- Joe Rocket - Rise International -
Tokyo Japan - May 2007
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**Click HERE
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The Begining:
Joe Rocket, makers of world renowned high class protective riding gear decided to aid in the introduction of their amazing apparel in Japan. by sending their stunt rider Kane Friesen to represent them at the upcomming 5th annual Multiplex stunt exhibition in Tokyo Japan. With the aid of Taka, Kaz, and the rest of the Ridez Outfitters Joe Rocket distribution team, the goal was simple. To make a positive impression on the Japanese people and show them what Rocket National is all about, through a high energy mix of extreme riding, proffessional booth appearance, ample product display, and just an overal positive, respectful, and fun welcoming atmosphere. With the hard work of all involved, the goal will be accomplished.
| Day 1:
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 "Well today is technically day #1 since Ive been here.. even though my 14 hour flight from Las Vegas landed at 2pm yesterday Japan time it was closer to 5am my time and I was wasted tired. although it didnt stop me, Taka, and Kaz from going out and enjoying a taste of Japanese nigthlife. whew.. we even found a club designed after Las Vegas. I thought that was awesome no matter how far from home I get... still a little piece of Vegas everywhere you go! Got a little... ok... a LOT.. too drunk last night.. maybe it was the lack of sleep, the intense mixing of new kinds of alchohols in my system or maybe just the new food.. i dunno either way.. WAY TOO DRUNK... i represented Vegas proper as I was hanging out of the taxi window on the way back to the hotel. We are staying in Yokohama right now, and move on to Tokyo tomorrow. Today I was taken down to Rise International exclusive Joe Rocket distributor for Japan, and the sole reason I am here.  Their shop is clean, well stocked... and has the worlds most annoying ding when customers come in! hahah!! Kas and his employees and friends have all been extremely nice to me, and taken care of me well. He even purchased for me, upon my request, a 2007 Kawasaki ZX6R to ride at the exhibition this weekend in Tokyo. That is the bike I spent all day today equipping with my parts, bodywork, and stickers. with the aid of Kas, Taka and their 2 friends it really cut the work load down big time. If not for them i would still be sitting in the shop trying to setup the bike. instead we were able to finish early and get in some great Japanese cuisine. The bike looks awesome, and has... get this...  0 miles on it. brand spankin new!! In fact as I am told the 2007 Kawasaki Zx6R that I am riding is an expert only level bike in Japan and is not available to the beginner public and because of that, was quite hard for them to aquire. regardless I am very happy with the way it turned out. the bike is setup exactly as mine are in Vegas and I am soo anxious to get to Tokyo tomorrow for practice. All the parts bolted on proper today, including the multitude of great Lockhart Phillips USA, the cheetah bodywork, as well as the Vortex, and Power stuntworx parts. everything I stripped from one of my bikes at home and shipped over to japan to make sure the bike is as I want it. with the exception of a mild paint scheme sticker setback.. 4 cans of pink spray paint later we are good to go. the scenery here is beautiful, the weather... much different than home as it was not only 75degrees outside all day today, but pouring rain and windy as well. My hotel is located right by the Yokohama bay and in fact oversees the entire thing from the window on my 10th story. Well.. i out, im beat, and very tired I will update more tomorrow evening when we get some good riding photos in. until then I have attached just a few pictures below. "
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The Bike:
Upon request of rider Kane Friesen, Ridez Outfitters came out of pocket to supply only the perfect machine for the job, A 2007 Kawasaki zx6R was made available in stock trim. With an odometer reading of 0km the all day struggle of setting up the bike properly was made much easier with the aid of Mr. Onee, Akadema, Taka, and Kane. The work of setting up a bike though, was greatly theraputic in helping Kane acclimate to the foreign land, and timezone. As well as give the rider, and team time to become accostomed to one another, and develop a bond that is nessisary to ensure the best performance for both parties. Even Kaz was available to put down the innagural dent to the tank before the 20 minute mallet beating was needed to shape it to spec. Mr. Onee's fine attention to detail, and safety was extremely welcomed, and thanked as without him, there most likely would have been several instances of parts falling off when not intended.
Respect? |
 "I was told by a lot of people before I went to Japan, just how much more respectful of each other the Japanese people and culture is, and I can say I was totally taken back but just how true that is. I never once even heard two people raise thier voice to each other the entire time I was there. Dont get me wrong I am sure they argue with one another just as much as anyone else, but I was really amazed to see just how much more respecful in general everyone was towards each other. Even the 7/11 clerk seemed way more interested in doing his job and actually helping customers, much more into it than any clerk I've ever seen in the states. It was actually very refreshing so be around, and if there is anything I hope to take home from Japan its a portion of the respect that as a whole the people there just seem to have and cherish more than we do in America" |
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The Food:
I was treated to many different kinds of Asian cuisine while in Japan, from ShabuShabu, Sushi, to Korean BBQ, and Thai. All of it so much more fun to eat, with compared to American traditions what seemed to be more ritual and personal interaction with the food. I really enjoyed a little of all of it. With only the Sea Urchin sushi standing out in my mind at being the most borderline too much. And on the flip the traditional Japanese noodle soup with tempura side being some of the best I have ever had. As well as the experiance of the Shabu-Shabu. I think the atmopshere of the evening really helped to build the bonds bewtween the crew and myself and I am very excited about that. Mikey mouse showing me how to make the chicken balls is a classic memory! I am very glad also I was effecient with chop sticks prior to going 'cause they sure didnt seem to carry forks ANYWHERE.
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The Event:
Multiplex 5th annual is held on the bay of Tokyo just meters from the shoreline in Tokyo Japan. With over 40,000 screaming, emphasis on screaming, spectators. The 2 day event is jam packed full of entertainment with:
Pro American sportbike stunt exhbition by riders such as: Kane Friesen, Jason Britton, Eric Hoenshell, Ernie Vigil, Nick Brocha, and tandem team Rome N Randie.
Joe Rocket Sponsored Japanese only Streetbike Stunt exhibition
FMX appearances by the Japanese Metal Mulisha
Supermoto
Sportbike Dragracing
Custom Car & Bike shows
Exotic dancing
Drifting
Trials riding
BMX Flatland
As well as a 50cc race
  
Billed as not only the original Japanese motorsports exhibition, but also the largest, most proffessional, most packed, and by far most exiting. With plans already in development for a 6th annual, the Multiplex event is definitely not showing any signs of slowing down in the near future. An worldclass event most worthy of the international coverage and attention it deserves.
| What do you think of the crowd?:
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 "I am not a newbie when it comes to events, with some 28 on my schedule this year, and well over 100 already notched on my belt over the past few years, believe me when I say that I am impressed with this event. The Japanese crowd is in many ways very different than at home. I can almost believe that not only sportbike stunting, but several other of the attractions all packed into this event have either not ever been seen before by many of the spectators in attendance, or just not seen as much. I have never seen a crowd be so interested for so long in everything they are shown. I watched a groud of 30 people stare at Erid and Jason wheelie a 50 around today. and that was not even a stunt show. I am very excited to be here, and this crowd has me so pumped to do the best that I can and really make an impression. I wanna rock this crowd!!! " |
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The Nightlife and Bike Night:
Japanse custom sportbike Enthusiast and stunt Magazine Performance Bike put together a pre-party afterparty for the riders on the Friday evening prior to the event, as well as Japans first ever Bike Night assemply in the city of Kawasaki between Tokyo, and Yokohama. With a turnout of aproximately 150 bikes, not too shabby for a first time. for those who did attended, they were greated with a stunt show with the talents of riders: Kane Friesen, Jason Britton, Rome N Randie, and Japanese rider Sheen. With the lighting being provided from the headlights of many cars, and bikes there, it was a true up-close personal, and exhilirating experience. With all performers and riders hangingout, and just talking like bike nights should be. We can only hope for the monthly meetings to continue to attract and develop.
| What did you think of a Japans' first ever Bike Night?:
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"  Being a part of the first bike night in a country was awesome. Bike nights in America have been popping for over 10 years. In Las Vegas I originally became interested not only in stunting, but in sportbikes in general through the social bonds that a bike night helps develop. How fitting for it to be held in a city called Kawasaki "
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What about the non bike related nightlife of Tokyo?:
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 "Wow! I am from one of the Nightlife capitals in the world Las Vegas, but I gotta tell ya nothing really preparred me for the adventure that was Tokyo's Roppongi district. I drank alchohols I didnt know exsisted. The clubs and bars are also much smaller in size than in Vegas, but on the other hand there are many many more of them packed into suck a small area. Its crazy!!! The Joe Rocket Japan people really went out of their way to make me feel at home, and welcome. It would have felt rude not to drink a brand new glass after it was poured. So I did my best, with the help of my boy John that is! haha I cant wait until next year. KAN PIE!!! "
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The Sights:
Japan is beautiful. The weather was warm, not too humid, and there is a lot more green in the foilage than in the desert of Las Vegas. Roppongi;s nightclubs, the beatiful islane of Odaiba. The shopping in Shibuya, and the shrines of Asakusa. All were visited, and all were photographed. With the guidance of Kaz and Taka, the tourist attacking of Kaneone throughout the city of Tokyo was done in a much easier fashion and we are very thankful for their help!
The Future?? |
 "I am very excited to go back next year, and already Kaz and I have discussed ways to make the show bigger, better, and a lot more exciting for the crowd. I really hope all of Kaz's goals were met during my trip, 'cause i know all of mine sure were. The hospitality and respect all of the people there showed me will be remembered forever I am so stoked I got the chance to do it. Saying goodbye to my friends at Ridez was a lot harder than I ever expected. This was not just another show, this was an experience I will cherish forever! But next year will be even better!!!" |
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Any questions please feel free to contact Kane@Kaneone.com
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