In Japan, "randonneur" means the touring bike. And, the meaning "outdated bike for grand-pa" is also included. Japanese "randonneur" is the bike improved in order to ride the intense land of ups and downs. It seems that the concept of this bike was born in the 1960s. On the basis of the French randonneur bike which attracted attention those days in Japan, Japanese bike makers improved it according to the road situation of Japan.
I think that French randonneur bike is made for fast long distance riding with comfort, on comparatively flat road. However,"Japanese randonneur" is made for short distance riding with slightly slow pace on the intense land of ups and downs. Japanese cyclotourists rest frequently, appreciate beautiful scenes, take photographs, and enjoy conversation with partners. Although the mileage is short per a day, they ride several days. Therefore, they have many baggages. Their bags are very large. They demand good racks. Although both (French randonneur and Japanese randonneur) seem to be alike, the purposes differ.
In Japan, the bike for randonneuring (audax or century ride) is called "Sportif" or "audax bike". However, "Sportif" is the name with "outdated" impression.
*typical Japanese randonneur (practical style)
http://homepage2.nifty.com/
*typical Japanese randonneur (classic style)
http://homepage1.nifty.com/
Kenji Fusejima
Yokohama Japan