1951 Japan’s Bicycle Guide – Preview

1951-japans-bicycle-guide-intro1951-japans-bicycle-guide-coverI am a collector of Japan’s Bicycle Guides and was able to pick up a very first 1951 edition of the catalog. Below I have provided a few quick snaps from my iPhone. I plan to scan the entire book as delicately as possible. The book is in good condition conisdering its age and purpose. However, the binding is becoming brittle and weak so I would like to minimize viewing the actual book as much as possible.

1951-bridgestone-bicycle-ad1951-japanese-track-racer-bicycleFuji-AdFor those into classic ad copy and design this is a gold mine. Fantastic vintage design work throughout. I look forward to digging in a looking at every bicycle, part and ad. This is a major score of information for a collector like myself.

Hajime Kato Suntour Postcards

I’ve recently discovered that Suntour distributed a 5 pack of postcards displaying reproductions of Hajime Kato original oil paintings. These paintings were abstract renditions of bicycle racing. I have been quite taken by Kato’s ability to capture movement in all his works.

Hajime Kato artwork on Suntour Postcards

Kato was a professional keirin cyclist in Japan in the 1940’s and 50’s. He is said to be instrumental in bringing keirin cycling to the world. He later moved to Paris where he focused entirely on his art.