The article traces the historical and ideological evolution surrounding Mishima Yukio (三島由紀夫) and Japanese motorcycles, alongside industry trends since the 1950s and major turning points in Mishima’s life. Focusing on events including the debut of the CB750 Four, the formation of the Shield Society and Mishima’s suicide, it depicts how Japan’s motorcycle market has changed.
In the mid-1950s, Japan is said to have had more than 150 motorcycle manufacturers competing in the market, before moving by the mid-1960s into an era in which it boasted the world’s highest production volume. Honda’s CB750 Four debuted in 1969, significantly raising the standard for performance in the global market.
The author attributes Mishima Yukio’s (三島由紀夫) transformation to a statue of Antinous that he encountered during his travels in Europe. The encounter is described as providing the impetus for him to incorporate physical beauty and the martial spirit, leading to an attitude accompanied by action rather than knowledge alone.
In 1970, Mishima Yukio (三島由紀夫) stormed into Ichigaya Garrison and committed suicide out of patriotic concern for Japan. From that point onward, Japanese motorcycle culture came to be reassessed in a context encompassing both enthusiasm for retro-style classic motorcycles and functional beauty.
Japan’s four major manufacturers are described as being squeezed from both sides by the rise of overseas competitors and the strengthening of premium brands. The article says Japanese manufacturers are required to reassess their own position.