ROUND THE WORLD #2. GIRA.
January 20, 2010

Carbo-loading, Japan style. And I thought those bulging bowls of rice only existed in comics.

Had lunch today here with Gyakusou International Running Association, otherwise known as Team GIRA. Gyakusou, translated, means something along the lines of running in a clockwise direction, as opposed to a person's natural inclination to run in an anti-clockwise manner, which I'm guessing is a type of metaphor for 'going against the grain'. What started off as a casual running group has somewhat morphed into having a trainer, testing protoype products, and aspirations to run marathons across the globe. By the time I stumbled to JUN's office in a daze they had already finished a 12km run at 8am that morning.

Team GIRA- YAS-san, GO-kun and JUN-san. I'm probably only good for driving the team car. Stopped by at Jun's atelier after lunch for a quick catch-up, as I hadn't seen them in a few months with all of our busy schedules.

Whilst at the UC studio Jun showed me this one of a kind black Grace doll, whose costume was designed and made entirely as a personal gift by friend and fellow designer Marc Jacobs. Vuitton buttons et al, and a matching hat and bag.

Also managed to drop back into W-BASE to see Yohei and Kiyoo before my impending departure to my next stop on this trip. He literally threw these at me - a couple of tees and a w-base sweatshirt. Thanks a bunch man. Will be useful riding in the cool Summer twilight hours back home. Alongside their Durcus One Stylin trick rig (releasing March 2010) they just announced, it looks like Yohei may be dropping his own signature bars.

Coming soon.