Since 1995, a Peterbilt Model 377 has been traveling the narrow roads of Japan under the proud ownership of Takashi Kato.  Based in Aichi, Japan, Kato travels the country to proudly showcase his truck on the non-profit Dekotora Art Truck (which is an abbreviation for Decoration Trucks (Deko-tara) custom rig show circuit to benefit charities for under-privileged children.  Kato is a member of the “Utamarokai,” the largest show truck show club in Japan with over 800 members.

Takashi Kato first dreamed of owning a “big rig” as a child after watching the movie “Convoy.”  In 1995, this dream turned into reality as he purchased his Model 377 from Peterbilt Denton through his dealer South Coast Peterbilt.  Kato’s Peterbilt Model 377 is the only North American produced truck with legal permit to drive in Japan.  And, although his is a one of the kind in Japan he is hard to miss on the streets of Japan with “Convoy” music playing on external speakers while he yells “Rubber Duck” coming to announce his presence.  Kato has invested over $200,000 customizing his Peterbilt including a unique paint and graphics depicting Native American imagery and total of 13 Peterbilt Red Oval logos placed on the exterior of the truck.  

Kato was welcomed to the Denton facility’s annual open house on October 18 and 19, 2008 and named the weekend’s special guest.  During his stay in Denton, Kato received a personalized plant tour, test drove a Peterbilt Model 387 and was greeted at the company’s picnic by Peterbilt General Manager Bill Jackson.    “Peterbilt was thrilled to have Takashi Kato as our special guest at our Denton facility.  His dedication and support of the Peterbilt brand exemplifies the wide appeal of our brand even in far reaching stretches of the world,” said Bill Jackson, Peterbilt General Manager and PACCAR Vice President.

More information on Japanese Dekotara and Custom Big Rigs as well as Takashi Kato’s Model 377 can be found on photographer Roger Snider’s Website ultrarigsoftheworld.com.