Coming out of the National Museum of Art and walking towards the Okawa River I discovered a nondescript building belonging to one of Osaka’s leading creative units “graf” and their lovely café “fudo” on the second floor. Like a utilitarian version of Whiple in Taipei or a grander version of Hong Kong’s After School Café, fudo is laden with the “tools of life” that are the hear of soul of graf’s designs – function and practicality oriented designer objects that are meant to be used for a long time.
When I came downstairs from a most satisfying lunch however, I discovered something even more interesting. It was the annual Tweed Run, a group bicycle ride first initiated in London in 2009 during which cyclists are expected to dress in traditional British cycling attire, particularly tweed plus four suits (breeches or trousers that extend 4 inches (10 cm) below the knee). Classic vintage bicycles are encouraged and any effort to recreate the spirit of a bygone era is always appreciated. Since 2009 the run has spread to more than 25 cities around the world, including Tokyo. It was Osaka’s first Tweed Run this year, and graf was one of the rest stops sponsoring tea and cakes. It was like stepping into a Sherlock Holmes movie set in the middle of Osaka, with cyclists donning pipes, bow ties, hats and all carrying their own dainty porcelain teacups.
What do you say to teakha hosting Hong Kong’s first Tweed Run?
graf is at Address:
graf bld., 4-1-18 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka
Open: 12:00-20:00 (Closed on Mon&Except holidays)
Tel: 06-6459-2121
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