Dekochari is actually a bicycle decoration custom that is specific to Japan and so well-known. It is characterized by the use of plywood accessories, chrome plating, light displays, and also hi-tech audio systems. For those who might not know, the origin of Dekochari can be traced back to the 1970s when Japan’s Dekotora truck decoration trend was just starting and gaining attention from people all around the world. It is actually such a beautiful thing to enjoy.
Unfortunately, since a lot of kids in Japan did not have the ability and opportunity to get their own access to a truck for themselves to decorate, they started taking part in the particular culture by painting their bicycles and gave rise to the Dekochari culture which is prevalent up until today. Most of the Dekochari bicycle owners are actually young adults and also teenagers who want to let their creative juices flow and is not feasible for everyday use. So creative.
There are a few famous Dekochari bike gangs in Japan that many people really know of which include the All Japan Hishyomaru fleet, the All Japan DC Club Ryumaki, and the All Japan Kyokugenmaru Gang. These bicycle gangs pose no threat to society, rather use their own creativity to decorate their bikes and showcase their skills during various special events that they participate in. Since an elaborate light display and hi-fi sound system are a must for the Dekochari bikes, most of the vehicles feature a car battery underneath the shiny decoration to operate the system.
Most of the decorations used on Dekochari bicycles are easy to get because a lot of them are handmade, or even bought from various shops that specialize in Dakota truck parts. Nowadays, Dekochari bikes are rarely seen on the streets of Japan because of safety purposes, and all the enthusiasts only showcase their creations at special events.
Sources: YouTube Dekochari, Bike Hugger.