We fundamentally love "handiwork." It feels like the "time of the person" who moved their hands to bring something into shape is imbued directly into the object—something that is hard to see in machine-made or mass-produced items.
Handmade bikes are the perfect example of this. We sell many bicycles, but I believe handmade bikes are a little different.
"Circles Tairoled," which opened at the end of last year as a sister store to Circles, feels like the very symbol of that, and I believe it is a place that exists precisely because Circles values those ideals.
"Tairored"—or tailoring. The word itself carries the meaning of handiwork. You take a frame created by hand, assemble it by hand, and tailor it into "that person’s one-and-only bike." I feel it’s the place that people who are ultimately captivated by the essence of things arrive at, moving beyond talk of specs and prices.
Of course, handiwork isn't just that. It's the Shime-kazari (sacred straw ropes) we make together at the end of the year, the cookies from our sister store PFM that provide the same exquisite deliciousness and perfect texture every time from raw ingredients, and the Twist Flowers born from "human ideas" and brought to life through manual labor. We sincerely love those kinds of things.
The GHOOOST POP UP STORE held in January was a huge success, despite being just after the New Year. With Mai Ohara of GHOOOST drawing live in front of us, the sight of everyone gathering with their own cherished items left a strong impression on me.
A silk screen print drawn by Mai Ohara of GHOOOST has now been created. It is limited to 100 pieces and, of course, comes numbered and signed. (Number selection is not available.)
The concept is "Space Touring, Afterward."
When she created a collaboration product with SIMWORKS for last year's MADE, we had her draw a "continuation" of that illustration used on the T-shirts and bottles. Isn't it just incredibly good...?! Looking at this picture makes your imagination run wild.
I’m sure many of you aren't familiar with silk screening. It’s a printing technique where ink is pushed through a mesh screen. This process is also done entirely by hand, and because of that, even if you print with the same screen, no two are exactly the same. I believe that lack of uniformity is its beauty. Just like people.
The ones who took on the silk screening this time were studio VIICON, located on the same street behind Circles. Their small atelier gives off an unfathomable presence.
To express Mai's drawing, they used a higher-density mesh than standard, combined with a slightly firmer ink. They told me it required much more force to print than usual. They struggled to find the perfect balance—ensuring the ink went through without applying too much—but hearing those behind-the-scenes stories is another unique aspect of handiwork.
In handiwork, you can see the "person" behind the object.
Who made it, where it was born, and what kind of thoughts were put into it. A sense of responsibility to the item is born in the one receiving it, making them want to cherish it.
The fact that only that specific person could have created it is another part of it. Without that person, it wouldn't exist—and it is also something easily lost. That is exactly why it appears so precious.
That is why we love "handiwork."
GHOOOST Screen Printing
Size : A3
Price : 9,900 yen (tax included)
#12 Chan-Mai's Break Room
I wonder how many people actually have art displayed in their homes...? I feel like the culture of owning this kind of art isn't very widespread in Japan yet.
If we are talking about "necessity," you can live without it. However, I feel that a life surrounded by things you love, things that move your heart, and things you "don't really need" makes the spirit richer than a life organized only by necessities.
The same goes for bicycles. As a means of transportation, it's about "whether you need it or not," but having a bicycle can change your mood, the scenery, and how you spend your time. Just like art, I believe it is something that enriches your life and your heart.
While in the midst of RE:SET CIRCLES, I heard Makoto-san say passionately, "It’s not about whether you need it or not! It’s about whether you want it or not!!!" and that resonated with me. (laughs)
It’s often said that Japanese people don’t spend money on art, but I think it’s simply because there are few "chances to encounter it."
If we could get used to looking at things through the lens of "want vs. don't want" instead of "necessary vs. unnecessary," and be honest about that, our lives might become a little richer and freer.
I would be happy if this piece could be one of those chances.
