Table of Contents 1 Birthplace: Strasbourg2 Eco-Conscious Companions3 Into Ultra-Distance 1. Birthplace: Strasbourg Now, it’s about time to talk a bit about the organizers of TJO, the real masterminds behind the mysterious setup. France, home to the world’s greatest cycling race, the Tour de France, has embodied and preserved the tradition, prestige, and pride of cycling like no other country since the invention of the bicycle’s prototype in Paris in 1791. Many races and events held across France boast over a century of history, with the Tour at the pinnacle. This cultural foundation nurtured the format of *brevets* and iconic events like Paris-Brest-Paris, leading the way for global c […]

Table of Contents 1. Checkpoints and Segments2. The “Subtlety” of the Route 1. Checkpoints and Segments The 2016 event begins at Nihonbashi in Tokyo and passes through 11 mountain checkpoints (CP) scattered across various regions of Japan. Riders aim to reach the final destination, Dotonbori in Osaka, within two weeks. The total distance is approximately 2,500 to 3,000 km. The level of craziness has certainly increased compared to the previous year. Nihonbashi to Dotonbori—usually a familiar route along the Tokaido, should only be about 550 km using Route 1. So, how does it become 3,000 km? The key to this puzzle lies in the checkpoints. Here are the CPs that were required for co […]

Table of Contents 1. The Full Picture Remains Unseen2. Dot Watchers 1. The Full Picture Remains Unseen As the new year began, the second edition of The Japanese Odyssey (TJO) felt much more welcoming to me, eager for revenge after the previous year. The official website was more detailed, even including specific route information. The event starts at Nihonbashi. Throughout the text outlining the event’s philosophy and overview, I sensed the organizers’ growing enthusiasm and respect for Japan, the host country, even more so than the previous year. The site was still only available in English, likely because they were, like other ultra-distance races, aiming to attract participant […]

A serialized essay by photographer Eigo Shimojo, who continues to follow ‘The Japanese Odyssey,’ an ultra-long-distance and intensely core ride event held in Japan. The second installment covers the spirit of self-support that sustains ultra-long-distance rides and the journey leading up to his first participation…? Table of Contents 1. Ultra-Distance and Self-Supported2. The Pioneering ‘The Transcontinental Race’ 1. Ultra-Distance and Self-Supported To succinctly describe the characteristics of ‘The Japanese Odyssey’ (TJO), there are two key terms: ‘ultra-distance’ and ‘self-supported.’ Most races involve covering a set route of hu […]

Far Away. For the past decade, events and races known as ultra-long-distance have been emerging worldwide, surpassing the realm of long-distance cycling. These events cover thousands of kilometers, taking riders across countries and prefectural borders, over mountains and rivers, over the course of a week to half a month. With no aid stations or support vehicles, cyclists must rely solely on themselves until they reach the finish line. These grueling rides have been steadily gaining attention among cyclists in the know. While ‘brevets’ are well-known in Japan, recently, a niche group of cyclists has turned their passionate gaze toward ‘The Japanese Odyssey.’ This even […]

The “TOUR DE TSUMARI” is held every year in Niigata Prefecture with a course which covers a maximum distance of 120km. Because it is not a time trial race, the participants can enjoy the scenery and the hospitality of the local people. A notable point is that this event is an artwork itself with the theme of moving. The originator is Yoshiaki Ito, an architect and cyclist. Continuing from the last time, we interviewed him.

Long rides bring joy to cyclists. The “TOUR DE TSUMARI” is held every year in Niigata Prefecture with a course which covers a maximum distance of 120km. Because it is not a time trial race, the participants can enjoy the scenery and the hospitality of the local people. Moreover, another notable point is that this event is an artwork itself with the theme of moving. The originator is Yoshiaki Ito, an architect and cyclist. We interviewed Mr. Ito about the history of the ” TOUR DE TSUMARI” over two sessions.

On the first weekend of July, two cycling events were held in the Niseko area of Hokkaido. One is the Niseko Classic, a UCI-sanctioned citizens’ race, and the other is the Niseko Yotei Fun Ride, a loop around Mt. Yotei. With many entrants from overseas, the two-day event had a rich international flavor that is typical of Niseko.