The Japanese Odyssey (TJO), a little-known ultra-long-distance cycling event traversing the length of Japan, has captured the fascination of dedicated riders. The Global Ride editorial team, with great admiration, has been following this enigmatic event and recently learned that it is set to return in 2025.
Checking the official website, which had been dormant for some time, we discovered a message on the homepage from the organizers announcing the event’s revival!
The thought of this crazy journey* unfolding again after a two-year hiatus is enough to set our hearts racing.
But wait—how does one even prepare for a grueling ride spanning thousands of kilometers, with gravel sections and a fully self-supported format? How did past participants overcome the immense physical and mental challenges leading up to the big day?
Be prepared for true solitude.
Be prepared.
The message from the organizers, posted on the website ahead of the event announcement, carries a vague yet heavy weight.
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Following the first installment, which explored the full story of TJO’s inaugural event in 2016, we now bring you the second part of the series, focusing on the unique personalities and gear of the participating riders. Once again, the writer is Eigo Shimojo, a photographer indispensable to the narrative of TJO. As a rider himself, his essays are infused with a deep love for cycling and a sharp, insightful perspective.
Let’s rewind to 2016, the inaugural year of The Japanese Odyssey.
The race day was fast approaching. Frustrated with the sparse English version of the event guidelines and the nearly silent official social media, I found myself glued to my computer screen, desperately seeking information. Eventually, I caught wind of a pre-race briefing event scheduled to take place in Tokyo. I knew I had to attend. On the eve of the race, the venue—a café bar in Daikanyama—buzzed with anticipation.
Arriving slightly early that evening, I noticed a few distinctive bikes chained to the roadside guardrails. These were no ordinary bikes; they were outfitted with an array of unfamiliar bags and gear, clearly belonging to seasoned riders, drawing curious glances from passersby.
A modest sign taped near the entrance pointed me to the venue. With a mix of skepticism and hope, I climbed the stairs of the nondescript building. Finally, I reached the rooftop terrace on the top floor—a cozy yet stylish open-air space. A handful of foreign riders had already gathered, their presence unmistakable. A circle of men stood chatting, beers in hand, their animated conversation radiating an infectious energy into the crisp evening air.
I felt a quiet thrill as I stepped into the world of ultra-distance cycling for the first time. With my clumsy English, I approached anyone who would listen, striking up conversations and taking photos. Riders had come from all corners of the globe—Britain, Germany, France, Finland, Australia, Norway, South Korea, the United States…. The sheer diversity of participants exceeded my imagination.
As I marveled at this international gathering, a tall man stepped forward, politely interrupting the chatter to begin his welcome speech.
He began with heartfelt words of appreciation for the participants who had traveled from afar. His English, tinged with a French accent, wavered slightly—likely due to the nerves of taking on such a role. While I had envisioned a bold proclamation to match the grandeur of the adventure ahead, his demeanor was surprisingly reserved and shy.
Yet, as the briefing progressed, his words gradually drew us in. They carried a genuine passion for The Japanese Odyssey, resonating deeply with everyone present.
This was Emmanuel, the organizer of the event. Standing beside him was his partner, Guillaume, who was even shyer by nature.
As I clicked the shutter and pieced together fragments of their story, the once-murky puzzle started to take shape in my mind. It became clear: the entire race was being managed by these two Frenchmen standing right in front of me.
Next
🚴♂️The Japanese Odyssey Report Series
Second series
#01 Before Dawn
#02 The wave has arrived.
#03 “Be prepared”
#04 Moving Dots in Motion
*First series
#01 Into the World of Ultra-Distance
#02 2015, aiming for July 18th.
#03 Toward The First Year of My “The Japanese Odyssey”
#04 A crazy setup.
#05 The mastermind behind the “mystery”
#06 “Japan favoritism” or “Bias towards Japan”
🚴♂️The Japanese Odyssey Official Website
https://www.japanese-odyssey.com/
Text＆Photo_ Eigo Shimojo
Profile
Eigo Shimojo
Born in Nagano Prefecture in 1974
Belongs to IPU Japan Photographers Union
He became independent in 2000 as a freelancer and established Greenhouse Studio, which handles a wide range of photography and video production.
His life’s work is pursuing underground HIPHOP and bicycle culture around the world.
Post Date：2024.11.26
