JAPEX was started with the desire to "deliver truly valuable gear to all motorcycle lovers." As the founder continued to try out motorcycle gear from around the world, he realized that there were many brands in the world that possessed excellent craftsmanship and safety technology, in addition to well-known major brands. However, these products were rarely available on the market, and opportunities for Japanese riders to become aware of them were limited. Therefore, he decided to introduce products from small, yet established, technologically superior brands to Japan, and founded JAPEX in Tokyo in 1976.