Mount Atago Night Climb

愛宕山千日参り

Tonight is the annual trek up to the top of Mount Atago.

And it is magic.

Every year on July 31, thousands of hikers climb Mount Atago in the middle of the night.

At 924 meters, Atago-san is the highest mountain in the city.

The festival that takes place that night is known as "Sennichi Tsuyasai," which roughly translates as one thousand days all night festival.

The purpose of the festival is to pray to the gods on the mountain for a thousand days of flame (for cooking, heating, life) and, on the contrary, a thousand days of fire prevention.

The hike is about 4 kilometers from top to bottom.

What makes this event special is that most of the climbers do so after dark. The city strings up lights from the bottom of the mountain, in Kiyotaki, all the way to the very top at Atago Shrine.

As hikers ascend the mountain, they call out "O kudariyasu" (on your way down) to those descending. In reply, they say "O noboriyasu" (on your way up).

At the very top are many lanterns (see bottom left).

Once at the top, pilgrims buy good luck charms to ward off fire and bad luck.

The hike starts in Kiyotaki, a rural village not too far from Arashiyama.

What to Bring

Light clothes, plus something heavier for when you get to the top (the temperature can be quite chilly)
A change of clothes
Water
Light snacks
Small towel for sweat
Bit of cash just in case
Sneakers or light hiking boots
Flashlight (optional)

Bus to Kiyotaki


Kyoto Bus:

From JR Kyoto Station: Bus stop No. C6 Bus No. 72
From Hankyu Arashiyama station: Bus No. 62 or 72
From Keihan Sanjo station: Bus stop No. 14 Bus No. 62

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Mount Atago

Kyoto City Subway and Buses in Black for Third Year in a Row

京都市３年連続で黒字　１２年度決算、地下鉄や市バス改善

In other Kyoto transportation news, the city announced that in fiscal 2012 the city bus and subway system was 170 billion yen (roughly $170 million) in the black. That is up from 85 billion yen in the black in the previous year.

The source for this, a Kyoto Shinbun article, did not note the reason(s) for the improvement in finances of the city's main public forms of public transportation.

The article focused on arcane data that would please an accountant, but we wonder:

Was it because of cuts in service?
Increased ridership?
Better management?
More tourists?


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Osaka Summer Sonic 2013 Rock Festival

大阪サマソニ２０１３年

Summer in Japan means the end of rainy season, fireworks, scorching heat, school "ending" around July 20 (and starting up around August 25), noisy cicadas, the sun rising at 4:30 am, watermelon, and big rock festivals.

Here in western Japan, Osaka Summer Sonic is one of the nation's biggest rock galas.

This year on August 10 and 11, in both Osaka and Tokyo, the following bands - and many more - will be performing at the annual "Summer Sonic."

Metallica
Linkin Park
John Legend
Mr. Children
Smashing Pumpkins
Cheap Trick
Earth, Wind, and Fire
Cyndi Lauper
Pet Shop Boys
The Ventures

The Osaka Lineup can be found here.

There are multiple venues, all on Maishima Island, which is accessible via Sakurajima Station on the Saukurajima subway line.

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World Cycling News 28 July 2013

今週のサイクリング２０１３年０７月２８日

A ‘Cycling Madman’ Pedals His Way Across the World New York Times

Sir Bradley Wiggins admits he did not watch 2013 Tour de France BBC

Something a little different that you’ll like.. Healthy recipes! London Cyclist

Voyages sur mesure Vélo Québec

A guide to carrying your child on a bicycle - video Guardian

Mexico En Bici Facebook

Christophe Bassons ~ a loner against doping
ドーピングという闇の力に屈しなかった男、クリストフ・バッソンス〜なぜ正しきが責められ引退にまで追い込まれたのか？Cycling Time

I’m very sorry, says sat-nav driver who killed cyclist The Times of London

O'Grady Olympic medals under threat by EPO admission Yahoo

Last Week's Cycling News

Bicycle Goods

New Official Prudential Ride London clothing range now in stock



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Ancient Drain Found in Earthen Wall at Kyoto Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

御土居に暗渠取水口　北野天満宮、発掘調査で確認

Within the grounds of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, an ancient drain has been discovered in a defensive wall built hundreds of years ago.

To protect against invasion, warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi built an earthen wall around most of central Kyoto. Construction began in 1591, and when complete the wall was 8.5 km from south to north, and 3.5 km east to west. The total length was 22.5 km (14 miles).

Most of the wall has been destroyed in the ensuing centuries. However, at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine a small section remains.

The city's archeological department has been digging there, and recently found a drain attached to the wall that would carry rain water into a nearby river.

The opening of the drain is 0.4 meters high by 0.6 meters wide. It is 19.3 meters long.

In a map dating from 1702, the drains that fed water into the Kamiya River, which is just to the west of the shrine, are shown. Using that information, the excavation work finally found the actual stone drains.


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Japanese Mother Ordered to Pay $950,000 for Son's Bicycle Accident

小５が人はね親に償い命令

The mother of a child on a bike that hit and left a woman bedridden has been ordered to pay 95.2 million yen in damages.

The accident occurred five years ago in Kobe, Japan, when the boy was speeding down a hill and struck a woman in her 60s.

The woman was knocked over and hit her head. She is now 67 and remains bedridden.

On July 4, a judge in Kobe ruled that the mother of the boy is liable and must pay the above amount, which is roughly $950,000.


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Osaka Tenjin Matsuri Fireworks

天神祭奉納花火

Fireworks in Japan have a long and storied history. They are thought to have been first used to ward off evil spirits, and today are a key element in a Japanese summer (fireworks only occur in summer).

At the major events, hundreds of thousands of people will attend, often near a river.

In the Kansai area, the most famous of the fireworks takes place tonight in Osaka.

From 7:25 pm until 10 pm, the skies above the Ogawa River will light up in a display of reds, yellows, blues, and many more colors.

The Tenjin Matsuri Festival fireworks is the climax to the festival itself, which is one of Japan's Big Three (Gion in Kyoto and Tokyo's Kanda are the other two).

It is an impressive display.

The best places to view the fireworks are are from Minami Tenma and Kema Sakuranomiya Parks, or from a friend's high-rise apartment.

It is a fabulous display, but be warned: wherever you go there will be tens of thousands of people.

Cycling is not recommended.

More information (in Japanese)

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Fushimi Inari Summer Illumination

花鳥風月の灯　夜彩る　伏見稲荷本宮祭

At Fushimi Inari Shrine, located in south Kyoto, there is a festival of traditional lanterns that are illuminated at night.

Both chochin and toro lanterns fill the main hall of the shrine. Many came out in yukata robes to enjoy the view.

The illumination begins at 7 pm and...lasted, alas, until July 21st.

Apologies for the tease, but the festival is now finished for this year.

This will be on our list of festivals to see next summer.


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Estimated Number of Bicycles in Amsterdam and Kyoto

アムステルダムと京都の自転車保有台数の推移

According to Time magazine, the estimated number of bikes in Amsterdam is 880,000

The population of the Dutch capital is home to just 800,000 people.

To our surprise, the numbers here in Kyoto are not that different. According to a city report on bicycles and city policy from 2008, the estimated number of bikes in Kyoto Prefecture was 1.65 million (see page 7).

With a population of roughly 1.5 million the city of Kyoto - which is inside and a part of Kyoto Prefecture - enjoys the exact same per capita ratio of bike ownership as Amsterdam. (Note: that number is for the prefecture, so some of those bikes are out in Kameoka, Tango, and other rural areas: however, the great majority would be in Kyoto city.)

Amsterdam is apparently overrun with bikes. There are not enough parking spaces, crossing the street for pedestrians can be problematic, and there are "bike traffic jams."

For all of its northern European charm, we will stick it out in messy, hot, and laid-back Kyoto.

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Bicycle Parking Lot Shinagawa Tokyo

ハイテク駅前駐輪場　品川駅港南口　こうなん星の公園にて

This has to rank as the world's most high tech bicycle parking lot.

From the east exit of Tokyo's Shinagawa Station, a short walk brings you to Hoshi No Koen (Star Park).

As with many areas of urban Japan, it was until recently overrun with illegally parked bikes.

To solve the problem, the local ward office decided to build an underground parking lot for bikes.

Kyoto has several of them. However, in Kyoto you ride/walk your bike underground, get a ticket, enter, find a spot, park it, then walk out.

Not so in Tokyo.

With an IC tag attached to your bike, you slide your bike onto an aboveground platform, which reads the data of the registered user's tag. The door opens automatically and takes the bike below ground to a parking place.  To retrieve the bike, you wave a card with a integrated circuit chip embedded over a sensor. The bike is carried up on average in 13 seconds.

This lot holds 1020 bikes, and you almost have to see this to believe it.

Only in Japan, and available at 43 facilities around the country.

Information

Parking costs 1,000 yen a month and the lot is open from 4:30 am until 1:30 am.

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World Cycling News 21 July 2013

今週のサイクリング２０１３年０７月２１日

Up, Down and Back Up Again for Victory New York Times

Tour de France: Chris Froome closes in on first victory BBC

Cycle Tourists Guide To London’s Royal Parks London Cyclist

Voyage à vélo - Le Grand Tour Desjardins Vélo Québec

Training with a racing veteran Guardian

La bici se hace Fringe El Pais

TDF ST.18 Rider's Comments
ツール・ド・フランス第18ステージ選手コメントCycling Time

Wiggins’s former manager tells cyclists not to jump red lights The Times of London

Rui Costa wins again in the Alps Yahoo

Last Week's Cycling News

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New Official Prudential Ride London clothing range now in stock



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Kyoto Rohm Theater To Open in January 2016

ロームシアター、京の子　親しむホールに　小澤征爾さんが抱負

The former Kyoto Kaikan Hall, which is located in Okazaki, is being torn down and will be replaced with a new theater known as the Rohm Theater.

On the 18th, conductor Seiji Ozawa was in Kyoto as a member of the building committee to discuss his aspirations for the large-scale project.

He was joined by mayor Daisuke Kadokawa, who along with other six elite personages make up the eight-member committee.

The original complex was designed by Kunio Maekawa and completed in 1960. Like many Japanese buildings, it was poorly maintained and was beyond renovation. A small but vocal group of protesters attempted to block the plan.

The planned theater will be sponsored by Rohm, a Kyoto company founded in 1958 as a manufacturer of electronic components. Today it is along with Nintendo, Kyocera, Omron, Wacoal, Murata, Nichicon, Nidec, etc., one of the largest and best-known Kyoto companies.

For those on a bike, the theater will be close to Heian Shrine.


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BEWARE OF BICYCLISTS! Pedaling Popularity Poses Perils

自転車乗っているやつらを気をつけろ！

Another bike hater video from the USA.

Enjoy the video.

While the Lancer Insurance Company raises valid issues, the underlying message is that the increase in cyclists - all irresponsible and incompetent - has made driving more dangerous.

Motorists beware. Road rage is on the increase, and it comes in the form of insane cyclists.


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Kyoto Native Kaori Fujino Wins Akutagawa Literature Prize

芥川賞に藤野可織さん　京在住３３歳、「爪と目」で

Kyoto native and resident Kaori Fujino has won the prestigious Akutagawga Prize for her work of fiction.

The thirty-three year-old writer was born and raised in Kyoto and graduated from Doshisha University.

The annual announcement of the Akutagawa winner is national news. It takes place with the winner of the Naoki Prize, which was won this year by Shino Sakuragi.

Fujino's award-winning work is Tsume to Me (Fingernail and Eye).

The story revolves around the actions and emotions of the lover of a three-year-old girl's father.


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New "Bike" Lane in New Orleans

アメリカのニューオーリーンズ新専用自転車レーン

This is maddening, indeed.

A city goes to the trouble and expense of creating a cycle/pedestrian path, and...watch the video below.

It sort of reminds us of the daily commute along Imadegawa Dori here in Kyoto.

Obstacles abound.

At least in New Orleans, there are no cars on the path.

Thanks to our friends at Baltimore Spokes for passing this along.



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Images from Kyoto Yoiyama Festival 2013

宵山２０１３年のイメージ

Torrential rains throughout the day yesterday made going out to the first night of Yoiyama festival touch-and-go.

Finally, though, at six pm, things looked calm enough to head out.

We cycled to Karasuma - Imadegawa, parked the bike, then took the subway two stops to Oike.

From there the floats, street stalls, and yukata-clad crowd beckoned.

There was no more rain, and the crowd was large and peaceful.


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Kyoto Hokongoin Temple Lotus Blossom

盛夏の大輪　はや見ごろ　法金剛院で観蓮会

Affectionately known as the Lotus Temple, Hokongo-in Temple is now coming into bloom.

The temple boasts some 90 types of lotus in its watery gardens.

Because of the early end of the rainy season, the lotus flowers this year are blossoming slightly earlier than normal.

Visitors can see the lotus plants until August 4. There is an entrance fee.

The temple is across the street from JR Hanazono Station on Marutamachi Dori, and on the way from central Kyoto to Toei Kyoto Studio Park.

Information

Hokongoin Temple
49 Hanazono Oginocho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, 616-8044

Hours: 7 am 3:30 pm

075 461 9428

Entrance Fee: 500 yen

Garmin Edge 500 Red with Premium Heart Rate and Cadence
List price £219.99
SAVE 15% = £33.00
Your Wiggle price: £186.99


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World Cycling News 14 July 2013

今週のサイクリング２０１３年０７月１４日

Froome Loses Time Trial but Not His Yellow Jersey New York Times

Tour de France: Mark Cavendish sprints to 25th stage win BBC

Tigr Lock Review – Not your typical bike lock London Cyclist

EXPERTISE, RECHERCHE ET FORMATIONS Vélo Québec

Cycling in a heatwave: survival tips Guardian

La bici se hace Fringe El Pais

Le Tour de France Stage 13
僅か一日で雪辱果たす、マン島ミサイルが本領発揮のステージ優勝！横風は天下の分かれ道！フルームはライバルの分断攻撃でタイムを失い、2位のバルベルデは優勝争い圏外へと脱落！Cycling Time

Just back in the saddle, MPs will debate plans for safer cycling The Times of London

Cycling-Tactical masterstroke helps Contador recover time Yahoo

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Kyoto Yoiyama Festival 2013

宵山２０１３年

Japan's largest street party - the three consecutive nights in Kyoto prior to the climax of Gion Festival, on July 17 - is about to kick off. On those three nights - each of those three nights - hundreds of thousands of revelers will be out and about.

The first of the "Yama" nights is Yoiyoiyoiyama （宵々々山）, and on that night, July 14th, might see a bigger than usual turnout as the following Monday is a holiday.

The next night, July 15th, is known as Yoiyoiyama (宵々山) .

The climax is the night before the parade on the 17th and is called Yoiyama (宵山). We predict 400,000 will turn out. 

On each of these three nights, most of downtown Kyoto is closed to vehicular traffic. Moreover, the massive floats that are pulled around the city on July 17th are put out on display in the areas they represent, all of which are close to Shijo - Karasuma.

Streets are filled with stalls selling food - yakitori (barbecued chicken skewers), taiyaki, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, traditional Japanese sweets - and carnival games for children.

Many come dressed in yukata (a light cotton summer kimono). Old and young come with fans, Japanese purses, and other traditional gear as they enjoy the evening strolling around the central part of the city.

Last, in certain areas. private houses open their entryways to the public to exhibit valuable family heirlooms. This custom dates back centuries and is known as the Byobu Matsuri, or Folding Screen Festival.

For those arriving on a bicycle, park along Oike Dori. Then walk.


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Bernard Leach Pottery Exhibit Kyoto

バーナード・リーチのうつわに跳ねる動物たち

Bernard Leach is back. Works by the famed potter will be on display in Yamazaki, south of Kyoto, all summer.

With motifs of birds, rabbits, frogs, girffins, etc., Leach (1889 - 1979) crafted works both earthy and stunningly beautiful.

Along with Mingei Movement founder Yanagi Soetsu, Leach contributed to a revival of Japanese arts and crafts.

In 1911, Leach arrived in Japan for the first time, leading him to follow the path of pottery.

Leach loved nature and the natural world, and this is evinced in his works.

"Bernard Leach's Animals" will run until September 1.

The Asahi Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art is a one-hour ride south of Kyoto.

Information

Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum
5-3 Zenihara, Oyamazaki-cho, Otokuni-gun, Kyoto Prefecture, 618-0071

10:00 to 17:00 (Last admission until 16:30). Closed on Mondays (Closed on Tuesday when the previous Monday is a holiday), and the New Year's holiday period.

Telephone: 075 957 3123

Fee: 900 yen (high school and junior high school students 500 yen)


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Renovations at Uji Temple Kyoto

鳳凰堂、平安の姿に　平等院が塗装色や瓦変更へ

Uji's Byodoin Temple is undergoing a face lift, its first in 60 years.

The temple is going to be restored to its Heian Period glory, in the hopes of making it look as it did when it was first built 900 years ago.

To do so, the walls are going to be made redder, and the tiles on the roof replaced.

The work continues until April 2014, and when complete should resemble the top photo. Below that is the Phoenix Hall prior to the beginning of renovation work.

Part of the work will use red lead from the previous renovations, which took place from 1950 - 1957. In addition, to achieve a red earth color iron oxide powder and ochre will be mixed.

On the roof, 90% of the 45,000 tiles will be replaced.

Byodoin Temple

Daily 9 am - 5 pm (to 4 pm in winter)

116 Uji Renge, Uji, Kyoto Prefecture 611-0021

Tel: 0774 21 2861

Admission to the grounds: 600 yen; 500 yen more for admission to Phoenix Hall

Photo©Kyoto Shinbun


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Kyoto Gion Festival Traffic Restrictions

１０日から交通規制　祇園祭で京都府警

Starting tomorrow traffic restrictions go into effect in central Kyoto. This is so that the Gion Matsuri (Festival) floats can be put out in the streets in preparation for the Yoiyama night-time festival and Gion Festival itself.

The restrictions will be in place until July 18.

For those that can read Japanese, the map at right highlights the streets in which restrictions will be implemented.

For the three nights of the Yoiyama festival - from July 14 - 16 - the Shijo - Karasuma intersection and surrounding area will be closed to vehicles between 6 pm - 11 pm.  Cyclists should also stay clear of this area as it will be packed with hundreds of thousands of revelers on foot.

In addition, 3200 Kyoto police will be on hand to maintain order.

For those cycling, park along Oike and then wade into the crowd on foot.

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Heat Wave in Kyoto, Cycling Brutal

京都で８日は、太平洋高気圧に覆われて大体晴れるが、午後は強い日差しの影響で大気の状態が不安定になり、雨や雷雨の所がある見込み

Today it is brutally hot in Kyoto.

As it was yesterday, and the day before.

Highs are predicted to hit 36 degrees (98).

In addition, humidity is through the ceiling.

Ride early, ride slow, drink lots of fluids.

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World Cycling News 7 July 2013

今週のサイクリング２０１３年０７月０７日

Pyrenees Bring In Some of Tour’s Most Passionate Fans New York Times

Tour de France 2013: Peter Sagan wins stage seven in Albi BBC

Bike storage ideas in London London Cyclist

Vous voulez joindre l'utile à l'agréable? Vélo Québec

Should driving the school run be banned? Guardian

El lenguaje de la calle El Pais

Le Tour de France Stage 7
キャノンデールトレインがほぼ完璧な仕事！怪童サガンが遂にステージ勝利をもぎ取る！山岳も難なくこなし、圧倒的安定感でポイント賞争いをリード！　Cycling Time

Cyclists killed by lorry were riding for dead colleague The Times of London

Peter Sagan wins 7th stage of Tour Yahoo

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Kyoto Sanga Soccer Update

京都サンガ２０１３年

Kyoto Sanga is stalled in 4th place. After 22 matches, the club has 38 points. Gamba is in at the top of the table with 49 points, Kobe has 44 points, and Nagasaki 39.

On June 22, Sanga lost 1-0 at home to then 14th place Mito by yielding a goal in the 89th minute.

Then Sanga tied on the road 2-2 to Ibaraki, a 5th place team just behind Kyoto.

Sanga bounced back from those disappointing results by thrashing Tokyo 5-0 away.

Tomorrow Sanga faces off at home at Nishikyogoku against FC Gifu, the absolute worst team in the league.

A big win and three points!

Ticket Information (in Japanese)

Cycling is a flat and easy 20 minutes from central Kyoto and parking is free and readily available.


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Geisha and Maiko In Kyoto Yasaka Shrine in Yukata Robes

アサガオの浴衣、涼やか　祇園甲部の「お千度」

Geisha and Maiko from the  Gion Kobu area were out and about in their summer yukata robes decorated with morning glories on July 4

At Yasaka Shrine the ladies were taking part in the "Osendo" ceremony to pray for good health during summer.

With Gion Matsuri festival approaching its climax on July 17, the event calendar is full for the women.

In spite of that, as one maiko said, nothing is more important than health.

Photo©Kyoto Shinbun

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Suzuki Osamu: Image in Clay Kyoto Exhibit

泥象（でいしょう） 鈴木治の世界 ―「使う陶」から「観る陶」、そして「詠む陶」へ―

One of Japan's most preeminent potters Suzuki Osamu will be on display this summer at Kyoto's National Museum of Modern Art.

Suzuki, who lived from 1926 - 2001, was born in Kyoto, the third son of the pottery wheel worker Suzuki Ugenji, who worked in the House of Sen.

Trained by his father from an early age, Suzuki-fils decided to become a ceramic artist following World War II.

He went on to establish in 1948 the avant-garde ceramist group "Sodeisha" with Yagi Kazuo and Yamada Hikaru.

They used motifs such as horses and birds, as well as natural phenomena such as wind and clouds.

For cyclists, it is a short easy ride from central Kyoto to the Okazaki museum area.

Exhibition Dates
Friday, July 12 - Sunday, August 25, 2013
Closed on Mondays
Exception: Open on July 15 (Mon/holiday)
Closed on July 16 (Tues)

Hours
Regular hours
9:30 AM–5:00 PM (admission until 4:30 PM)

Evening hours (every Friday)
9:30 AM-8:00 PM (Admission until 7:30 PM)


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Purse Snatching in Uji Bicycle

宇治西部中心にひったくり多発　１ヵ月半で１７件

In the tourist town of Uji, outside of Kyoto, there were 17 cases of purse snatching from May 22 to the end of June.

Most were carried out by men on scooters who stealthily approach from behind a person on foot or on a bike.

For those on bikes in Japan - especially older women out shopping - a protective net is de rigueur. You strap it on the top of your bike basket so that your purse or belongings cannot be taken.

Many of the incidents took place in the vicinity of the JR Nara line. The total amount of cash taken was 400,000 yen ($4,000).

Of the 17 victims, 16 were women. Ten of them were riding a bicycle at the time of the theft.

Japan is still much much safer than the almost any country in the world. However, there is a fair amount of bike theft and purse snatching.

Photo©Kyoto Shinbun

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Toyota Lexus Bicycle 1,000,000 Yen

トヨタ１００万円自転車、独に対抗１００台限定

The Toyota motor company has just released a "Lexus" bicycle.

It is priced at a cool 1,000,000 yen (about $10,000).

Sales will be limited to 100 units.

Components and parts on the bike are made from the same materials as the famed Lexus LFA automobile.

The transmission and derailleur are made by Shimano.

Toyota's foray into the high-end bicycle market follows BMW.

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Cycling and Sexlessness in Japan

既婚者半数超「セックスレス」

Every year around the end of June, one hears whispering about the supermen who compete in the Tour de France.

Are they, ahem, impotent?

Rumors notwithstanding, the science seems to be inconclusive at best.

In non-cycling related news, here in Japan more than half of all married couples reported they were in a "sexless" marriage.

The condom maker Sagami completed a poll of 14,100 married people aged 20-69 in Japan and announced the results on the 27th of June.

55.2% reported they were in a sexless marriage. For those in their 40s and 50s, the figure jumped to just under 60%.

For more details, click here.

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