| 1. |
Helmets mentioned herein refer to those used for head protection by riders of two-wheel motor vehicles and small two-wheel motor vehicles (motorbikes).
|
| 2. |
Helmet imports by year
| 2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
| 3,288 |
3,469 |
3,382 |
|
|
|
Unit: million yen
Source: Japan Trade Monthly Report
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| 3. |
Imports by partner country
| |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
Share (%) |
| China |
1,360 |
1,581 |
1,757 |
( 52.0%) |
| Korea |
732 |
713 |
591 |
( 17.5%) |
| Taiwan |
405 |
405 |
401 |
( 11.9%) |
| Italy |
294 |
218 |
216 |
( 6.4%) |
| U.S. |
279 |
283 |
201 |
( 5.9%) |
| Thailand |
6 |
36 |
20 |
( 0.6%) |
| Others |
251 |
234 |
196 |
( 5.7%) |
|
| Total |
3,288 |
3,469 |
3,382 |
( 100.0%) |
Unit: million yen
Source: Japan Trade Monthly Report
The above data shows that China’s share is increasing year after year, while the shares of Korea, Italy and the U.S. are decreasing.
|
| 4. |
Helmets are classified roughly into motorcycle, sport and industrial helmets. Since no data have been released on imports by use, accurate figures cannot be presented here. According to the Japan Safety Goods Association and the Japan Safety Helmet Industry Association, motorcycle helmets make up a sizable proportion of total helmet imports, the majority of imported motorcycle helmets being half-type helmets for riders of small two-wheel motor vehicles or motorbikes. Sport helmet import quantities are small but increasing, a reflection of the growing popularity of sport. Industrial helmets are mostly domestic.
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| 5. |
In 2003 Japan imported helmets from 28 countries, mainly Asian countries (China, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand etc.) and Western countries (Italy, Germany, U.S. etc.). In the past, Taiwan was the largest exporter to Japan, but China has taken that position. In the past five years, imports from Taiwan have decreased by half. Some Taiwan manufacturers have moved to China for production.
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| 6. |
A large majority of the helmets imported from Asian countries are inexpensive half-type motorcycle helmets. In some Asian countries that export large quantities of helmets to Japan, there are many PS Mark- and SG (Safety Goods) Mark-accredited factories. A PS Mark indicates that the product complies with the quality and safety standards stipulated by the Consumer Product Safety Act of Japan; an SG Mark indicates that the product complies with the industry’s independent safety guidelines. For helmets manufactured in accredited factories and imported to Japan for marketing, import inspection can be omitted.
Helmets imported from Western countries, such as Italy, Germany and the U.S., are small in number, but most are the expensive jet type and full-face type. Reflecting the growing popularity of outdoor activities and sport, various types of sport helmets (for skiing, snowboarding, mountain-climbing, mountain biking, American football etc.) are imported from Europe and the U.S.
The average unit price of helmets imported from Asian countries ranges from 850 to 1,700 yen; helmets imported from Europe or the U.S. range in cost from 5,000 to 7,000 yen.
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| 7. |
As previously mentioned, since no statistics have been released on imports by use, no accurate data are available on the Japanese helmet market share of imported goods. It is estimated that about 70 percent of motorcycle helmets sold in Japan are imported
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| 8. |
Motorcycle helmets are subject to regulations under the Consumer Product Safety Act, which requires distributors of imported helmets to submit a “Notification of Import of Specified Products” to the relevant Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, when commencing business. They are also required to conduct self-imposed testing to prove product conformity to the technical standards specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and to prepare and store inspection records. Only products bearing the importer’s name and precautions, as well as the “PS Mark,” can be displayed for sale.
In addition, the Road Traffic Law requires that both riders and passengers of large two-wheel motor vehicles, standard two-wheel motor vehicles and motorbikes wear helmets. The following table shows the rules of helmet use in accordance with the motorcycle helmet classification of the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS):
Types of Motorcycle Helmets (By Road Traffic Law)
| 1) Type A |
Half type
Semi-jet type |
Riders/passengers of motorbikes,
two-wheel motor vehicles
of less than 125 cc displacement,standard four-wheel vehicles
shall wear Type A helmets. |
| 2) Type B |
Semi-jet type
Jet type |
Full-face type Rides/passengers of two-wheel motor vehicles
shall wear Type B helmets. |
| 3) Type C |
Jet type
Full-face type |
Riders/passengers of two-wheel motor vehicles shall wear
Type C helmets.Riders of two-wheel motor vehicles and
four-wheel motor vehicles for racing shall wear Type C helmets. |
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| 9. |
Motorcycle helmets are classified into four types according to shape: half type, semi-jet type, jet type and full-face type. As for retail price, the half type costs 6,000 yen on average; the full-face type costs about 25,000 yen, although some models are very expensive. The retail price of the full-face type is more than four times that of the half type. Regarding the half type, there is not a big difference in price between imported and domestic products. Regarding the full-face type, the two largest Japanese manufacturers (SHOEI and ARAI) hold a commanding share of the market, for their superior quality and brand power. Some U.S. brands are also popular.
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| 10. |
Helmets are made of ABS resin, fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) etc., although the material varies depending on the price.
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| 11. |
Domestic sales of two-wheel motor vehicles have been sluggish for a long period. Since it has become easier to obtain licenses for large two-wheel motor vehicles, sales of motorcycles with more than 400 cc displacement are increasing. However, imports of large motorcycles from the U.S. and Germany have been decreasing. Although replacement purchases can be expected, considering various factors motorcycle helmet sales will remain low.
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| 12. |
Regarding importation of motorcycle helmets, in many cases major wholesale distributors import helmets directly from overseas manufacturers or wholesale distributors, or import via Japanese agents for overseas manufacturers. Many Japanese wholesale distributors import motorcycle clothing and boots as well as helmets. In the case of importation from overseas factories of Japanese manufacturers, wholesale distributors or retail distributors in Japan import directly from those factories. Some major motorcycle shops import goods directly from overseas manufacturers and market them.
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| 13. |
Motorcycle helmets are used to protect riders’ heads; if a problem should occur, the Product Liability (PL) Law will be applied and compensation problems may occur. Manufacturers must carry out thorough quality control.
Consumers tend to prefer brand-name products, feeling that, although brand-name goods are more expensive, they are safer.
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