My SEKAI 4000 frameset, from about 1976 or 1978, has an original Tange Levin headset. That headset locknut also says "made in japan". Are you saying that both of our headsets came with defective locknuts ?? Geez, I wonder if I can do a warranty return on this headset ??
No seriously, what is wrong with a locknut that says "Made in Japan" ?? I appreciate very much that Tange is still making the same product for 30 years, and they deserve a great deal of respect and admiration among CR members for making such a long-lived product !! Display that locknut with pride !! Be THANKFUL that you can still buy the product 30 years after it was introduced !!
Maybe we should start an annual "CR Award" given to the component maker who does the most to respect the principles and design aesthetics of classic bicycles ?? Tange might be an early winner.
- Don Gillies
San Diego, CA