Japanese students travel route across Route 66 by bicycle
Ten Japanese university students are cycling from Chicago to Santa Monica, documenting their journey along Route 66 for a documentary intended for 100 schools…
Ten Japanese university students are cycling Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica, stopping in Lebanon during a cross-country trip they are filming for a documentary aimed at schools in Japan. The group, which calls itself the Ukiyo Guys, is using the journey to encourage young people to challenge themselves.
Four members were seen riding along Elm Street in Lebanon on a Sunday just after noon, during the final weekend of September. The full group set out from Chicago and plans to reach Santa Monica by November 11, Route 66’s birthday.
The trip covers 2330 miles. The students ride 60 to 90 miles each day, sharing five bicycles and a support camper.
They take turns cycling and riding in the camper. At night, some sleep in the vehicle while others camp along the route.
Why are the students cycling Route 66?
The group wants its documentary to reach 100 schools in Japan. Masaki Konishi said the students hope to show young people that they can take on challenges rather than always playing it safe.
“We hope to help build a society where one person’s challenges inspire another,” Masaki said.
The film is being made by group members who work as photographers and videographers. The trip also gives the students a chance to learn about places and events along the road, including the Midwest’s Dust Bowl of the 1930s and families who traveled Route 66 toward California.
Setbacks on the road
The journey has brought difficult weather and equipment problems. The students faced an intense heat wave and heavy rain during the early days of the trip.
Four of their five bicycles were stolen in Chicago the day before departure. The group replaced them with its own money, Masaki said, and has also dealt with flat tires.
Help from strangers has been part of the experience. The group also has support from Japanese company sponsors, whom Masaki thanked for helping make the trip possible.
The four students encountered in Lebanon have different roles beyond the ride. Masaki studies at university and works as a house parent in a university dormitory; Tatsuya Kushihara is a student who runs a small tourism business. Shinnosuke Kawabe works as a photographer and videographer, while Haruto Tominaga is a university student and professional Japanese calligrapher.
The group’s name reflects its approach to the trip. Masaki explained that Ukiyo is associated with a “floating world,” a way of seeing the world as something to enjoy. The students have carried that outlook across Route 66, documenting the journey for an audience back home.
Their stated destination is Santa Monica, where they aim to arrive on November 11.
