Mobile Ayumi Shrine

In the US, seeing a Honda or Mitsubishi dressed up with fender flares, ground

effects, and wings is a fairly common sight. I expected the same in Japan, but

I wasn't prepared for the truly bizarre creations I was to encounter.



To wit, one of the 2 elusive mobile shrines to the JPOP singer Ayumi

Hamasaki in Kamaishi.









Ayumi Hamasaki, if you're not familiar with her, is one of the

most popular JPOP singers in Japan. Although her popularity is waning somewhat,

she is often seen on commercials and billboards throughout Japan. She is known

for her "big eyes" and "small face",  traits that are highly admired in Japan.



The other day while I was shopping, I was fortunate enough to spot this.

The fact that this is a VAN is enough for comment, but the wing on the back

simply takes your breath away. The secondary wing is really helpful to keep the

vehicle from floating when blazing along the expressway at

80 KPH. It also does a lot to accent the menacing look of the vehicle. 



The bumper on the back, you may have noticed, extends

about 1/2 meter or so out, apparently to accommodate the

dancing girls. I haven't seen dancing girls on one of these

yet. The paint job...well, I won't comment on the color, but

the gorgeous mural of Ayumi on the back is inspiring to

drivers behind him. They often follow him for several blocks,

so captivating is her image. Completing the look is the set of

4 shopping car wheels, HID lights, and 3 grill-mounted lamps, the utility

of which eludes me.



I wanted to get a closer look at the interior, but to be quite honest, the

vehicle is so intimidating, I was afraid to get any closer.



There is a white one like this in Kamaishi as well, but I haven't encountered

the elusive beast. Call it my Moby Dick. 



The guy in the picture, btw, is the driver of this monstrosity. He has my everlasting

thanks for providing me with fodder for my BLOG.