Japanese antique child's tricycle by Nichibei Fuji bicycle, early 20th Century

Nichibei Fuji, who combined two companies into Nichibei Fuji Cycle Company. By the late 20s, Fuji was Japan’s most popular bicycle. In the 30s, Fuji established the first national stage race between Osaka and Tokyo and sponsored the winning team. Today, this race remains a premier race in Asia. The first Asian Games were held in New Delhi in 1951. Shoichiro Sugihara, riding a Fuji, won the first race. In the 50s, Toshoku America acquired distribution rights to Fuji-made bicycles in the United States. Toshoku America sold private-label Fuji-made bicycles as house brands through U. S. retailers such as Sears & Roebuck and Montgomery Wards. During this period, Fuji became a partner with several contractors supplying parts for Japanese bicycles, including Sugino Cycle Industries and SunTour. Sales expanded into other Asian markets. At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Fuji's chief engineer and designer, Dr Shoichiro Sugihara, designed the Japanese national team bicycles and was the team coach. He repeated this role at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico and the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany.