We had a long holiday in Japan this week because of the Obon festival. Most Japanese people go to their ancestral places to pay respects to their ancestors during this period. All the used car and truck auctions in Japan were closed this week. I took this opportunity to visit Thailand and India on a business cum pleasure trip.
India is a colorful country and trucks are no exception. During my visit to Mumbai, I could see many typical Indian truck designs – often decorated in a colorful way. The body of the trucks is often built in private workshops, and it is constructed specifically to be decorated. The workshops employ skilled craftsmen who specialize in truck design and decoration. I personally feel that the decoration is a way to show respect for the vehicle. In Japan too, we have decorated trucks commonly known as ‘dekotora‘. I will introduce ‘dekotora’ in my next post.
I could also see many old designs of trucks in India – still in running condition. It may not be possible for us to see such trucks in Japan, except in a museum. I have nothing but the greatest admiration for the people around the world who can keep old cars and trucks running forever.
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