Candy Cranks

This made the morning news in Tokyo. Apparently some pranksters at the University of Tokyo (Todai) went on a bit of a saddle swiping spree and left a free gift of broccoli for their victims. This happened last month without much issue, but a second round this month had the police involved and pressing charges. The saddles were recovered, by the way.

These events seem to have inspired a bit of a trend.

this appears to be chikuwa, a kind of fish cake that is very yummy

It has been one month since the devastating earthquake and tsunami hit northern Japan, and though there is still so much work to be done up north and we in Tokyo are living with bottled water and reduced lighting (which is kind of romantic), life is moving along. To help the people in the devastated Tohoku region move on, a Tokyo based group is collecting, repairing and distributing bikes. They are really looking for kids bikes since all bikes coming from other organizations are only for adults. If you cannot donate a bike (ie. you don’t have one to donate or are not in Japan), please donate money on their website. They are also buying new bikes and could surely use funds to gas up their truck.

This is a grassroots effort and it’s a long drive up north so please support this project.

http://bikesforjapan.org/

My name is Taecco from Tokyo Japan.

I love riding that can go anywhere and anytime with my boyfriend!!

This cinelli BMX and I maybe same years old !
Bike spec:
Cinelli BMX
Frame:Cinelli MX-1 BMX
Wheel:unknown / one-off aluminum Billet Wheel?
Crank:old Campagnolo BMX crank

Photo entries on flickr

Name: Jess

Nickname: Lucy, Stooopid

Star sign/Blood type: Aries/B(?)

Birthday: April 3, 1981

Current city: Tokyo

What’s the bike scene like in Tokyo for females?
Pretty cool! You see all kinds of ladies looking cool on bikes. All scenes I have checked out (fixie, single speed mountain bike, some road touring and triathlon groups, and Critical Mass) have all been a nice mix of girls and boys. I have felt welcome and comfortable everywhere…

What’s your favourite ride right now? Only ride right now: KHS f20-something

Where’s your favourite place to ride? All over Tokyo, Komazawa Dori, Kamakura

Favourite riding outfit: jeans ‘n t-shirt

Favourite food: curry!

Favourite movie: Crooklyn

Favourite book: The Blind Assassin, Blade Runner, also Anne Rice, yyup!

What makes you laugh? being tickled, funny dancing in my apartment, people from Osaka, South Park

What makes you angry? messes

What are you listening to on your I-pod? Burial

Do you have any pets? no, just a pigeon on the window sill

Jess’ Candy Cranks posts

Arrow is one of my favourite bike shops in Tokyo. Arrow bikes are single speed with a coaster brake, not  fixed gear. All bikes look very nice! Kids bikes are available aslo.

http://www.geocities.jp/arrow_koenji/

1:44 - Shibuya

1:47 – Aoyama

1:54 – Nishi Azabu

2:00-5:45 – Italian Restaurant in Nishi Azabu

6:00 – Specialized in Aoyama

6:15 – Nishi Shinjuku

6:30 – Koenji

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”.

TKO: One week of images in sixty seconds from Andy Miller on Vimeo.

Images of Tokyo from 16-23 November 2009. It wasn’t a sight-seeing trip, but there was plenty to see just hanging out with interesting people from Japan and abroad — many converging on Tokyo for the 5th annual Bicycle Film Festival. This is my week in Tokyo.

Check out the original set of images on flickr. Thanks Andy!

Shino took me to her favourite bike shop in Tokyo owned by the super cool Takumi. They have lots of hot bikes on display, and a great range of accessories. I’m still amazed at how many awesome bike shops there are in Japan. Bean’s is definitely one to check out if you make it to Tokyo.

A few more pics here.

Blue Lug is another awesome Tokyo bike shop that had absolutely everything imaginable for bikes. I was lurking all over the store oohing and ahhing at everything, I spent a load of cash buying parts for my new ride, then went back the next day to do more damage! How about a coat hanger made out of rims and spokes, or a snake cover for your bike chain (popular with the Harajuku boys). The staff were lovely and rode some amazing bikes that I will have more on soon. A more pics on Flickr.