Hello everyone! It’s Chan-Mai.
The year-end is finally upon us, and you can feel that year-end atmosphere all over town.
This time, I’m sharing news about an event happening right here in my hometown of Nagoya, at "Higashi Betsuin," which is just a stone's throw from Circles. If you live in Nagoya, you may have already heard of the "Kurashi no Asaichi" (Morning Market) or the "Antique Market." These are some of the largest markets in the Tokai region, gathering goods and culture that bring richness to everyday life.
And now, a huge once-a-year event is coming to Higashi Betsuin!🚩
Higashi Betsuin Hoon-ko
Hoon-ko is the most important memorial service, held to commemorate the death of Shinran Shonin (1173-1262), the founder of Jodo Shinshu. Every year, from December 13th to 18th, the Nagoya Betsuin temple hosts six days of diverse events, including services in the main hall, sermons, and cultural activities.
In particular, from December 14th to 17th, a market will be held under the banner of the "Kurashi no Daikansha-ichi (Grand Thanksgiving Market)!" To show our gratitude to the customers who always visit the Morning Market, we’re hosting a special edition. We were invited to join this event, so Circles will be there too!
Circles Pop-up
In keeping with the theme of the venue, we’ve prepared some warm items perfect for winter! We’ll also be bringing the Circles original pins gachapon machine, which was a huge hit at our anniversary party!✌️★
As for bicycles that make life richer, this time we’ll be showcasing BIKE FRIDAY. Of course, you can take them for a test ride, so please come by if you're interested. And I’m sure many of you won't be satisfied with just riding around the temple grounds! For all of you, we’re hosting a "BIKE FRIDAY Test Ride!"
BIKE FRIDAY Test Ride
※The bike models shown are for illustration purposes only.
Date/Time: Sunday, December 14th, 10:00 AM meeting
Location: Shinshu Otani-ha Nagoya Betsuin (a.k.a. Higashi Betsuin)
Route: A casual, approximately 10km ride starting around Higashi Betsuin, including a stop at Circles Tailored, which had its pre-opening on December 1st.
We will meet at Higashi Betsuin at 10:00 AM, and head out for a relaxed ride from about 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
What to bring: A helmet (contact us if you don't have one) and a pure heart that follows traffic rules.
Please note that the meeting place this time is Higashi Betsuin. You don't need to own a bike, and if you’re a beginner, we can give you a quick lesson before we start. This is a chance to experience various BIKE FRIDAY models, so we hope you’ll join us. Sign up here!
Hoon-ko Market Content
Beyond just the Circles booth, the Hoon-ko Market is packed with content! Admission is free, so please feel free to drop by!＾＾
Kurashi no Daikansha-ichi: Dec 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th
A year-end "Grand Thanksgiving" for 2025, to show our gratitude to the customers who always visit the Morning Market. We’re welcoming everyone with a special year-end version featuring winter items, an inventory clearance sale, a "blemished/B-grade goods" release, a food loss reduction corner, and more.
Botanical Market: Dec 14th, 15th
Cooperation: JUSAI
@tsuboikenjuen
The JUSAI team, usually based at Tsuboi Kenjuen in Nakagawa Ward, makes their Higashi Betsuin debut. They’ll have rare and cool plants on display. Loving greenery leads to world peace. Bring nature into your life! Bring healing to your home! There will also be a DJ booth. Enjoy the world of plants accompanied by music.
Year-end Flea Market: Dec 15th, 16th, 17th
A big release of items that have been sleeping at home but were well-loved.
Including kids' and adults' clothing that you've outgrown, dishes and materials you no longer use, and more. You’re sure to find some treasures!
Circles Pop-up: Dec 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th
Cooperation: circles
@circles_jp
A test ride event for high-quality bicycles from Circles, the bike shop in the Higashi Betsuin neighborhood. Bring a bike into your life! We’re proposing a lifestyle with bicycles that keeps your heart pumping even in the cold season.
Minpata Farm Pop-up (Feeding Experience): Dec 14th, 15th
Cooperation: Minpata Project
@minpata_project
Minpata Farm from Tsushima, the home base of the Morning Market, is coming to Higashi Betsuin. How about trying your hand at feeding the goats??
Mochi-tsuki (Rice Cake Pounding) Event: Dec 16th
Cooperation: Minpata Project
@minpata_project
Let’s all work together to pound mochi with a mallet and mortar. Freshly pounded mochi is exquisite.
Soy Sauce Squeezing Experience: Dec 17th
Cooperation: Rinnesha
@rin.ne.sha
Hand-squeeze soy sauce that has been carefully aged using a traditional wooden press. Please taste the freshly squeezed soy sauce.
Bonfire Party: Dec 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th
Cooperation: Minpata Project
@minpata_project
Winter means bonfires! Let’s roast marshmallows while we warm up around the fire.
Kids' Area: Dec 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th
Cooperation: Kitokono
@piccoli_asaichi
Get active with your kids and don't let the winter cold get you down. We’ll have nostalgic toys like stilts and can-stilts (kan-pokkuri).
Be sure to head to Higashi Betsuin from Dec 14th to 17th!
With this season’s excitement, between bike riding and shopping, it’s sure to get you in the spirit!
As for me, Chan-Mai, I’m planning on fully enjoying the goat feeding and the bonfire. Of course, I’m also looking forward to meeting all of you at the venue, so please make sure to visit both Circles and Higashi Betsuin during the event period!♪
We look forward to seeing you there!!!
