
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
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Record number of foreign children in Japan need help understanding Japanese in school
Pokémon Christmas village event taking place nightly in Yokohama
This hot springs town in Japan sets fire across a mountain every winter in a beautiful tradition
Pocky recall issued in Japan after customers notice off-the-mark taste caused by unintended smells
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
Godzilla-shaped ice cream on sale in Tokyo near the sight his most adorable rampage
Once you hear this lady sing “Yooooooghurppe”, you may never stop hearing it
Japan’s cat robot waiters meow when you pat them, and we find out why【Video】
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning seems to be affecting Osaka’s Namba and Dotonbori neighborhoods
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service music box to its anime merchandise shop in Japan
Studio Ghibli mixes with sporty street styles of New Era to put No Face on your head in cap series
Japanese company selling bear-proof automatic doors
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
A guide to visiting Sagamiko Illumination, one of the three biggest light-ups in Kanto
Giant new nine-floor arcade opens in Tokyo, wants to welcome new and old games fans alike
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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
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