I believe my first encounter with Yamatomichi was around the time they started hiring staff beyond the founders, the Natsume couple. The 5-Pocket shorts I happened to acquire were also fantastic for cycling, and as I started participating in the HIKE LIFE COMMUNITY—which had just begun—by bike, we began interacting, and it led to us selling their products, which is rare for a bike shop.
The early days of the Hike Life Community centered on talk shows with guest speakers. For the session featuring Mr. Aono from the "Spectator" magazine, we enjoyed approaching the venue in Ueda by biking and hiking from Matsumoto over the Utsukushigahara plateau.
The 5-Pocket shorts are simply the best for riding. The lightness and pattern that don't hinder pedaling, the quick-drying quality that keeps them dry even if they get wet, the durability to withstand rubbing against the saddle, and the stylish look that works even when entering a shop—they fit my riding style perfectly. It goes without saying that they are also excellent for hiking.
In the meantime, a riding style called "bikepacking," which applies the principles of UL hiking, began to spread in the cycling world as well. We decided to host "TOE to TOP," an event merging the two in the Yatsugatake mountains. It involved approaching by bike from the foot of the mountain, dropping the bikes off mid-way to hike up, and returning to the town at the base in the same manner—truly a full experience from toe to top. (Click here for the report. I’d love to do it again.)
While developing that project, I was able to learn a great deal about the concepts and practices of UL hiking. First, measuring the weight of your pack to know what you are carrying, understanding the load you can handle with that weight, and recognizing the risks and discomforts that arise from going light and setting your own thresholds. These ideas and practices have greatly influenced my thinking about the tools and items I own and carry, and how those concepts can be applied not just to hiking or riding, but to daily life and how we live.
I imagine that in the current Hike Life Community, these things are being conveyed through both classroom and practical sessions, and it’s finally coming to Circles along with a Yamatomichi pop-up.
The UL hiking lecture filled up in an instant and is now closed, but I hope you will try to attend these lectures as they are held across the country in the future. However, there will also be a pop-up where Yamatomichi staff will be available for direct service, as well as an informal gathering where you can chat freely. I especially encourage cyclists to come to Circles to experience their philosophy, craftsmanship, and activities. There is much that overlaps with cycling, and you are sure to learn a great deal.
Yamatomichi POP UP SHOP
Venue: Circles 2F Tailored
Date: Saturday, February 17th
Time: All day / 10:00–19:00
※ The POP UP SHOP will be open all day, but only Circles staff will be available after the Introduction to UL Hiking lecture starting at 16:00.
※ The product lineup is expected to include the ONE, THREE, 5-Pocket Pants, UL All-weather Pants, Alpha Vest, 100% Merino series, DF Mesh Merino series, Merino Knit Cap, and more.
Yamatomichi Get-Together
Date: Saturday, February 17th
Time: 19:30–21:00
Location: EARLY BIRDS BREAKFAST
Capacity: 30 people
Eligibility: Open to anyone interested in Yamatomichi products and those who enjoy outdoor activities.
Deadline: Thursday, February 15th
Participation fee: 2,000 JPY (includes 1 drink and 1 plate; curry rice will also be available for separate purchase at ¥800).
Catering: Spice Hour