Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Since 1918, the name Kuwahara has resonated through the cycling world. This Japanese bicycle company, founded by Sentarō Kuwahara, began as a small family business in Osaka.

Sentarō started selling local bicycle parts and by 1925, Kuwahara was exporting bicycles and parts to Russia, China, and Southeast Asia.

The turning point arrived in 1959 when Kuwahara delivered its first bikes to the USA. Tragically, Sentarō passed away the following year, leaving his son Masao to carry the torch.

But it was in 1972 that Kuwahara truly made its mark. The brand developed BMX bicycles for the North American, European, and Australian markets. Enter Howie Cohen, the mastermind behind Everything Bicycles.

Cohen introduced BMX bikes under the Kuwahara brand and to make it a household name, he ran a promotion—free stickers for kids who could correctly pronounce the company name.

The 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial catapulted Kuwahara to international fame: Their BMX model became synonymous with Elliot’s airborne ride. In homage to the film, the brand produced red and white “ET” models, capturing hearts across continents.

Today, Kuwahara continues to craft quality bicycles, blending tradition with innovation. Their strong fan base still owes much to that boy named Elliot and his magical ride.

Ishiwata and Icy Water: Kuwuhara Marten

The most famous Kuwahara is the BMX ridden across the face of the moon by Elliot in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, but there is far more to the brand and catalog. This 1993 Marten model MTB has been repurposed into a dirt drop all-season tourer.

Kuwahara Grasshopper

Kuwahara Grasshopper

While this may be a ‘how-you-find-them’ post, this is one modern classic you’d rather hope to find. Kuwahara will perpetually be remembered for their BMX bikes, particularly one model that transported a young man named Elliot and his extra-terrestrial companion. Their road and mountain bikes also enjoyed great success, albeit off-screen.

Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

A custom Kuwahara BMX by Justin Fox

One of Australia’s premier design resources, INFRONT, is readying itself for a major re-branding. It’s only one of the many projects Justin Fox has instigated…