THE ARAI HELMET EUROPE STORY

The history of Arai goes back a long way, starting in 1937 when founder Hirotake Arai produced his first helmets for the domestic market. His son Michio 'Mitch' Arai, the present president of Arai Helmet, took over the family business and introduced the now worldwide known new oval logo of Arai. In the past the helmets were branded 'H.A.', the initials of the founder. Nowadays these helmets have become treasured collectors items!

The success story of Arai in Europe started in 1981, when Dutchman Ferry Brouwer visited the Arai factory in Japan, determined to get the Arai helmets to Europe. As former racing mechanic Brouwer worked with significant success for world-champions such as Grand Prix racers Phil Read, Bill Ivy or Takazumi Katayama. For Katayama Brouwer personally build, out of parts of a two cylinder Yamaha TZ 250 racer) a 350 cc three cylinder with which the Japanese rider promptly became world champion.

He noticed the sheer quality of Arai, but as Arai only exported to Australia and the United States, he succeeded in convincing Arai to start the export to Europe and Arai Helmet Europe was established on 27 Th February 1983.

First success in the prestigious Formula One world came, when Brouwer succeeded in having Finnish driver Keke Rosberg tot try out an Arai. It proved to be the first helmet that made him race without a headache afterwards! Later Nigel Mansell switched over to Arai and already in ithe 1986/1987 season, 26 out of the 28 F1 drivers used the new Japanese helmet. In 1983 Brouwer initiated the then new phenomenon of the ‘’Racing Service’’. With success, because increasingly more and more riders started to use Arai helmets. In 1985 no less than twelve world titles in roadrace, motor sports and powerboat sports were won by Arai.


Today Arai Helmet Europe exports helmets to more than 40 countries with a workforce of about 25 people. Arai quality, safety and design is trend setting for the market. Not only in motorcycle and car racing, but also among our most valued relations: our customers.

Whether in construction, materials, features, comfort and fit, ventilation, or quality standards, Arai helmets are arguably the most advanced available - and the most often copied. Replaceable cheekpads or complete interiors for a more custom fit, diffuser ventilation systems, and on and on. So many of today's standard features for quality helmets began as Arai innovations. The Arai philosophy, craftsmanship, research and development are essential to the renowned quality and fit of every handmade Arai helmet. At Arai we are proud of every helmet made.
Arai blends a conservative sense of tradition, a Zen-like awareness of the natural interrelation of things, and a hunger to know what works, what doesn't, what stays, what goes. And what's next. It is passion and emotion that drives Arai, together with the ability to develop and successfully introduce new and innovative helmet technology.

External links

Official Arai America Site

Official Arai Europe site

Official Arai Japan Site