such as access to shared spaces across all seven locations.

Phone booths provide privacy for online meetings without worrying about your surroundings.

There are three phone booths, each with a different wallpaper to create a bright atmosphere. Some rooms are equipped with ring lights, making them suitable for casual live streaming or Zoom meetings.

A flexible meeting room that can be used for various purposes.

The meeting room is available for various purposes such as meetings, seminars, workshops, and more. Desks can be removed for presentations, which can accommodate up to 30 people. When the space is not reserved, it is open for use as a desk space, providing flexibility for users.

The user demographics and reasons for utilization are diverse.

Approximately 60% of the users at “howlive Nago Miyazato” branch are startup entrepreneurs, individual business owners, and local residents in Okinawa, including those in the construction and real estate industries. The space is also utilized for online English conversation lessons and seminars.

Additionally, due to the frequent events and competitions held at nearby venues such as the 21st Century Beach, parks, and stadiums, there are training sessions for stakeholders related to these events. The space is also utilized by media professionals and individuals on workation, showcasing its versatility for a wide range of purposes.

Each “howlive” branch is operated by a different management company, and the Nago Miyazato branch is managed by Nansei Shokuhin Co., Ltd. The headquarters is also located on the same floor, and provides a spacious kitchen shared with howLive users.

We have a complete set of cooking facilities, including IH cooking heaters, grills, microwaves, and scales. So, if you get tired of eating out during a long stay, you can buy ingredients from the supermarket on the first floor and cook your own meals. Various drinks such as coffee, sanshin tea, and flavored water are also available for you to enjoy freely.

Next to the kitchen, there is a raised area with Ryukyu tatami mats, serving as a coworking space, providing a unique environment for meals and breaks. For those who use the space for an entire day, the variety of seating options including sofas, high chairs, office chairs, and tatami mats allows for constant movement, preventing fixed postures. This flexibility not only provides a subtle change in mood but also helps reduce fatigue.

During break times, you can refresh by breaking a sweat at the gym.

On the same floor, there is the e-Life training gym, which welcomes visitors. For those using private rooms, there is an all-you-can-use gym plan. Many companies, especially those opening Okinawa offices from outside the prefecture or expanding into the northern part of the prefecture, often utilize private rooms as northern branch offices. Some cases also involve the use of the all-you-can-use gym plan for employee welfare.

The only “howlive” branch with a shower room facility

At the Nago Miyazato branch, “howlive” is the only one equipped with a shower room. In the hot and humid climate of Okinawa, even a short walk can lead to a significant amount of sweat. Taking a refreshing shower helps improve productivity. Towels (available for a fee) are also provided, making it convenient for sudden rain showers or refreshing breaks on hot days in rainy Okinawa.

Nansei Food Co., Ltd. Management Planning Department Coworking Section - Shiho Higa

"”howlive Nago Miyazato branch” stands out from other coworking spaces primarily due to the naturally created 'comfort'. While many coworking spaces are increasingly becoming unmanned, there is a certain sense of loneliness as the interactions with people seem lacking. Some places have individual separations with doors and partitions, contributing to a feeling of solitude. The key difference lies in the inherent coziness that naturally arises at this location.

Our company has dedicated reception staff on the floor, creating an environment where interactions begin with a brief greeting at the entrance. From pouring a cup of coffee to enjoying conversations, and even chatting during breaks, there is an emphasis on experiencing the warmth of human connection. Additionally, our coworking space lacks partitions and doors in an effort to avoid separating areas, fostering an open and spacious atmosphere. Despite the absence of physical barriers, the layout allows for a sense of privacy without being overly conscious of others around you.

Furthermore, as a mixed-use coworking facility, our floor is home to four tenant companies. With various stakeholders, clients, and visitors frequenting the space, it's common to see collaborative activities such as meetings, discussions, and coworking usage as workspaces. Given this diverse user base, a balanced and not overly quiet environment naturally contributes to a bright atmosphere. Having a moderate level of human presence seems to be a key factor in maintaining a vibrant and highly motivating ambiance. Indeed, it is from this sense of 'comfort' that conversations naturally arise, and connections are established almost unnoticed. The welcoming atmosphere fosters an environment where people naturally engage in dialogue, leading to organic connections."

“howlive Nago Miyazato branch”, where conversations naturally unfold among users. The northern part of Okinawa Main Island, which is set to open a theme park in 2025, is garnering increasing attention as a destination for both tourism and business. The area is poised to become a focal point for various activities and interests in the coming years.

Consider combining scattered days off, such as taking Thursday as a public holiday, working on Friday, and then enjoying the weekend for tourism. This way, you can experience a 'workation,' seamlessly blending holidays and weekdays. It's an appealing option to make the most of your time, allowing for both work commitments and leisure activities.