Japan’s biggest Harley-Davidson & Touring Event “TOHOKU WANTED BIKKER TOURING” IN FUKUSHIMA
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Japan’s Largest Harley-Davidson & Touring Event
“TOHOKU WANTED BIKER TOURING” in Fukushima
The 7th TOHOKU WANTED BIKER TOURING was held on Motorcycle Day, August 19. The event has taken place every year since the Great East Japan Earthquake and returned to Fukushima for the first time in three years.
On a beautiful summer day, COOL’s leader, Hidemitsu Sato, led a 140-kilometer touring ride from Sugo P.A. in Miyagi Prefecture to the Inawashiro Resort Hotel.
In an impressive sight, approximately 500 motorcycles and American cars gathered at the venue, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for riders and spectators alike.
Here is the video↓
↓COOL’s leader Hidemitsu Sato (in Inawashiro)
Let’s be energetic
↓Almost there. Lake Inawashiro can be seen behind.
Many motorcycles in the venue! ↓
This event was held in support of Tohoku’s reconstruction, and attendees enjoyed live performances by outstanding musicians such as COOLS, YOKOHAMA GINBAE, SHO & BLACK BIRD, CONNY, NAOKI GOTO, and B.O.B.
The live show kicked off with a countdown led by drummer Hidemitsu Sato, followed by energetic, upbeat performances. Popular songs like “Be My Baby” and “The Loco-Motion” had the crowd on their feet and added even more excitement to the event.
↓YOKOHAMAGINBAE SHO & BLACK BIRD
↓COOLS
The sight of the audience getting excited—dancing the twist and stepping to the beat—felt just like an oldies live house. Fans of all ages gathered at the venue, each dressed in their own unique style, and everyone was clearly enjoying themselves from the bottom of their hearts.
✯ What is COOLS?
COOLS was originally formed in 1974 as a motorcycle team by current leader Hidemitsu Sato, along with Hiroshi Tachi and Koichi Iwaki. Later, eight members of the group made their debut as a rock ’n’ roll band under the same name.
Since their debut single, “Murasaki no Highway,” COOLS has remained active for more than 40 years. Over the years, some members have left and record labels have changed, but their energetic spirit and rock ’n’ roll style have never faded.
Hidemitsu Sato is also well known as a builder of trikes and custom Harley-Davidsons. He owns a custom shop called “CHOPPER” in Kameido, Koto Ward, where he specializes in Harley-Davidsons and trikes.
✯ About CHOPPER
The shop name “CHOPPER” comes from the word “chop,” referring to motorcycles that have been modified by removing certain parts.
Harley-Davidsons, which became hugely popular in the United States, are known for their solid feel and powerful presence. However, their heavy weight originally made them less comfortable to ride. To improve performance and comfort, enthusiasts began removing exterior parts such as fenders and customizing handlebars and seats.
Over time, riders continued refining and personalizing their bikes, and this spirit of modification gave birth to a wide variety of unique styles.
★ The Godfather of Japan’s Trike World Appears
An Interview with Hidemitsu Sato
The popularity of trikes has been steadily growing, influenced by movies, TV personalities, and figures from various fields.
We spoke with Hidemitsu Sato, a pioneer who helped ignite the trike movement both in Japan and overseas by building and riding his own custom machines.
✯ What do motorcycles, music, and fashion mean to you?
When I was in my third year of junior high school, I started thinking seriously about my future. I wanted to build a career doing something I truly loved—something people admired.
At that time, many people looked up to American culture—its cars, music, and fashion. That admiration inspired me to ride a Harley-Davidson. And if I was going to ride a motorcycle, I wanted to dress the part. If I was going to become a musician, I wanted to play rock ’n’ roll.
Of course, passion alone isn’t enough to keep you going for 43 years. I’ve worked hard—desperately at times—because this is my profession. Through motorcycles, I’ve met countless friends and built lifelong connections. There were moments when I couldn’t see what the future held, but I kept moving forward.
Now, this is my life’s work—and I’m grateful that I can make a living doing what I love.
✯ It is said that helmets may become mandatory for trike riders. What are your thoughts?
The current regulations were established through various discussions and procedures. Trikes are stable vehicles that do not tip over easily, and they can also be enjoyed by people with disabilities.
For these reasons, I believe helmets should not be mandatory for trike riders.
✯ Do you have a message for young people?
It’s important to find something you truly love as early as possible. I’ve been pursuing what I love since I was in my third year of junior high school.
I often hear that young people today aren’t very interested in cars or motorcycles. But once you ride a motorcycle, you’ll realize there’s nothing quite like it. The freedom, the excitement—there’s simply nothing more thrilling than that.
★ ★ ★
When it comes to rock ’n’ roll, a deep admiration for American culture lies at its core. Throw on a leather jacket, style your hair in a ducktail, and ride down an endless highway with friends on American icons like Harley-Davidson, Cadillac, or Mustang—this music, fashion, and lifestyle truly embody what it means to be cool.
During our limited interview time, Hidemitsu Sato also spoke passionately about the safety and appeal of trikes. Watching him ride his Harley-Davidson, he was the very image of “Mr. Harley-Davidson” in Japan.
He left us with the impression of a cool, proud man—someone who looks perfectly at home with a motorcycle by his side and a cigarette in hand.
Hidemitsu Sato’s Profile
Born on April 1, 1951, he is the leader and drummer of the legendary Japanese rock ’n’ roll band COOLS.
In December 1974, he formed the motorcycle team “COOLS” with Hiroshi Tachi and Koichi Iwaki. Soon after, eight members of the team made their debut as a rock ’n’ roll band under the same name.
He continues to lead COOLS as its drummer while also running “CHOPPER,” a custom shop specializing in Harley-Davidsons and trikes in Kameido, Koto Ward, Tokyo.
He is also the organizer of Japan’s largest Harley-Davidson and trike touring event, “WANTED BIKER TOURING.”
In addition, he built a live music venue called ✯HUNGRY✯ exclusively for COOLS in Sosa City, Chiba.
In 2010, he released his first solo album, “Gasoline ga Aru Kagiri,” under the name “COOLS Hidemitsu with The HUNGRY.”
The donation was presented to the mayor of Inawashiro Town on September 7.
We were told that tourism and local products are still being affected by harmful rumors. We sincerely hope that the situation will improve and that everything will return to normal as soon as possible.
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