Circles has been participating in Mori, Michi, Ichiba as the operator of the cycle cloak since around its fifth year.
Driven by the thought, "Wouldn't it be great to provide a place where people who came by bicycle can really enjoy themselves?", we have expanded our retail space year after year, and eventually began selling sweets and ice cream together with Pine Fields Market.
Mori, Michi, Ichiba itself has seen its area expand with each passing year, with an increasing number of participating artists and food vendors, further strengthening its character as an "event to enjoy food and music."
By the way, the word "Ichiba" (market) in the festival's title, "Mori, Michi, Ichiba" (Forest, Road, Market), means:
- A place where many merchants gather to buy and sell goods
- A place that sells groceries such as fish and vegetables, and daily necessities
that is its meaning.
For us, whose livelihood is "selling things," Mori, Michi, Ichiba is truly the perfect field.
I believe that its appeal as a "market" is realized not just because of the music and food, but precisely because of the retail element.
To further liven up this "market," some very reliable friends have gathered on Kaigan-dori 2-chome, where the Circles booth and cycle cloak are located.
Many of these are brands that have held pop-ups at our physical Circles store; they are very important partners with whom we share a vision for making Mori-Michi even more exciting.
Below, we introduce the must-have items and enthusiasm from each brand!
CHAORAS
They will be bringing their flagship "Sports Tenugui," which features treated edges to prevent fraying and is slightly longer than a standard tenugui—just the right length. Their patterns, themed after animals and plants that thrive in the mountains and fields, are popular with both men and women.
And would you believe it! This year, we asked CHAORAS to create a Circles original sports tenugui.
"Get into the spirit with our sports tenugui, which is easy to use for hiking with its volatile weather, festivals, or any bike ride! CHAORAS will also be selling a Mori-Michi limited edition sports tenugui, so don't miss out!"
ONENOVA
A brand specializing in underwear using merino wool. To eliminate the inability to choose due to "body type" or "gender," they offer a wide range of sizes (XS to XXXL) and sell UNISEX products. It is the very commitment of one nova, which lists "not obstructing the customer's choices" as one of its brand philosophies so that everyone can experience the comfort created by one nova.
"This time, we plan to sell all archive products (colors and sizes that were sold in the past) at a special price exclusive to Mori, Michi, Ichiba! Why not take this opportunity to get your hands on the comfort that will make you unable to wear anything but one nova once you've tried it?"
RAWLOW MOUNTAIN WORKS
RawLow Mountain Works is a mountain gear brand launched by two designers who are both hikers and cyclists, with the concept "For all hikers who love the mountains and nature."
"We will be selling the camo version of the Tabitibi Tote at Mori, Michi, Ichiba! While camouflage is a very basic motif in the outdoors, this is a first for RLMW. It’s been a while since we’ve sold a Tabitibi event-exclusive product, so don't miss this opportunity!"
OKARA
An outdoor gear brand by Ai Nitta, started to give shape to the feeling of wanting things that fit both the mountains and the city.
They are committed to "Made in Japan" and have a reputation for manufacturing from a woman's perspective. There are many fans drawn to her dedication that overflows through her products!
"We will be bringing limited items such as Litet DCF, Tomte DCF, and OKARASCARF. I look forward to talking to everyone directly at Mori, Michi, Ichiba!"
EANBE
"Ii-anbe" — an Okinawan dialect phrase meaning "just right and comfortable."
Used when feeling good, this phrase is Eanbe's philosophy and the origin of their Aloha shirt making.
Eanbe is a brand that aims to create Aloha shirts that allow you to feel the tropics in your heart and body while blending into urban life.
"We are bringing the kids' Aloha shirts and drawstring bags that were very popular at the Circles pop-up. Eanbe's Aloha shirts are perfect for time spent at Mori, Michi, Ichiba, where you can sway your body to the music!"
WELLDONE
Welldone is a brand that accesses hiking culture from bicycle culture; it proves its true value not only in hiking situations but also when riding a bicycle.
"The highlight is our new 'Smile Cut Bag'! It's a semicircular crossbody bag with just the right size. There's a separate pocket on the front; try hooking your tenugui or a shirt you've taken off onto the drawcord! It's perfect for festivals and comes in two colorways: orange x red and light blue x purple."
TORAYA EQUIPMENT
TORAYA EQUIPMENT is a maker that creates travel gear for traveling. Based on the ideas we have experienced and felt ourselves, we create functional and playful gear that makes you want to go on a trip.
"At this year's Mori-Michi, we will be selling a limited color (blue) of our new OVAL SHORT PANTS! We are a brand that usually only accepts orders, but we plan to participate with items available for immediate sale. If the size fits, please check them out!"
TACOMA FUJI RECORD
TACOMA FUJI RECORD has been making T-shirts for our anniversaries. Many of you must remember the Circles 18th anniversary T-shirt featuring artwork by the world-renowned artist Tomoo Gokita!
"We are participating with new colors of the 2024 Circles anniversary T-shirt! We will be selling 24 new T-shirt designs released after April this year + 14 T-shirt designs launching on the first day of Mori-Michi. All products are 2025 limited editions, and we are determined to bring all the stock we have!"
BAR LIQUARS
BAR LIQUARS has also helped us in the past with the production of our anniversary goods. The lemon sour glass with artwork by the popular artist Jerry Ukai will also be sold at the Circles booth.
"We will be serving everyone's favorite lemon sour in our original stadium cup! We also plan to release an original T-shirt custom-made by TACOMA FUJI RECORD for the first time at Mori-Michi. We will also be bringing plenty of soft goods like glasses, pouches, and wallets this year!"
YELLOW VINTAGE
Nagoya's vintage clothing store YELLOW vintage store will be setting up shop!
It's a fantastic store with a passion for conveying to many people that vintage clothing is the best.
"I believe that discovering 'something you can only find here' through face-to-face shopping is the most meaningful experience. I truly hope that the days of everyone who buys vintage clothes at the venue will become even slightly richer and more fun. Looking forward to seeing you there."
THE STAND / Circles TOKYO
This is a stall from the cruise line that helps us with Circles TOKYO.
Based on the theme of stylish souvenirs collected from around the world, they will prepare items exclusive to Mori, Michi, Ichiba. Let's get excited with a beer in hand while playing a game where you can win prizes with Mölkky, which originated in Finland.
Based on the theme of stylish souvenirs collected from around the world, we will prepare items exclusive to Mori, Michi, Ichiba. Let's get excited with a beer in hand while playing a game where you can win prizes with Mölkky, which originated in Finland.
TUMBLEWEED
Tumbleweed is a florist and designer who handles floral decorations and design for the Circles group. The sports tenugui and Nalgene bottle designs we commissioned from CHAORAS this time were drawn in their signature bold yet delicate style, inspired by Mori, Michi, Ichiba, bicycles, and Circles.
"The main content is our Mori-Michi regular hand-drawn badges (a.k.a. name badges). These are badges where we draw every kind of 'text' on the spot—from your own name to your family, children, favorite idols, shops, or brands. Let's make one as a memento of Mori-Michi! I'm prepared to keep drawing for as long as I have the energy!"
JINDAIJI MOUNTAIN WORKS
JINDAIJI MOUNTAIN WORKS showed off its immense popularity as one of the best in the outdoor industry with a long line at their Circles pop-up.
"We will be selling and taking custom orders for our PB Tarp and PB Hammock, which are perfect for bicycle camping!
Our standard Hillbilly Pot, NOOKBAG, and our new saddlebag, the Roll The Top Bag 'RTB', as well as our summer synthetic sleeping bag, Summer Quilt Apex 2.5, will be available for advance sale at Mori, Michi, Ichiba before they go live on our website! Please be sure to stop by our booth."
CACASHI
Everyone's favorite! The popular Kitaku-based izakaya Kakashi will be joining us again this year to liven up the street with food and drinks in collaboration with Pine Fields Market. When you're hungry or thirsty, gather around Kakashi!
"The highlight is tacos! An assortment of three types of tacos using homemade corn tortillas that are even better than last year!!
We'll also be bringing our specialty Kakashi minchi-katsu, and our meat broth soup (niku-sui), which is recommended for the cold nights!
We've also put a lot of effort into making goods for Mori-Michi this time!"
FUSHIMICHO POPEYE / CARAVAN
It's no exaggeration to say that Fushimicho POPEYE & CARAVAN are among the most energetic spots in Nagoya right now, and they'll be helping us liven up Kaigan-dori 2-chome!
"For the fluffy onigiri we serve at POPEYE, we use aromatic and melt-in-your-mouth Ariake seaweed. The rice is 'buzuki-mai' (partially polished rice), which combines the nutrition of brown rice with the eatability of white rice, offering a moderate chew and gentle sweetness. It's a gentle onigiri for both body and soul that makes the most of the quality ingredients.
CARAVAN will have fresh, made-to-order pizza waiting for you!
This time we’ve prepared cheddar beef pizza and gold rush corn & salsiccia pizza! Both are limited-edition pizzas being released for the first time after repeated trial runs."
We are really looking forward to livening up that street at Mori-Michi as one team! We are fully prepared to eat, drink, shop, and enjoy the event with everyone attending.
Don't forget to stop by Kaigan-dori 2-chome!
