ITOCHU Announces New Exhibition at ITOCHU AOYAMA ART SQUARE: "Bicycle Expo 2016: Moulton Exhibition - the Wonderful World of Small-Wheeled Bicycles"

March 17, 2016

ITOCHU Corporation (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; Masahiro Okafuji, President & CEO; hereinafter “ITOCHU”) opened ITOCHU AOYAMA ART SQUARE in the CI Plaza, a commercial facility situated next to ITOCHU’s Tokyo Head Office, in October 2012. The gallery was part of ITOCHU’s social contribution activities, with the aim of developing the future generation through art, contributing to the local community, and promoting both local and international art and culture. Various exhibitions have since been held in the space.

Since 2013, ITOCHU has gained public favor by holding an event called the Bicycle Expo at ITOCHU AOYAMA ART SQUARE in May, which is designated as bicycle month in Japan. On the upcoming fourth occasion, ITOCHU will hold “Bicycle Expo 2016: Moulton Exhibition – the Wonderful World of Small-Wheeled Bicycles” at ITOCHU AOYAMA ART SQUARE this year. Alex Moulton was decorated with the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for achieving major leaps in automobile development with breakthroughs including the evolution of suspension systems in the second half of the 20th century. The upcoming exhibition will look into and introduce a precious collection of 22 Moulton-designed bicycles recognized in his home country of Britain, ranging from a vintage model from the period when Moulton made his debut to the latest model, period by period.

The Aoyama Shop Owners Association declared Aoyama a “bike-rider-friendly district” in 2009. Held in the district of Aoyama and attracting the attention of numerous cyclists, this will be an exhibition with a full menu of associated events, such as a coordinated program with bicycle shops and cafes in the area, in-gallery talk sessions and test rides on small-wheeled bicycles. The exhibition will delight not only bicycle enthusiasts, but also many other people.

Outline of Bicycle Expo 2016: Moulton Exhibition – the Wonderful World of Small-Wheeled Bicycles

Sponsors Aoyama Shop Owners Association and Uptown Aoyama Concierge
Co-sponsor ITOCHU Corporation
Supporters British Embassy Tokyo (application for support currently being processed), Minato Ward (application for support currently being processed), Japan Cycling Association, Bicycling Popularization Association of Japan and Bicycle Usage Promotion Study Group
Cooperation Tokyo College of Cycle Design and Moulton Owners Club Japan
Supervisor Takahiro Aoki (president of the Moulton Owners Club Japan)
Period Tuesday, May 3 (national holiday) to Tuesday, May 31, 2016 (Open every day during the exhibition period)
Hours 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Admission free
Venue ITOCHU AOYAMA ART SQUARE
CI Plaza B1F, 2-3-1 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0061
TEL: 03-5772-2913
URL http://www.itochu-artsquare.jp

[news_1603171_en.jpg]

New Bentley-Moulton model (1999)

[news_1603172_en.jpg]

Comparison between a large- wheeled bicycle and a small-wheeled bicycle

Events during the exhibition period

Bicycle Cafe League from Tuesday, May 3 (national holiday) to Tuesday, May 31
In addition to a stamp rally linking bicycle shops and cafes, the event will offer benefits to participants, including drinks and food at cafes served during the exhibition period only.

Masanori Nishikawa’s Talk Show: Bicycle Adventure Classroom for Parents and Children: Bicycle Trips as the First Step toward the Power of Survival on Thursday, May 5 (national holiday and the Day of Bicycles), from 12 noon and 1:30 p.m.
The adventure-minded cyclist’s tales of Mother Nature and people encountered on his bicycle trips will give children big dreams.

Moulton Owners Club Meeting on Sunday, May 8, from 11:00 a.m.
A large number of Moulton model owners will gather at ITOCHU AOYAMA ART SQUARE with their beloved bicycles.

In-gallery talk session on “the success of small-wheeled bicycles in cities” featuring Satoshi Hikita, the bicycle commuter, and Jun Utsumi on Friday, May 13, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The foremost advocate of bicycling to work, who commutes by bike every day, will talk about the wonderful aspects of cycling in cities.

In-gallery talk session on “Moulton’s attractions and the history of small-wheeled bicycles” featuring Kyoichi Yamaguchi and Takahiro Aoki on Thursday, May 19, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The two leading authorities/collectors in Japan will reveal the truths about small-wheeled bicycles represented by Moulton models.

Test ride on a street lined with gingko trees on Sunday, May 29, 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This event will offer participants a chance to ride small-wheeled bicycles designed by Moulton and others, and such bicycles made by students enrolled in the Tokyo College of Cycle Design.

Alex Moulton (1920-2012) Profile

[news_1603173_en.jpg]

Alex Moulton was a foremost 20th-century automobile and bicycle engineer of British origin. He left many tracks in the development of automobiles, including a rubber suspension system he developed for the Austin Mini. A small-wheeled model that Moulton introduced to the bicycle market in 1962 became extremely popular due to its stylish appearance, in addition to its excellent maneuverability and performance represented by an unprecedented initial pedaling speed. In 1976, Moulton was decorated with the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his contributions to British industrial circles. Moulton’s bicycles, which pursue high quality and high performance, remain the darlings of their fans all over the world.