Stuart, who lives in Osaka, was kind enough to send me a heads-up about the new CYCLE MODE International sporting bicycle trade show that takes place later this month.
According to the information on their web site, the event should prove to be quite interesting. Last year in Osaka it drew around 25,000 attendees in two days, and this year they are expecting a similar number at the Osaka event and close to 60,000 in Tokyo.
Unlike some of the more general cycling trade shows that feature everything from low end Hello Kitty pre-school trikes to general transportation bicycles to the very high end, CYCLE MODE is taking a more focused approach and limiting exhibitor participation to exhibits related to "sporting bicycles." I'm going to assume that means serious cycling including some really gung-ho mountain and road bikes.
They have also gone to the trouble to setup a set of extensive riding courses where attendees can actually try out some of the cycles. There will be areas to test ride on pavement, a MTB trial area, and even a separate area for children to try some of the bikes.
The Tokyo event is scheduled for November 12th and 13th at the Makuhari Messe convention center complex, and since that's only a 10 minute bicycle ride from my house, I'm planning to attend, take some photos and videos, and write up a report for the readers of this web site. During the week the event will move to the INTEX OSAKA convention center, in Osaka - of course, and will be open to the public November 19th and 20th.
Perhaps, if I ask him very nicely, Stuart might be willing to share his impressions of the Osaka event and let us know what new toys he found interesting enough to put on his Christmas wish list to Santa... 
Related Links:
CYCLE MODE international 2005 [English]
CYCLE MODE international 2005 [Japanese]
I'll even try to include photos! enjoy.....
Posted by: stu | November 02, 2005 at 12:11 PM