Biking is part of most household routines in Japan. Moms shuttle their kids to school, and dads bike to the nearest train station to get into the city. For the most part, biking is safe since there are designated bike lanes. Otherwise, cyclists use the sidewalks if there are too many cars or trucks on the road.
Up until children are 13 years old, their parents are encouraged by the Japanese government to use helmets. As of last month, this advisory was extended to everyone in Japan using bicycles to get around which has led to a nationwide helmet shortage. Studies found that the cyclists in Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu used helmets the most, while Hyogo Prefecture in Kansai used helmets the least.
While helmets are primarily for safety, some look bulky and downright ugly. If you’re in the market for new helmets for your kids, check out the children’s helmets lineup at Kabuto. Marketed for children from toddlers to pre-teens, there are three different types of helmets.
The first type of helmet is called Joly and is made for toddlers. At first glance, this helmet is made to look more like a hat. It comes in four colors and two styles - one for girls and one for boys. For ages four and up, the second lineup of helmets is called Arca. Instead of a hat, this helmet features a fabric visor. It also comes in a wide variety of bright colors and eye-catching designs. It fits snuggly onto the head and is cushioned well. Lastly, for preteens, the Testa collection is made to have the helmets look less like its for children and more “mature.” It weighs about 250 grams and has 12 air holes in different sizes for breathability.
You can purchase these helmets via the online store.
Source: PR Times
Images: https://we.tl/t-m5ayei0Yb5
© Japan Today
8 Comments
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dbsaiya
...have never been more stylish....now you just have to wear them.
wallace
Plenty of good ones on Amazon.
falseflagsteve
I’ve got a pink one
factchecker
Which Japan has this writer been to? Not the one I live in.
I think they mean the kerbside where is a painted cycle image, which car drivers just park on.
purple_depressed_bacon
What an absurd idea. Helmets are designed to protect your noggin' from cracking open like an egg, not to look fashionable. And why can't the Japanese government just make it mandatory for helmets to be worn? Must they always "encourage" but not actually lay down the law? Ridiculous.
virusrex
What makes you think these helmets do not fulfill their main purpose? It is like thinking hiking boots no longer help protecting the feet if by any reason the look nice.