I'm as big of an ASM fan as most here, but this one has me scratching my head. Key chain coin purses?

..maybe its just me

 

Saw all this in person today.

 

These are actually more suited for the Japanese market, they're not for coins, they're for parking lot permit stubs. It's one of those things that wouldn't make much sense in the US.

 

For us to use the grade of leather ASM uses, it would be more than half the ASM one already without factoring in upholstery costs and profit margins. This thing feels very "heavy" and at the same time as soft as silk.

It would be a possibility to make one of our own design in a more rigid design with handles but it would likely cost about the same as the ASM one and considering most people have $3-400 helmets, it doesn't make much sense.

 

I find it a lil wierd to see a company that has pushed the performance envelope, as far as they have, also has leather parking stub holders for sale.

I see that theyre useful, and i bet they sold a ton of em, just a totally different product set in my eyes. (then again im also not familiar with japanese culture other than my love for food and cars, lol)

 

But then you look at companies like Ferrari and Porsche with their "Lifestyle" products and I guess it makes more sense. The goal of any company is to generate revenue, if things like dry carbon business card holders, super-light tow hooks, and shoe bags are selling, then why not.

[QUOTE=GoTuningUnlimited,Dec 16 2009, 07:08 PM]These are actually more suited for the Japanese market, they're not for coins, they're for parking lot permit stubs.

 

I personally believe it's because Kanayama-san is an artist, which shows not only in his car line, but also his lifestyle goods. With such nice goods, he is able to further show what ASM is all about: high quality, functional and stylish products. Not only are their products made with the best materials (I want to feel that helmet bag), and not only are their products very functional, but they mix all of this into a very tidy and great looking package. Correct me if I'm wrong, but these lifestyle products seem almost like personal projects and get produced just because they can. I don't think they really sell these items for revenue, instead, using them as another example as to why ASM is such a great company that spares no expense to uphold the mentality of achieving the highest standard of quality.

-Colin

 

Take a look at this thread, which should give you a little bit more insight into the Japanese culture: https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=739535

-Colin

 

it's not just you

 

Keep in mind these products are aimed at the Japanese market, not Americans. Japanese people love goods and lifestyle products like these, and oftentimes give things like these as gifts. Japan eats that stuff up.

-Colin