What Is Dekotora? A Quick Guide to Japan's Decorated Trucks
If you have ever seen a Japanese truck covered in chrome, hand-painted art and hundreds of glowing lights, you have seen a dekotora (デコトラ). The word is short for “decoration truck.”
Where it came from
Dekotora became famous in the 1970s through the Japanese movie series Torakku Yarō (“Truck Guys”), which showed truckers driving spectacularly decorated trucks across Japan. One common theory says the style started even earlier, in the 1960s, when drivers added stainless steel and chrome parts to protect their trucks from rust.
Show trucks and working trucks
The most extreme “super art” trucks, covered from bumper to roof, are usually owned as a hobby rather than used for daily work.
But many decorated trucks are still working trucks, hauling cargo every day while their owners keep the chrome shining. Within the limits of a working vehicle, every detail shows the driver’s pride. On this site we call the best of them “hidden gems.” See them in the Working Trucks category.
The new wave: Euro style
A newer trend in Japan is Euro style: European trucks such as Scania and Volvo, customized the European way with roof light bars and work lights while keeping the original design of the truck. See the Euro Style category.
Where to see them
Dekotora gather at truck festivals and charity events across Japan, where dozens of trucks line up and light up together at night. Our Events category collects videos from these gatherings.
Sources: Wikipedia: Dekotora, WEB CARTOP, trafficnews.jp: Euro Style