The word Itasha 痛車(い たしゃ) is used to refer to the vehicles of otakus that has been decorated with very cool decals of anime characters and other decorations (such as plushies). Basically its what happens when an otaku pimps their ride.

Actually the itasha culture has long existed in Japan but previously it wasn’t that well known because otaku are people that tend to be more reserved about their hobby. Anyway, they don’t really go out that much so they don’t need a ride in the first place =P

Nowadays otakus are becoming more proud of their passion so we get to see more of the cars taking the streets. In fact, the topic is so hot hat there is even a book published that features over 150 itasha and their proud owners.

Remember my last posing on Anigao girls, this is what happens when u combine Anigao and Itasha together =P

Even though I live in Singapore, there are also itasha in the otaku community here:

If I ever get my own car, I would turn it into an itasha too. How about you?

Check out the following sites for more awesome pictures of itasha:

- Yoshimu’s blog (via Danny Choo)
- ASCII 24 p.1, ASCII p.2 (via Japanator)
- Painful Style