Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Honda Engineer’s Anime-Inspired Hairstyle Draws Viral Internet Attention
Shotaro Odate is an 84-year-old engineer who works at Honda.
He appeared in a video explaining technology that helps cars assist drivers.
People online noticed his very tall, spiky hairstyle.
Some viewers said it looked like hair from Dragon Ball or Naruto.
Odate reportedly has kept this hairstyle for at least five years.
He uses gel because his hair is stiff and curls easily.
Reports say he has helped create automotive safety technology and holds more than 250 patents.
The article says some of these claims came from user-generated content and were not independently checked by News18.
An August 21, 2026, video showed 84-year-old Honda engineer Shotaro Odate explaining driver-assistance technology.
Viewers focused on Odate’s tall, spiky hairstyle, comparing it with characters from Dragon Ball, Naruto and other games.
Odate reportedly said in October 2025 that he had maintained the hairstyle for at least five years.
Reports credit Odate with more than 250 automotive-safety patents, including one account listing 253.
He reportedly leads work on Honda SENSING 360+ and maintains a demanding fitness routine, though News18 said the claims were not independently verified.
- Who
- Shotaro Odate, an 84-year-old Honda senior or chief engineer.
- What
- He went viral after a video about driver-assistance technology drew attention to his anime-inspired hairstyle.
- When
- The video was shared on X on August 21, 2026; News18 published its report on August 22, 2026. Odate reportedly discussed maintaining the hairstyle in October 2025.
- Where
- The video circulated online across X, TikTok and Instagram; Odate works at Honda.
- Why
- Viewers reacted to Odate’s distinctive spiky hairstyle while he explained advanced driver-assistance technology.
- Engineer
- Shotaro Odate, a Honda senior or chief engineer
- Age
- 84
- Viral video
- Shared on X on August 21, 2026
- Hairstyle
- Reportedly maintained for at least five years
- Patents
- Reports cite more than 250 automotive-safety patents; another report gives 253
- Honda technology
- Honda SENSING 360+ advanced driver-assistance technology
- Fitness claim
- Reports say Odate works out every morning and has managed a 170-kilogram bench press for five consecutive repetitions
