Automotive fandom that originated in Japan and combines a passion for cars with "otaku" culture. The term "Itasha" literally means "painful car", a play on the words "Itai" meaning painful, and "Sha" meaning car.
Features of "Itasha"
Themed livery: Themed livery that features popular characters from anime, manga, or video games. These graphics can cover a significant portion or even the entire car.
Interior Customization: In addition to exterior modifications, they also customize the interiors of their vehicles with themed accessories such as seat covers, steering wheels, pedals, and even custom instrument panels that complement the exterior theme.
Expression of Fandom: For many owners, an "Itasha" car is both a way to express their love for a specific character or series, and a form of mobile art that transforms an ordinary vehicle into a piece of personal statement and art.
Variety of Vehicles: Any vehicle can become an "Itasha", this includes everything from small compact cars to vans and occasionally luxury cars.
Itasha culture began in Japan, but quickly spread to other parts of the world, especially where there is a strong anime and manga culture. It is increasingly common to see cars decorated in the Itasha style at anime conventions and car meets. This expansion reflects the growing popularity of anime outside Japan and the universal expressive nature of car culture.