Yes, It’s Real: Japan’s Brand New Hello Kitty-Themed Bullet Train

Japan just unveiled its new Hello Kitty-themed bullet train. Complete with images of the iconic Japanese cartoon character cat and pink details, the train is supposed to attract tourists to the area and boost the local economy through tourism.

It’s a neat idea, especially for those who are really into Sanrio’s infamous cat, Hello Kitty. The bespoke train will begin a three month run between the western cities of Osaka and Fukuoka on Saturday. It was unveiled by the West Japan Railway firm which hopes the use of a famous local export will boost tourism and boasts Hello Kitty images on the seat covers, windows, and flooring according to the BBC. 

The train will officially debut to the public on Saturday, June 30th, but the media got a sneak peek of the pink and white “masterpiece.”  The West Japan Railway firm is not leaving any doubt in the minds of those who travel on the train as to the theme.  Passengers will be privy to Hello Kitty smiling down on them from the shades of every window and adorning every passenger seat cover.

One car will feature a “life-sized Hello Kitty doll” (the character is “five apples” tall, according to creator Sanrio) so fans can take selfies with the cartoon cat, a West Japan Railway spokesman told AFP. Another car will have no passenger seats but offer regional specialties, including a selection of goods and foods, in a bid to boost the local economy and tourism.

Hello Kitty, the mouthless character has spawned a multi-billion-dollar industry since Sanrio introduced it in 1974. Hello Kitty has no mouth because she “speaks from her heart. She’s Sanrio’s ambassador to the world and isn’t bound to any particular language.”

The Hello Kitty train will soon be up and running taking tourists around and offering good times in Japan.