Flashy Truck Match : Pakistan vs Japan

I got to know about boldly decorated Pakistani trucks (via Jalopnik). It's so interesting because we have similar flashy trucks in our country. And I feel funny that though the trucks of both countries reflect each of their national character, "too much" seems to mean "totally good" for a certain people in the whole world.

Japanese decorated trucks, which had been called "DEKO-TORA", became a fad in 1970's and even a movie series was made. Recently, they are hardly seen but still alive with their new name "art truck".

One of the Pakistani busses. (I'm not saying "a Pakistani person kisses") Its vivid colors and detailed handiwork catch our eyes. You can see that even its windows are not the exception of their canvas to be painted. I'm not sure that these decorations have any religious meanings, but I feel they have an Islamic atmosphere.

Japanese decorations are more metallic and squarish. (It reminds me of some old sci-fi movie props like this). Their most notable feature is that the many of their parts are lighted up when they cruise at night. So the truckers can satisfy their desire to show off even in the darkness.

This Pakistani truck would make lots of small clattering sounds when it runs. And its driver may not be able to see outside clearly.

The hand-drawn paintings on the bodies are the best things which they pride themselves on. All kinds of things are painted with air brushes, for exapmle: calligraphies, UKIYOE arts, movie stars, Mt. Fuji or other scenery, dragons or tigers.

The front end of the cargo (what should I call it?) which is sticking up to the sky seems to be thought as cool. It can be seen among the Japanese art trucks, too. I guess it comes from the animal's habit of tending to show their body bigger than their actual size. But I wish they never made their bodies wider than usual cars because it must wipe out the roadside trees and oncoming traffic.

There is also an art-truck-themed video game.
See its opening movie with the hyper-real computer animation.