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】
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?
Saltiest ramen in Japan? Ikebukuro White goes viral for crazy salt levels
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Mt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly Festival
Japan releases new ramen sandwiches… that don’t taste like ramen
Don’t miss the Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2026~ event during your travels
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
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
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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa