The Akira Kaneda Bike, from the famed anime film of the same name, has been replicated and is cruising across Japan.
Fanboys (and girls) across the country can get a peek at the only officially recognized reconstruction of Shotaro Kaneda's motorcycle as it makes its way from city to city in support of the Bokura Company, a support group for autistic children.
A member from the Showa Studio automobile shop, Shinji Tejima, spent roughly seven years building the functioning replica at a cost of 10 million yen (or about $120,000 US.)
The Akira replica bike will also be displayed at the "Katsuhiro Otomo GENGA Exhibition which is being hosted to raise money for those in the Tohoku region who were affected by the earthquake and tsunami that recently devestated the area.
Anime-Inspired Choppers
The Akiras Kaneda Bike is Rolling Around Japan for Charity
Trend Themes
1. Anime-inspired Replicas - The trend of creating functional replicas of popular anime vehicles or weapons presents an opportunity for innovative tech companies to incorporate augmented reality or other interactive elements.
2. Charity-centered Marketing - The trend of using unique and eye-catching modes of transportation for charity events presents an opportunity for disruptive marketing strategies that engage audiences and raise awareness for causes.
3. Nostalgia-marketing - The trend of recreating fictional vehicles or objects from popular media aimed at adults presents an opportunity for innovative marketing strategies that target a nostalgic and emotionally invested customer base.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive and Transportation - The automotive and transportation industry has an opportunity to create interactive and functional replicas of popular vehicles from media to engage nostalgic customers who are interested in unique and customized cars and bikes.
2. Marketing and Advertising - Marketers have an opportunity to incorporate charity-centered marketing and nostalgic marketing into their brand strategies to help raise awareness for causes and target older audiences who are passionate about popular media.
3. Tech and Augmented Reality - Tech companies have an opportunity to incorporate augmented reality and other interactive elements to enhance the trend of creating functional replicas of popular anime vehicles or weapons.