In a message dated 7/18/06 12:13:48 PM, freitas1@pacbell.net writes:
> Anyone know who the manufactuer was? maybe FUJI? I know FUJI produced
> a lot of higher quality models under private label(Nishiki? Campania )
> The trading companys controlled most if not all of the
> production capacity (C.ITOH ,YAGAMI)
>
Hi Bob, and list members,
In Japan, light weight (sport) bicycle and parts all sudden re-born, becaue of JAPAN's international society return with Tokyo Olympic of 1964. Then, they were known as TOY maker and also precision consumer goods as camera and watches after WWII of 1945.
Maeda=SUNTOUR, Shimano, Sugino. Yoshigai=Dia Compe/Weinnman, Mikashima, Nitto, Fujita (Japanese Brooks), Sakae, these guys are maily in Kansai (Western Japan near Osaka area). while frame makers are mainly in Kanto area (Tokyo-Saitama, Yokohama, Kawasaki). The best known is Toei in ourside Tokyo.
My memory of owning a SILK in Japan was made by Katarura in Tokyo, but later
the brand name might have changed hands. C. Itoh is a huge trading company, never made bike or parts, Panasonic(Matsushita) is from Osaka area, again a distributor/exporter. Another big name is Brigestone, again this company gather many small manufacture's works. Fuji has been old and big company for many things taking name after
Mt. FUJI, I am not sure where Fuji Bicycle is originally from. As far as seling/distribuing light weight quality bicycles, it had to be done with a big money and big operation, I do
not think any Japanese bike maker could have such capacity in 1960' to 70's.
Have a great day!
KEN TODA, High Point, NC, in US heatwave of '06. getting up 95'F! (but heat index of 100+)