My Tsukiji Bicycle

Hello everyone, this is Harada.
This time I will be far away from "leather jackets", but
I would like to talk about my favorite machine, the bicycle.
Instead of the motorcycle that is usually the mainstay of commuting to work
This bicycle is very useful for getting around (shopping) around the local area.
This is a transport vehicle manufactured by a company called Sekine Bicycle, which has now disappeared.

I was born and raised in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
His parents' homes were in Tsukishima and Tsukudashima, respectively, in Chuo-ku, Tokyo.
When I was a child, I would often be driven past Tsukiji Market in my car.
Fresh fish and vegetables auctioned early in the morning
Loaded in the mesh basket of a black and rugged bicycle like this (Tsukiji Bicycle)
The vibrant Harumi Street
I grew up watching working men walking around wearing headbands and boots.
That scene was forever burned into my mind.
Months and days pass
I had a happy reunion with a sight that made me wake up with a "haha" feeling, similar to those days.
This was around the time I joined Asakusa Kadoya in the downtown area.
I guess the purpose of use near Tsukiji is different.
Those bicycles are parked all over Asakusa!
This was about 14 to 15 years ago now.
When I joined the company, during my lunch break I would go out to discover that Tsukiji bicycle.
Search for liquor stores and rice mills from end to end.
When I found it, I negotiated with the store owner to see if he was willing to let it go.
It has become a habit for me to walk around and check out which manufacturer's transport vehicles are cool.
It was worth all the hard work and searching.
By chance, I was able to obtain three different types of [Sekine Bicycles].
This bike left a particularly strong impression on me.
This was not inherited from an owner who is currently using it.
It's located at the back of a bicycle shop, a 1-2 minute walk from Kadoya's headquarters.
It was sold as a used item at a very low price.
``Brother, that's rare...Are you interested in this kind of bike?'' the shop owner seemed a little pleased.
I went back and forth again and again to negotiate with the owners of the first and second cars.
I had a hard time getting them to give it to me due to their persistence.
I found it at a bicycle shop on my way to buy a bento for my lunch break.
It's an eye-opening experience, and it's not even close to lunch.
Before the shop owner, who was happily explaining about this transport vehicle, changed his mind.
Buy it now, buy it now, take it home immediately, hee hee hee!
That's what I remember.

rod brake handle
Some models have housings cast to prevent the springs on the left and right sides of the center from being exposed to wind and rain.
Most modern bicycles have cable brakes.
The good thing about rod brakes is that you don't have to worry about them breaking or stretching.
Also, I found out after actually using it.
Even though we are shopping locally, bags of rice and soft drink bottles are quite heavy.
It's too painful to run with it on your wrist.
By hanging it evenly on the left and right sides of the steering wheel, the handling becomes more stable.
With wire brakes, the wire will bend due to luggage and the front and rear brakes will work.
I was impressed by the iron round bar brakes, which did not affect brake operation at all.
At the time, the steering wheel was used to carry carts and heavy luggage on rough roads such as gravel roads.
A flat item that allows you to apply force for stable control.
The frame has a long wheelbase and low vehicle height to maintain stability.
Allows your head and shoulders to freely turn left and right to prevent strain on your palms, wrists, and arms.
It seems like it has a well-thought-out design.
Stretch your back as if you were sitting on a chair.
Auxiliary forks are important parts that are characteristic of heavy and light transport vehicles.
More than light weight, speed, and coolness
Durable, highly practical, and low maintenance
Apparently, a high level of reliability was required in terms of ride comfort, etc.
Bicycles made of iron are heavy but durable and are used as iron horses.
Bicycle tools include frames and forks for long-term use.
Restore the chain case, handlebars, rims, crank arms, pedals, etc.
It seems that there were many [tools for straightening bends].

There were no flashy designs and most of the colors were black.
This is said to be because it played the role of an ``iron horse'' or ``donkey.''
The period from 1945 to 1945 was the golden age of domestically produced light vehicles, utility vehicles, and transport vehicles.
At the time, it was worth the equivalent of two months' starting salary for a civil servant, making it extremely valuable.
It was the only means of transportation available to the common people, and was said to be as valuable as a modern car.
A military materials factory that was under a controlled economy during World War II
After the war, it turned into a factory for the peace industry of the free economy.
Until JIS became popular in the bicycle industry
Handmade craftsmanship is far more common than automated manufacturing.
Low-temperature welding of the frame, handle welding, plating, leather saddle
Cloisonné processing of badges, coloring of windshields, assembly of various parts, etc.
Japanese craftsmen make products with all their heart and with all their heart.
Each screw is even engraved with the manufacturer's stamp.
They are proud to have built a golden age for utility vehicles amidst high demand and competition.
My favorite machine, [Sekine Bicycle] too.
Like other manufacturers' transport vehicles, it supported the common people as a driving force during post-war Japan's reconstruction.
It seems that the largest amount was produced between 1950 and 1955.
Why I came to own this bicycle
I don't know anything about the historical background or production background as mentioned above.
However, I only had a superficial desire for a bike that was rugged, cool, and filled with memories.
While researching Showa bicycles again this time,
Carefully consider the users
Keeping the purpose of use in mind
The people who were carefully engaged in [manufacturing]
It dawned on me.
By the time Japan entered its period of high economic growth following post-war reconstruction,
Cars are becoming more common in ordinary households.
Ahead of the Tokyo Olympics and Osaka Expo
Along with large-scale urban planning such as expressways and Shinkansen
Infrastructure development expands people's range of movement
The means of transportation have also changed significantly.
Intended for manual transportation
The demand for bicycles made of iron blocks also suddenly disappeared.
Many practical bicycle manufacturers who have created famous bicycles
They disappeared along with economic development, which was a blessing to the Japanese people.
In the turbulent Showa era,
Even after all the reconstruction, prosperity, and decline, the company still remains active.
Looking at my beloved bicycle [Sekine Bicycle]
I feel something hot welling up inside me.

At our Kadoya headquarters factory
A veteran craftsman born before the war and raised during the war
I am currently on active duty.
I struggle with leather jackets every day.
Seniors who have had various experiences
Wisdom, creativity, perseverance, perseverance, and a spirit of ingenuity
[Japanese craftsman spirit]
Overcoming the great waves of the Showa era many times
Supporting Kadoya, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year
They energize and support our main factory.
The Showa era
We firmly inherit the will of our predecessors who have dedicated their lives as leather jacket craftsmen.
We tighten our hearts again
Towards a new era
We must build a further "foundation for manufacturing."
20years later
I'm in my mid 60's
Hopefully
As an active Kadoya craftsman
Mixed with young craftsmen born in the Heisei era
I think it would be great if we could celebrate Kadoya's 100th anniversary.

[Harada]