"Good report. This is my high school days. I remember some friends join the teams: Spector, Black Emperor, Itsunboushi etc. They sprayed their own name on the walls. Modified bikes go on the street with noisy sound all night long.
A few readers have complimented me for this story. Please notice that the author is Christopher Gerteis, not me. And be sure to check out his newsletter!
Years ago, my friend rented a nice apartment in central Yokohama. Well located and quiet - at least during the day. When he moved in, he found out that at night, the space right beneath his bedroom window was the regular meeting point of a bike gang. He ended up leaving the place after a few months.
Cool report Gianni, thanks. There have been times in the past few years where it occurred to me that I never see the bosozoku gangs around anymore. When I first came back to Japan around 20 years ago I remember seeing them every once in a while, especially when I lived out in the suburbs of Mitaka. I was like “what the actual fuck is all this noisy ass mess?!” And then I found all the photos and some stories on them. Interesting - unless I missed it - that the article and the 30 minute Vice story don’t ever mention where the term “Bosozoku” itself comes from. Which is Boso (Chiba) Speed tribes, right?
Regarding the name "bosozoku," nice try, but I'm afraid the truth is a little different. Apparently, the link with Chiba's Boso peninsula is a common misconception.
Bosozoku 暴走族 breaks down as:
暴走 (bōsō) = "reckless driving" or "running wild"
族 (zoku) = "tribe" or "group"
So, bōsōzoku literally means "reckless driving tribe"
These subcultures have always intrigued me but mostly in the West. I don't know much about subcultures elsewhere but I do remember punk rock being a big deal in Japan about forty years ago. Thanks for opening my eyes to biker subculture in Japan.
"I’m not schizophrenic. I’m bloody quadrophenic!" I LOVE it, both the film and the original Who album. I must have watched the movie four or five times already.
Yeah, I loved the film for a long time but the last time I saw it was in the early 2000s and it was so dated and amateurish that I was embarrassed about liking it so much as a youngster! However, it launched the careers of some fine actors - Ray Winstone being one of them - and it preserves Sting as the youthful, beautiful Face. Boy, was he good looking in his prime.
Sure. It's a cult film, which means it will always have a loyal following despite it being less than perfect. Not a bad film but it ain't Citizen Kane.
Really interesting. In the seaside town where my parents lived in England for many years, a huge group of bikers arrive every week during the summer for a meeting on the seafront. Most are in their 40s 50s or 60s. The meeting raises money for charity. No longer about rebellion, it's about community, it seems.
Amigo, I like their quiet rebellion and the police gentle generosity toward them. But for now, I shall remain faithful to my good old dear mama charie.
Here's a comment from a Japanese friend:
"Good report. This is my high school days. I remember some friends join the teams: Spector, Black Emperor, Itsunboushi etc. They sprayed their own name on the walls. Modified bikes go on the street with noisy sound all night long.
A few readers have complimented me for this story. Please notice that the author is Christopher Gerteis, not me. And be sure to check out his newsletter!
Don’t mind the rebellion , but hate the decibels .
Years ago, my friend rented a nice apartment in central Yokohama. Well located and quiet - at least during the day. When he moved in, he found out that at night, the space right beneath his bedroom window was the regular meeting point of a bike gang. He ended up leaving the place after a few months.
Pity…
Don't blame him.
Agree.
Cool report Gianni, thanks. There have been times in the past few years where it occurred to me that I never see the bosozoku gangs around anymore. When I first came back to Japan around 20 years ago I remember seeing them every once in a while, especially when I lived out in the suburbs of Mitaka. I was like “what the actual fuck is all this noisy ass mess?!” And then I found all the photos and some stories on them. Interesting - unless I missed it - that the article and the 30 minute Vice story don’t ever mention where the term “Bosozoku” itself comes from. Which is Boso (Chiba) Speed tribes, right?
Nice stuff to read this fine Saturday morning ✊
Thanks for the comment and memories, William.
Regarding the name "bosozoku," nice try, but I'm afraid the truth is a little different. Apparently, the link with Chiba's Boso peninsula is a common misconception.
Bosozoku 暴走族 breaks down as:
暴走 (bōsō) = "reckless driving" or "running wild"
族 (zoku) = "tribe" or "group"
So, bōsōzoku literally means "reckless driving tribe"
These subcultures have always intrigued me but mostly in the West. I don't know much about subcultures elsewhere but I do remember punk rock being a big deal in Japan about forty years ago. Thanks for opening my eyes to biker subculture in Japan.
You can add to the bibliography, the British film Quadrophenia, about the mods and rockers causing mayhem in Brighton - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadrophenia_(film)
"I’m not schizophrenic. I’m bloody quadrophenic!" I LOVE it, both the film and the original Who album. I must have watched the movie four or five times already.
Yeah, I loved the film for a long time but the last time I saw it was in the early 2000s and it was so dated and amateurish that I was embarrassed about liking it so much as a youngster! However, it launched the careers of some fine actors - Ray Winstone being one of them - and it preserves Sting as the youthful, beautiful Face. Boy, was he good looking in his prime.
Hey, I hadn't realized Jimmy's rocker friend was Ray Winston! I love that actor.
For me the film isn't half bad. Or maybe I' just stopped growing up at 15.
Sure. It's a cult film, which means it will always have a loyal following despite it being less than perfect. Not a bad film but it ain't Citizen Kane.
Uh-oh, if we start talking about Top 5s and Top 10s we'll never get out of here alive.
So true! Don't get me started - I love lists!
Thank you, Gianni! And, hello to your readers!
Really interesting. In the seaside town where my parents lived in England for many years, a huge group of bikers arrive every week during the summer for a meeting on the seafront. Most are in their 40s 50s or 60s. The meeting raises money for charity. No longer about rebellion, it's about community, it seems.
It sounds less romantic than the rebels on wheels, but it's definitely better!
Amigo, I like their quiet rebellion and the police gentle generosity toward them. But for now, I shall remain faithful to my good old dear mama charie.
Bicycles rule!
Not so sure about the “quiet” part.
Hahaha!!!