Special Japan Edition Motorcycle Helmets Launched By Gracshaw
Gracshaw has launched a collection of Japan-themed special edition motorcycle helmets. The helmet designs are inspired by Japanese art and culture and the collection features 6 unique designs targeted at bikers who want something different and stylish.
The local helmet brand had showcased this collection at the recent Terengganu Bike Week 2023, and after receiving an overwhelming response there, held its official launch. The Gracshaw Japan Edition helmets are based on the popular Gennex model of open face, double visor design.
According to Farizan bin Md Akir from the Marketing Division of Double Site Marketing Sdn Bhd, which manufactures, markets and retails the Gracshaw brand, the Japan Edition collection is a wholly local effort, with the designing done in Penang and the manufacturing in Jitra, Kedah.
“This is the most unique and exciting range yet from Gracshaw and took almost 8 months to develop from concept to production. At Gracshaw, we see the importance of always wearing a good and fitting helmet when riding. Although some people may complain that helmets are just a ‘legal requirement’, we see them as so much more. Our vision is to offer headwear that combines quality, comfort and style to cater to sophisticated and fashion-conscious riders,” said Farizan. 
“We firmly believe that our Japan Edition will capture the imagination of Malaysian riders, many of whom have grown up with Japanese culture and are familiar with the icons, motifs and characters featured. The launch is an important milestone for the brand. By next year, we plan to export to other markets in Southeast Asia,” he added. Since 2006, Gracshaw has cumulative sales of about 7 million helmets. Double Site is aiming to sell 10,000 of the Japan Edition helmets, which is a special edition but not limited edition.
The helmet designs are crafted for motorcyclists who want something more expressive and artistic. There are 2 helmets each based on the themes of folk tales, pop culture and history. The designs for the folk tales segment are the Kurita and Tsuru. Kurita is based on the Japanese fable of the giant octopus, one of the sea monsters sent to recover the sacred jewel stolen from the Palace of the Dragon King by a pearl diver, Princess Tamatori. On the helmet are the octopus along with the katana, pearl, and flowers.
Meanwhile, the Tsuru design focuses on the red-crowned crane, one of the rarest in the world. This crane symbolises luck, longevity and fidelity. Known as tanchozuru, this crane is said to live up to 1,000 years. In Japanese folklore, Tsuru no Ongaeshi is a story about a crane returning a favour to a man.
The J-pop culture designs feature Japop which is a anime- / manga-inspired design with the popular Astro Boy combined with traditional elements such as the fish; and Tengu which is a mischievous supernatural being with a red face and long nose. The tengu is said to control the wind.
Lastly, the historical theme design features the Oda and the Karasu. The Oda pays tribute to Nobunaga Oda, a Japanese warlord from the Sengoku period who fought other feudal lords to unite Japan in the 1560s. The Battle of Okehazama is considered one of the most significant turning points in Japanese history where the Oda army, heavily outnumbered 10:1, fought and won against Imagawa Yoshimoto’s forces. Design elements on the helmet include Oda wearing a mask and a rising sun with his silhouette on a horse.
Meanwhile, the Karasu tells of Hattori Hanzo, the legendary ninja who saved Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate who ruled a united Japan. Designs on this helmet features ninja weapons such as the shuriken, kunai, and kusarigama.
The Gracshaw Japan collection of helmets can be purchased from the official store in Shopee, official website, or from its official Facebook page. The helmets have a retail price of RM420 and each purchase includes an exclusive backpack for carrying and protecting the helmet.
For more information, visit www.gracshaw.com.
