YES YES YES YES YES DUDE When I was cycling from Sapporo to Osaka I was on some random backwoods highway between Sakata and Fukushima-shi and 4 dekotara tippers passed me all lit up at 11pm and I pumped my fist and yelled out "WOOOOOOO YEEEEEEEEAH!" and they all did fun little horn sounds. I saw them all pulled over in a dirt patch about an hour later having a cigarette together and they were all hauling cement mix (just the powder) to a site and they had to have it all there by the morning. They were super chill and let me look at all their trucks before I moved on to my next camp site for a sleep. Super chill dudes, really lovely people and it was so sick to see these trucks being used for REAL work.
A lot of these old dekotora's, mostly Isuzu Giga's, end up being imported in the Phils. Few keep the artworks, some change it to local tastes, and most just add a layer of paint onto the artworks. But, some still keep the maniwari exhausts and even became a part of the truck culture here. About the bodyworks, the most common bodywork you can still see are the long front bumpers and the other cab bodyworks they usually associate with.
Alexi i gotta correct you hete. The angry duck is from a movie Mack truck, named Rubber Duck, the movie "Convoy" staring Kris Kristofesen, and Alli Mcgraw Quack Quack
Former American truck driver here, it's so fascinating to see the way other cultures fashion their trucks, thanks for making this video! This helped answer a lot of questions I had about the Dekotora culture. Seeing the box truck with the turbo wing and Pete fenders was pretty funny, I guess it's no different than how we also take inspiration in the States with our own cars as well.
I wonder if Japan's laws are similar to the US's laws where any auxiliary lighting automatically falls under marker lighting, and having blown bulbs nets you a fine.
Not sure about Japan, but in the US, if you have an exterior light on a truck, it must be functioning or you get a fix it ticket. Even if you have more lights than required.
I think Kei Dekotora might be the highest concentration of Japanese automotive culture you can fit onto one vehicle. Especially if the artwork is Itasha and it can drift.
I find it hilarious that they’re going for a western style haha I’m an Australian truck driver. I’ve got an old Kenworth done up the proper way. But after visiting Japan last year and seeing their trucks, I came home and bought a Toyota Dyna to do up in their style! So we can call that a little culture exchange. The exhaust setup is really interesting, I may have to try that
Did anyone ever notice the deco truck in Godzilla when the bosozoku fly past him and then the tunnel collapsed, another fun thing is, this style has reached Philippines and other Asian countries it’s so cool how big it is
The black small truck which you explained the manifold is an Isuzu wearing Hino wing emblem. Hino wing emblem is popular among dekotora they use it regardless of their truck brand. Also, that exhaust sound is popular because it is the sounds of old japanese V8 trucks, it means power.
I have a HOT WHEELS Dekotora truck called Raijin Express. I fell in love with this style since I first saw it in the movie BLACK RAIN when the protagonist is chasing the bad guys through an industrial area and several of those trucks were used in the scene. The idle noise reminds me of the movie DARK CRYSTAL when the beetle-like soldiers would move about in packs making a similar sound. I really appreciate you diving into this part of automotive culture there. I love learning so much about the creativity put into them as it is rare anyone makes a video actually digging into this.
Before I even dreamed of owning a drift/sports cars, I've dreamed of owning a deka tora. I have this obscure deka tora racing game in PS1 called "van racing". I wish I understand Japanese, because the story of the game seems interesting, and the art style is very good too for it's time
I love how over the top they are, but a mildly decorated smaller box truck just hits right with me. Artistic mural, few lights, good glow, and bingo bango bongo! I guess if we are gonna steal all your cars that are 25 years old, you can steal our lowriders, mini trucks, and freight liners. It's only fair.
Why simply go "over the top" when you can go stratospheric... thanks Japan, haha. I'm heading there for a vacation in a couple of months and will be looking forward to experiencing Ginza and Akiba.
Having grown up around trucks in North America I can vouch for Alexi saying wherever you go, Truckers like to do up their trucks. Which makes sense when you learn 1. how expensive they are and 2. how much time Truckers spend with their vehicles (especially if they do long haul). And in North America it's the same basics. Bigger bumpers, lights wherever you can stick 'em, Fancy paint jobs, and chrome for days. Though not quite to this extent.
I would so go to one of those truck meet ups. I've always loved modified big trucks from all over. I like the original classic Dekotora as well as the newer stuff as far as Japanese stuff goes.
These guys are running full casino light displays and I can't even figure out why my rear blinkers don't work when I step on the brakes of my Chevy S10.
So much better than seeing a dozen or more stock white semi's every time I need to go somethere. Love the oldschool airbrush work on a lot if these dekotora
I remember my first exposure to Dekotoras being that one PS1 game they made about them a long time ago, the title escaped my head but it was developed by a company called "Human". Kicked off quite an interest on these things, massive respect to the huge amount of craftmanship and love that goes on these builds, they really look like they are having a great time!
2:30 that is very rare version of Nissan Big Thumb. It's the Urban version. Bigger sleeper area compared to standard sleeper version There's one unit photographed, abandoned here in Indonesia. Operated by Dinoyo Putra
This is so neat to see. If you know of any channels or sites that cover the craftsmanship and products (or DIY build techniques) used to build these in more detail I'd love to see them. Super rad vid, and nice commentary as well. I'm glad you switched to voiceover, kinda bites that we can't do live commentary events very well cause it's always so loud lol ✌
even parked at a random truck stop in Sano i liked seeing elements of dekotra on the trucks stopped there. Wish my Japanese was better so i could have a chat with some of them. Japan isn't an easy place to navigate so it'd be interesting hearing their stories
I didn’t know there's this kind of truck culture in Japan, but I've seen those in an online live performance by Japanese music group called ZUTOMAYO in collaboration with Spotify. It's pretty cool to look at.
This my second watch of this video Alexi. I live close to a national route. Become obsessed with this sound as hear it quite often. Lots of guys not full dekotora but running the zorst mod. Just another bunch of punks in the automotive scene... and not in a bad way. The whole history of the rail ferry disaster in Hakodate and how the trucks took over the role of transport for 32 years until the Seikan tunnel was built is what spawned Torakku Yaro scene. Bringing all that produce from Hokkaido down the Tohoku Expwy via truck ferry. I'm just a showa nerd. Nice to see you adventuring north. Also do the have to revert exhaust mod every 12 months for shakken?
4:28 I watched this video multiple times, wondering why this truck looks so familiar. I finally realised that it was featured in GTO manga when Onizuka was evicted from his room by the new evil headmistress.
iirc, there used to be a dekotora truck racing game for the Playstation 1(?) console. At the time I thought "wow, it was quite a unique idea to have modified trucks racing on the freeway for a racing game".. only for me to find out that it is actually a real thing in Japan
Given what Alexi said about articulating (As in Semi-Truck and Trailer combo's) not really being a thing in Japan and understandably so. Even bobtailing (as in no trailer) would probably be a tall order.
So I've wondered about this for a while. If they've converted the back to be living quarters, they can't be using them to make a living anymore? Also, being as japan has limited space/storage, where do people keep them if they aren't being used as an actual truck? It seems like a very expensive hobby, even moreso than cars or bikes by miles
Most Dekotoras are used just as private vehicles, these with the living quarters are examples of these used as private vehicles. Still, some of them are used as actual work trucks.
@@frylucas And I imagine it's no different then just having an RV or something. But I do wonder what the ratio to working trucks to pure show trucks is.
6:47 You must've gotten fooled by someone 😂 It's actually called a "象牙ホース (ivory hose)", not a nose hair hose. and It's connected to drains in the cargo area and drains out when you wash it with water.
That chirping exhaust would drive me absolutely bonkers. It just sounds like the most obnoxious belt squeal ever.
I actually got a bit of a headache from it
I had to lower the volume almost all the way it's so obnoxious
you guys are weak I’m using this as background noise to fall asleep
They sound fuckin sick though when they take off
bro... when you start out truck driving, that first night after a shift without the engine, you still hear it in your sleep
YES YES YES YES YES
DUDE
When I was cycling from Sapporo to Osaka I was on some random backwoods highway between Sakata and Fukushima-shi and 4 dekotara tippers passed me all lit up at 11pm and I pumped my fist and yelled out "WOOOOOOO YEEEEEEEEAH!" and they all did fun little horn sounds. I saw them all pulled over in a dirt patch about an hour later having a cigarette together and they were all hauling cement mix (just the powder) to a site and they had to have it all there by the morning. They were super chill and let me look at all their trucks before I moved on to my next camp site for a sleep. Super chill dudes, really lovely people and it was so sick to see these trucks being used for REAL work.
Thats an awesome experience!
A lot of these old dekotora's, mostly Isuzu Giga's, end up being imported in the Phils. Few keep the artworks, some change it to local tastes, and most just add a layer of paint onto the artworks. But, some still keep the maniwari exhausts and even became a part of the truck culture here. About the bodyworks, the most common bodywork you can still see are the long front bumpers and the other cab bodyworks they usually associate with.
Thanks to Sega in the 90s for making a deko truck and character a hidden character in 18 Wheeler American Pro Trucker arcade game
Aaaaaand now I just got a huge flashback to being a kid at the arcade 😄
Thanks for that :)
There is an entire dekotora game for the Japanese market Playstation
@@garybuder4645i dont understand a single shit of one of those game. but i enjoy playing (somehow🤣).
I'm always amazed by the depth of your esoteric knowledge in all things automotive
I'm always amazed at the complete lack of knowledge the forza kid generation has regarding all things automotive.
Alexi i gotta correct you hete.
The angry duck is from a movie Mack truck, named Rubber Duck, the movie "Convoy" staring
Kris Kristofesen, and Alli Mcgraw Quack Quack
There was a Convoy mural inside the truck in the last scene.
Former American truck driver here, it's so fascinating to see the way other cultures fashion their trucks, thanks for making this video! This helped answer a lot of questions I had about the Dekotora culture. Seeing the box truck with the turbo wing and Pete fenders was pretty funny, I guess it's no different than how we also take inspiration in the States with our own cars as well.
Thanks for explaining how they achieve that distinctive exhaust note. I've wondered that for a long time. Dekotora ichiban!
they take that incredibly seriously, I was looking for any truck that had even a single LED or bulb broken, and I couldnt find one.
I wonder if Japan's laws are similar to the US's laws where any auxiliary lighting automatically falls under marker lighting, and having blown bulbs nets you a fine.
the ichiban boshi had one dead right at the front but it's still cool AF
Not sure about Japan, but in the US, if you have an exterior light on a truck, it must be functioning or you get a fix it ticket. Even if you have more lights than required.
@@iamstd2 same in Canada but I've been driving without license plate lights for 2 years lol
This is the grandfather of RGB in PC gaming.
I think Kei Dekotora might be the highest concentration of Japanese automotive culture you can fit onto one vehicle.
Especially if the artwork is Itasha and it can drift.
I find it hilarious that they’re going for a western style haha
I’m an Australian truck driver. I’ve got an old Kenworth done up the proper way. But after visiting Japan last year and seeing their trucks, I came home and bought a Toyota Dyna to do up in their style!
So we can call that a little culture exchange. The exhaust setup is really interesting, I may have to try that
Did anyone ever notice the deco truck in Godzilla when the bosozoku fly past him and then the tunnel collapsed, another fun thing is, this style has reached Philippines and other Asian countries it’s so cool how big it is
The black small truck which you explained the manifold is an Isuzu wearing Hino wing emblem. Hino wing emblem is popular among dekotora they use it regardless of their truck brand. Also, that exhaust sound is popular because it is the sounds of old japanese V8 trucks, it means power.
Finally! The noriyaro video I’ve been waiting for!
They look like rolling casinos.
Wild stuff. Thanks for sharing!
I have a HOT WHEELS Dekotora truck called Raijin Express.
I fell in love with this style since I first saw it in the movie BLACK RAIN when the protagonist is chasing the bad guys through an industrial area and several of those trucks were used in the scene.
The idle noise reminds me of the movie DARK CRYSTAL when the beetle-like soldiers would move about in packs making a similar sound.
I really appreciate you diving into this part of automotive culture there. I love learning so much about the creativity put into them as it is rare anyone makes a video actually digging into this.
I got Raijin Express too! The chrome with purple tinted windsheld. It look really good with the Galactic Express 😊
Its crazy to see how many of these comments had no idea what Dekotora was. Forza really did a number on the newer generations automotive knowledge...
Very cool also The mural on the inside of the American inspired truck is from the trucking movie convoy from 1978
i love how over the top it is, truly based
Before I even dreamed of owning a drift/sports cars, I've dreamed of owning a deka tora. I have this obscure deka tora racing game in PS1 called "van racing". I wish I understand Japanese, because the story of the game seems interesting, and the art style is very good too for it's time
Lemme help you since i played that. It's called "Bakusou Dekotora Densetsu" in Japanese and yes it's from PS1 and PS2
@@genosix_s4936 lol. My copy really says "van racing" in the cover. What do mean help?
@@halfblue2678 huh... Dunno if the copy is literally the english version or maybe i'm wrong
Bootleg cover, most likely @@halfblue2678
If someone told me to imagine a slot machine with wheels, this is what I'd see in my mind's eye.
The best car UA-camr alive has uploaded once again. Thanks man 🤝🏽
Truck culture is cool. No matter where you go.
except squatted truck
The truck at 10:02 is playing C.W. McCall's song "Convoy". It's a popular trucking song.
I think Dekotora was actually the first modified vehicle thing i came in contact with. Drifting and all the jdm cult reached me way later in my life
So stoked you covered dekotora. Would love to see some videos on old kaido and kyusha. Maybe boso history. You rule Alexi!
I love how over the top they are, but a mildly decorated smaller box truck just hits right with me. Artistic mural, few lights, good glow, and bingo bango bongo! I guess if we are gonna steal all your cars that are 25 years old, you can steal our lowriders, mini trucks, and freight liners. It's only fair.
Why simply go "over the top" when you can go stratospheric... thanks Japan, haha.
I'm heading there for a vacation in a couple of months and will be looking forward to experiencing Ginza and Akiba.
thank you for showcasing every aspect of car culture for us
I love this video style. Like a lesson on whatever the subject at hand is. Like the itasha one. Really enjoyed it, thanks Alexi.
seeing your videos make me so happy
daaaaaamn this is awesome. wish they did these trucks around here! even the lights seem to be rare and retro style bulbs.
Man, I was just imagining one of those with the open sides being converted into a food truck / ramen shop.
Insane lighting on those trucks, love it!
Loved this episode, dekotora trucks are peak Japan car culture 😁 👍
Finally, dekotora content. This pleases me greatly.
Great seeing another fun window into Japanese car culture. Thank you Noriyaro
"A few days ago I saw a vehicle that will haul that tanker. If you want to move it, you talk to me."
This is awesome. Nice video. Keep up the good work.
Having grown up around trucks in North America I can vouch for Alexi saying wherever you go, Truckers like to do up their trucks. Which makes sense when you learn 1. how expensive they are and 2. how much time Truckers spend with their vehicles (especially if they do long haul).
And in North America it's the same basics. Bigger bumpers, lights wherever you can stick 'em, Fancy paint jobs, and chrome for days. Though not quite to this extent.
Finally man!!
This has needed to be covered and you are the man to do it!
Although I didn't know the terminology at the time, I first became aware of 'Dekotora' in 1996, from Sodom's stage in Street Fighter Alpha 2.
street fighter 4 also has, it's called the pitstop
a noriyaro vid on dekotora, my life is complete
Love the commenting at the beginning of the video summing up the story
Look at that white fog in the night sky! I can almost smell the diesel smoke from those trucks! A truck station and a carnival combined!
Do I understand Dekotora culture? No. Do I find it interesting? Immensely.
japan car culture really reaally REALLY has everything huh
The orange hino at the end was baller
I would so go to one of those truck meet ups. I've always loved modified big trucks from all over. I like the original classic Dekotora as well as the newer stuff as far as Japanese stuff goes.
These guys are running full casino light displays and I can't even figure out why my rear blinkers don't work when I step on the brakes of my Chevy S10.
Thailand and Japan Duking it out for the most obnoxious Truck Scene in the world, I LOVE IT!!!!
Freaking love these trucks! More lights the better, neon, bright and shiny, so awesome!
Everyday is a good day when Noriyaro uploads.
Hi Alexi, I've really enjoyed watching all ur 2000s footage re-watches and I'd appreciate it if you do more of those if there's any left.
So much better than seeing a dozen or more stock white semi's every time I need to go somethere. Love the oldschool airbrush work on a lot if these dekotora
Always loved these! Great to see a video of them on your channel.
Yes yes yessss! Thanks a lot for explaining these!
I remember my first exposure to Dekotoras being that one PS1 game they made about them a long time ago, the title escaped my head but it was developed by a company called "Human".
Kicked off quite an interest on these things, massive respect to the huge amount of craftmanship and love that goes on these builds, they really look like they are having a great time!
The game you mention sounds like Bakusou Dekotora Densetsu
@@octacle_ I think it was that one, yes!
I've loved these trucks for years, carnival games on wheels
I wanna see a clear sided enclosed car hauler Dekotora. D1 drift car inside or a rally car. That would be crazy to see in the US
The full intro is back 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
WOHOO! I love Dekotora! not enough vids IMO. thank you
2:30 that is very rare version of Nissan Big Thumb. It's the Urban version. Bigger sleeper area compared to standard sleeper version
There's one unit photographed, abandoned here in Indonesia. Operated by Dinoyo Putra
This is so neat to see. If you know of any channels or sites that cover the craftsmanship and products (or DIY build techniques) used to build these in more detail I'd love to see them.
Super rad vid, and nice commentary as well. I'm glad you switched to voiceover, kinda bites that we can't do live commentary events very well cause it's always so loud lol ✌
I’ve been waiting a long time for this!
Normally I won't be interested in this but your video is quite informative and I gain a better appreciation for them
This reminds me of a cool game that I played a long time ago on PS. Amazing.
even parked at a random truck stop in Sano i liked seeing elements of dekotra on the trucks stopped there. Wish my Japanese was better so i could have a chat with some of them. Japan isn't an easy place to navigate so it'd be interesting hearing their stories
Beautiful subculture. So funny, and cute
Hanage😂, great video Alexi I love anything Japan does 🙏❤️
Hell yea I'm glad you're covering this one
I remember playing dekotora densetsu, i still love it today
The American style makes me think of the whole “ Dodge full size van” craze
I didn’t know there's this kind of truck culture in Japan, but I've seen those in an online live performance by Japanese music group called ZUTOMAYO in collaboration with Spotify. It's pretty cool to look at.
This my second watch of this video Alexi. I live close to a national route. Become obsessed with this sound as hear it quite often. Lots of guys not full dekotora but running the zorst mod. Just another bunch of punks in the automotive scene... and not in a bad way. The whole history of the rail ferry disaster in Hakodate and how the trucks took over the role of transport for 32 years until the Seikan tunnel was built is what spawned Torakku Yaro scene. Bringing all that produce from Hokkaido down the Tohoku Expwy via truck ferry. I'm just a showa nerd. Nice to see you adventuring north. Also do the have to revert exhaust mod every 12 months for shakken?
when you were panning across the trucks all I could hear in my head was the theme to Seibu Keisatsu
4:28 I watched this video multiple times, wondering why this truck looks so familiar. I finally realised that it was featured in GTO manga when Onizuka was evicted from his room by the new evil headmistress.
Kinda cool. The reverse beeper delete is nice, but the chirping negates it all tho. Weird misfires and belt squeaks😎👌
Never change, Japan!
This makes me wanna own a truck real bad haha
iirc, there used to be a dekotora truck racing game for the Playstation 1(?) console. At the time I thought "wow, it was quite a unique idea to have modified trucks racing on the freeway for a racing game".. only for me to find out that it is actually a real thing in Japan
Man I was looking forward to this one, those trucks rule.
Trucking sick!
Wish the video was longer! Also I wonder how these dekotoras pass shaken xD
I now know how I want to modify my old diesel Ram!
WOW. I found a gold one of those hot wheels cars but didn’t know it was a real thing.
i have been waiting for anything on this sub culture
this makes you wonder what it would be like driving around a big american peterbilt on the streets of japan lol
you'd hit everything in sight
Given what Alexi said about articulating (As in Semi-Truck and Trailer combo's) not really being a thing in Japan and understandably so. Even bobtailing (as in no trailer) would probably be a tall order.
So this is why you got your truck endorsement Alexi!
I can't imagine how much it would cost, or the amount of time, to make the trucks look like that.
Brings new meaning to "East Bound and Down"...
3:10 Not a Hino, it's Isuzu Elf, it seems pretty common for them to swap the badge / logo from another brand 👍
I believe the name for that fish-scale metal polishing technique is “jeweling”
8:00 what are we listening to? Is that Delicate Steve?
Finally!!! More Dekotora please! ❤❤❤❤
So I've wondered about this for a while. If they've converted the back to be living quarters, they can't be using them to make a living anymore? Also, being as japan has limited space/storage, where do people keep them if they aren't being used as an actual truck? It seems like a very expensive hobby, even moreso than cars or bikes by miles
Most Dekotoras are used just as private vehicles, these with the living quarters are examples of these used as private vehicles.
Still, some of them are used as actual work trucks.
@@frylucas And I imagine it's no different then just having an RV or something.
But I do wonder what the ratio to working trucks to pure show trucks is.
As a Honda Goldwing rider, I approve 😁
lol i cant belive they found a way to make a 4 cylinder truck sound like a 18 wheeler diesel with those exhausts
6:47
You must've gotten fooled by someone 😂
It's actually called a "象牙ホース (ivory hose)", not a nose hair hose.
and It's connected to drains in the cargo area and drains out when you wash it with water.
A whole bunch of raijin express in Sendai