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Dekotora

Julie Glassberg
Edition Patrick Frey
ISBN 978-3-90723-694-9
212 x 280 mm

Dekotora — short for deko torakku, decorated truck — is a Japanese subculture built around extravagantly decorated, neon-lit trucks, dismissed by mainstream Japanese society for its association with “bad boys”. It began in the late 1960s as mobile advertising: a truck carrying fish from Hokkaido might be painted with its cargo and its origin. Regulations now restrict the decoration, and the trucks survive with only a few small businesses such as fish and flower delivery services.

Excerpt from a review by Oliver Burgold: ‘No, this is not a book but an experience. Like Harry Gruyaert on steroids on the road with bad boys of Japan. True Life, True Speed, True Community. Julie Glassberg brings us Dekotora, the decorated trucks of Japan and their very close family of drivers and associates. Japan’s hard hitting “On the Road” story… It’s not your normal distanced sociological study but Julie is really accepted in these circles and incredibly close to the acting people. Her photo’s feel in unity with the events, completely unforced and fully reflecting this relatively closed and small society. What a book! What and adventure!’