- 14 Mar 2002
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Dekotora (デコレーショントラック, or just デコトラ), Japan's neon-lit decorated trucks, are a fascinating subculture that always attracts crowds of spectators.
Kyodo reported on a New Year's countdown event in Saitama, which raised funds for Noto volunteer efforts.
The event marked the largest gathering of decorated trucks ever held in Japan. Dekotora come in many sizes and styles. Most are covered in flashing lights, polished chrome, and painted designs, but there are no set rules. Each truck reflects the driver's own taste, with motifs taken from films, folklore, pop culture, or personal history.
One of the drivers was Junichi Tajima, now in his late seventies, who has been part of the dekotora world for over fifty years. He leads Utamarokai, widely seen as the oldest and largest group for decorated trucks in Japan. Originally from Honjō in Saitama, Tajima has long believed that a truck shows who its owner is and where they come from.
Kyodo reported on a New Year's countdown event in Saitama, which raised funds for Noto volunteer efforts.
The event marked the largest gathering of decorated trucks ever held in Japan. Dekotora come in many sizes and styles. Most are covered in flashing lights, polished chrome, and painted designs, but there are no set rules. Each truck reflects the driver's own taste, with motifs taken from films, folklore, pop culture, or personal history.
One of the drivers was Junichi Tajima, now in his late seventies, who has been part of the dekotora world for over fifty years. He leads Utamarokai, widely seen as the oldest and largest group for decorated trucks in Japan. Originally from Honjō in Saitama, Tajima has long believed that a truck shows who its owner is and where they come from.
Japan's neon-decorated trucks dazzle for New Year's disaster relief - The Mainichi
FUKAYA, Japan (Kyodo) -- An unremarkable riverside near Tokyo was transformed into a neon wonderland on New Year's Eve as enthusiasts gathered to enj
Links:
DEKOTORA ART EXHIBITION 2025
The world’s first Dekotora exhibition is being held at the historic Ōya History Museum, bringing together Japan’s most legendary Dekotora trucks in one awe-inspiring showcase. Each truck, with its distinctive design and almost surreal, extravagant beauty, is a testament to the passion and...
Dekotora: the decorated trucks of Japan – a photo essay
Photographer Julie Glassberg has been documenting the misunderstood alternative culture based around brightly-coloured and neon-lit decorated trucks in Japan