Dekotora is the Japanese’ abbreviation to Decoration Trucks. It is also known as the Art Truck. With its big flashing lights and colorful designs, it’s impossible that to not land a gaze on these amazing trucks. Having it overly-decorated while keeping it operational as possible, Dekotora is one of the symbols of Japan’s Pop Culture.
It first came into scene in 1975 when Toei released his first of ten movie series “Trucker” in which the main character drives his overly-decorated truck around Japan. It became a hit to young and old audiences. Since then, those who watched the movie got inspired to decorate their own trucks as well.
You can see the Dekotora in its full blast during the night when all of its lights are illuminating but the show doesn’t last for a long time (approximately 20 minutes only) because longer time would cause the lights to overheat. During the day, you can see Dekotora in its full details.
In the creation of these artsy trucks, it is no doubt that it can get really pricey. However, it is not really an issue to the creators for they are really passionate in what they’re doing: building an exquisite and elegant looking truck. Aside from money, it takes a year to build a Dekotora because the props are personalized and handmade. Also the creators add personal touches to their trucks to make it seem unique. Just as how it is beautiful outside, it is also beautiful inside the Dekotora.
Once in awhile, the dekotora creators gather in one place to exhibit their flashy masterpieces and interact with each other.
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