Japan’s “painful cars” (and bikes and motorcycles)

Cool Hunting points us to a piece on Seneca Blog about the stickered, painted, and tricked-out anime and games cars shown at the latest twice-annual Comiket convention in Japan. Cool Hunting writes:

Typical decor include stickers of popular anime “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya” and erotic PC game “Fate/Stay Night.” But it’s not just the exterior that get dolled up. Itasha are also noted for their unabashedly nerdy interiors that include figurine stands and character pillows. Itasha have moved beyond automobiles and have expanded to bicycles. Yes, there are nerd sticker bikes, too. Talk about otaku pride.

The cars are called “itasha,” which translates to “painful car,” but may be a play on “Italian car.”

Nerd Cars – Link
Seneca Blog – Link