
Different people have different concepts of Japanese automaker Subaru. For motorsports enthusiasts, the first image that comes to mind is the company’s all-wheel drive cars doing sick jumps on rally gravel stages. Technology buffs, meanwhile, may think of their EyeSight automatic braking safety system.
Japanese animation fans, though, may best know Subaru as the major sponsor of animation studio Gainax’s celestial-themed magical girl anime Wish Upon the Pleiades (known in Japanese as Hokago no Pleiades). And while the series’ TV run is over, that doesn’t mean Subaru’s love for the anime has expired, as the car manufacturer has created, and is selling, an official Wish Upon the Pleiades itasha covered with graphics of the show’s cast.
The itasha began life as a WRX S4, the base model of Subaru’s turbo-charged all-wheel drive sedan.
But while the S4 can look a little dowdy in its plain form, there’s a long history of sprucing Subaru’s sports sedans up with flashy aero kits and wheels. And while the Wish Upon the Pleiades WRX checks both those boxes, the biggest eye-catcher is without question its exterior anime artwork.
Blue has always been a popular body color choice for WRXs, but the car’s sheet metal is actually silver. All of the blue and pink patches are wraps, as are the magical girls.
The Wish Upon the Pleiades itasha shuns the arguably played-out trend of gold or bronze wheels for WRXs, instead going for pastel pink rollers. The interior has also been dressed up with an assortment of shiny bits.
The car, a 2014 model, was originally displayed at promotional events for the series and itasha events around the country. As such, it’s not entirely brand new, with 7,000 kilometers (4,350 miles) on the odometer. There’s also a bit of a sticker shock in that the official itasha is listed at a prices of 5,550,000 yen (US$46,600), a substantial premium over the 3,348,000 yen that new WRX S4s start at. Even the hefty price is a crafty bit of fan service, though, meant to evoke the 555 livery WRX rally cars wore during their glory days in the World Rally Championship.
Since the Wish Upon the Pleiades itasha is a one-off, Subaru will be holding a drawing to determine the lucky fan who gets to buy it. Entries can be made online between now and noon on November 24. You can throw your hat in the ring here, and if you end up as the owner and are looking for someone to start a car club with, we think this guy would be happy to join.
Sources: Otakumu, Sankei Biz, Subaru Online Shop
Top image: Subaru Online Shop
Insert images: Subaru, Subaru Online Shop (edited by RocketNews24)





Anime fan shows his hatred for Love Live! by dragging anime idol behind his itasha car
Toyota’s official anime itasha car finds a home
In Japan, you can now earn money for turning your car into an anime itasha
Official anime art itasha cars go on sale to celebrate 30 years of visual novels【Pics】
Now you can rent an anime itasha in Japan for the authentic otaku driving experience
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Bear attack shelters going on sale in Japan as country experiences record-high number of incidents
New Japanese menstrual product seeks to help women spot unidentified iron deficiencies
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
What’s inside the McDonald’s Japan fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
What’s on the all-you-can-drink menu at Denny’s Japan? 【Family Restaurant Drink Bar Showdown】
Sanrio lucky bag gives you cute My Melody and Kumori merch, all your money back in burgers coupons
How do you beat Bic Camera’s Lucky Box lines, and what’s inside their Sim-Free Phone box?
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
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
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Itasha show at World Cosplay Summit lets cars get in on the anime costume fun
Genius shows how to turn your car into an anime art itasha for free【Photos】
How to most effectively use your itasha anime car windows for a clever trick
Leave a Reply