Kangaroos Have a Proud History Adorning Japanese Marushi Bicycles

Maruishi Cycle Ltd. is a prestigious bicycle manufacturer perhaps best-known today for its vintage models that until late in the 20th century also included penny farthings. Maruishi continues to make fine touring bikes in Japan. The company’s history dates back to 1894, though it has been Chinese-owned since 2006.
Of greatest interest for Kangaeroo readers, though, is that Maruishi’s symbol throughout its history has been a kangaroo!
Why Maruishi chose a kangaroo remains a mystery, though its cycles are renowned for their luggage-bearing capability, which probably goes some way toward providing an explanation.
Although current Maruishi kangaroo displays appear largely limited to bicycle decals and store signage, marsupial images once adorned mudguards in the form of ornaments, frame plates, cranks and bells.