Candy Cranks

New year postcard I designed

Sending new years postcards is a big deal in Japan. Every year there are tonnes of designs to choose from that are all variations on whichever animal’s year it is in the Chinese Zodiac. I’ve never sent new years cards before, but thought I’d give it a shot. Next year will be the year of the tiger. Here’s my design. The red stamp is my signature, which reads “je”.

Cycle Mode is the huge international trade show that I missed last year. This year the event was held December 11-13 at Makuhari Messe (a convention centre) in Chiba (not actually in Tokyo). Even though it was freezing and rainy and gross on Friday evening, I was determined to get there once I finally got through meetings at school. It took over an hour by train, but it was worth it.

Gold KHS. I own a KHS folder, and have become a bit of a fan.

This man was having so much fun test riding this puppy that I couldn't get a clear shot of him.

sexy display

Kimori, carbon fiber wheels!

Fuji Origami folding bike

It's Mr. Gary Fisher!

Cute things by Puma

Hi there! I’m new here, and excited to share my Tokyo cycling experience with you.

What Christmas looks like in my neighbourhood

Bike paddy wagon right outside my apartment. This is a reality of life in Tokyo.

First, a bit about me and why I’m having a Tokyo cycling experience at all. I’m originally from Toronto, and have been here for about 3.5 years already. I came to do the teaching English thing, then did some graphic design, and ended up as a grad student. I always enjoyed biking back home, but got really intrigued by the various forms of bike culture here, the two most prominent being the masses of silver coloured granny bikes that accumulate outside train stations, and the polar opposite; beautifully pimped road bikes and fixies all over the place. Urban cycling actually became a huge part of my thesis research. This research keeps me pretty busy and very entertained cuz there’s just so much going on in Tokyo. I’ll be posting the highlights here. Hope you enjoy!

Jess