The international handmade bicycle show Bespoked concluded its first edition in Japan on Sunday, bringing together over 70 exhibitors from 15 countries over three days.
The event was held at the GLION Museum, and according to the organisers, the inaugural Osaka edition received an “enthusiastic” response, with visitors queuing along the street to explore the exhibition. Frame builders, component manufacturers and accessory makers travelled from across Japan and around the world, showcasing some of the finest work in contemporary handmade bicycle making.
Founded in the UK in 2011, Bespoked exists to celebrate the people and skills behind handmade bicycles. Bringing the show to Japan marks an important step in connecting makers internationally, creating opportunities to exchange ideas and introduce exceptional craftsmanship to wider audiences.
Japanese Craftsmanship Meets the International Bicycle Community
Japan has a longstanding tradition of exceptional bicycle craftsmanship, and the Osaka edition brought Japanese makers together with the wider international framebuilding community.
Across the GLION Museum’s historic red-brick halls, visitors discovered handmade road, mountain, track, touring and utility bicycles alongside specialist components and accessories. From traditional techniques and meticulous finishing to experimental materials and unconventional designs, the exhibition reflected the diversity of contemporary bicycle making.
Beyond the bicycles themselves, visitors could meet the makers, hear the stories behind their work and appreciate the details of each bicycle up close.
Petor Georgallou, Co-Director of Bespoked, commented:
“The quality of work at Bespoked continues to impress us. Every show brings something different, and it’s fascinating to see the different approaches builders take to their craft. Bringing Bespoked to Japan has been particularly exciting, and we’re incredibly proud to share this work with a wider audience. Creating connections between makers from different parts of the world is exactly why we do what we do.”
Bespoked Osaka Awards 2026
The Bespoked Awards recognise outstanding achievements in craftsmanship, design and innovation. With such an exceptional standard of work throughout the exhibition, the awards offer an opportunity to highlight individual achievements and celebrate the skill and creativity behind them.
Judged by an international panel of industry professionals, the awards were presented on Friday 23 October.
BESPOKED Osaka 2026 Award Winners
Best In Show – Project D Bicycles
Peoples Choice – AYABIKES
Peers Choice – HEYM8CYCLE
Best Headtube – Vigore (judged Sugiyani-san of cycleweb)
Best Off-Road – AYABIKES (judged by Omae-san)
Best Touring – D3Lab – MORIDGE – (judged by John Watson of The Radavist)
Best Accessory – Mini Chunk by CRUMBWORKS (judged by Marlon of Babyldn)
Best Finish – Cherubim – Racer Cr-Mo
Best Utility – Morralito – 7 bikes in one
Best Singlespeed – Island Vault / BROTURES – TABOO FUNNY
Best Mountain Bike – Prova Cycle Works – Senza (judged by Brian Park of Pink Bike)
Best Road Bike – CRUMBWORKS – Futen (judged by Grumpy Bike Shop)
Beyond the Bicycles
Alongside the exhibition, visitors enjoyed live demonstrations and interactive displays, including saddle repairs by Brooks England, pedal assembly demonstrations by MKS and BLUE LUG producing special triangle reflectors on-site using a sewing machine.
The programme also included the world premiere of Tamahagane, a film exploring Japanese steel and bicycle craftsmanship, with details of its general release coming soon.
Beyond the exhibition halls, the Natural Machine criterium brought fixed-gear racing to Maishima ISK Circuit, while food, coffee and drinks contributed to the atmosphere throughout the weekend.
Together, these activities reflected Bespoked’s wider purpose: bringing people together, supporting independent makers and encouraging connections across the international cycling community.
Bespoked Returns to Osaka in 2027
Bespoked has already announced its return to Osaka in 2027, with further details to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Dates for the next UK edition will also be announced imminently.
