Fixed Gear Bikes Banned in Japan?

Apparently fixed gear bikes have been banned from use in all parts of Japan as part of a nationwide ban against the super simple bikes…I have only heard information about this from one source, Road Fixie, so I am unsure as to the validity of this rumor…pretty crazy though, talk about seriously coming down hard on something…I thought cops came down hard on skateboarding over here, i couldn’t imagine it being illegal just to own one…just seems unreal.

“Japan has announced a nationwide ban on fixed gear bicycles. According to sources, any and ALL persons found in possession or riding a Fixed Gear (otherwise known as fixie, track, NJS, fixed) will have their cycle confiscated and fined ni-man go-sen yen 25,000Yen or equivalent of nearly $300! In addition to the banning, all fixed gear bicycles are declared ILLEGAL and UNSAFE, clearing the way for a maximum penalty law to be put into immediate effect.”

Apparently this law has been enforced, so i guess it is a real law.

“The recent action may be seen as a backlash to Japanese industry falling behind the rest of the world and needing to bolster their claim to small machine economy under pressure from companies like Shimano, who manufacture much of the derailer based equipment. Unlike fixed gear bicycles which require a fraction of the components to function properly, and may be maintained with nothing more than a 15mm wrench and some olive oil now and then. Compared to the overly complex derailleur based equipment, the fixed gear bike represents a serious and real challenge to the Japanese component  industry”

Check out the full article here.