Japan's "Dekotora Trucks" are driveable works of art.
The country has a long-standing tradition of decked out trucks — think "Pimp My Ride" on steroids, and with a sci-fi twist. Drivers often spend hundreds of thousands of dollars adding chrome accents, neon lights, Louis Vuitton fabrics, and even chandeliers to their rides.
These trucks' extravagant designs caught the eye of photographer Robert Benson, who lived in Japan for eight years in the '90s. Now a regular visitor, Benson looks for a new photo project every time he goes back. "I always like [photographing] something that hasn’t been done before, a little different and unusual — and these trucks fit the bill perfectly," he told INSIDER.
Earlier this summer Benson attended a gathering of over 300 Dekotora Truck owners, who were there to show off their prized vehicles. Ahead, some of his best shots from the event.
Benson explained that the 1970s comedy-action film series "Torakku Yarō," which followed a pair of truck drivers running from the law, popularized the Dekotora Trucks (short for "decoration truck").
Benson attended one of the biggest Dekotora Truck events in Japan, in the city of Chōshi.
"All [the trucks are] functional and driveable — they use them for work," said Benson. "What’s not functional, or what doesn’t serve a purpose, really, is all the chrome and bells and whistles," he said.
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