A Handmade Tale

Some of Japan’s finest cycling handiwork was on display at Handmade Bicycle 2025 held at the Science Musuem in Tokyo on Jan. 25-Jan. 26.

Given that I had no other plans, wanted to do something special to celebrate Australia Day and needed to go for a ride with a decent bit of distance, I decided to go.

The exhibition was filled with exquisite, hand-crafted bicycle, and there were also complementary events such a talk show, screening of a cycling-themed film and test rides.

There were also some sales of parts, bikes and merchandise, so it was a fairly substantial event comprised of 50 booths of mainly manufacturers but also cycling-related operators, and doubly so for not charging an entry fee.

This was made possible through the auspicious leadership of the Bicycle Culture Center and given the status of being a project subsidized by the Japan Keirin Association.

Japan has a well-earned reputation for high quality workmanship, and manufacturing prowess is almost a matter of pride, so beng able to see works by the masters in their field was a wonderful experience.

I wasn’t able to hang around long enough to enjoy anything more than the bicycle, but the ride was fantastic, despite a powerful headwind coming home.

I got to spend the afternoon enjoying the birds in the house and garden.

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