All aboard Japan’s adorable Hello Kitty-themed bullet trains

Japan has managed to combine cuteness and technology together through their soon-to-be launched first ever ‘Hello Kitty’ bullet train, but for a limited time.

Japan’s Shinkansen train operator, Western Japan Railway Company, declared that it will launch the fictional character Hello Kitty-themed Shinkansen bullet train on June 30.

The aim of this train is to bring together the regional communities in western Japan. The trains will make stops at each station between Shin-Osaka and Hakata – ward in Fukuoka city in western Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture.

As per CNN, the firm will refurbish two 500 Series Shinkansen bullet trains, that run at speeds up to 200mph, and coat them in Hello Kitty designs. The livery will be decorated in pink ribbons and Hello Kitty’s signature bow, this design will represent the campaign’s goal of connecting travelers with destinations in the regions.

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The two cars will have excessive Hello Kitty deigns. Second car, named ‘Kawaii! Room’, will be a passenger car with its floor, windows, headrests and armrests covered in motifs from Hello Kitty and Friends. The car will also contain a photo booth featuring a life-size Hello Kitty doll in Shinkansen uniform. Instead of the normal Shinkansen jingle, the train will play the original Hello Kitty theme tune when nearing the stations.

The first car will be named as ‘Hello! Plaza’ and will be dedicated to exhibitions showing different regional products and other attractions. The passengers will also be able to buy souvenirs and specialty products.

The different highlighted regions include San’in, which is home to the Shimane and Tottori Prefectures. Others include Osaka, Hiroshima, Okayama, Fukuoka, Hyogo, and Yamaguchi. Eight original Hello Kitty designs have been revealed till now with each Hello Kitty holding a local product representing each of the prefectures the train visits.

Travelers can find the timetable of the trains on a website dedicated to these bullet trains. The passengers can ride the train with a regular train ticket purchases in-person or booked online, as per ABC News.

Moreover, a special Hello Kitty café and a souvenir shop selling exclusive merchandises related to Hello Kitty Shinkansen will open at Hakata Station on June 1 and June 30 respectively.

Video Courtesy: JR-WEST HelloKitty Shinkansen