It is a Newport Cycle High Class by Minato Works Japan. Likely "made in occupied Japan somewhere roughly in the late '40's or early '50s" according to
@37fleetwood in this thread:
First timer on this site. Looking for some help identifying an old bike. Headtube badge is brass with glass inlay and says: Newport Cycle-high class-minato works. Appears to be made out of cast iron. Has huge, wide rims, wide rear axle, and basket mounts cast into the frame. Any help you guys...
thecabe.com
I bought it as a frame/fork project last year from
@Dizzle Problems . Here's a thread from when he first picked it up:
Picked this up last night. Never seen anything like it. Any fellow Cabers have an idea of its history? Guessing prewar
thecabe.com
Another that was for sale here awhile back:
For Sale: Newport Cycle--High Class--Minato Works Post WWII Japanese bicycle. Very heavy-duty frame and components. Rear hub reads: NORITSUINDUSTRY. Front hub reads: NEWMINATO. Pedals read: MINATO. Missing seat and bars/stem, so being sold as a roller. Very rare, have only seen one other on...
thecabe.com
I haven't been able to find out much about it, there just isn't much info online. I'd love to find a head badge for it but it seems unlikely that I ever will:
View attachment 1464207
I'm going to keep the original fork on it and the Rollfast truss rods. I've got a cool prewar ladies saddle for it. It's getting modern Sturmey drum brake hubs with an 8 speed rear internal shift. I've got some fenders for it that are a similar color. I don't know whether to call it a rat rod or a resto mod. It's just a really neat bike and I'm looking forward to getting it on the road. Now I need to learn to lace wheels and then there should be more progress.