Folks, I thought I would wait this one out before commenting as differing opinions have surfaced, I feel its time to send out my $.02
The current list of NJS builders I have was faxed to me direct from the Japan Bicycle Promotion institute has about 40 builders listed. The reason I admire the NJS builders was apparent the very first time I laid my eyes on the Nagasawa I had in my possession for over a year. The lugwork was as clean as you would find anywhere. And all this was on a simple Keirin racing frame. Back to the NJS... In Japan, in order to qualify to become an NJS builder you must submit a frame for testing, which means the ultimate destruction of the frame and pay around $2,000 USD for this privilege. Once your frame passes inspection, you may build for the Keirin riders. Now for those who dont know, the Keirin industry in Japan is a multi Billion (in USD) money maker and is compared to horse racing here in the US. It is a huge honor to have your frames raced at this level, and something that differs from the Keirin riders from US racers is the fact that every Keirin rider is a professional, and PAYS for his frames because if they are well made, they will carry him to victory and ultimately the "fat cash" paydays (while for some reason US riders feel they are "owed" free frames from the time they upgrade to Cat 2's, a fact I could never fully understand). Anyhow, while their lug designs remain simple, they are effective in their use of time as during Keirin season they might have to make 1 a day for the riders who might have damaged their frame in a crash.
The current crop of messengers, hipsters, etc dig on these frames because of the very fact that they were made for one thing, going fast, yet retain all the facets of a custom frame made here with clean shorelines, etc. It has broadened the NJS market and as someone who see's the trends, I have invited them ( the NJS builders) to attend the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, however none have contacted me as yet to reserve a booth, as I had found out that it is one of the busiest weekends for Keirins. (at least that's the excuse I was given at the time)
Anyhow, the entire NJS "thing" (if you will) in my eyes, is totally legitimate. Quality craftsmanship, built for speed and best yet, they are pretty and not as expensive due to their streamlined process.
I could be full of poopie in the fact someone else might be more knowledgeable in this area, but since no one had chimed in with this background, I thought I should.
DW handmadebicycleshow.com
List:
The sudden interest on Japanese frames is mind boggling. I have a custom Kalavinka by Akio Tanabe. Very clean, very nice. But very straight forward investment cast lugs and bottom bracket with Vertical mill mitering. Their conception of a frame is very different than the one here in the US. Their prices are also very different: you can get a frame from master craftsmen like Cherubim (Konno's Brother), Makino, Vivalo, Kalavinka, and Nagasawa for about $1400.00 (NJS). I suspect that when they add the hours for frame construction they can come up with a fair price, their market is very different also (keirin racing etc.). The same goes for TOEIs. Their basic frame (sans racks) is $1200.00. All of these makers can ship to the US.
cheers,
carlos martell
San Diego, Califas.