There is an editorial out on the English version of Asahi Shinbun on the topic I raised about the law change leading to bicycles being forced up on the sidewalks. Satoshi Hikita is a well-known advocate on bicycle culture, especially bike commuting.
The issue has caught interest of the Japanese media as well, several newspapers and magazines plan to publish articles and editorials on this subject, Hikita says. Several TV programs are expected to follow.

• POINT OF VIEW/ Satoshi Hikita: Allowing cyclists on sidewalks defies logic - THE ASAHI SHIMBUN - http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200701160101.html

謹賀新年...."Kin Ga Shin Nen" is a phrase meaning "Celebration of the New Years"
2007 is the year of the boar in Japan.

Hope things go well for everyone !