Hey -- Tom Waits ain't the only one who's big in Japan. Considering the fact that some of our own friends and family can't even stand us, why should Japanese cyclists regard Surly with any greater esteem? Maybe it's because we just keep coming back. In reality, a major reason is we have a kick-ass distributor who has taken the time to help dealers and media understand what Surly is all about. Finally, somebody gets us?

This is my second Surly trip to Japan. Before I came on board the entire crew invaded the main island two and a half years ago. From the photos it would appear those guys had a grand time exploiting the kiddie rides and famously omnipresent vending machines of this fair land. I have a few notes myself, and, in uncharacteristic Surly blog fashion, thought I would provide you loyal readers some "live" updates from the field.

First, a bit of background. The primary purpose of our trip is to promote the Big Dummy and the cargo bike movement. "Movement" might be a strong word. Wow, are we talking revolution here? If you own a Big Dummy I need explain nothing. If you're still sitting on the fence, suffice it to say that lots of people everywhere are already cranking everyday loads, commuting, carousing and just plain livin' it up via long bike. But for many, a Big Dummy sounds like a specialty bike, an extravagance.

However, some of the hurdles that customers in Japan encounter are similar to those elsewhere. The bike is large; Where do I store it? (That's a big one in a country where garages are unheard of except for the wealthy.) A cargo bike seems like a specialized bike to add to the collection; How can I justify it?

These are well-founded questions. I have my own answers but this trip has served to teach me that others think the same: 1) If something is personally important, one will allocate the space/time/resources to accommodate it; 2) Impressions of something often change once you try it and see firsthand its value. We're here to talk to dealers and media and also to attend a couple of shindigs where folks can ride the bikes.

Fun stuff from the land of the rising sun. No promises this will be a regular series over the next week. Also, apologies up front for the date stamp on the photos. I just picked up a new camera and am still getting used to reading the directions.

Fresh off the plane, and having successfully fooled immigration and customs, it was time to quench a powerful thirst. Chu-hi is heaven in a can, available at a 7 Eleven near you. Well, not near you, but near us here. And thank the stars for that.

Twelve hour flight? No sleep? Hungry? Well, shut up and get to work! We had to swing by a most gracious dealer, FIG Bike, in Shinbuya to put the finishing touches to our Big Dummy demo bikes. Here Peter takes color coordination to a new level by matching stoker grips to his Magic Carpet.

It was nearly midnight by the time we left the shop and we'd still not eaten. Fortunately the restaurant downstairs from the hotel was open. "It's like the Japanese version of Denny's," our host told us. I was practically delirious with jet lag and didn't care if I picked someone's half-eaten burger and fries out of a dumpster. However, I was pleasantly surprised when the waiter brought me this:

I don't think a Denny's in the US of A has this many vegetables in the whole restaurant let alone one dish. It became apparent I'd lost something in translation -- our host meant "like Denny's" in terms of a family style chain restaurant. We're worlds apart here people.

This morning outside FIG Bike rain was falling gently and the bikes were luring customers in. That's a 1X1 anniversary bike next to an Xtracycle Radish.

A customer rolled up on this burly Surly -- a Cross-Check sporting 42c treads and this interesting frame pack made in Berlin. Take my breath away ... the packs are pretty cool.

Soon, we sat down for some real work -- the first of three magazine interviews and photo sessions within the span of one afternoon. I forgot to mention we collided with Ross from Xtracycle on this trip. He and Snackey are shown here staunchly upholding our respective companies' media images.

But then the mags wanted actual images, so we mounted up and terrorized the streets of Tokyo while the photogs held the shutter buttons down. Three long bikes can pretty much clog any street in Japan.

Ross wasn't content to keep it in the streets.

As if that tomfoolery wasn't enough to bring the law, we thought drinking on the sidewalk might do it for sure. But so far no bail money will be expensed on this trip report.

And not to worry, Mom. We're cleaning up after ourselves. I promise.