New Hardcore Chopper Magazine #44

Another sneak preview for all of us congregated here, the cover of Hardcore Chopper Magazine, Japan #44. As usual, they're hard at it working away to try and get this issue done in time for deadline. And yup, you got it, the next issue will be dedicated to the FXR.


Only two guys on staff working full time putting it all together. They go into a lock-down mode and actually live at their Tokyo office for three weeks at a time. During this time, they do their best in getting the latest features and news into the magazine. Then it's four weeks "off" traveling, around Japan or abroad, shooting bike features and events.

The HCC staff has also taken on even more work with putting together Cruisin' Magazine's "Another World of Chopper" special issue, which will be dedicated to Triumphs, Yamaha SR's and XS models, etc... so they have two magazines to put together this time around!

Here's a shot of Makonabe aka Mako, owner/editor of HCC, taking a nap after the 48-hour mark:


"..and this is my staff member Ito-san; he sleeps in his chair like Robo Cop!"
What's it like during the three weeks you guys live at the office? I asked.

"It's like hell. Every time we live here to finish the magazine I ask myself, 'why am I'm doing this?' It really feels like hell. We get a lot of delivered meals. Lots of soba noodles. Sometimes we would take a break and eat at the local Denny's or something and come right back. We keep working until we start feeling a little grimy but luckily there's a public bath next door, which costs around $5 USD. We screwed ourselves again though, next issue we have to put together Sundance's new catalog at the same time."