When I’m organizing Bikelore or participating in various events, there comes a moment when I suddenly experience a feeling akin to euphoria—thinking, "Ah, what a great event," or "This moment right now is the best." This year’s Mori, Michi, Ichiba had such moments, just as in years past.
You arrive with your heart full of expectations, nervously try to get a feel for the event, gradually let your guard down, and eventually become fully immersed and able to enjoy yourself. Once a certain number of people reach that state, and the sun shines just right or a nice breeze blows, you become able to recognize it. In other words, it is the moment when the sum of everyone's joy is at its peak.
Mori, Michi, Ichiba often has these moments in the evening; you are truly moved by the dazzling sunset, the cool sea breeze, being full from delicious food, the great music playing, and the lively conversations with friends.
It was another great event this year, and I was happy to participate as BIKEto Mori, Michi, Ichiba and the Cycle Cloak. Many people came by bike, from locals to those visiting from afar. Thank you so much to everyone who used the Circles booth and Sniques.
Such happy moments at an event aren't created by some trick, but by the earnest performances of various people—including performers, vendors, participants, and staff—and the desire to enjoy it all. This is no exception for the "market" itself, which is a signature feature of Mori, Michi, Ichiba, and there is no doubt that the passion and ideas of the vendors are the driving force behind it.
Shops Gathering at the Mori, Michi, Ichiba Market
The Mori, Michi, Ichiba market is not open to just anyone; it operates on a system of invitations sent out from communities and networks across Japan and the world. There is little turnover, and the barrier to entry is high.
The strength and appeal of Mori, Michi, Ichiba lie in its close connections to shops and key figures rooted in each region, tied to local industry, and achieving things that can only be done in those specific places—all while participating with special, unique offerings.
It is truly amazing that a market of that scale can be realized solely by local heroes from various areas without relying on large corporations or the government, and it gives me hope and expectation that there are so many people all over Japan achieving such interesting initiatives.
The Small Daily Lives Across the Country that Support Mori, Michi, Ichiba
On the other hand, to realize the "extraordinary" setting of an event, there is the tireless effort of steadily and firmly continuing daily business and activities.
Behind the various people, goods, and food you encounter at Mori, Michi, Ichiba are shops that have taken root in their local communities nationwide, accepted by their regions for their unique ideas and reliable skills, and continuing their day-to-day operations.
It is difficult to grasp each of those activities or have meaningful communication with the people performing them during just the three days of the event. If I find a good shop at Mori, Michi, Ichiba, I want to visit their actual location if possible and experience the region and the people together.
There are many such charming shops at Mori, Michi, Ichiba. One problem was that there were too many to keep track of, but this time, for the first time, a guidebook has been compiled that covers the information of the unique vendors gathering at Mori, Michi, Ichiba, making the shop information easily listable.
A Mori-Michi Book That Also Excels as a Travel Guide
"Mori, Michi, Ichiba People and Shops"
¥1,650
I thought, if it’s just an event guide, wouldn't it only be needed during the event? But when I flipped through the compact yet thick book that was actually made, it turned out to be perfect as a travel guide, so I ordered it, wanting to have it available at Circles right away.
Since the shops and makers exhibiting at Mori-Michi are listed by prefecture, it is designed so you can find carefully selected high-quality local shops for dining and shopping when traveling to various regions. There are few famous shops that you’d find in any other guidebook, and it feels nice to think that if you travel based on this book, you might have a special experience that is different from others.
I hope you flip through it and plan your own trip. It also seems like a great idea to go by bicycle.
Of course, we will be hosting BIKE to Mori, Michi, Ichiba again next year, so let's go together.
