Essential Highlights
- Itasha, which refers to vehicles adorned with anime and gaming themes, are greatly appreciated and customizable among fans in Japan. (116 characters)
- Aquaplus partners with auto brands to unveil exclusive itasha designs commemorating their 30th anniversary. (94 characters)
- These special itasha vehicles can be acquired through a lottery system, starting at a price of $20,000. (93 characters)
Anime and gaming enthusiasts often seek creative ways to express their passion, whether through pins, shirts, or tattoos. However, to truly exhibit their admiration for a series or a character, some fans opt for an extravagant approach: transforming their vehicles into extraordinary pieces of art. This cultural phenomenon, primarily found in Japan, has fostered an entire subculture known as “itasha.”
Typically, itasha are custom creations, either specially commissioned or artistically crafted by the fans themselves. In celebration of their 30th anniversary, a Japanese firm is set to release a limited number of itasha, making them slightly more attainable for fans eager to own one of these unique vehicles.
Commemorating 30 Years of Visual Novels with Excitement
These Vehicles Will Stand Out
The initiative to popularize itasha is being led by Aquaplus, a game developer marking an impressive three decades in business. This milestone is particularly noteworthy given their specialization in visual novels, a sector teeming with competition in Japan. Celebrating this significant anniversary certainly calls for a grand gesture, and that’s exactly what Aquaplus is planning.
Aquaplus is set to collaborate with three major Japanese automobile manufacturers to unveil three uniquely designed itasha. These include the Toyota GR Yaris, Suzuki Swift Sport, and a shared design for either the Toyota 86 or Subaru BRZ. Each vehicle will be transformed into an eye-catching itasha, showcasing iconic characters from Aquaplus’ visual novels like To Heart, Utawarerumono, Tears to Tiara, and White Album.
The artistic designs will feature comprehensive coverage of the vehicles, incorporating elements on the sides, roof, and rear window. For the 30th anniversary, a special artwork depicting a group of characters from Aquaplus has been created, and this illustration will be integrated into each of the three designs, along with additional character depictions. All vehicles will sport a vibrantly punk-colored base.
How to Acquire an Itasha?
Highly Limited Availability of These Cars
The unfortunate reality is that only one of each itasha will be produced, significantly increasing their desirability despite the steep prices. To obtain one of these vehicles, interested enthusiasts must enter a lottery. If victorious, winners will gain the opportunity to buy the car, but keep in mind that winning does not equate to receiving the vehicle for free. Winners must still make a purchase, though they will have some options for customization, such as the choice between automatic and manual transmission.
The Suzuki Swift Sport will be priced at around 3 million yen (approximately USD $20,000), while the Toyota Yaris and the 86/BRZ selection starts at 4.5 million yen (roughly USD $29,000). The designs are being produced by Jio Create, an auto wrapping firm based in Saitama, who will also manage the lottery process. Fans can participate from November 1st to 30th on their official website here for a chance to win.
Sources: PR Times via SoraNews24
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