A helmet is the most important motorcycle gear you can purchase. Good helmets aren’t cheap, but really, what is your life worth to you? Even if there are no helmet laws in your state, if you get in an accident without one, your chances of making it through the ordeal alive are slim-to-none. Japanese companies make the best bikes, so it’s no surprise that they also make the best helmets. Regardless of your riding style, a Japanese motorcycle helmet is the way to go.
The best Japanese motorcycle helmet brands are Shoei, Arai, and Kabuto. Shoei makes the most advanced, high-tech helmets you can get, but they can be somewhat expensive. If you are looking for a helmet of similar quality, but at a lower price point, then look no further than Arai’s offerings. Kabuto makes for an excellent third choice due to their helmets representing an excellent value for the money.
In this article, we will cover the most popular Japanese motorcycle helmet brands. We will also discuss a few of the best motorcycle helmets that they have on offer.
Also, if you’re looking for some ways to decorate your helmet to stand out from the crowd, custom stickers are a great option. It can be made in any shape, size, color, or material you like. The unique helmet stickers will show off your creativity on the road.
Japanese Motorcycle Helmets Brands
Shoei Co., Ltd.
Shoei has been producing helmets in Japanese company since 1958. The company was founded 4 years earlier as Kamata Polyester Co. Initially, this company primarily produced construction site helmets.
Even though this company has been making fantastic helmets for such a long time, Shoei is still a small company, with almost 500 employees around the world.Despite the small size of the company, Shoei products make a massive impact. In fact, Shoei provides for several MotoGP riders.
This Japanese helmet brand has never outsourced their work. All Shoei helmets are designed and manufactured in Japan.Shoei was one of the earliest Japanese motorcycle helmet brands to incorporate high tech, lightweight carbon-fiber into their helmets.
Shoei Ex-Zero
The Shoei Ex-Zero is a throwback to an older helmet by the same name. The original Ex-Zero helmet was extremely popular in Japan and the United States throughout the 1980’s.
It’s not just a re-release, though. In fact, this new version has been modified so that the chin guard juts out a bit more), but it’s very close to the look and feel of the original.
The new Shoei Ex-Zero uses Shoei’s proprietary AIM (Advanced Integrated Matrix) and a multi-density EPS lining that offers a level of comfort in this helmet that is only rivalled by its level of protection.
Shoei VFX-EVO
Shoei is known for their industry-leading innovation. So, this Japanese motorcycle helmet brand is not just re-redesigning old helmets. Shoei’s latest motocross helmet is called the VFX-EVO.
According to Shoei’s, the VFX-EVO takes the motocross helmet to the next level..This helmet is loaded with the latest features that motorcycle drivers are expecting. The VFX-EVO uses Shoei’s advanced AIM+ shell construction tech that is usually reserved for very expensive race bike helmets.
The VFX-EVO also has EQRS (Emergency Quick-Release system and a grand total of 16 intake and exhaust vents for improved ventilation. This helmet was designed using wind-tunnel testing to ensure a modern, effective outer shell geometry.
These properties gives this Shoei helmet excellent aerodynamic properties and safety characteristics.
Arai Helmet Ltd
Arai is another world-renowned Japanese motorcycle helmet brand. Each and every helmet produced by this company is meticulously handmade by expert craftsmen. Every last detail, from assembling the outer shell to painting the shell, is done completely by hand. Hirotake Arai, Arai’s founder, started out as a hat maker. He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, however.
Arai XD4 Helmet
The Arai XD4 is a high-performance, stylish matte black helmet that has outstanding features for its price-range. The helmet features a replaceable and washable inner liner that is comfortable and easy to remove.
This helmet features a facial contour system that includes cheek pads for comfort and support. It has a customizable peel-away fit layer and an emergency cheek pad release system that can help you get out of this helmet when you need to. It has a padded, double D ring retention strap that has an anti-flutter snap.
The XD4 is an extremely light helmet, coming in at just 3 pounds and 10 ounces. Safety is obviously really important for someone buying a helmet, so it’s good to know that the XD4 exceeds the Snell M2020D and DOT safety standards.
Arai Signet-X Helmet
The Signet-X Helmet is, hands down, one of the best-handcrafted helmets you can buy. This helmet features an updated, sophisticated construction process for the best possible shell design and performance.
The shell for this helmet is a long oval shape for more head-shape compatibility while having an overall reduced width compared to other designs. This helmet is water-repellent and has an ES chin cover that helps provide excellent ventilation.
As with most Japanese motorcycle helmet brands, this one has a face shield and side pod that feature a quick-release and anti-fog system.
Arai GP-J3 Composite Open Face
If you are looking for a small helmet that still provides an outstanding level of protection, then look no further than the GP-J3. Despite its diminutive size, the GP-J3 is in full compliance with the Snell SA2020 and FIA 8859-2015 safety standards.
We like this helmet because it provides a close fit while being exceptionally comfortable. It’s got an adjustable peak and features a classic round shape that is reminiscent of traditional vintage designs.
This helmet includes an easy-to-remove or replace headliner and cheek pads. The company provides replacement cheek pads of various sizes to maximize comfort and fitment.
The GP-J3 features four top vents and built-in seats that can be used for attaching various head and neck restraint devices, anchor systems, or communications equipment. This helmet is one of the best Japanese helmets available on the market. The extra comfort comes from this helmet’s excellent weight distribution.
OGK Kabuto
OGK Kabuto is a Japanese motorcycle helmet brand that was founded in Higashi Osaka in 1982. This company makes a vast array of high quality helmets for motorcycles and bicycles. OGK Kabuto has a commitment to developing stylish safety products.
Kabuto is a Japanese word that means the ‘helmet of samurai’. This is a throw-back to Japan’s feudal era when samurai used to protect their heads with an implement they called a Kabuto.
Kabuto helmets are among the most iconic Japanese motorcycle helmet brands you can get. The company has a line of market-leading helmets that are on par, and in some ways are better than helmets produced by Shoei and Arai.
Kabuto Ryuki
The Ryuki helmet is a modern, open chin helmet that features an inner sunshade function system and is equipped with an Ultraviolet and Infrared filter to protect your eyes and skin while also keeping the inside of the helmet cool.
The great thing about Kabuto helmets is that they often come in size ranges that ensure that there is a well-fitting helmet for everyone. The Kabuto Ryunki is JIS approved and comes in in Small(55-56cm / 22″ to 22 1/2″), Medium(57-58cm / 22 3/8″ to 22 3/4″), Large(59-60cm / 23 1/8″ to 23 1/2″), and even X-Large(61-62cm / 24″ to 24 3/8″).
Kabuto Aeroblade-5
The Aeroblade-5 combines geometric patterns and lines to achieve a sporty, futuristic design. The Aeroblade-5 features a lightweight, compact, design with a heavy emphasis on aerodynamic performance. The helmet is also designed to be as quiet as possible.
Where Are Kabuto Helmets Made?
Japan. Kabuto makes all of its helmets in Japan and has done so for the past 38 years. Kabuto produces their helmets in Japan as a way of highlighting their Japanese heritage and commitment to making the safest and most stylish helmets on the market.
What Country Are Shoei Helmets Made In?
Japan, of course! Shoei is a premium Japanese helmet brand that is committed to making all its products within Japanese domestic borders.
Conclusion
It may not seem like it, but your helmet is the most important part of your motorcycle. Not every state has helmet laws, but I can assure you that every state has gravity and the other laws of physics. Remember, an object in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an outside force, so it’s always a great idea to wear a helmet.
While there are many companies out there that make excellent helmets, we chose to focus this article on the best Japanese motorcycle helmet brands because, as we all know, the Japanese make the best motorcycles.
If you are looking for a top-quality Japanese motorcycle helmet brand, then a Shoei helmet is your best bet. If you are looking for something on par with what Shoei makes, but without the Shoei price, then Arai is going to be the best helmet for you. If you are looking for the lowest-cost but still high-quality Japanese motorcycle helmet, then Kabuto is the choice for you. Kabuto helmets are second-to-none when it comes to getting the most helmet for your dollar.
We hope this article helped you find the best Japanese motorcycle helmet brand, thanks for reading!