Fuji Rabbit: the scooter brand that rebuilt Japan

Rabbit, the English word for "rabbit," was a Japanese brand of scooters produced between 1945 and 1968 by Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. in Tokyo. These scooters became a symbol of innovation and played an important role in rebuilding Japan after World War II.

From military to civilian: a new beginning

After the war, Fuji Heavy Industries, then known as Fuji Sangyo, stopped producing aircraft and military equipment. The company focused entirely on civilian products, laying the foundations for a new future. In 1949, the first bus was sold, but it was the Rabbit scooters that were the real breakthrough.

The Rabbit scooters: compact, reliable and innovative

Rabbit scooters were available with 90cc, 123cc, 150cc and 199cc engines. They were known for their robustness, reliability and user-friendliness. This made them popular among both individuals and businesses. With their four-stroke engines, they were one of the first scooters in Japan to combine comfort and efficiency.

The Fuji Rabbit Superflow 601 , was one of the most iconic models and set a new standard in the scooter industry. Its stylish, two-tone, gold and cream Fuji Rabbit Superflow S601 200cc was one of the best scooters ever built in Japan. In keeping with the Jet Age style, the Superflow came with plenty of chrome, such as the full body cladding and the package hooks along the seat. The streamlined body panels also had grills and air ducts, giving it a fast and purposeful look, like a jet. For luxury, the Superflow had features the competition could not match: front and rear headlights, a full instrument panel including a fuel gauge with warning lamp, air suspension and electric start, although it retained its left kick-start. The Superflow also had a foot-operated headlight dimmer, a parking brake and, most notably, the "Superflow" torque converter automatic transmission, an innovative feature for a scooter of the early 1960s. The model was designed to cater to urban riders as well as business users. Rabbit's success made Fuji Heavy Industries a major player in the Japanese light vehicle market.

Besides scooters and transport vehicles, Fuji Heavy Industries expanded its production to railway carriages and other means of transport. This diversification highlighted the company's vision to play a broader role in the reconstruction and modernisation of Japan.

Rabbit's heritage

Although production of Rabbit scooters ended in 1968, the brand remains an iconic example of Japanese innovation and ingenuity. Rabbit's success not only laid the foundation for Fuji Heavy Industries, which later became known as Subaru, but also for the development of efficient, reliable means of transport in Japan.

Rabbit scooters are a lasting reminder of a time when technology and perseverance propelled an entire nation forward.