The only shrine in Japan named "Atama no Miya" (Shrine of the Head), Atama no Miya Shibo Shrine (located in Taiki-cho, Watarai-gun, Mie Prefecture), and OGK KABUTO Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Higashiosaka City, Osaka Prefecture), a pioneer manufacturer of bicycle helmets and the top domestic share holder, have collaborated to create the "Bicycle Helmet-shaped Goshuin" (seal stamp), the first of its kind in Japan. This special Goshuin will be available starting May 1, Reiwa 8 (2026).

May 1, the day of its inauguration, is designated as "Bicycle Helmet Day," and May is "Bicycle Month." This timing is ideal for distributing the Goshuin, providing an excellent opportunity to reconsider bicycle safety. This Goshuin is a nationwide first, born from the shared desire to "protect the head," combining the prayers of the shrine with the technology of the helmet manufacturer.

About the "Bicycle Helmet-shaped Goshuin"

This Goshuin incorporates the form of OGK KABUTO's "AERO-R2," a track cycling helmet used by the Japanese national team in international bicycle races, inheriting its aerodynamic performance. It is the first bicycle helmet-shaped Goshuin in Japan.

The design of the Goshuin conveys messages such as "Top," "Head," and "Updating oneself step by step."

For cyclists, improving speed and endurance is a measure of their growth. This accumulation is by no means easy and is supported by a strong will to overcome yesterday's self, known as "Kokkishin" (self-discipline/perseverance).

This Kokkishin serves as the driving force for each cyclist to "aim for the top" or "update their personal best."

In this Goshuin, the kanji character for "Head" (頭) is rendered in gold to represent "Top," symbolizing the deity of Atama no Miya Shibo Shrine, the guardian of the head, and the wish for each cyclist to aim for the top. Additionally, the design expresses the prayers for improvement and the momentum of cyclists in the form of airflow, conveying the hope that these prayers will reach the deity of the head on the airflow, guiding each cyclist towards their envisioned "top."

This unique Goshuin, born from the collaboration of both companies, embodies the wish that cyclists who receive it will once again recognize the importance of protecting their heads in daily life, ride safely, enjoy their journey, and update themselves step by step.

About the "Background of the Collaboration Goshuin's Birth"

Atama no Miya Shibo Shrine began offering "helmet purification" as part of its traffic safety prayers in Reiwa 4 (2022). In modern society, helmets are indispensable for "protecting the head" in various situations, including motorcycles, bicycles, work, and sports.

Atama no Miya Shibo Shrine, which has been revered as the "guardian deity of the head" since ancient times, has offered prayers for various helmets—for motorcycles, bicycles, work, and sports—to ensure that those who wear them can live safer daily lives, seeking the divine protection of the great gods through these prayers.

Meanwhile, OGK KABUTO Co., Ltd., a pioneer and No. 1 brand in domestic bicycle helmets, has long been committed to traffic safety initiatives. These include not only product development but also helmet donation programs for students through educational institutions and awareness campaigns for society as a whole in cooperation with local governments and police. (*SG certified products, company research) The shared desire of both companies to "protect the head" converged, leading to the birth of this collaboration Goshuin as a new form connecting prayer, manufacturing, and awareness.

About the Goshuin (Overview)

• Start date of bestowal: May 1, Reiwa 8 (2026) (Friday) ~

• Reception hours: 9:00~17:00

• Hatsuhoryo (offering fee): Undecided (will be announced on the official website, etc., once decided)

※ The bestowal of this Goshuin for the purpose of resale is strictly prohibited.

About the Shrine and Company

Atama no Miya Shibo Shrine

(URL: https://koubenomiya.or.jp/)

Affectionately known as "Atama no Miya-san," Atama no Miya Shibo Shrine is said to have been founded in Kenkyu 2 (1191) during the late Heian period. It enshrines the skull of Lord Karahashi Chujo Mitsumori, a descendant of the 50th Emperor Kanmu, and is thus revered from various regions as the "guardian deity of the head" and the "great deity of wisdom." As its name suggests, it is believed that prayers related to the upper part of the body (above the neck) receive divine assistance. The "Shibo" in the shrine's name represents the four cardinal directions (east, west, north, south), signifying that its divine virtues spread in all directions, and it is also worshipped as a deity for warding off disasters and misfortunes. Its divine virtues include success in various examinations (entrance exams, national exams, qualification exams), traffic safety, warding off evil, protection from unlucky directions, academic improvement, recovery from head illnesses/injuries, and head health. Since ancient times, worshippers from all over Japan have visited seeking these many divine virtues.

OGK KABUTO Co., Ltd.

(URL: https://www.ogkkabuto.co.jp/)

Established in 1982, OGK KABUTO is a pioneer in bicycle helmets and a helmet manufacturer whose products are used by the Japanese national cycling team and in the world's top motorcycle races. They manufacture and sell helmets for motorcycles and bicycles. To ensure the "safety" and "security" of all people, they promote the widespread use and awareness of "SG" and "JCF" certified helmets, which are based on domestic safety standards, for a wide range of users from children to adults. They have received the "Product Safety Measures Excellent Company Award (PS Award)" from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (FY2023 and FY2024).

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: News