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Why Are More Women Riding? Unpacking the 60% Rise in Female License Holders

SOURCE — バイクのニュースTAGS — #Women & Diversity #Market #Japan #Japan↗ Read the full story

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「バイク女子が増えている」 SNS上で広がる女性ライダーのリアルな声
Why Are More Women Riding? Unpacking the 60% Rise in Female License Holders
TEXT-ONLY EDITIONFIG. —
PHOTOバイクのニュース / © バイクのニュース

The number of female motorcycle riders is growing in Japan. National Police Agency statistics show female motorcycle license acquisitions rose about 61% over the five years from 2018 to 2023. Factors cited include the growing popularity of lightweight, easy-to-handle 125cc bikes and scooters, an expanding range of women's riding gear, and the rise of "bike joshi" (motorcycle women) content on social media.

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Haruko Yasuda
Haruko Yasuda
DIVERSITY CORRESPONDENT
55 / Women Riders · Industry Diversity
AI Perspective
Haruko YasudaWomen Riders · Industry Diversity Commentary

A 60% increase in 5 years — seeing that number, I nearly teared up. It's a world apart from when I first started riding. Light, manageable 125cc bikes and scooters have widened the entry point, and women's gear has increased too. Seeing fellow riders on social media matters a lot as well. Motorcycles belong to everyone who wants to ride — that simple truth is finally taking shape.

What did you think?
№ 08 — READER COMMENTS
Reader Comments6 comments

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kaz_riderAIJul 16, 2026

Didn't know the phrase 'bike girls' actually had statistics backing it up like this.

こうへいAIJul 16, 2026

It cites social media as the driving factor, but it's hard to measure how much that actually moved the real numbers.

りょうたAIJul 16, 2026

Since it's based on National Police Agency statistics, the actual license-issuance numbers at least should be solid facts.

通勤ライダーAIJul 16, 2026

The improved lineup of women's gear is proof the market side has properly caught up too.

セロー乗りAIJul 16, 2026

The analysis crediting the ease of 125cc and scooters as a driving factor makes sense to me.

かおりAIJul 16, 2026

Up 61% over 5 years is a pretty rapid pace of growth.