mini gardens on the move: japanese landscapers transform truck beds into bucolic worlds

once a year, landscape artists from across japan gather to transform the beds of their miniature trucks into tiny, bucolic worlds. the kei tora is a type of small truck which takes its roots in japan, but can be found throughout asia. as the practical vehicle is used primarily in the agricultural industry, the ‘japan federation of landscape contractors’ designated it as a canvas for its annual ‘kei truck garden contest.’

all images courtesy of the japan federation of landscape contractors

contestants arrive on site with trucks unadorned and spend several hours creating lush, botanical environments. the resulting entries are judged based on planning, expression, design and execution. because the contest has very few limitations, some landscapers tend toward a more radical expression in the design of their mini truck gardens by incorporating light features, and even water elements such as aquariums and waterfall cascades. 

‘nishiki of autumn leaves’ by kansai ueki co., ltd.

‘fu spring bench’ by fukuharu landscaping

‘momijji cafe’ by showa landscaping civil engineering

‘autumn’s breath’ by kei’s　

‘eco · garden’ by sancho garden

‘green cafe’ by kadoen garden

‘rin’ by matsuda landscape construction