Recent SF movies are challenging. Many people seem to have a basic understanding of “special relativity theory” (somehow), so despite advances in science and technology, the idea of “aliens coming to Earth” is theoretically very difficult. Hence, they appear before Earthlings by incorporating multidimensional narratives like in “Interstellar,” suggesting that time from past to future exists simultaneously like in “Arrival,” or overcoming the three-body problem (unsolvable by humans) like in “The Three-Body Problem.” It’s truly intricate. Depicting aliens in contemporary SF movies has become more complex than before. Filmmakers […]
Connecting people who enjoy rides. This time, introduced by Kenichi Kawamura, the founder of CYCLING JAPAN, our “Ring-Tomo” is Akikazu Yamashita. Alongside modeling for outdoor magazines and commercials, Yamashita organizes an event called Bike & Camp due to his passion for cycling. Nearly commuting exclusively by bike, we had a chat with Yamashita about his cycling experiences. Table of Contents Profile 1. What’s your beloved bicycle? 2. What’s your favorite cycling route? 3. The most recent ride event you participated in and your thoughts about it? 4. The ride event you’d like to participate in next and why? 5. The most memorable moment in your cycling life? 6. Your f […]
This time, we’ll introduce the episode of Vincent MARIE, who transitioned from being a natural wine geek to a vigneron (producer). The word “geek” often carries a negative connotation, doesn’t it?With a tough, imposing figure,Impressive tattoos on his arms, and a taste in music ranging from punk rock to fusion metal…Vincent MARIE is a geeky guy in a way that defies the typical image associated with the term. The name of his winery is “No Control.” Vincent, making wine in the Auvergne region of France (think of it as being known for Volvic water), is known for placing “No Control” stickers on his bottles. Whenever you ask about various fam […]
Connecting people who enjoy rides. This edition of “Ring-Tomo,” introduced by Shinji Iwanami, the cycling guide at “HOSHINOYA Fuji,” features Kenichi Kawamura. He is not only a cycling guide for tourists visiting Japan but also the founder of “CYCLING JAPAN,” which offers cycling guide tours. We had the chance to ask Kawamura, who guides rides all over Japan, about various aspects related to cycling. Table of contents Profile 1. What’s your beloved bicycle? 2. What’s your favorite cycling route? 3. The most recent ride event you participated in and your thoughts about it? 4. The ride event you’d like to participate in next and why? 5. The most memorable m […]
Connecting people who enjoy rides.”Ring-Tomo” from the first Japanese Tour de France participant, Daisuke Imanaka, is here with Shinji Iwanami. He’s a professional cycling guide at “HOSHINOYA Fuji.” What kind of rides has he been doing recently? Table of Contents Profile 1. What’s your beloved bicycle? 2. What’s your favorite cycling route? 3. The most recent ride event you participated in and your thoughts about it? 4. The ride event you’d like to participate in next and why? 5. The most memorable moment in your cycling life? 6. Your favorite cycling gear and why 7. What does cycling mean to you? Introduction of the next guest. Profile Name Shinji IwanamiJob H […]
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.
Nice to meet you, everyone. Do you like cycling? Well, I’m sure those who love cycling have found their way to Global Ride’s column. So, do you happen to like ‘Okinawa, where despite being year-end, the temperature is 25 degrees, and the sea is incredibly beautiful’? This time, as a Uchinanchu writer born and raised in Okinawa, I, Nagahama, will guide you through an easygoing seaside cycling experience enjoyable all year round! How about reliving a fresh journey even for the locals?
On April 27th, the editorial and artwork production team of this column, along with their friends, as well as the staff of “Global Ride,” including designers and translators, gathered at my cafe, Cafe Apres-midi, in Shibuya for a DJ party. It was a great turnout and we had a really enjoyable time. I was looking forward to what to play that day and had selected several records since morning. However, by chance, I watched the music video for NewJeans’ new song “Bubble Gum,” which was released at midnight on April 27th, based on a friend’s recommendation. There was a scene of riding a bicycle, combined with the goodness of the song, and I was thrilled all day […]