Photo: Japan Station/Twitter
This summer, Japan will be debuting a Hello Kitty-themed bullet train that will feature the feline character in all her whiskered, pink and ribboned Kawaii cuteness.
Set to make her maiden journey on June 30, the special train from West Japan Railway Co. is being launched to promote destinations in western Japan.
Called the Hello Kitty Shinkansen, the bullet train will be festooned with a pink ribbon motif to represent the “links” and “connection” between the passengers and the regional areas.
JR West released new interior images and summer schedule for Hello Kitty Shinkansen. The new train will start operating on June 30th with one daily round trip between Hakata and Shin-Osaka.
Kodama 730: Hakata 6:40 → 11:13 Shin Osaka
Kodama 741: Shin-Osaka 11:29 → 15:38 Hakata pic.twitter.com/Xgv72VSGJX— Japan Station (@JPNStation) May 20, 2018
Two of the train’s cars will be plastered unapologetically with Hello Kitty’s iconic, whiskered face, pink ribbon, hearts and bubbles and feature promotional material for areas like the Shimane, Tottori, Osaka, Hyogo, Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi and Fukuoka prefectures.
The train will also feature a space to buy Hello Kitty-branded merch; eat and drink; watch Hello Kitty films; and immortalize the experience on camera with a life-sized doll of Hello Kitty herself at the photobooth.
The Hello Kitty bullet train is the latest in the feline character’s worldwide domination. She is also emblazoned on the fuselage of EVA Air planes, hotel rooms, cafes, and even assorted dim sum dumplings at the Hello Kitty Dim Sum Restaurant in Hong Kong.
ALSO READ: NEW PEANUTS-THEMED HOTEL TO BRING SNOOPY AND THE GANG TO LIFE IN JAPAN