In Japan, if you cover your car with anime-character graphics you’re said to have turned it into an itasha, literally a “painful car,” since it’s now such an eyesore that it’s painful for non-otaku to gaze upon. But itasha are no longer just painful, but profitable too, thanks to Cheer Drive.

Cheer Drive flips the itasha script in that instead of drivers paying to get custom stickers made, the company itself sends out stickers to applicant drivers, then pays them for driving around with them on their car. It’s essentially a turn-your-car-into-a-paid-ad service, but with the twist that it’s focusing on otaku media, and counting on drivers themselves, while obviously appreciating having some extra money in their pocket, also being happy to show their love for the series being promoted (in Japanese, the word oen can mean both “cheer” and “support”).

For example, right now Cheer Drive is looking for drivers interested in making their car a "BanG Dream!" itasha, in celebration of the upcoming "BanG Dream! Episode of Roselia," the newest theatrical anime in the franchise, which opens later this month.
Another option is "Vanguard overDress," the soon-to-premier anime with Clamp character designs.

To get started, drivers download the Cheer Drive app, which gives them access to a list of currently recruiting campaigns. After you apply and are selected, you’ll receive three stickers in the mail, one for each side of your car, and one for the back window. Put them on, drive around, and when the campaign period is up, you get paid.
▼ Though we’re guessing Cheer Drive doesn’t actually render payment in a giant sack with a yen sign on it.

▼ The translucent back window sticker is cleverly designed so as not to block your rear view while driving.

The stickers are easy to apply and to take off too, so that you can revert your car back to non-itasha appearance when the campaign is over. Payment is based on distance driven during the campaign period, with most so far lasting a month and paying 7 yen (US 6.7 cents) per kilometer.
▼ For confirmation, all you have to do is send Cheer Drive photos of the stickers in place on your car, plus photos of your starting and ending odometer readings.

- External Link
- https://soranews24.com/2021/04/05/in-japan-you-can-now-earn-money-for-turning-your-car-into-an-anime-itasha/
7 Comments
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commanteer
Good idea, but I doubt there is zero effect on the paint job - no matter what they say. Just the difference in exposure to the sun might leave a mark.
Boku Dayo
No. Not on MY car. Never.
Sven Asai
Would you buy any crap that is even needed to make campaigning for on other people’s cars? Those can only be the most unneeded or worst quality products no one would otherwise ever consider to buy.
finally rich
Cant understand the backlash here. Its a clever idea to bring attention from a wide variety of the public to your product, it might definitely stand out in the sea of the same looking sedans, SUV and box-shaped keis you see everyday in Tokyo. Just a few days ago I saw a tuned Fairylady with some anime stickers on it, paired with the new colorful Matsudo (Chiba) number plates, nothing too tacky, but it definitely stood out in the road.
BackpackingNepal
For Japanese trucks, trains and planes, nice! but cars? Don't think so. Japanese men would rather spend money on the mannequins.
Boku Dayo
If you need these sticker ads to help your car "stand out", then you've got bad taste in cars. There are ways to customize your car without having to resort to slapping on ugly stickers.