Masaru Tatsuki’s Decotora Photo Op

On a dark and rainy night, bright and blinding lights approach a vacant lot, off a Japanese highway - just if Shibuya’s blinking neon signs decided to move themselves past you… However, it’s some proud and lonely trucker halting for a rest! Welcome to the world of Decotora, short for decorated trucks! This pretty colourful aspect of Japanese pop culture has been extensively explored by photographer Masaru Tatsuki who spent ten years with the truckers of Japan’s highways. Today PingMag walks over to Masaru’s current exhibition at Harajuku‘s Little More Chika gallery to catch up with him about his new photo book.

Written by Ryoko
Translated by Kevin Mcgue

To begin with, when did you start with photography?

As a child, I really wanted to make movies and after I graduated from high school, I started working for a small movie production company. Since a large number of staff were required to make one movie, I felt I wanted to express something a little different. Around that time, I went to a bookstore and found a photo book documenting cowboys: The photos portrayed eccentric Mexican cowboys and their families. It showed me a world I hadn’t known before as I was only familiar with ‘movie’ cowboys. So, I decided I would like to become a photographer, carry a camera, meet many kinds of people, talk to them and take their pictures!

And how did you get the idea of covering decorated trucks and their owners?

I found them simply interesting. It is always exciting to see these flashy trucks speeding down the highway! In the summer of 1998, I attended an event that brought together nearly a hundred of these trucks. It was really overwhelming to see them all and follow them around…

What do you mean by following them around?

Of course, a photograph is a way of capturing a moment. There must be a connection to it, or you haven’t captured anything. An example is the cowboy photo book I mentioned earlier. If the photographer just clicked the shutter, they would only be photos. But you have to get a feel for their lives and work! Photographers such as Diane Arbus or Nan Goldin gradually immersed themselves into the things they wanted to photograph, and their pictures really piece themselves into the subject. I find them very attracting: Even the ones that are not taken well are still good, so I thought I had to give that style a try.

You spent a full ten years amongst the truckers. What did you learn about their way of living?

About two or three years into the project, I realised that the trucks rather than the drivers were being overly emphasised in the photographs. Because if you don’t define your subject, the subject defines itself. So I started going to meetings where large numbers of truckers would gather. They were all very outgoing, and I gradually felt welcomed into their community. Then, I started to discover things I respected about them - and things I didn’t like. For the first time, I felt I really knew the truckers. I realised that they possess a sense of masculinity that is dying out in Japan. I could also understand their feeling of wanting to decorate the tools they use for work.

People are surprised that I spent ten years on this project, but it simply takes time to really understand something. And I wanted to really understand the things I wanted to express. That is why it took so long.

By now, you stopped taking pictures of Decotora. Is there any particular image that sticks with you?

If I had to name the most powerful one in the collection, I would say it is the one on the cover: It was raining hard that night, and the wet asphalt was reflecting the truck lights. It seemed so lonely, parked there, just like a person. I feel that photographing the decotora and their drivers will really stay with me. I learned a lot about people and photography!

Lastly, what are your next projects?

I would like to photograph the Tohoku Region: It is becoming urbanised, but the manners and landscapes remain. I find that this is a representative state of Japan today. And I am excited about starting a new project from square one.

Cover of Decotora, 1998-2007 Japanese Art Truck Scene published by Little More.

Yo! Photographer Masaru Tatsuki.

Masaru Tatsuki, thanks for introducing us to the bright-lit world of Decotora today!

Exhibition:
Masaru Tatsuki’s “Decotora” Photo Exhibition
Venue: Little More Chika gallery, Tokyo.
Until Sunday, February 3rd.
Open: From 12 to 7pm.
Entry: ¥200.

68 Comments

1. i’ve always thought that some designs of truck’s and trailer’s box are just great. but these are of the whole vehicle. just amazing.

   Posted by: chicwihtamborine on January 31st, 2008 at 7:51 pm

2. [...] Via PingMag  [...]

   Posted by: Aap! Global - Alternative Advertising Possibilities - on January 31st, 2008 at 10:49 pm

3. [...] comes from this great feature on Masaru Tatsuki and his photos of decorated trucks in Japan. Some fantastic images there. via Dom @ [...]

   Posted by: Pete Ashton’s Blog » Living in a truck on January 31st, 2008 at 11:05 pm

4. The truck looks just amazing !!
   Sugoi !!!!

   Posted by: evon on January 31st, 2008 at 11:37 pm

5. [...] in cars, decatora (PingMag), Sketchcrawl, Jean Snow’s MocoLoco post (traffic is the least I could do), Atelier [...]

   Posted by: Image Fix | on February 1st, 2008 at 3:16 am

6. Cowboys and their trucks is really fun to see and the pictures look amazing.

   Posted by: Adriana on February 1st, 2008 at 3:55 am

7. The link to the book is broken, btw. Also, so sad that the book is not available in the U.S. yet. We never get anything cool.

   Posted by: Christopher on February 1st, 2008 at 4:29 am

8. punks lol
   the lit up one would probably consumes so much NRG though for real~

   Posted by: Mariya Marie on February 1st, 2008 at 5:23 am

9. [...] another cool article in PingMag: Masaru Tatsuki’s Decotora Photo Op showing the decotora, the Japanese truck decorated with lights. The photographer, a [...]

   Posted by: Neo-nomad.net » Blog Archive » decotora on February 1st, 2008 at 6:49 am

10. if only they transformed too!

    Posted by: Vicente on February 1st, 2008 at 10:26 am

11. [...] PingMag has an article about Masaru Tatsuki’s Decotora [...]

    Posted by: the adventures of teapot the cat » Decotora on February 1st, 2008 at 11:05 am

12. in the philippines, the Jeepneys are as wildly decorative and imaginative as these trucks. id like to browse thru his photobook someday .

    Posted by: polidread on February 1st, 2008 at 2:31 pm

13. [...] mostly a Japanese thing. You can read an interview with him and see some more pictures at PingMag. art, book, car, [...]

    Posted by: Decotora – today and tomorrow on February 1st, 2008 at 10:36 pm

14. [...] Wer dachte, der Coca-Cola Truck wäre schon extravagant, der sollte sich die Bilder von Masaru Tatsuki über Kunst der japanischen Trucker-Szene anschauen. Die Damen und Herren vom TÜV würden sofort tot umfallen. Schade eigentlich. - Link [...]

    Posted by: Decotora - I am Jeriko on February 1st, 2008 at 10:43 pm

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    Xzibit just got punk’d and pwned by the Japanese. ks-2.1
    ……

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    Posted by: Japan » Blog Archive » honeyee.com |Web Magazine?????? on February 2nd, 2008 at 4:29 pm

19. Holy crap that’s awesome. Like a casino on wheels.

    Posted by: chalkley3 on February 2nd, 2008 at 10:00 pm

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    Posted by: Dekotora: Os camiões decorados do Japão | Conversas do Bruno on February 3rd, 2008 at 7:44 am

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    Posted by: Pimp My Truck! « The Pompomist on February 4th, 2008 at 1:10 am

22. Where’s the dingleballs?

    20 million illegal alien Chicanos wanna’ know.

    Posted by: Obbop on February 4th, 2008 at 1:24 am

23. I never knew these things existed. They’re awesome!

    Posted by: John in Virginia on February 4th, 2008 at 3:05 am

24. [...] Masaru Tatsuki’s Decotora (decorated trucks) - Link. [...]

    Posted by: Masaru Tatsuki’s Decotora (decorated trucks) on February 4th, 2008 at 3:47 am

25. [...] Sundays are for sitting, or lying, and doing nothing particularly important. In fact, the less I accomplish on Sunday the more successful I consider the day. So here’s a good activity while your waiting for the Super Bowl; check out Masaru Tatsuki’s Decotora photos and an interview at Ping Mag. [...]

    Posted by: The Decorated Trucks of Japan • Griffin & Hoxie on February 4th, 2008 at 4:10 am

26. [...] Optischer Overkill^^ [...]

    Posted by: Truck Tuning in Japan on February 4th, 2008 at 5:56 am

27. [...] You can read the full interview here in English: Masaru Tatsuki’s Decotora Photo Op [...]

    Posted by: Japan’s Big Rigs - Beautiful Beasts on February 4th, 2008 at 10:21 am

28. Anyone know where you can buy this book online - can’t find it and it’s so beautiful?

    Posted by: Tracy on February 5th, 2008 at 11:39 pm

29. Check this shit out!

    Posted by: Kimmie on February 6th, 2008 at 4:07 pm

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    Posted by: Japan’s Decotora - Decorated Trucks on February 11th, 2008 at 3:57 am

34. [...] - PingMag.com  Posted under Accessories, Aftermarket, Redline Culture News Comments [...]

    Posted by: Redline Culture Auto Blog » Blog Archive » The Amazing World of Decotoranews and information related to the auto and tuning culture on February 11th, 2008 at 2:17 pm

35. [...] ein Truck. Wer sich einen Optischen-Flash geben will sollte so einem Ding mit mal Nachts begegnen. Die Bilder gibt es beim PingMag. Sehr [...]

    Posted by: h725.de » “Normales” Auto-Tuning war gestern on February 12th, 2008 at 7:16 pm

36. [...] Read the full interview here. [...]

    Posted by: Masaru Tatsuki :: Decotora on February 13th, 2008 at 5:10 am

37. I hope he does decochari next!

    Posted by: rem on February 14th, 2008 at 3:14 am

38. I have this book. A little one at little more gave it to me. It’s my treasure.

    Posted by: hawken king on February 18th, 2008 at 2:42 pm

39. [...] Photographer Masaru Tatsuki’s explores the over the top, but kindofamazing art of decorating trucks in his new book “Decotora.” Pingmag has a great interview with the photog and other cool pix, check it out here. [...]

    Posted by: Pimp My Tonka, WHAAAT? « (daily)INK on February 21st, 2008 at 5:21 pm

40. [...] Tags: Decotora; japan; culture; photgraphy; Masaru Tatsuki Check out PingMag for an interview with photographer Masaru Tatsuki. Talk about commitment; Masaru spent ten years [...]

    Posted by: Masaru Tatsuki’s Decotora « Racer86’s Weblog on February 26th, 2008 at 12:08 am

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    Posted by: Japanese Nostalgic Car - Blog » Blog Archive » Dekatora, Tora, Tora! on February 26th, 2008 at 10:23 pm

42. [...] On a dark and rainy night, bright and blinding lights approach a vacant lot, off a Japanese highway - just if Shibuya’s blinking neon signs decided to move themselves past you… However, it’s some proud and lonely trucker halting for a rest! Welcome to the world of Decotora [...]

    Posted by: Boxer Design - Soak it up » Blog Archive » A big 10-4 for Decotora on March 5th, 2008 at 7:38 pm

43. [...] japanese photographer Masaru Tatsuki who spent ten years with the truckers of Japan’s highways. more [...]

    Posted by: Rotaug Blog » Blog Archive » Decotora… on March 13th, 2008 at 10:22 pm

44. [...] I’m just waiting for circus performers to jump out any second. These are photographs from Masaru Tatsuki’s book, Decotora–short for ‘Decorated [...]

    Posted by: Paint me neon « Just Because on March 31st, 2008 at 9:18 pm

45. Wow, what a fabulous idea! Hope it catches on!

    Posted by: megan on May 1st, 2008 at 10:20 am

46. I live in the USA and here truckers personalize their rigs but seldom to such extent.They are some of the coolest things I have ever seen.The work is stunning.Want to see more pictures.Wonder if the book is available in the US.

    Posted by: adriana on May 12th, 2008 at 5:57 am

47. [...] PingMag - The Tokyo-based magazine about “Design and Making Things” » Archive » Masaru Tatsuki… (tags: design japan photography art culture photo cars) No comments [...]

    Posted by: links for 2008-05-21 | C.K. on May 22nd, 2008 at 8:41 am

48. [...] puisent ses influences essentiellement dans les festivals japonais traditionnels. Le photographe Masaru Tatsuki, vient récemment de publier un livre (Japanese Art Truck Scene) sur cette pratique qui n’a pas [...]

    Posted by: Atelier Veille » DECOTORA, Japonese art trucks on May 24th, 2008 at 6:28 pm

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54. [...] Decotora:这个单词是由Decoration（装饰） 和truck(卡车)这两个英文单词组合而成，Decotora（炫酷卡车）——这也是日本摄影师Masaru Tatsuki新出版的摄影集的名字。 [...]

    Posted by: 1416教室 » 大卡车 on October 14th, 2008 at 9:29 am

55. These are crazy! Some of them remind me of arcades

    Posted by: THE T-SHIRT GANG on October 19th, 2008 at 1:57 am

56. can i know where to buy decotora book

    Posted by: boyan on November 9th, 2008 at 7:47 pm

57. [...] out PinMag for more pictures and a really interesting interview with photographer Masaru about [...]

    Posted by: Masaru Tatsuki - Decotora at Karl Eagleman on November 12th, 2008 at 2:08 pm

58. [...] more at Ping Magazine 21 / 08 / Motors, [...]

    Posted by: PRIVATE » Blog Archive » Pimp Your Truck on November 21st, 2008 at 10:46 pm

59. [...] which released a photo book all about the beauty of Dekotora. You can read more about Dekotora at PingMag and Pink [...]

    Posted by: Jayhan Loves Design & Japan » Sasaki Nozomi and Dekotora on November 23rd, 2008 at 3:38 pm

60. Amazing!!!!!

    “Six days on the road and I’m a gonna’ make it home tonight!!!!”

    http://obbop.wordpress.com/

    Posted by: Obbop on November 26th, 2008 at 2:45 pm

61. Too good.
    Loving it :)

    Posted by: Paavani on November 28th, 2008 at 6:13 pm

62. [...] PingMag - Tokyo based Pingmag decide to call it a day. A shame as they posted some great [...]

    Posted by: Connected: Experimental Jetset, PingMag, Bloom | Pocket Noodle on December 31st, 2008 at 8:09 pm

63. [...] one place that can spark that. Can someone please get your tools and get started? Make sure to read this web article on the subject at PingMag. They feature the work of Photographer Masaru Tatsuki who spent ten years [...]

    Posted by: Bent Image Lab --- Blog on February 19th, 2009 at 11:57 am

64. [...] On a dark and rainy night, bright and blinding lights approach a vacant lot, off a Japanese highway - just if Shibuya’s blinking neon signs decided to move themselves past you… However, it’s some proud and lonely trucker halting for a rest! Welcome to the world of Decotora, short for decorated trucks! This pretty colourful aspect of Japanese pop culture has been extensively explored by photographer Masaru Tatsuki who spent ten years with the truckers of Japan’s highways. Read the full story>>> [...]

    Posted by: Kevin Mcgue - Tokyo-Based Journalist & Filmmaker » Masaru Tatsuki’s Decotora Photo Op on March 3rd, 2009 at 10:43 pm

65. These are crazy!

    Posted by: parababası on July 31st, 2009 at 5:22 am

66. The truck looks just amazing !!

    Posted by: parababasi on July 31st, 2009 at 5:24 am

67. [...] via: PingMag, ArtCar and Tsuji no [...]

    Posted by: tokao.com » Semi Pros: 15 Examples Of Awesome Truck Mod Art on August 7th, 2009 at 6:09 am

68. Too good.

    Posted by: memurlara ek gelir imkanı on September 11th, 2009 at 7:37 pm

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