Stolen in trains by our local young gangsters, also known as bosozokus, the tsurikawas were originally attached inside cars so passengers could slide their wrist inside the ring and safely hang their body outside the window. They quickly became the symbol of a reckless youth and bosozokus started to attach them outside heavily modified bikes and cars to show rebellion and disrespect to authority.

In Japan, the word “tsurikawa” describes objects, usually suspended, that help standing passengers to keep their balance while the vehicle is in motion. In the early days of Japanese public transportation, those handles were made of leather, hence the name “tsurikawa” which literally means “hang” (tsuri吊) and “leather” (kawa革). Although “tsurikawa” is the name commonly used, some people also call them “tsuriwa” (wa means ring). Manufacturers and transport companies often refer to “tsurite” (te means hand), a more technical and contemporary term.

The tsurikawas come in various types, shapes and colors. The most common ones feature a handle usually round. The very first Japanese tsurikawas didn’t have handles but only a strap instead. In other countries, it is also pretty common to see simple ropes with a ball-shaped bottom.