Japanese fire departments still operate almost 100% all-red trucks, including locker covers, mudguards, bumpers and even wheels.
The only commonplace exceptions are dedicated rescue trucks, like this example, which usually have a white zig-zag "lightning flash" or "flying arrow" on the side.
I have asked why it is also so popular to have appliances signwritten in English as well as Japanese. But no fire service member I have talked to has ever provided any answer, except that it is a "tradition".
Added by Kazumi on 17 January 2007.