freeee.jp
March 10, 2010
Whilst in Osaka I went to a bike shop a few times called Circle Geek. Run by a great bunch of guys that were really nice and showed us around to alot of their spots and hangouts. Akira, Toshigon and a few others who were really awesome hosts really went out of their way to make us feel welcome and gave us some really good souvenirs and memories. THANKS!
Akira Okamura, Shane Bingham, Brett, Yours truely, Toshigon
But on another note, I found this blog, freeee.jp which must be run by a few involved with Circle Geek. Some really nice refreshing photography and they feature alot of Magic Fruits parts, which John told me about and I really dig the style and build of the forks. The curved style looks so much more refined over Directors, and the D450 smiley bolt is an awesome feature!
I can’t wait to head back to Circle Geek and ride again with you all.
RIP > atsushi kuroi
February 3, 2010
Image courtesy of origin-lab.com
Sad news today as Osaka street legend Atsushi Kuroi passed away today, falling victim of a motorcycle accident.
The news hit home with me a little as his dedication to driving on the street despite competing at top level has been something I have admired for years.
Not to mention his build and driving style was one that has been emulated though never properly equaled by many people.
I have stories of friends visiting his shop randomly, meeting him at various spots in the greater Osaka region and telling of him giving passenger runs without question, going far out of his way and driving people to and from the touge with little or no introduction.
Pour one out for the man.
uniqlo calendar
June 17, 2009
This is especially cool. http://www.uniqlo.com/calendar/
Back from hiatus, have been excessively busy with deadlines and developing the new JDMgarage site in the off time.
-busierros
shopping without trolleys: revolver
May 21, 2009
Most hardcore, model specific shops in japan are the most often tucked away in suburbia or the rural areas, far away from the cities their ganjiro population and their traffic. 80% of the time messy in appearance with piles of parts or cars adorning the front or rear of the buildings, but despite the chaos, they always have an aura to them which feels like a cultural ‘ground zero’ to the fanatics.
Silvia fans have iconic shops like Yashio Factory, rotary owners, RE Amemiya so on and so forth. To AE86 owners, this clean, profesisonal, well presented hidden away shop in the Izumiotsu area of suburban Osaka, Revolver is one of those icons.
Despite their rich history, which includes part construction of D1GP series winning 86 of Ueo, N2 cars and more, Revolver is now a sub-venture, renamed Sargent Racing Division, who deal primarily with circuit Hondas. AE86’s make up a minority of their sales, but not forgetting their roots, the showroom is adorned with AE86 memorabilia, including D1 trophies, images and more. History reeks in this place i tell you. If you come to Japan, come here – know your roots.
Way more cool shit to come, and we’ve already hit over 11,000 views this month alone… Stuff to come includes BMX life in Japan, Jammin (Kyoto) & Circle Geek (Osaka) shouts, Osaka night life… My hosting bill hates me!
kansai tough
May 14, 2009
There’s some buzz over this car on the internet. Seeing it driven hard in videos and pictures gives you a sense of its history, but never its presence. For that you have to see it in person. Not the prettiest of cars, but the fact how it lives its life, gives it character. Something that can far out shine glossy paint and sprawling vinyl layouts and meticulous sticker placement any day. The car of course belongs to Jesse Streeter, who lives in the greater Osaka area with his wife who we met along with him when this photo was taken @ Shane’s work within the Osaka port.
He then proceeded to climb in, and drive it home. It sounds pretty mean, a TD06 & hefty cams I’m told, and you could hear it from a good kilometer away. Only in Japan.
Click the images for hi-res versions.
