From The Straits Times    |

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. 

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. 

 

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