A transportation manager in Shizuoka, Japan, is raising concerns about the portrayal of trucks in anime, TV shows, and movies, arguing that these depictions are giving trucks and truck drivers a bad reputation.
According to the manager, this negative image is not just about hurt feelings but is causing real problems for the trucking industry.
Speaking to Weekly Logistics News, the manager expressed worries about “subliminal messaging,” where viewers might develop a subconscious fear of trucks without realizing it.
Children, in particular, might grow up thinking trucks are dangerous, influenced by the dramatic scenes they see in their favorite shows.
Some people have even gone as far as discouraging family members from pursuing careers as truck drivers because of these portrayals.
Trucks aren’t just the villains in isekai anime; they appear in various genres whenever a character needs to die dramatically. The manager notes that this happens so frequently that it’s become hard to ignore.
While some online commentators understand the manager’s frustration, they also see why writers use trucks in their stories.
One commenter explained that passenger cars wouldn’t provide the same impact in dramatic scenes, and buses are seen as too safe. Only trucks can convey the necessary destruction and tragedy, likening them to a hydraulic press crushing a light car.
However, not everyone agrees with blaming the media. One commenter argued that trucks are effective for expressing accidental deaths’ tragedy and that viewers who develop negative impressions of trucks are not thinking critically.
They suggested that the trucking industry should focus on improving working conditions for drivers instead of complaining about media portrayals.
The trucking industry is attempting to counter this negative image by using social media to highlight positive stories about truck drivers and the importance of their work.
However, changing public perception is challenging when trucks are frequently shown causing havoc in popular shows. This situation highlights how the media we consume can influence real-life attitudes in unexpected ways.
The transportation manager hopes that future anime and TV shows will portray trucks more positively. For now, “Truck-kun,” the term anime fans use for the trucks that transport characters to other worlds in isekai anime, remains prevalent. As the isekai genre continues to be popular, trucks will likely continue to play a significant role.
Next time you’re watching an isekai anime and see a truck, remember there’s an entire industry hoping you won’t form a negative opinion of them in real life. This situation is a reminder to consider how the stories we enjoy might affect real people in ways we don’t always realize.
