I've never been to Japan, but I love Japanese arts and design. I was delighted to find the Origami Mommy blog, about a crafty  family that lives in Japan.Origami Mommy Shares how to make trucks out of everyday milk cartons. Her truck tutorial that can be found here features real functioning wheels. See the project here:
http://www.origamimommy.org/2009/07/recycled-milk-carton-truck-tutorial-.html#comments

 The Japanese packaging that she uses for these makes them even more special.