I am currently writing this blog in Nagano, a land surrounded by nature. Even though it is the end of May, my breath still turns to mist when the sun goes down. While people talk about global warming and environmental destruction, there are moments when I feel reassured that Japan still retains its four seasons. Sometimes I feel a twinge of guilt that I only think about the environment at times like these, but I also believe that it is precisely because of these moments that it is good to pause and think about it.
June is World Environment Month. Driven by World Environment Day (June 5th), this period is also observed as "Environment Month" in Japan.
Perhaps this is the perfect timing to turn our attention, if only for a moment, to the theme of the "environment"—something we rarely stop to think about in our day-to-day lives.
Hoping to play a small part in encouraging thoughts on the environment during this time, we have collaborated with two brands we carry at Circles that focus particularly on the global environment: Patagonia and BRING. Together, we have organized an event we are calling "A Day to Think About Daily Life and the Environment."
"A Day to Think About Daily Life and the Environment"
Date & Time: June 13 (Sat) – 14 (Sun), 2026
Location: At Circles 2F
In Cooperation with: Patagonia / BRING
Patagonia Simple Repair Workshop
Putting on a brand-new shirt is exciting and definitely lifts your mood. On the other hand, there is something special about a shirt that you have worn and loved for a long time; you know how to wear it, it feels familiar on your body, and it just fits right. It has only been in the last few years that I have realized that beyond the goodness of new items, there is also a sense of attachment and comfort to clothes we have lived with for years. As your own "likes" become clearer and you experience the comfort of cherishing a single item, you rediscover the "charm of continued use."
In those moments, I am suddenly reminded of the appeal of Patagonia products.
Their designs never change, and they make durable, repairable products that can be used forever. As they advocate, "One of the best things we can do for the planet is to keep our stuff in use longer and reduce our overall consumption."
The event hosted by Patagonia will be a "Repair Workshop." We will perform simple repairs that do not require a sewing machine, such as applying repair patches and replacing pull cords. (*Please note that some materials may not be eligible for repair.)
Additionally, we have prepared content to help even children understand the issue of marine plastic through a traditional Japanese paper-picture show (kamishibai). Why not take this opportunity to learn about how the marine plastic that is currently drifting in our oceans is affecting ecosystems and the environment?
Patagonia: A Day to Think About Daily Life and the Environment
🔸Simple Repair Workshop (No reservation required)
June 13 (Sat) 10:00~17:00
June 14 (Sun) 10:00~15:30
🔸[Kamishibai] The Current State of Marine Plastic and Our Initiatives
June 14 (Sun) 16:00~17:00 (Reservation required / Max 20 people)
Receive a keychain made from marine plastic as a gift!
Reservations are required for the kamishibai session, so please apply via the form below.
BRING Recycling Collection
"Turning your clothes into happiness for the Earth."
Under this slogan, BRING collects worn-out clothing and textile products at retail stores and online to circulate them as resources for the planet.
Over these two days, we will have a collection box at Circles for any unwanted clothing. Your old clothes might just become the fibers that create new ones! Please be sure to bring any unwanted items with you.
▶︎▶︎ Click here for more details about the collection box
And for this occasion, we have specially created an original T-shirt with BRING! The base is made of DRYCOTTONY, which could be called synonymous with BRING. DRYCOTTONY is their proprietary material that creates recycled polyester from existing polyester. Simply by wearing it (and choosing that material), you are connecting to more earth-friendly choices.
The graphics were created by KAN KOBAYASHI. We have worked extensively with him at Circles, including on the graphic design for the Mori, Michi, Ichiba festivals in 2023 and 2024, as well as the Exposure logo design.
I personally love wearing the sleeveless version; the DRYCOTTONY material feels great on the skin and has excellent sweat-wicking properties. I hope you will take it with you on your rides this coming season.
BRING: A Day to Think About Daily Life and the Environment
🔸June 13 (Sat), June 14 (Sun) 10:00~19:00
Collection box for unwanted clothing (No reservation required)
🔸Releasing June 13 (Sat)!
BRING x Circles Original
DRYCOTTONY Basic T-shirt
The environment is an extension of our daily lives
I feel that there aren't many opportunities in our daily lives to pause and think about the environment.
But that's okay—in fact, that is probably normal.
That is precisely why, when we have an opportunity like this, it's worth turning our attention to it for a little while.
Thinking about bicycles, clothing, and how we live.
It is my hope that this event becomes a space where we can think about the environment together, not as a distant topic, but as an extension of our daily lives. We look forward to seeing you there 🌏
