Promoting Bicycle Helmet Use with Japan's Mascot Characters: OGK Kabuto Expands Local Government Partnerships

OGK Kabuto Co., Ltd. (Higashiosaka City, President: Hiroki Kimura), a pioneer in bicycle helmets, is actively supporting local governments in their efforts to promote the safe use of bicycles and small mobility devices. The company provides custom helmets to local mascot characters and enters into business partnership agreements as needed to facilitate safety awareness.

Starting with Osaka Prefecture's 'Mozuyan' in 2016, the initiative has expanded to include Ehime's 'Mikyan,' Hyogo's 'Habatan,' Kochi's 'Kuroshio-kun,' and most recently, Kanagawa's 'Kanagawa Kintaro' on May 3, 2026. These custom helmets are utilized in various regional awareness activities.

Key Initiatives:

- Osaka Prefecture (Mozuyan): In April 2016, the 'Mozutomo Agreement' was signed to strengthen safety awareness for the elderly. The creation of a dedicated helmet coincided with the prefecture's mandatory bicycle insurance policy.

- Ehime Prefecture (Mikyan): Known for the highest helmet usage rate in Japan, the company created a perfectly sized helmet for Mikyan after seeing SNS comments about a poorly fitting helmet. It was presented at 'Cycling Shimanami 2024' in October 2024.

- Hyogo Prefecture (Habatan): In March 2025, under a partnership agreement, the company donated 3,000 helmets to high school students commuting by bicycle and presented a custom helmet to Habatan alongside Governor Motohiko Saito.

- Kochi Prefecture (Kuroshio-kun): On April 6, 2026, during the Spring National Traffic Safety Campaign, a donation ceremony was held with Governor Seiji Hamada, accompanied by the signing of a business partnership agreement.

- Kanagawa Prefecture (Kanagawa Kintaro): A tripartite agreement was signed between the prefecture, the prefectural police, and OGK Kabuto on March 9, 2026. A presentation ceremony took place on May 3 with Vice Governor Yoshinori Hirata.

OGK Kabuto remains open to cooperation with any local government committed to bicycle and small mobility safety, aiming to provide support tailored to local characteristics and needs.