In total domestic bicycle and e-bike sales amounted to 5.08 million units in 2023 and may fall under 5 million units in 2024 if the drop in sales continues. – Photo Jo Beckendorff

Japanese bike market struggling to get out of slump

TOKYO, Japan - While the corona pandemic caused a veritable bicycle and e-bike boom in the west, this sales boom completely bypassed Japan. The...

The Corona lockdowns did not lead to an (e-)bike sales boom like in Europe, but achieved exactly the opposite. - Photo Jo Beckendorff

Japanese bicycle market continues to slide; sales dip below 6 million...

TOKYO, Japan – The bicycle market figures for 2022 presented by the Japan Bicycle Promotion Institute (JPBI) showed that the pandemic played a...

The ‘Made in Japan’ Mamacheri e-bike brand with rain-protected front child seat/shopping basket and rear child seat is popular among urban families. - Photo Jo Beckendorff

No delayed Covid-effect as Japanese bicycle market dips

TOKYO, Japan - Neither the corona crisis or a shift in mentality to sustainable transport options have been able to lead to a strengthening of either...

A typical Nippon everyday bike with front basket, drum brake, a few gears or as single speeder. Photo: Jo Beckendorff

No sign of Covid-19 boost in Japan's e-bike and bicycle sales

TOKYO, Japan - Despite growth trends seen in many other countries in 2020, Japan's bicycle market moved in the opposite direction. While the...

After regular bicycles China is now also taking over Japan’s market for e-bikes. – Photo Jo Beckendorff

China Is Taking Over Japan's E-Bike Market

TOKYO, Japan - Last year's Market Report Japan reported on the already for years ongoing drops in sales of regular bicycles. The only good news was...

Most cheap bicycle imports out of China are sold through larger chain store giants giving Japanese IBDs hard time. - Photo Jo Beckendorff

E-Bikes Positive Note on Japan Market

TOKYO, Japan - The Japanese bicycle market still continues to face difficulties. Last year bicycle sales even slipped onto a 12 years low, while the...

There are not many bicycle categories where electrification makes more sense than on the typical Japanese Mamacharis bikes. – Photo Jo Beckendorff

E-Bikes Shine in Dull Japan Market

TOKYO, Japan - First the sad news: the Japanese are buying fewer bicycles. Last year the total shipment to the country's distributors stood below...

Japan Market Declines Further

Japan Market Declines Further

TOKYO, Japan - For the second year on a row, the Japanese bicycle market is declining in volume. Value-wise however, production and import are...

Older Market Reports from Japan
Japan: All Good In 2014; 2015 Looks Less Promising

Japan: All Good In 2014; 2015 Looks Less Promising

TOKYO, Japan - E-bikes were the driving force of Japan's bicycle market in 2014. Despite the fact that sales in units dropped; money-wise the...

Japan 2011: Pedelec Sales on the Rise

Japan 2011: Pedelec Sales on the Rise

TOKYO, Japan - Bike Europe's latest published Japan bicycle market report for 2011 was based on the January to October figures. Correspondent Jo...

Older Market Reports from Japan

  1. Updates from the Japanese (e)-bike industry

  2. Shimano Q3 report shows delay in recovery of component market

  3. Shimano AI-integrated drive train Q'Auto on bikes next year

  4. Shimano launches new e-bike drive systems pre-Eurobike

  5. Domestic automotive giants make debut at Japanese e-mobility event

  6. Japan: New B2B trade fair celebrates its premiere this year

  7. Shimano reports weak sales while outlook remains slow