[Kenny Sagawa: Webike News Editor in Chief]
Close to the 150,000 people
The 46th "Tokyo Motorcycle Show" held at Tokyo Big Sight from March 22nd (Fri) to 24th (Sunday) last weekend closed with great success, and last week "Osaka Motorcycle Show" Following in Tokyo, the number of visitors was the highest ever.
According to the official announcement, the total number of visitors for the three days was 149,524, slightly higher than the previous year's 2018 146,823 (102% compared to the previous year). By day, March 22nd (Fri) is 32,930, March 23 (Sat) 60,529, March 24 (Sun) is 56,065, with the largest number of visitors on Saturday as last year And even in the year, 2015 (132, 294 people), 2016 (132, 575 people), 2017 (146, 495 people) has been steadily growing yearly. The number of exhibitors has also been reversed compared with 153 last year and 135 last year, so it can be said that it is a great success.
It is anxious that Saturday's entry is lower than last year, but this seems to be also affected by the cold rain from the morning of the day, and more than three days if it is fine weather. There may be a possibility that the visit could be expected. Hopes will grow next year when it will be put on the 150,000.
Young people have increased, but with the real image there is also a gap
Currently, the average age of motorcycle buyers is 53 years of age, and as the user population ages, it has become an issue in the motorcycle industry how to incorporate young people, but looking at the inside of the hall is half. The above was the impression that it was occupied by the relatively young people in their twenties and thirties. Although it is a skin feeling to the last, I feel that the "rejuvenation" tendency of the visitors is particularly remarkable in recent years. I also heard the feel of the manufacturer representative actually exhibited, but it feels different. In that sense, motorcycle shows including Tokyo and Osaka seem to be successful. It appears in the data in the form of an increase in the number of visitors, and it can be seen as a bright sign.
New motorcycle sales are still at a standstill
However, if you look at actual sales changes of motorcycles, you can not feel intoxicated with Hanami. According to data from JAMA (Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association), the movement of new motorcycle in recent years is still at a standstill. The downturn in new motorcycle sales that suffered catastrophic impact due to bubble collapse, Lehman shock, etc. has a feeling that it has finally hit the bottom here, but it still tends to slightly increase in classes with two types of moped (51cc to 125cc). The moped class (50cc or less), which accounts for about half of all motorcycle sales, remains in a grim poverty situation, wandering around 350,000 as a whole (* 2017 year basis).
In terms of slumping in the motorcycle industry, shipments are said to be "one-eighth the height of the heyday of the 80's," but in many cases the number of mopeds of 2 million was reduced to less than 200,000. It is the cause. It is true that roughly two or more types of moped roughly shrank to about a half, but in any case it has been flat for several years. It is a rather disappointing number compared to the activity of the motorcycle show. Under the circumstances, each manufacturer representative also complained that the liveliness of the motorcycle show is not connected to sales.
Keeping the "good atmosphere" finally lit
Motorcycle shows themselves are increasing every year, and young people who are interested in motorcycles are also increasing. There is no doubt that it is a good sign. So what should I do next?
It is my own idea that there is no alternative but to continue making the "good atmosphere" that I have finally come up with, thanks to the efforts of those in the industry. After a long hard work, it is important now to grow carefully without losing the light source that has finally been lit. It may not be immediately for sale, and the sowing period will continue. However, I think it is important to remember that bikes are a hobby vehicle and the ultimate luxury item. It takes time to grow a brand. Young people may not be able to buy now, but they should be echoing in their hearts. The brightness and coolness of the machine I saw at that time, and the refined image must be deeply engraved in my memory. And we must keep an eye on the day when their admiration becomes reality.
The future where the declining birthrate and aging population will be spurred. More wisdom, effort, and patience will be required, but with love you can continue without giving up. It seems that it is the duty of Japan's motorcycle industry with a world-renowned motorcycle manufacturer.
