DekotoragooddecoratorShort for "decoration truck," dekotora are lavishly decorated trucks in Japan. With neon lights, ultraviolet lights, colorful paint, and expensive interiors like chandeliers and luxurious upholstery, dekotora are created by truckers for fun or special events rather than as work vehicles.
In 1974, Toei released the first of a 10-episode series called "Torakku Yaro" (Truck Guys) about a man who drives a decorated truck around Japan. The series became a hit and the dekotora culture began. Dekotora cars have appeared in numerous movies, TV shows, and video games in Japan.
Starting in 1990, the dekotora's decoration was influenced by the anime series Gundam, which featured giant robots. The vehicles became more angular and robot-like in appearance. This decoration style has remained the same to this day. There are currently about 500 to 600 dekotora trucks nationwide. At its peak, the number of dekotora trucks could reach 1,000.
Dekotora stands out from other car cultures in Japan. Partly because it originated from a famous movie, and partly because its essence is not to try to make the vehicle bigger or more monstrous, but to decorate the car that accompanies you on every road. Even though each car costs as much as a house, they do not feel regretful because it is a masterpiece created by their own hands.
Truck drivers take a deep pride in their vehicles. Junichi Tajima, head of the Utamaro Kai National Association for dekotora enthusiasts, says that for him, his truck is like his child, like his brother, like his family, and everything he desires. He owns three dekotora and it took him nearly 35 years to complete it. "We all share the same passion, which is to create vehicles that you can't find anywhere else in the world." Many people think that truck drivers are hot-tempered and scary, but seeing the dekotora with their cute drawings and colors, they gradually become more sympathetic to truck drivers.
"You can't worry about money when you decorate a dekotora, its value is not about money but about the spirit. Through decorating dekotora, you can express your way of life, your hometown and your family. I hope that dekotora will become a positive and lasting thing in Japan."
The Utamaro Kai Association also does a lot of charity work. When the tsunami hit Japan in 2011, they went to Northern Japan more than 50 times, delivering food, supplies, and even cooking for the victims. In addition, they want to use the dekotora trucks to lift people up after the disaster and inspire people to work together and help rebuild the city. These dekotora trucks are not just big and shiny trucks. Every time they see them running on the road with their lights shining in the dark, people's hearts are healed.
According to the drivers, the process of decorating the truck never ends but only grows over time because they always want to challenge new things. Some people can spend up to 100,000 dollars (about 2 billion VND) to decorate the truck. The most expensive part is decorating the side of the truck with dragon or human drawings.
