Itasha, literally “painful cars,” are vehicles tricked out with all kinds of crazy body work and paint jobs so that they look like something out of an anime and are supposed to “hurt” just to look at. There’s a vibrant subculture of itasha owners and fans in Japan and they meet up every now and then to show off their wheels and talk shop. Take a look at our photo gallery and see if you don’t get a little depressed over your own car’s lack of fins.
▼ Looks cool, but this monster is easily defeated by its nemesis, Speed Bump.
▼ We imagine car stereos blasting I Believe I Can Fly…
▼ Pikachu-mobile
▼ Who says 3 tons of steel couldn’t be cutesy?
▼ You may think this is a lo-fi version, but check out what it’s got in the back!
▼ Comfy sleeping quarters and a slot machine to pass the time!
▼ Careful not to get into a fender-bender with these guys. You may lose an eye!
▼ I don’t even…
▼ Even Disney gets a nod.
▼ The Batmobile has had some work done, apparently.
▼ Bat-ception
▼ Check out the tail lights on this one.
▼ These may be the ultimate expressions of fandom.
▼ Not sure how Pooh would feel about this noise pollution…
▼ But Doraemon would be sure to love this homage.
▼ The phenomena isn’t limited to vans, either. Regular cars, motorcycles and even bikes can be gussied up too.
▼ You know you love the Lambo doors.
Source: My Game News Flash via Byokan Sunday
Images: Speed Hunters, Itasha Blog
The sad story of this painfully nerdy anime itasha will make your heart AND eyes hurt【Photos】
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
Can a downtown Tokyo super sento bathhouse beat a hotel for a one-night stay?
Beautiful Ghibli earrings allow you to finally reunite two of the studio’s star-crossed lovers
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
Free literal forest bathing in Hokkaido is a hot spring experience you’ll never forget【Photos】
Nintendo’s Animal Crossing crosses over into Japanese convenience store cosmetics line[Photos]
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?
Daiso’s 100-yen ramen egg makers even better in smaller sizes
The Almost All Lettuce Burger from Dom Dom Burger really lives up to its name
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years
Pokémon lacquerware series expands for Year of the Horse with new handcrafted design[Video]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Tokyo subway and almost all Tokyo train lines now accepting credit card tap payments
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Totoro Fund line of beautiful artwork and apparel lets you help the real-world Totoro Forest
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli adds new My Neighbour Totoro 2026 Corn Gift to its anime store for Mother’s Day
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says