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Today I have an appointment to play tennis with my friends at Okura Sports Center in Setagaya. I can go by my iruka, but it is 18 km away from my house in Mejiro which is a bit too far to run before and after tennis. Even if I go by train, it takes 30 minutes by bus or on foot from the nearest stations, Yoga or Seijogakuen-mae. It’s inconvenient.

Okay, let’s go by iruka and train. But, um, what should I do with my racket bag? I don’t like riding a bicycle with a big baggage on my back. Do you want to get shoulder aches? I don’t.

So, I put my racket bag on iruCart, my lovely external-loading-device, and connect it to iruka. Do I have iruCover? Yes. Now it’s time for a small journey.

First, I run 2km from home to Zoshigaya Station of Fukutoshin Line. Then I quickly fold iruka into walk mode and put iruCover on it, push iruka with my right hand, pull iruCart with my left hand, and get on the elevator to the platform.

In Japan, we need to store the bike into a bike bag when bringing it onto train.

I take the direct express train of Toyoko Line. It takes us to Jiyugaoka Station in 20 minutes. I unfold iruka and start running.

I run parallel to the Oimachi Line on Todoroki Street for 6 km to the west and arrive at Okura Sports Center. The total travel time from home is 70 minutes, the same as coming by train and bus.

The trees in Kinuta Park opposite the street are beginning to change the color.

Let’s practice. In preparation for next week’s JOP Veteran Tour match, we do the singles point pattern practices and the short games for two hours.

I somehow change my mind to take the Odakyu Line on the way back. When I reach the platform after running 4 km and folding iruka at Kyodo Station, the express train just arrives.

It’s 3 and a half km to home from Shinjuku Station, the last stop. I buy some foods and wine for the dinner at the supermarket on the way.

The Spanish red wine I casually bought was very delicious. It was a good day, really.

Masaki Mark Kobayashi

Founder and President, iruka Inc.