It’s over.
All of the tasks for this trip are complete.
While a few new tasks have cropped up, the show itself can safely be called a success.
（Naturally, there are several things to reflect on and regret, but I will keep these in mind as lessons learned.）
Three hours left until I head home.
There was so much input that I still haven't been able to process it all.
It’s always like this when I go to a bike show.
However, whether because of or in spite of the pandemic, I felt an overwhelming sense of energy at this Handmade Show.
I felt a hopeful restlessness spreading throughout the venue, both from the makers and the viewers.
It was true looking at the individual bikes as well, but the eyes of everyone visiting the venue were sparkling.
It was a wonderful show.
SimWorks presented many products to such a wonderful crowd, and for me personally, I was both very excited and anxious to see the reaction to exhibiting the entire Doppo series, which I am heavily involved in manufacturing.
ATB, now renamed Ronin, following its second upgrade in the seven years since its release.
MTB, now renamed Locust, with a greater focus on adventure riding.
Wanderer, which was incredibly popular despite still being a prototype.
Everything felt like my own children’s big debut.
And I was able to hear positive feedback for every one of them.
I intend to share the formal details and release dates for each bike later, but for now, I wanted everyone back in Japan to at least see these photos.
As a bicycle for enjoying daily life, not for racing
By exhibiting at the show this time, many people asked me what "Doppo" means.
Explaining the kanji "独歩: walking one's own path" in English was quite a challenge, but everyone seemed to understand the sentiment and responded positively.
Carving into my heart that I must always manufacture Doppo without forgetting this feeling—that is my first major takeaway.
Another takeaway was meeting so many people
Visiting America for the first time in six years, I honestly thought that half of the people would have forgotten someone as obscure as me, but everyone remembered, which made me feel very happy.
Talking with the customers who visited throughout the show was the greatest harvest; seeing their eyes light up as they held the various products.
Some told me that using these products is the best!!
Others gave me feedback saying, "If this product were like this, it would be even better."
In previous shows, I was always so preoccupied with the other booths, but this time, I couldn't help but be captivated by the people visiting us.
The venue was hot (and the actual temperature was quite high too), and it was physically quite draining, but I feel like I'm bringing home a lot of stories.
Bicycles are meant to be ridden by people; nothing begins without them.
Being able to feel this once again was my greatest reward.
Well then, the time for departure is almost here.
This has been a bit of a rush, but I hope you can enjoy the finer details on Instagram and the like, and I look forward to talking more once I'm back home at the shop.
See you all soon!!