Maruishi

Maruishi Cycle Ltd. is a Japanese bicycle manufacturer established between 1894-1909, known for touring bikes, cargo bicycles, and shaft-drive models. The company gained recognition for durable luggage-bearing bicycles and became famous for its distinctive kangaroo logo, which appeared on frames, mudguards, cranks, and bells. Maruishi bicycles are still manufactured in Japan, though the company has been owned by Chinese parent Tianjin Fushida Bicycle Co. since 2006.

Japan’s Bicycle Guide of ’56 includes an avert giving an address in a
part of Osaka that is called Fukushima (not to be confused with the site of the famous nuclear accident) and claims 50 years experience.  A company called Maruishi Cycle Co., LTD operates a web site that gives a founding date of 1972.  It’s not unusual for bicycle companies to have such dubious beginnings or history.  There have been more than a few brands that, over the years, have been owned by many different companies at various addresses.

The Maruishi Company Produces Cargo Attaching Bicycles, Shaft Driven Direct Drive, Various Folding Compact Bicycles, Touring, Racing, Cross Bikes and Kids Bicycles. They Also Offer Electromotive Assist Type Cars, School Cars and Fixed Turn Practical Cars. The company is based in Tokyo, Japan. Maruishi Cycle Industries Ltd. operates as a subsidiary of Tianjin Fushida Bicycle Co.  

Kangaroo Symbol?

What is interesting though, is that Maruishi’s symbol throughout its history has been a kangaroo!
Why Maruishi chose a kangaroo remains a mystery, though its cycles are renowned for their luggage-bearing capability, which probably goes some way toward providing an explanation. The company also had some kind of relationship with Australia although, the details are not know.
Although current Maruishi kangaroo displays appear largely limited to bicycle decals and store signage, marsupial images once adorned mudguards in the form of ornaments, frame plates, cranks and bells.

The Maruishi RX7 was the top model. If it is equipped with 1st generation 105 it puts it around a 1983-1986. The components could narrow down the year. The 1984 and 1985 could have had 27” wheels but most likely 700c. The company has been Chinese owned since 2006.

Maruishi Emperor: The Touring Flagship

The Emperor is Maruishi’s longest-running touring nameplate, in production since at least the 1970s. Most Emperor models use triple-triangle frame geometry — a French “campeur” style where the seat stays cross over the top tube for extra rigidity under loaded panniers — paired with long wheelbases and rinko-friendly quick-release fittings for train travel in Japan. The line was built for distance and load capacity rather than speed, and that identity has held for decades even as ownership of the company changed.

A road-specific variant, the Emperor 901-SXR, is a documented departure from that touring brief — built almost entirely around a Sugino SG75 component group rather than the mixed Suntour/Shimano/Sugino spec typical of Maruishi’s touring builds. For the full breakdown of that bike, see our Maruishi Emperor 901-SXR feature.

Identifying a Maruishi by Serial Number

Maruishi’s serial number format is not fully documented, but the pattern that has emerged from limited sample data follows Y?xxxxx, where the first letter indicates the year and the second letter indicates either the fortnight or month of production — this has not been conclusively determined. Under this scheme, A = 1971 or 1981, B = 1972 or 1982, and so on, with the decade determined by frame and component characteristics rather than the serial number alone.

This format is easily confused with Tsunoda’s serial numbers, which follow a similar YF-prefix structure. If you’re trying to date a Maruishi frame and the numbers don’t cleanly resolve, cross-check the bike’s components and frame details against the era you’re targeting rather than relying on the serial number in isolation. For the full manufacturer-by-manufacturer breakdown, see our General Asian Serial Number Guide.

Shaft-Drive Models

Alongside its chain-driven touring and racing lineup, Maruishi also produced shaft-drive bicycles — models that replace the chain and derailleur with a solid drive shaft running to the rear wheel. The setup reduces maintenance and keeps the drivetrain enclosed, at the cost of added weight and mechanical complexity compared to a standard chain. These weren’t limited to single-speed builds; Maruishi shaft-drive models have turned up in 3-speed and 7-speed configurations. We cover a specific example, including its dynamo-powered lighting and period thumb-shifter, in Exploring the Innovation: Maruishi Bicycle Drive Shafts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maruishi Bicycles

When was Maruishi Cycle founded?

Maruishi Cycle’s founding date is disputed, with some sources claiming 1894 and others stating 1909. A Japanese Bicycle Guide from 1956 includes a Maruishi advertisement claiming 50 years of experience, which would place the founding around 1906. The company was likely established in Osaka, specifically in the Fukushima district, though it later operated from Tokyo. The modern entity Maruishi Cycle Co., LTD lists a founding date of 1972 on its website, which may represent a corporate restructuring rather than the company’s original establishment.

Why does Maruishi use a kangaroo as its logo?

Maruishi has used a kangaroo as its company symbol throughout its history, though the exact reason remains a mystery. The most likely explanation connects to the company’s reputation for manufacturing bicycles with excellent luggage-bearing capability, similar to how kangaroos carry their young in pouches. Historical evidence suggests Maruishi had some business relationship with Australia, which may have influenced the choice of this distinctive marsupial symbol. The kangaroo appeared on bicycle decals, mudguards as ornaments, frame plates, cranks, bells, and store signage.

Is Maruishi still making bicycles today?

Yes, Maruishi continues to manufacture bicycles in Japan, though the company has been owned by Chinese parent company Tianjin Fushida Bicycle Co. since 2006. Current production includes touring bikes, racing bikes, cross bikes, cargo-attaching bicycles, shaft-driven models, various folding compact bicycles, kids’ bicycles, electromotive assist bicycles, and specialized models for schools and commercial use. The company maintains its headquarters in Tokyo and operates the website www.maruishi-cycle.com.

What is the most collectible Maruishi bicycle model?

The Maruishi RX7 is considered the company’s top vintage model and is highly sought after by collectors. RX7 models equipped with first-generation Shimano 105 components date to approximately 1983-1986. These bikes typically came with 700c wheels, though some 1984-1985 models may have had 27-inch wheels. The exact year can often be determined by examining the specific component specifications. Earlier Maruishi models featuring the ornate kangaroo decorations on mudguards, cranks, and bells are also prized by collectors for their distinctive aesthetics and historical significance.
For help narrowing down the exact year using the frame’s serial number, see our General Asian Serial Number Guide.

Related Reading

Maruishi Maruishi Emperor 901-SXR: A Rare Japanese Road Bike Find

Maruishi Exploring the Innovation: Maruishi Bicycle Drive Shafts

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About the Author
James Hickman is a former USA Cycling Expert-level coach who has worked with cyclists at every level, from beginners to competitive racers. He served as a coach for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training program, helping riders prepare for and complete century events. A Masters-category racer himself, he competed and earned podium finishes in Southern California events and holds a Platinum finish at El Tour de Tucson, completing the century in under five hours.