With Portland Living next weekend and Nobeyama the weekend after that, November is packed with events, and there’s only a month and a few weeks left in the year. How time flies. Before we know it, December will be here. Yes, December. And when it comes to December, rest assured that I haven’t forgotten that we have a very important anniversary!
December marks 10 years since Circles first started as a bike shop in Fukiage, Chikusa Ward. I got involved with this unique community back when I was a university student, which, believe it or not, was over eight years ago.
I am now considered a "veteran" among the Circles staff, working alongside fresh, young team members who have joined since I was the youngest on the staff just a short time ago. We are constantly pushing each other to grow. With the folks at Early Birds, SimWorks—who have even expanded overseas—Culture Club, who guide us like Master Yoda, and the ever-energetic Pine Fields Market giving us their support, the shop has become a ship so large I couldn't have imagined it back when I was a part-time mechanic in Fukiage.
While there is no doubt that many things have changed over these 10 years, a shop can only exist because of the people who support it, and here in Nagoya, because of the strong community of people who love the bicycle. I strongly believe this truth is something that hasn't changed over the last 10 years and won't change in the next 10.
I am truly filled with gratitude for the support we receive from so many of you every day—your occasional scolding, your encouragement, and the fact that you rely on us is our greatest treasure. Looking back at old photos brings up feelings of nostalgia and a deep realization that we have only been able to make it this far thanks to the support of so many people.
10 years is a major milestone, and we at Circles are looking forward to pushing forward powerfully toward the next 10.
Therefore, to express our gratitude and in celebration of our growth and your continued progress, we would like to celebrate our 10th anniversary together with all of you! On this upcoming Saturday, December 3rd, we invite you to join us at a wonderful venue in Imaike called Plastic Factory, where we can enjoy good music, delicious food, and a great time together.
Date & Time: Saturday, December 3rd, from 19:00
Location: PLASTIC FACTORY (32-13 Kanda-cho, Chikusa-ku)
Entrance Fee: ¥2,000 (includes 1 drink)
First, please mark your calendars! We are planning an alleycat race for the night before the anniversary, and we plan to close the shop on the day of the anniversary to go for a ride with everyone. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!
And, I have one request for you all.
At the anniversary party, we will be projecting a slideshow of memorable photos from Circles' past on the walls. Our staff has already started collecting nostalgic and hidden photos, but we would love for you to share any photos you might have as well!!
If you have any photos that stand out, could you please upload them via the link below? Feel free to upload any size (up to 2000px, but smaller is fine too)!!
Click here to submit your photos for the 10 years of Circles
We are also happy to receive them via email, Facebook Messenger, or elsewhere. We also want to look back on these 10 years with everyone on Instagram using the hashtag #We10veCircles, so please be sure to upload your photos there as well.
In short, we just want to have a great time celebrating this momentous 10th anniversary with you all. All of our staff are looking forward to seeing you there!