OREANDA-NEWS. 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.