Whenever summer arrives, for some reason, I feel like listening to that song by the Japanese rock band TUBE, "Aa Natsuyasumi♪♪" (Ah, Summer Vacation♪♪) (lol).
That said, whether it’s this year or last, "summer" never fails to live up to expectations by being hot, doesn't it? (sweat).
From here on out, I plan to share local topics and scenery from Aichi with you all, so I would be happy if you could read along while sitting in an air-conditioned room, perhaps eating a popsicle.
Pacific Long Beach and the Cycling Road
This sea view that feels a little un-Japanese is Akabane Coast in Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture. Known as Long Beach, it has become a famous surf spot visited not only by locals but by surfers from all over the country.
Whenever I visit for a ride or to take photos, there are always plenty of surfers and anglers, and I’ve completely fallen in love with the way time flows so gently here.
On the Atsumi Peninsula in Tahara City, there is a dedicated path for cyclists and pedestrians affectionately called the "Atsumi Cycling Road," offering an environment where you can enjoy cycling or strolling while gazing out at the blue sea for over ten kilometers.
The other day, I went for a ride from Okazaki to Cape Irago (about 190km round trip) with Rafael-kun.
It was quite a long distance, but the seaside scenery was so wonderful that it blew away all the fatigue.
Life is Amazing – The Story of Having My Frame Painted by Yoshi47
There was a big reason why I visited Tahara so many times: to have my frame painted by Yoshi-san, who had moved to Tahara.
Time flies, and it has already been five years since I joined Circles. I’ve learned many things, but it was time for me to practice in my own way our boss's teaching: "Express your feelings honestly."
"Yoshi-san, please paint my frame!" And that’s where the magic began.
By the way, for those of you asking "Who is Yoshi-san?", I’d like to provide an answer.
Yoshi-san is a world-class artist who has been active in the art world of graffiti since his teens, has experience working as a messenger—one of the pillars of bicycle culture—in the US, and continues to create diverse works. He currently has an atelier near the aforementioned Long Beach and is immersed in his creative work.
I’d probably get scolded for calling him a colleague (lol), but he also cooperates as a staff member for Circles and SimWorks.
I’ve completely fallen in love with his artwork. When I’m occasionally able to join him, he treats me like a younger colleague, treats me to delicious food, and when we rode together from Pacific Long Beach to Cape Irago, he’d tell me about the history of Tahara, saying things like "Back in the day, this area was...", or when I’d be riding in silence watching the sea, he’d gently check on me, saying "Isn't it a nice place?". Sorry for always relying on you! (lol)
And so, in June 2021, I headed to Akabane in Tahara City to pick up the frame I had requested.
His atelier was filled with surfboards, which are Yoshi-san's hobby, and it seems he visits the sea almost every day to soak in the energy of nature. Maybe I should dabble in surfing, too...
When I asked Yoshi-san about the piece he painted on the frame using a paint called "STOKE," which is loved by many artists, he said... "It was really tough! (lol)."
To make up for asking for such a favor, I wanted to leave behind the best possible photos, so please forgive me for having them taken in the best place by the best photographer.
On the morning of the shoot, I loaded my bike into the car and headed to the sea in Tahara City. Kenji-kun, who handled the photography this time, is a barista by trade and works at "Saturdays NYC" in Sakae, Naka-ku.
I met him at the shop and at races after I started working at Circles, and as I went to hang out at Saturdays on my days off and chatted about trivial things, I was very impressed by his gentle personality and the fact that he has his own thoughts on various matters. He is someone worthy of respect, and he captured some great shots of me!
People, Bicycles, and the Sea
As for the location of the shoot, it was, of course, Pacific Long Beach. Even though it was drizzling, we were able to get started smoothly.
Following his direction, he took detailed shots of my riding style while adjusting the angle of the bike. It was an experience I rarely get to have, so I was nervous, but I think we managed to finish it without a hitch.
In Closing
Here in Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture, there are people living in harmony with abundant nature. There is the sea, there are fields, and if you head toward the sea, there are surfers. In the fields, there were elderly people sweating as they harvested cabbage.
Seeing such scenes with my own eyes made me want to be more expressive, to sweat and engage in lively conversations with people, and to pedal my bike with all my might. I am truly glad that in this scenery, I was able to find my voice and make this request. It made me feel like I want to continue living a rich life, true to myself and as I wish, from here on out.
This is truly a wonderful place, and there are many wonderful people here. Please, go and visit Tahara City. I'm sure it will teach you something.
Well then, please continue to support Uno-chan from now on!! Thank you for reading this long post.
Special Thanks / Artwork by Yoshi47 , Photo By Kenji Muto a.k.a @muto_photo