Tracing the footsteps of Katsushika Hokusai by bicycle – Part 2 of the short series. This time, we will start with Hokusai in his twenties, when he entered the Katsukawa school and plunged into the world of ukiyo-e. Table of Contents 　1. In the Sumo Town (Ages 20~)　2. Man of the North Star (Ages 30~)　3. Becoming Hokusai, Katsushika Hokusai (Ages 40~) 1. In the Sumo Town (Ages 20~) Hokusai was allowed to use the name Katsukawa Shunro within just one year of entering the Katsukawa school, where he produced ukiyo-e prints (note that he changed his art name over 30 times in his lifetime, but this column will consistently use “Hokusai”).At that time, the motifs of ukiyo-e prints […]

In 1856, the young French printmaker Bracquemond was shown a collection of ceramics by an acquaintance. These ceramics, imported from Japan, a country then closed to foreign relations, would likely have been rare in Western Europe. However, what captured his attention was not the ceramics themselves but their wrapping paper. It was a page from Katsushika Hokusai’s “Hokusai Manga.(Hokusai Sketch)” Impressed by the artwork, Bracquemond went on to obtain a copy of “Hokusai Manga” through great effort and introduced it to his painter friends in Paris, eventually leading to Hokusai becoming widely known across Europe from France. …Unfortunately, the story is sa […]

“Cherry blossoms” symbolize spring in Japan, displaying various expressions by the sea, in the mountains, and throughout the cities. Introducing a cycling course to enjoy the cherry blossoms, starting with Matsushima, one of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Spots in Miyagi Prefecture. Departing from Sendai Airport, the goal is Zuiganji, a national treasure. It’s about a 50-kilometer journey along the coast. We look forward to seeing what colors the cherry blossoms will paint in Matsushima. And of course, there will be delicious food to enjoy as well!

“Ferry × Bicycle”. There are surely some of you who are excited by this combination, right? Hello again. I’m Yoshiki Nagahama, an Okinawan writer born and raised in Okinawa. This is my second column. I’m introducing recommended cycling routes in Okinawa. As I mentioned at the beginning, “Ferry”. It can be quite a hassle to pack your bike into a carrying bag for airplanes or trains, but if you’re traveling by ferry, you can take your bike on board seamlessly and enjoy a smooth travel experience.

For many Japanese people, Kyushu holds a special significance. It breathes with the eternal romance of numerous myths, and the proximity of untouched nature to urban areas is remarkable. This environment has fostered the unique culture of Kyushu. Among them, Kumamoto Prefecture is an ideal place to experience the natural beauty and culture of Kyushu, with attractions such as Mount Aso (including the five peaks of Takadake, Nekodake, Nakadake, Eboshidake, and Kishimadake, as well as the outer rim and caldera), Kumamoto Castle, hot springs, and natural springs. This time, let’s introduce the Kumamoto ride, which visits the Aso Shrine, which has nurtured the culture of this area, and explores the vast scenery of the Aso Nakadake crater.

Nice to meet you. My name is Shitamachi Kombu, born and raised in the old town area of Tokyo. I’m what you might call a third-generation Edokko (it’s said that if you live in Tokyo for three generations, you’re considered an Edokko, while if you live in Yokohama for three days, you’re considered a Hamakko). In this column, I’ll be exploring the down-to-earth neighborhoods known as “Shitamachi” in Tokyo by rental bike and sharing the charm of these areas with you. Please enjoy these casual reports.

I decided to embark on a journey. Initially, I just wanted to leisurely spend time in some town. However, desires gradually grew. I want to enjoy delicious food, experience a contrast to life in Tokyo, and above all, I desire a comfortable place. So, I chose Naha in Okinawa. And there was one more significant desire. Cycling.

Sometimes, there are moments when you suddenly want to break away from your daily routine. It’s not that you dislike your job, but you feel the need for a change of environment. In such times, it’s good to grab your bicycle and go somewhere. Riding through unfamiliar lands with the wind in your face can clear away any lingering unease and enrich your life. So, one day, I headed to Naha with my road bike. In December 2023, Tokyo was already cold enough to require a coat. However, when I landed in Naha after just under a two-hour flight, the city welcomed me with temperatures where a T-shirt and shorts were more than sufficient.