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14th Japan International Cycle Show
Tokyo, Japan, October 31 - November, 2003
Sozo ijo no mono deshta
By Miwako Sasaki, Cycle Sports Japan
Over 130,000 people visited the Japan
International Cycle Show held in Tokyo.
Photo ©: Miwako Sasaki
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The 14th Japan International Cycle Show was held from October 31 to November
2 in the Tokyo Big Sight centre. Two hundred and fifty two companies from nineteen
Nations gathered there to look at the latest products as well as events such
as the Dual Trial Grand Prix, or the pro rider's talk show. 130,000 people came
for the Show in 2002, and the same number walked through the doors this year.
10,000 people tried new model bikes on the "try to ride outside" space
where they could ride over 100 new bicycles.
There was a special location called "Japan Products" in the Entrance
Hall, where Japanese companies could introduce their products. The new Dura-Ace
range was shown in the Shimano booth, and five times Tour de France winner Lance
Armstrong's bike was also there. This always attracted a huge crowd. Japanese
Toy maker "Takara" announced a new electric power assisted bicycle,
the "B Plus". This motorbike-looking bicycle is priced at 160,000
yen.
Amory Sports Organization, the organizer of the Tour de France, has set up
a Japanese bureau in Tokyo, support by the Festina Watch Japan. The ASO also
plans to start translating the official Tour web-site into Japanese, a boost
to Japanese fans with no English or French language skills.
The Italians and Yoshizo Shimano
Photo ©: Miwako Sasaki
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The Italian Trade Commission (ICE) and Italian Association of Bicycle and Motorcycle
Industry Manufactures (ANCMA) had a presentation for the "Made in Italy
Campaign", that introduced the Italian bicycle industry to the attending
Japanese. ANCMA's vice-president Valentino Campagnolo explained how Italian
bicycles, components, accessories and clothes are of an exceptionally high quality,
and how the Italians have a great love and passion for the bicycle. He also
said that Italian bicycle manufacturers have a long history and connection with
professional cycling, with their bicycles "growing up" in the peloton
with great champions like Coppi, Bartali, Gimondi, Moser, Saronni, Bugno, and
Cipollini. Campagnolo said that they want to share this experience with many
Japanese cyclists; Italy was the fourth highest import country for Japan in
2002, with China 1st, Taiwan 2nd and the USA 3rd, and Italy had a 1.8 percent
share of the Japanese market. For this campaign, seven Italian companies had
booths in the Cycle Show.
Photos
Tour de France organizer ASO set
up a Japanese bureau in Tokyo.
Photo ©: Miwako Sasaki
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Technique Sports showed a Manga
design ("Bushido") on their frame for the Japanese Show.
Photo ©: Miwako Sasaki
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Italian Trade Commission and ANCMA
had a presentation of their Made in Italy campaign.
Photo ©: Miwako Sasaki
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Japanese products were introduced
in the special "Japan Products" spot.
Photo ©: Miwako Sasaki
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Bicycle maker Miyata has a Japanese
road team, and the team's director and riders talked about their races
on the Miyata booth.
Photo ©: Miwako Sasaki
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Five times Tour winner Lance Armstrong's
bike also was on display in the Shimano booth.
Photo ©: Miwako Sasaki
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Many people came to the Shimano
booth to look at the new Dura-Ace group.
Photo ©: Miwako Sasaki
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Japanese toy maker Takara announced
new electric power assisted bicycle, the B Plus.
Photo ©: Miwako Sasaki
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Takara's B Plus is designed to
look like a motorbike.
Photo ©: Miwako Sasaki
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