It's compact, yet it holds plenty. A bag you'll want to use every day.
PROFILE
After working at various bike and skate shops, he opened his own shop, “WOOD VILLAGE
CYCLES,” in Hatagaya. Drawing on his own aesthetic sensibilities, he stocks a selection of unique frames and parts—both new and vintage—and assembles stylish bikes every day to meet his customers’ requests.
—I hear it’s been five years since “WOOD VILLAGE CYCLES” opened. What kind of shop has it grown into now?
Kimura:Thankfully, we’ve seen an increase in customers who feel that a standard bike just isn’t quite enough—or rather, who come looking for a bike that truly reflects their personality. Since we also carry used frames, we’re a great fit for people who love vintage clothing, and our price range is relatively affordable. That’s why we attract people who just want to have some fun customizing their bikes.
—I get the impression it's a place where hardcore bike enthusiasts gather.
Kimura:At first glance, it might look like a specialty shop, but I actually want to make it more welcoming to a wider audience. I hope it becomes a place where even beginners feel comfortable coming in—a kind of community where people naturally gather. I feel like, before I knew it, the shop has grown into exactly that kind of place.
—What kind of bikes have you been interested in lately?
Kimura:In recent years, the style of fitting thick tires onto old frames and pairing them with the latest components has become quite popular. It’s like incorporating modern elements into vintage bikes to create your own unique ride.
My staff and I have also incorporated outdoor elements into the mix. We strap on a bag, load up our camping gear, and set out on a bike tour. We’ve had more and more opportunities to enjoy these kinds of adventures together with our customers.
Lately, it seems like culture in every genre has reached a point of full maturity, and mixing elements across different genres has become a trend. That’s why I feel like the “genre-less” approach—or rather, the idea that “this one device can do it all”—is becoming the mainstream.
What's inside Mr. Kimura's bag. In addition to everyday items like a wallet and sunglasses, it's packed with bicycle tools and his hobby camera.
—Are there trends in bag selection among cyclists?
Kimura:About 20 years ago, during the fixed-gear bike boom, messenger bags were all the rage, and I feel like that trend is making a bit of a comeback. I often use a backpack myself, but since it’s hard to get things in and out while riding a bike, I opt for a shoulder bag on days when I need to access my bag frequently. You can just slide the bag in front of you to grab what you need, so it works really well with biking.
—Is there anything in particular that Mr. Kimura considers important when choosing a bag?
Kimura:Of course, looks are important, but functionality and durability matter too. Since I often carry small items with me, the placement of the pockets is something I pay close attention to. After all, usability depends on where you can store different things.
—How about “DAY TRIPPER”?
Kimura:It really is tough, isn't it? First of all, I really like its sturdy construction. I think the military-inspired design unique to 〈Briefing〉 and the red stitching along the webbing also reinforce that impression of rugged quality.
I also found the shape of the “DAY TRIPPER” to be somehow refreshing. That’s because most shoulder bags tend to be wide and long. It looks compact, yet it holds a lot, so in addition to the work essentials I always carry, I can even fit a change of clothes and a water bottle—which is perfect for this time of year. I’d say I want to carry it every day—or rather, make it a regular in my rotation (laughs).
—If you were to use this bag outside of work, what kind of situations do you think it would be suitable for?
Kimura:I've been going sea bass fishing a lot lately, so I'd like to use it then. I often walk around Tokyo looking for good spots and then start fishing right there, so I think it'll be really convenient to be able to take my gear in and out while still wearing the bag.
Kimura:With its wide-opening design that lets you grab your gear right away, it seems like a great fit for fishing. Since you can attach all sorts of things to the outside, it’s convenient that you can customize it to your liking. I thought this bag struck a really great balance between storage capacity and ease of access.
DAY TRIPPER ¥40,700
In addition to your everyday essentials, the “DAY
TRIPPER” offers ample storage for tablets, water bottles, and a change of clothes. Its body-hugging, pouch-like shape ensures a comfortable fit whether you’re strolling through the city or engaging in active pursuits. The bag is crafted from 1050-denier ballistic nylon, which boasts high strength and abrasion resistance. With details inspired by military specifications and the use of rugged hardware, every aspect of its construction is designed for durability.
