Kuwahara (bicycle company)

In 1925, Kuwahara began to export bicycles and parts to Russia, China and Southeast Asia, closing the business from 1940 to 1945 during World War II.

In 1962, Kuwahara sent its first shipment of Apollo brand sport bicycles to Canada and, in 1968, began exporting private label bikes to the US for other companies such as Schwinn, Takara, Puch, and Azuki.

The first Kuwahara branded bikes for export came in 1972 when it began developing BMX bicycles for the North American, European and Australian markets.

Howie Cohen — who had previously operated West Coast Cycle, importer of Nishiki bikes — founded the company Everything Bicycles, and worked with Kuwahara to build and import BMX bikes carrying the "Kuwahara" brand name, developing the first major BMX distributorship.

Following the success of the film, Kuwahara began producing red and white "ET" models in three price and quality levels.