The Itasha culture combines the passion for cars and the anime, creating a unique phenomenon that has gained popularity around the world. Originating in Japan, this trend stands out for custom vehicles, with designs inspired by characters from anime, manga, and video games. On our website we have talked a lot about anime and manga in Akihabara. In this article, we will explore what is Itasha, its fascinating history, its relevance in Akihabara Electric Town, the impressive designs that characterize it and how can you live this experience in the capital otaku. Find out all about the decorated cars anime and how this subculture has influenced the global community.
What is Itasha and its History?
The term Itasha (痛車) , translates literally as “car painful” in japanese. This name comes from the combination of “痛” (ita, pain) and “車” (sha, car). The concept of “pain” has a double meaning: the high cost of customizing these vehicles and the ‘pain visual’ and that it could cause to those who are not fans of the anime or manga because of the eye-catching designs.
What is a Itasha?
An Itasha is a car decorated with images of characters and scenes from anime, manga, video games or even idols japanese. The designs often include:
- Graphics vinyl high quality bonded to the body.
- Additional elements such as figures, stickers on windows or interior theme.
- Customization of tires, lights and accessories to reinforce the theme.
The objective is not only a decoration, but also to express the passion of the owner for his favorite works, and be part of a community.
History of the Itasha
1. Origins (years 80-90):
The culture, Itasha emerged in Japan during the 80’s and 90’s, when the fans of the anime began to customize their vehicles with stickers small or simple decorations for their favorite characters.
- The first customizations were discrete, with images limited due to the technical limitations of printing.
- These changes were seen as an extension of the otaku, a subculture which at that time was seen as a niche.
2. Boom in 2000:
With the improvement of printing technology and the rise of anime as a global phenomenon, the designs of Itasha began to be more complex and detailed.
- In 2005, events such as Comiket (Comic Market) and meetings of fans in Akihabara began to include exhibits of Itasha.
- During this decade, he consolidated the practice of decorate not only cars, but also motorcycles (Itansha), and bicycles (Itachari).
3. Global popularity (2010 onwards):
The Itasha crossed the borders of Japan, expanding to countries such as China, the united States and Europe, thanks to the growing popularity of anime and social networks.
- Arose international events and online communities dedicated to share your designs.
- Companies began to offer specialized services in vinyl Itasha, lowering costs and making it more accessible.
Technical factors and Economic
- Cost: The full customization of a Itasha can cost between $2,000 and $10,000 USD, depending on the quality of design and materials.
- Durability: vinyl’s have an average useful life of 3 to 5 years, although this can vary according to the maintenance and exposure to the sun.
- Application techniques: vinyl is applied with precision to avoid bubbles and to ensure a uniform finish.
The Role of the Itasha in Pop Culture
The Itasha represent an intersection between culture automotive and otaku. Are vehicles that allow their owners to exhibit their identity and connect with other fans at events and exhibitions.
In summary, the Itasha is not just a car decorated, but a cultural expression deeply rooted in the love for the anime and a visual statement that celebrates individuality and the fandom.
Itasha in Akihabara
Akihabara is the epicenter of the culture, Itasha. This district of Tokyo, famous for its concentration of stores from anime, manga, video games and otaku culture, has become the place where fans from around the world can experience the culture, Itasha in its maximum expression.
Akihabara as a Center of Itasha
Akihabara, also known as ‘the mecca of otaku’, it is the most popular destination to see and enjoy Itasha in Japan. Here, the vehicles decorated with images of anime characters, sleeves popular and video games can often be found, especially in special events and exhibits. Fans travel from all over the world to admire these custom vehicles, and participate in the ever-growing community of car anime.
Events of Itasha in Akihabara Electric Town
Akihabara is home to events of cars anime as the ‘Itasha Tengoku’ (the sky of the Itasha), where there are thousands of custom vehicles, with themes of anime. These events attract thousands of fans and allow vehicle owners to show their unique designs. In addition, shops and restaurants in the area often have decorations Itasha that celebrate this subculture, creating a unique atmosphere in the neighborhood.
Key places to See Itasha in Akihabara
- Square UDX Akihabara: One of the most popular places where fans can see Itasha on display during the event.
- Akihabara Station: On certain days, the vehicles decorated parked near the station, creating a visual experience that is impressive.
- Specialty shops: Some stores merchandising in Akihabara offer products of Itasha or even collaborate with designers to customize vehicles to customers.
In summary, Akihabara is not only the home of the culture, Itasha, but also, the place where fans can enjoy an immersive experience and see first-hand how the culture automotive and the anime are merged in customized cars.
Designs of Itasha
The designs of Itasha are not only limited to cars, but include a variety of custom vehicles. Each type of Itasha has its own style and approach, adapted to different tastes within the culture of anime and beyond. Below, we’ll show you the most popular types of Itasha:
- Itasha Classic: Vehicle completely covered with images of anime.
- Itansha: Motorcycles decorated with themes of anime.
- Itachari: custom Bike with character designs.
- Itapoke: Car decorated with characters from Pokémon.
- Itasuta: Vehicles with a subject of idols or musical groups.
- Itaspeed: decorated Cars for racing events, with live charts.
- Mini Itasha: small Cars, such as the kei cars, with designs Itasha.
How to Experience the Culture, Itasha in Akihabara
If you want to live the experience Itasha in Akihabara, here are the most important places where you can see vehicles decorated and immerse yourself in this subculture:
- Akihabara Station
- In special events, vehicles Itasha tend to park near the main station.
- Square UDX Akihabara
- A key location for events and exhibitions of Itasha, especially during the weekends and festivals of anime.
- Akihabara Radio Kaikan
- Shop iconic that is often organizes exhibitions related to the world Itasha.
- Akihabara Event Spaces (as Akihabara UDX or Akihabara Chuo Dori)
- Spaces dedicated to exhibitions of cars anime, as the event ‘Itasha Tengoku’.
- Stores Vinyls and Specialized Accessories (such as Stickers Akihabara and Animate)
- Some local offer vinyl and custom items to decorate cars, motorbikes and bicycles themed anime.
- Cafes and Restaurants of Anime
- Some of the themed restaurants in Akihabara have decorations Itasha and organized events in which the vehicles involved.
Visiting these places will allow you to view a wide variety of Itasha in vivo and participate in events where fans can share their passion.