Japan's Motorcycle Wars

Japan's Motorcycle Wars

Author: Jeffrey W. Alexander

Publisher: UBC Press

Published: 2009-01-01

Total Pages: 306

ISBN-13: 0774858443

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For decades the crown jewels of Japan's postwar manufacturing industry, motorcycles remain one of Japan's top exports. Japan's Motorcycle Wars assesses the historical development and societal impact of the motorcycle industry, from the influence of motor sports on vehicle sales in the early 1900s to the postwar developments that led to the massive wave of motorization sweeping the Asia-Pacific region today. Jeffrey Alexander brings a wealth of information to light, providing English translations of transcripts, industry publications, and company histories that have until now been available only in Japanese. By exploring the industry as a whole, he reveals that Japan's motorcycle industry was characterized not by communitarian success but by misplaced loyalties, technical disasters, and brutal competition.


Book Synopsis Japan's Motorcycle Wars by : Jeffrey W. Alexander

Download or read book Japan's Motorcycle Wars written by Jeffrey W. Alexander and published by UBC Press. This book was released on 2009-01-01 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For decades the crown jewels of Japan's postwar manufacturing industry, motorcycles remain one of Japan's top exports. Japan's Motorcycle Wars assesses the historical development and societal impact of the motorcycle industry, from the influence of motor sports on vehicle sales in the early 1900s to the postwar developments that led to the massive wave of motorization sweeping the Asia-Pacific region today. Jeffrey Alexander brings a wealth of information to light, providing English translations of transcripts, industry publications, and company histories that have until now been available only in Japanese. By exploring the industry as a whole, he reveals that Japan's motorcycle industry was characterized not by communitarian success but by misplaced loyalties, technical disasters, and brutal competition.

Pictorial History of Japanese Motorcycles

Pictorial History of Japanese Motorcycles

Author: Cornelis Vandenheuvel

Publisher: Motorbooks International

Published: 1997

Total Pages: 168

ISBN-13: 9780760304105

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A decade-by-decade look at the Japanese motorcycle industry that started from scratch following WWII and grew to become the dominant motor-cycle manufacturers of the century. By 1980, four manufacturers -- Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha -- collectively offered an astonishing array of models. Today, early Japanese motorcycles are favorites of collectors and enthusiasts who recognize the many technological achievements of earlier performance machines. Illustrated with a combination of archival photos, modern color shots.


Book Synopsis Pictorial History of Japanese Motorcycles by : Cornelis Vandenheuvel

Download or read book Pictorial History of Japanese Motorcycles written by Cornelis Vandenheuvel and published by Motorbooks International. This book was released on 1997 with total page 168 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A decade-by-decade look at the Japanese motorcycle industry that started from scratch following WWII and grew to become the dominant motor-cycle manufacturers of the century. By 1980, four manufacturers -- Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha -- collectively offered an astonishing array of models. Today, early Japanese motorcycles are favorites of collectors and enthusiasts who recognize the many technological achievements of earlier performance machines. Illustrated with a combination of archival photos, modern color shots.

Japanese Production Racing Motorcycles

Japanese Production Racing Motorcycles

Author: Mick Walker

Publisher: Redline Books

Published: 2004-09-02

Total Pages: 356

ISBN-13: 9780954435707

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As this book explains, the Japanese did not suddenly become proficient in the design and development of motorcycles when they first appeared in Europe at the end of the 1950s. Instead, the Japanese had been involved with motorcycles since the beginning of the 20th century. True, early Japanese motorcycles copied Western design - a trend that continued for several years after WWII. But soon they designed a succession of highly innovative machinery, not only to the Grand Prix world's benefit but to the paying 'over-the-counter' customer, too. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha, plus Bridgestone and Tohatsu, have all built and sold racing motorcycles which the public could also buy and enjoy.


Book Synopsis Japanese Production Racing Motorcycles by : Mick Walker

Download or read book Japanese Production Racing Motorcycles written by Mick Walker and published by Redline Books. This book was released on 2004-09-02 with total page 356 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As this book explains, the Japanese did not suddenly become proficient in the design and development of motorcycles when they first appeared in Europe at the end of the 1950s. Instead, the Japanese had been involved with motorcycles since the beginning of the 20th century. True, early Japanese motorcycles copied Western design - a trend that continued for several years after WWII. But soon they designed a succession of highly innovative machinery, not only to the Grand Prix world's benefit but to the paying 'over-the-counter' customer, too. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha, plus Bridgestone and Tohatsu, have all built and sold racing motorcycles which the public could also buy and enjoy.

A Century of Japanese Motorcycles

A Century of Japanese Motorcycles

Author: Didier Ganneau

Publisher: Motorbooks International

Published: 2001

Total Pages: 192

ISBN-13: 9780760311905

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When one thinks of Japanese motorcycles, the names of Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki immediately come to mind. However, Japan's motorcycle industry has a colorful history dating back to the early 1900s, and includes a variety of minor manufacturers. This book tells the complete story in a timeline fashion of the Japanese motorcycle industry and all its key players over the years. Topics include the reconstruction after World War II, world expansion in the 1950s and 1960s, the golden age of Grand Prix racing, the boom and bust of the early 1980s, and the superbike revolution. Very well illustrated with everything from racing scenes to studio advertisements, and documented with production figure charts and graphs. The authoritative text is written by two motorcycle industry insiders who convey the history of Japanese motorcycle design while detailing its relationship with Japanese culture. Hdbd., 10 x 10, 192 pgs., 150 b&w and 250 color ill.


Book Synopsis A Century of Japanese Motorcycles by : Didier Ganneau

Download or read book A Century of Japanese Motorcycles written by Didier Ganneau and published by Motorbooks International. This book was released on 2001 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When one thinks of Japanese motorcycles, the names of Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki immediately come to mind. However, Japan's motorcycle industry has a colorful history dating back to the early 1900s, and includes a variety of minor manufacturers. This book tells the complete story in a timeline fashion of the Japanese motorcycle industry and all its key players over the years. Topics include the reconstruction after World War II, world expansion in the 1950s and 1960s, the golden age of Grand Prix racing, the boom and bust of the early 1980s, and the superbike revolution. Very well illustrated with everything from racing scenes to studio advertisements, and documented with production figure charts and graphs. The authoritative text is written by two motorcycle industry insiders who convey the history of Japanese motorcycle design while detailing its relationship with Japanese culture. Hdbd., 10 x 10, 192 pgs., 150 b&w and 250 color ill.

Classic Japanese Racing Motorcycles

Classic Japanese Racing Motorcycles

Author: Mick Walker

Publisher: Osprey Publishing Company

Published: 1991

Total Pages: 192

ISBN-13: 9781855321052

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After World War II, the Japanese motorcycle industry sought to improve competitiveness in the export field against entrenched European marques and racing was seen as the obvious way to improve credibility and gain publicity. Walker looks at the men, the machines and the events.


Book Synopsis Classic Japanese Racing Motorcycles by : Mick Walker

Download or read book Classic Japanese Racing Motorcycles written by Mick Walker and published by Osprey Publishing Company. This book was released on 1991 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: After World War II, the Japanese motorcycle industry sought to improve competitiveness in the export field against entrenched European marques and racing was seen as the obvious way to improve credibility and gain publicity. Walker looks at the men, the machines and the events.

Classic Japanese Motorcycle Guide

Classic Japanese Motorcycle Guide

Author: Rod Ker

Publisher: Haynes Publishing UK

Published: 2007-04-30

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781844253357

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This is the definitive guide to identifying, buying and riding Japanese bikes from the 1960s to the early 1990s, concentrating on mainstream, affordable models from the `big four': Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha. Fully illustrated in color throughout, the book provides a brief history of the Japanese motorcycle industry, its post-war rise and displacement of traditional British, European and American marques. Specific bikes are then grouped and discussed in detail, providing an essential reference for buyers and enthusiasts alike.


Book Synopsis Classic Japanese Motorcycle Guide by : Rod Ker

Download or read book Classic Japanese Motorcycle Guide written by Rod Ker and published by Haynes Publishing UK. This book was released on 2007-04-30 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is the definitive guide to identifying, buying and riding Japanese bikes from the 1960s to the early 1990s, concentrating on mainstream, affordable models from the `big four': Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha. Fully illustrated in color throughout, the book provides a brief history of the Japanese motorcycle industry, its post-war rise and displacement of traditional British, European and American marques. Specific bikes are then grouped and discussed in detail, providing an essential reference for buyers and enthusiasts alike.

Bosozoku

Bosozoku

Author: Masayuki Yoshinaga

Publisher: Trolley Press

Published: 2002

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780954264833

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In Bosozoku, Japan's leading maverick photographer reveals a unique vision of the notorious Japanese bike gangs, linked to the underground activities of the Yazuka. They are the reality of Ridley Scott's Black Rain. A former member of the Bosozoku himself, Masayuki Yoshinaga has revealed hidden secrets of Japan's biker gangs.


Book Synopsis Bosozoku by : Masayuki Yoshinaga

Download or read book Bosozoku written by Masayuki Yoshinaga and published by Trolley Press. This book was released on 2002 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Bosozoku, Japan's leading maverick photographer reveals a unique vision of the notorious Japanese bike gangs, linked to the underground activities of the Yazuka. They are the reality of Ridley Scott's Black Rain. A former member of the Bosozoku himself, Masayuki Yoshinaga has revealed hidden secrets of Japan's biker gangs.

The War on Wheels

The War on Wheels

Author: Justin McCurry

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2021-06-01

Total Pages: 257

ISBN-13: 1643132814

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Experience the thrilling world of Japanese cycling and the keirin, which has evolved from post-war oddity to one of Japan's most popular and lucrative sporting events—and a must-see for the upcoming Olympics in Tokyo. The Keirin, which means "war on wheels," is now a high profile Olympic sport and attracts millions of spectators. But it's origins are humble, even strange. Like the Tour de France was originally conceived to sell newspapers, the keirin was invented in post-war Japan as a way to raise taxes on gambling. Now, over $12 billion a year is wagered on it, and its stars are primed to millions. Unlike a traditional race, a pacemaker leads eight riders up to speeds of 70kph on huge concrete velodromes, then they fight to cross the line first, with riders pushing, shoving, and crashing in the final stretch. Long associated with the working class, even the notorious yakuza crime syndicates, riders today live in blacked-out dorms, with no access to technology, to prevent bet-rigging. Their lives are ruled by ritual and competition, from their rookie days at the Mt. Fuji training camp to elite competitions that are the Japanese equivalent of the Grand National. Foreign riders sometimes compete, but rarely prosper in this intense environment, and the Olympic version is a mere child's play to the fierce environs of the velodromes in Tokyo. and Osaka, where a spectre of danger still looms. The War on Wheels explores a side of Japan we rarely see and it's uniquely fascinating sporting culture.


Book Synopsis The War on Wheels by : Justin McCurry

Download or read book The War on Wheels written by Justin McCurry and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2021-06-01 with total page 257 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Experience the thrilling world of Japanese cycling and the keirin, which has evolved from post-war oddity to one of Japan's most popular and lucrative sporting events—and a must-see for the upcoming Olympics in Tokyo. The Keirin, which means "war on wheels," is now a high profile Olympic sport and attracts millions of spectators. But it's origins are humble, even strange. Like the Tour de France was originally conceived to sell newspapers, the keirin was invented in post-war Japan as a way to raise taxes on gambling. Now, over $12 billion a year is wagered on it, and its stars are primed to millions. Unlike a traditional race, a pacemaker leads eight riders up to speeds of 70kph on huge concrete velodromes, then they fight to cross the line first, with riders pushing, shoving, and crashing in the final stretch. Long associated with the working class, even the notorious yakuza crime syndicates, riders today live in blacked-out dorms, with no access to technology, to prevent bet-rigging. Their lives are ruled by ritual and competition, from their rookie days at the Mt. Fuji training camp to elite competitions that are the Japanese equivalent of the Grand National. Foreign riders sometimes compete, but rarely prosper in this intense environment, and the Olympic version is a mere child's play to the fierce environs of the velodromes in Tokyo. and Osaka, where a spectre of danger still looms. The War on Wheels explores a side of Japan we rarely see and it's uniquely fascinating sporting culture.

Modern Japan, Student Economy Edition

Modern Japan, Student Economy Edition

Author: Mikiso Hane

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-04-27

Total Pages: 610

ISBN-13: 0429961987

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This book presents the essential facts of modern Japanese history. It covers a variety of important developments through the 1990s, giving special consideration to how traditional Japanese modes of thought and behavior have affected the recent developments.


Book Synopsis Modern Japan, Student Economy Edition by : Mikiso Hane

Download or read book Modern Japan, Student Economy Edition written by Mikiso Hane and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-04-27 with total page 610 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book presents the essential facts of modern Japanese history. It covers a variety of important developments through the 1990s, giving special consideration to how traditional Japanese modes of thought and behavior have affected the recent developments.

Modern Japan

Modern Japan

Author: Mikiso Hane

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-03-09

Total Pages: 583

ISBN-13: 0429974604

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Integrating political events with cultural, economic, and intellectual movements, Modern Japan provides a balanced and authoritative survey of modern Japanese history. A summary of Japan's early history, emphasizing institutions and systems that influenced Japanese society, provides a well-rounded introduction to this essential volume, which focuses on the Tokugawa period to the present. The fifth edition of Modern Japan is updated throughout to include the latest information on Japan's international relations, including secret diplomatic correspondence recently disclosed on WikiLeaks. This edition brings Japanese history up to date in the post 9/11 era, detailing current issues such as: the impact of the Gulf Wars on Japanese international relations, the March 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and subsequent nuclear accident, the recent tumultuous change of political leadership, and Japan's current economic and global status. An updated chronological chart, list of prime ministers, and bibliography are also included.


Book Synopsis Modern Japan by : Mikiso Hane

Download or read book Modern Japan written by Mikiso Hane and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-03-09 with total page 583 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Integrating political events with cultural, economic, and intellectual movements, Modern Japan provides a balanced and authoritative survey of modern Japanese history. A summary of Japan's early history, emphasizing institutions and systems that influenced Japanese society, provides a well-rounded introduction to this essential volume, which focuses on the Tokugawa period to the present. The fifth edition of Modern Japan is updated throughout to include the latest information on Japan's international relations, including secret diplomatic correspondence recently disclosed on WikiLeaks. This edition brings Japanese history up to date in the post 9/11 era, detailing current issues such as: the impact of the Gulf Wars on Japanese international relations, the March 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and subsequent nuclear accident, the recent tumultuous change of political leadership, and Japan's current economic and global status. An updated chronological chart, list of prime ministers, and bibliography are also included.