Japan’s Blinged Out Beasts - Dekotora You’ve most likely seen our last feature on Bōsōzoku style bikes, with out-of-this-world customizations. While the bikes are crazy, there are even larger vehicles, beasts that the Japanese take to the next level: Dekotora. Dekotora is short for Decorated Trucks, and the monsters are just that; completely over-the-top trucks, usually driven by workers of shipping companies. While the crazy customizations look purely for aesthetic purposes, the origins actually serve a purpose. Truckers who used to drive near the sea would often paint their trucks to avoid rusting. The heavy, metal parts would also lower the maximum loading capacity for each truck, reducing taxes. But today, the trucks are the flashiest things you’ll see in the streets of Japan. Maybe you’ll see some if you’re lucky on your next trip; keep your eyes open, it won’t be hard to spot them. Video: @federico_radaelli #sabukaruonline