Ask John: Are Mama’s Bikes Really So Common in Japan?

Question:
A while back I watched my Nth anime episode which had a character puffing and straining his way up a hill on a bike that looks like your typical Flying Pigeon/ Mom’s Bike (single gear, front basket, pannier rack). In fact, the only anime I can think of offhand that doesn’t have a character using this kind of bike is the Golden Boy OVAs. Are those bikes really that common in Japan, even considering the terrain, or is it just a common anime trope? If they are, is it likely just an issue of cost versus a good mountain bike?

Answer:

In numerous respects, and like all countries, Japan has a number of odd eccentricities. For example, contemporary Japan places a fairly heavy emphasis on consciousness of the greenhouse effect, leading Japanese homes to exclude central heating and Japanese residents to hesitate running their “aircon” air conditioning systems for fear of depleting the ozone layer. Yet at the same time this environmental consciousness is admirable, Japanese citizens widely consider cheap metal & plastic umbrellas disposable, practically single-use tools. Ironically, a visitor to Tokyo may find recycling bins for plastic beverage containers nearby abandoned (and presumably already replaced) plastic umbrellas.

Similarly, someone that’s never visited Japan may naturally assume that the compactness of the country and its proliferation of public transport options would largely preclude the necessity for commuter bicycles. Furthermore, an observer might naturally assume that a country as technologically sophisticated as Japan, the country that leads the world in the development of high-tech electronic toilets, would also lead the world in the prominence of sleek, lightweight, aerodynamic bicycles. However, the reality is that Japan abounds with commuter bicycles, and the old-fashioned, heavy “mother’s” bike seen in the first episode of the current Yowamushi Pedal anime remains plenteous throughout present day Japan.