Lolicon taxi riders and Ichigo Marshmallow fans are sure to be delighted (or at least mildly bemused) by the announcement that ita-taxi (“Moetaku”) bearing the likenesses of Miu and company are finally gracing the streets of Hamamatsu.
The taxis can be specially reserved or simply hailed down, and riders receive commemorative Barasui-illustrated cards.
For those wondering, the original manga is set in Hamamatsu, explaining the reasoning behind the taxis.
It is apparently hoped the taxis will stimulate tourism in the area, not that there is much to see for anime fans in Hamamatsu.
The selection of a niche title (to put it politely) and the relatively obscure location do not seem to offer much guarantee of popularity, although there are only 3 cabs with the special livery.
On the other hand, plastering Akiba taxis with K-ON! characters seems almost sure bet – presumably now only a matter of time.
Some sympathy has been expressed for the chain-smoking middle-aged men who will be expected to drive them…
Talk about your Auto-Moe-Biles
There are usually A LOT of taxis parked in front of Hamamatsu Station. I haven’t seen any of these yet. There being only 3 isn’t helping…
I like Strawberry Marshmallow =D
more like pedobear taxi =^^=
So, is traveling in these taxis considered riding little girls in effigy? Will opening the door be considered the same as speading them wide? What of sticking the keys in the ignition & gunning the engine? How will they be interpeted?