Don't Miss Japan's Itasha Cars, Itachari Bikes, and Itansha Motorcycles!
During your vacation in Japan, don't miss these famous decorated vehicles in the districts of Akihabara (in Tokyo), Nipponbashi (in Osaka)
During your vacation in Japan, don't miss these famous decorated vehicles in the districts of Akihabara (in Tokyo), Nipponbashi (in Osaka), or Osu (in Nagoya) featuring characters from manga and video games!
It's fairly common for certain Japanese enthusiasts to have their favorite manga characters (usually female characters) painted or applied as decals on their vehicles.
They're somewhat like the "Jackys" Japanese-style, except their passion is manga...
Source: Dilidou
Frequently asked questions
An itasha is a car decorated with stickers or paintwork featuring characters from manga, anime, or video games. The term 'itasha' (痛車) literally means 'painful car', referring to the discomfort some people may feel seeing these highly conspicuous decorations.
Itasha refers to a car decorated with manga or anime characters, itachari (痛チャリ) is a bicycle decorated in the same way, and itansha (痛単車) refers to a motorcycle or scooter adorned with these same motifs. The principle is identical but applied to different types of vehicles.
The best places to observe itasha in Japan are districts dedicated to otaku culture: Akihabara in Tokyo, Nipponbashi in Osaka, and Osu in Nagoya. Special events such as anime conventions or fan gatherings are also great opportunities to see them.
The cost of decorating an itasha varies greatly depending on the surface area to be covered and the quality of the stickers used. It can range from a few hundred to several thousand euros for a complete professional wrap.
Yes, itasha are completely legal in Japan as long as modifications do not obscure mandatory elements such as license plates or lights. They are part of a recognized and accepted subculture in the country.
