An everyday walk in Tokyo can always be interesting!
I’ve lived in Tokyo, Japan for the latter half of a decade now, but every so often, I still see some interesting things. Sometimes it’s funny misprints in English, other times it’s the stark differences between Japan and western countries. This time though, it was bicycles.
A few days ago, I went out for a walk around my neighborhood and realized I was seeing logos I’d normally expect at a car dealership, a hardware store, or a camping expo — not on two wheels.
By the time I looped back home, I had five photos and an idea to share it in this blog.
1. Chevrolet CRB7006S
Right outside a Japanese gym stood a black Chevrolet road bike. I’ll admit it makes sense as it’s transportation related, but I never expected a major American automobile manufacturer to be selling bikes in Japan.
Next to it, by pure coincidence, was a bright yellow HUMMER bike. I honest to God wondered if the owners were friends and chose those bikes for some kind of inside joke.
Back to the Chevy. Seeing that famous bowtie logo on a bicycle frame felt surreal. It’s like spotting a Mustang-branded coffee maker. Yet it worked. The CRB7006S has a clean design; American muscle meets Japanese minimalism.
2. HUMMER CRB7018DR
Now, if you’re imagining a monster-tired off-roader that could crush curbs for fun, think again.
This yellow HUMMER bike is a long-distance road bike — lightweight, efficient, and almost dainty compared to the SUVs that share its name. It’s aerodynamic, smooth, and built for the long haul.
That contrast made me smile. A brand once synonymous with fuel consumption now sponsoring cardio. Admittedly, I’ve also seen a few other HUMMER bikes around Tokyo that absolutely fit the brand, but either way, I like it.
3. Bronx Buggy
A few streets later, I spotted a Bronx Buggy (never heard of it before!) which is a fat-tire cruiser that looked straight out of a beach movie. The standout feature are the thick white-walled tires that would make Lightning McQueen blush.
Unlike the car brands, Bronx actually specializes in bikes. The design is truly different: a little vintage and unmistakably Japanese in its craftsmanship.
I know the owner feels cool as heck going from point A to B on it, and that seat HAS to be top tier comfort.
4. Panasonic BP02
Then there was the next bike parked neatly outside a konbini. It was 7-Eleven. No, I wasn’t buying an egg sandwich.
It was a Panasonic BP02. Yes — that Panasonic. The company that makes TVs, microwaves, your old radio you take camping.
Admittedly, Panasonic brands are nothing rare, and the BP02 is one of Japan’s more common e-bikes, though it’s not Japan’s most popular model. That would probably be the mamachari Gyutto!
5. Coleman FDB206 — The Bike That Started It All
Finally, I passed a red Coleman FDB206 in front of my neighbor’s place. It’s actually the first truly unique bike I noticed in Japan! I had to take a photo this time, but did elect to recreate it with AI later out of respect for my neighbor’s privacy.
That’s the bike that gave me the idea for this post. Coleman, a brand famous for lanterns, tents, and coolers, apparently makes bicycles. Crazy.