Fedex on steriods?

Truck driving is a monotonous job and truckers usually find themselves with a lot of spare time on their hands. However, in Japan the truckers have found a new way to entertain themselves. This craze may have the power to affect fashion in a weird and wonderful way. Just about as creative as we get in England get with our lorries is Eddie Stobart; a different name assigned for each and every lorry. However, in Japan, their truckers are spending thousands of yen turning their trucks into a Blade Runner, Pimp My Ride inspired showcase. 

Known as Dekotora, trucks are elaborately decorated with lights, spoilers and interior design. They are drivable illuminations and works of art that are possibly a lifetimes worth of work and money. In spite of this, these trucks aren't for a domestic uses; shows and competitions, they actually used for business means such as transporting goods. Just like any other regular lorry you'd see on the road everyday, just on steroids.

The inspiration behind comes from 1970s Japan TV series Tarakku Yaro- about truck drivers showing off their driving skills. The western comparison to this is 'Pimp my Ride' and its been a while since it left our screens in 2007, but an area in Japan are still keeping this alive for us. 

Dekotora despite being very unique, hasn't been the only motorised subculture in Japan. A motorcycle subculture called Bosozoku had created a style for riders decades prior.  These rebellious motorcycle gangs share an interest in modified motorcycles. Consequently this craze has built a known fashion surrounding it. The main identifiable items being: a jumpsuit,  a tokko-fuku ( an overcoat with no shirt underneath), bandaged torsos, wrap-around sunglasses, long headbands and surgical masks. A fascination with with altered motorcycles can create a trend so Dekotora has the possibilities to follow in these footsteps. 

We can see an influence in Dekotora from blade runner and transformers, and it wouldn't be the first time that film and media has had affect on aspects of our everyday life. The Matrix had to power to influence a whole fashion trend. There could be various influences from this crazy truck obsessed culture that could impact on fashion. Branding such as Eddie Stobart, FedEx, UPS may be the next biggest names on graphic tees.