Japanese bicycles really are exceptionally sturdy, designed to take the pressures of daily use and withstand the elements. I've had my bicycle for three and a half years now and it's put up with more abuse than any of my previous bicycles have. For one thing, I have always been annoyed at how easily the chain falls off of bicycles when I go over high curbs or backpedal. In the entire time that I've had my Japanese bicycle, the chain has never once fallen off. Much to my amazement, the tires are also very durable because I've never punctured them accidentally riding over glass or broken umbrella parts after a major typhoon. And speaking of typhoons, although my bicycle has gone through several of those it is still rust-free!
Apparently, my amazement at the workmanship of Japanese bicycles is nothing new. Japanese bicycles and bicycle parts are well known in the world for their unique designs, quality, and attention to detail. While I was aware that the really amazing Shimano gear-shifting system was Japanese in origin, I hadn't known that many of the popular bicycles in North America were also Japanese brands or made in Japan. Names like Bianchi, Bridgestone, and the short lived American Eagle.