What is your Holy Grail among Japanese frame builders or marques?

[Spudalumps]

Edit: sorry didn't realise this was retro classic road thread

I think i've asked this before on here, but was mountain biking a 'thing' in japan in the 90's a lot of good stuff came from there, you would imagine there is some gems tucked away over there similar to the car market :/

Edit: sorry didn't realise this was retro classic road thread

 

[KermitGKona88]

Hattori Hanzo

 

[Elev12k]

Of the bigger brands: Panasonic PR-6000 and all generations Koga-Miyata FullPro up to 1996.

 

[Woz]

Ditto. Love a Panasonic too - I never got to figure out though anything from behind the scenes.

A bit of an household name but I've only seen top mid-end or drop draw stuff. Were they more conceived for brand advertising?

So many good builders over there. Could never complain about the few Miyatas I've had.

 

[Elev12k]

There is a brief write up on Panasonic history on Panasonic virtual bicycle museum >> https://www.panasonicbikemuseum.info/history/

 

[wynne]

I am completely in love with my retro-modded Zunow. Started life as a 650c wheeler but i decided to build some 650b wheels as it opens up a world of better rim and tubeless tyre possibilities.

There's a craft and playfulness about the frame that means it's a joy to look at - and it's ridiculously good fun to ride.

 

[vcballbat]

A Modern Classic.. Cherubim R2 with raked fork..

A Sprinkle Of Angel Dust: Cherubim R2 | The Spoken

Shin-Ichi Konno is often called out for the apparent non-functionality of his show bikes, but the second generation frame builder is also known for his contemporary steel road racers and traditional tourers. The R2 is a culmination of eras: A modern speed machine constructed with artisanal...

www.thespoken.cc

 

[otherself]

Kalavinka

Kalavinka - Tsukumo Cycle Sports · 1 Chome-16-21 Megurohoncho, Meguro City, Tokyo 152-0002, Japan

★★★★★ · Bicycle Shop

www.google.com

 

[otherself]

Edit: sorry didn't realise this was retro classic road thread

I think i've asked this before on here, but was mountain biking a 'thing' in japan in the 90's a lot of good stuff came from there, you would imagine there is some gems tucked away over there similar to the car market :/

Edit: sorry didn't realise this was retro classic road thread

It could be retro Japanese builders or modern.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Hattori Hanzo

You must have big rats to need Hattori Hanzo steel