In the 80s bosozoku were considered delinquents and looked down upon by Japanese society. With enough distance in the rear view mirror, there’s now an aura of nostalgia that surrounded their unique and impeccable style. A museum-quality and family friendly exhibit of bosozoku culture has opened in Tokyo, celebrating the motorcycles, fashion, and music of that era.
Perhaps most interesting to JNCers are the modified bikes that are on display. Visitors, including kids, are invited to sit on and take photos of a purple rocket-cowled Suzuki GT380. Nicknamed the sanpachi, the two-stroke 3-cylinder engine with ram-air intake produced an unforgettable and distinctive exhaust note due to its 3-in-4 exhaust manifold.
Also on display is a Suzuki GS400, the company’s first four-stroke design released concurrently with the GS750. The GS400’s rev-able engine became a favorite of the “call masters” who expertly manipulated the throttle to create rhythms from the exhaust note. It is said that the most skilled among them would obsess over the length of the exhaust, even down to the millimeter.
The GS400’s successor, the GSX400, had its own distinct intake sound. Early models were nicknamed zari, Japanese for “crayfish” due to its red gas tank and angular design. Later models were nicknamed goki, or “cockroach” thanks to their more rounded profile. Along with the Honda CB250T and 400T, nicknamed the babu for the sound created by its parallel-twin, these were the go-to choices for bosozoku bikes.
Beyond the photos, over 300 items are on display, curated by the founder of Champ Road magazine. Items include bosozoku-style bicycles, photos, modified school uniforms with churan and tanran (long and short jackets) paired with bontan (trousers), as well as embroidered tokkofuku military-style jackets.
“The flashy attire, the roaring exhausts, the bonds of friendship — all were expressions of staying true to oneself. It was an era where fashion, motorcycles, and brotherhood intersected, giving rise to a unique aesthetic,” states the exhibit’s description.
The Den Yankii Ten exhibit is at the 1010Park on the 7th floor of Kitasenju Marui and runs until May 10.
