GRAB! CLIMBER'S MIND Vol.6

Gramicci is now a fashion fixture in everyday life, but its roots are clearly in climbing. The brand originated from 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 the sport, and how they approach climbing. The signpost that traces the origin of Gramicci once again embodies the essence of surviving in the present.

Model and photographer Emi Matsushima embodies an authentic style that brings comfort. She is not only passionate about rock climbing but also enjoys skiing and hiking, embracing an active lifestyle in California. Emi believes that rock climbing is essential in life. Let’s explore the reasons behind her perspective through her journey.

―――What inspired you to start climbing?

When I was in elementary school, I lived in Spain and would visit an area called La Pedriza in the outskirts of Madrid with my family. We would spend time in the mountains and go camping. My first climbing experience was scrambling on the rocks there, and it remains one of my most cherished memories from childhood. After being away from the mountains for nearly 20 years, I started climbing again seriously about five or six years ago.

―――So you had some time away from climbing.

It was quite a busy time for me. I lived in Long Beach, California, until I was three, then spent a year in Belgium, a year in Düsseldorf, Germany, four years in Hiroshima, four years in Madrid, Spain, and four years in Bonn, Germany. At 16, I left home to move to Tokyo and work as a model. I later attended a university in London, but I dropped out after two weeks and returned to Tokyo, where I worked as a model for another four years.

After that, I became immersed in the nightlife scene and started working as a club booker in Singapore. However, it was very commercial, and I wanted to experience the true underground culture, so I decided to move to Berlin. It was during this time that I picked up climbing again after a long break. I always felt like something was missing, and I was constantly on the move.

―――That's a hectic life. What was the climbing culture like in Berlin?

Although there weren't any natural rock areas nearby, there were plenty of popular climbing gyms in the city. The gym culture was unique, with cafes and bars attached, where everyone would chill and enjoy themselves. It felt different from the outdoor and sports cultures in the U.S. or Japan.

―――Are you now living in California and focusing on climbing?

That's right! I went outdoor rock climbing for the first time in California, and I got completely hooked! Besides climbing, I also enjoy backpacking and hiking. California has 15 mountains over 4,000 meters, and my goal is to summit them one by one. I also do backcountry skiing, and whenever I have free time, I'm always heading to the mountains.

―――What does climbing mean to you?

The moment when the mind and body become one is incredible. Climbing involves risks, so you have to focus 100%, which clears all distractions. In daily life, we're often lost in thought, with our mind and body moving separately. But during climbing, it feels like they finally align and move in the same direction. I truly love that feeling; it's a form of meditation that is essential to my everyday life.

―――Tell us about Cathedral Peak, which you climbed this time.

Cathedral Peak is a classic route located in the Tuolumne Meadows area on the northern side of Yosemite National Park. With its high elevation, it's more aligned with alpine climbing. It's about an hour's drive north from the centre of Yosemite, which means it's relatively less crowded, making it a wonderfully relaxing experience.

Cathedral Peak is a well-known spot in the U.S. and ranks among the top three popular routes in Tuolumne. The journey from California to Cathedral Peak takes about five and a half hours by car, followed by a two-hour approach to the starting point. The climbing itself takes around four hours, and it usually takes about three hours to descend.

―――When is the best season for climbing?

Due to the high elevation and early snowfall, the climbing season is relatively short. Typically, it opens around May to June and closes by November. Essentially, it’s a location that is accessible mainly during the summer months.

―――Please tell us about your climbing style.

I like adventure climbing, mainly traditional multi-pitch climbing where you equip yourself with your own protection. I feel that spending a day facing the mountains and immersing myself in them suits me better than bouldering.

―――Please tell me about your encounter with Gramicci.

I believe climbing brands often incorporate a fashion flair. In Los Angeles, many friends who don’t climb still wear brands like Gramicci. It shows how climbing gear can blend into everyday fashion, making it stylish and versatile for various activities.

―――What kind of clothes do you usually like to wear?

Here, there’s no need to dress up, and since I naturally prefer unisex styles, I tend to wear a lot of outdoor gear. For instance, I often pair Gramicci pants with a sports bra. I also enjoy mixing outdoor pieces with clothes from brands like John Lawrence Sullivan that I've had for a long time. It’s a fun way to blend styles!

―――No, it's really stylish, isn't it? (laughs)

I guess so (laughs). Gramicci is a brand that fits in comfortably with the California atmosphere, so I think you can wear it in a variety of ways with a free mind.

―――What does California, where you are currently based, mean to you?

As I mentioned earlier, I was constantly traveling around the world and never felt settled. However, I had always admired California. When I visited in 2019, everything fell into place, and I felt a strong sense that it made sense to live there. By the end of February 2020, I decided to make the move.

―――What was it about California that filled the gap in your heart?

It seems like my lifestyle has finally clicked into place. For the first time in my life, I'm not searching for the next thing. I used to always chase after "somewhere that isn't here." Growing up, I loved being active and wanted to be an athlete, but moving frequently made it hard to focus on myself. I was just trying to make friends and adapt to new environments, so I couldn’t fully immerse myself in sports or activities.

Even when I was modelling, my workouts became more about fitting the "thin" ideal than truly being active. I thought I could blow off that frustration by going to clubs and listening to music, but deep down, I was still unfulfilled.

―――Here I found the same fun and fulfilment I felt as an elementary school student playing in the mountains with my family.

Absolutely! Being back in the mountains and nature has revived those feelings from my childhood. It’s like I’m receiving the right kind of stimulation now. I truly believe this is the real me, just as I am.

―――Finally, is there any message you would like to convey through climbing?

I personally want to challenge myself with bouldering and see how far I can go. I started climbing seriously in my 30s, so I do feel a bit of a time limit, but I have confidence that I’m at my strongest now.

I also want to create a community that supports people interested in outdoor activities and climbing, especially those who lack access or knowledge. While California is often associated with the ocean, there are many beautiful mountains like the Sierra Nevada. I hope to help more people discover and appreciate mountain culture.

Photo:Mark Popovich