Spectrum: British designer Paul Smith designed the cycling jersey for the fifth edition of the Tour de Tohoku. The tour aims to help rebuild Japan's Tohoku region, which was devastated by the 2011 earthquake and subsequent tsunami.
The Tohoku earthquake of March 11, 2011 should still be in the memory of most of us. One of the world's worst earthquakes and subsequent tsunami hit the Tohoku region of Japan with full force, causing enormous devastation. Around 18.000 people fell victim to the tsunami with waves that were sometimes over 30 meters high. The Fukushima nuclear power plant also gained very sad notoriety as a result of the natural disaster. The annual Tour de Tohoku aims to support the reconstruction of the region.
The new jersey was designed by British designer and bike enthusiast Paul Smith, who has been touring Japan regularly since the 1980s. The new jersey with a classic design is made of 100% polyester with an antibacterial treatment. The flag graphics, drawn by Paul Smith, are intended to symbolize the connection between Japan and Great Britain. Part of the route along the Sanriku coast is shown on the back. The Tour de Tohoku 2017 will be issued in a limited number.