Nihon Jitensha Shinkōkai (日本自転車振興会 lit. Japan Bicycle Promotion Association), or Japan Keirin Association, often abbreviated NJS, is the council responsible for fostering Japan's bicycle industry and regulating keirin racing in Japan.In addition to licensing keirin racers, the association sets specifications for frames and parts such as wheel size, spoke count, frame geometry, and even weight and material of components. These requirements were established in 1957 in an attempt to prevent any racers from having equipment-related advantages.
Because the NJS' main objective is supporting the Japanese cycling market, its bureacracy is notoriously critical of foreign manufacturers attempting to enter the Japanese market. The Italian cycling equipment manufacturer Campagnolo has, though, received NJS certification.
Text: Wikipedia
Images: NJS
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