Hello Kitty Shinkansen Train Ends Its Journey After 8 Years of Operation

JAKARTA - The Shinkansen high-speed train featuring Hello Kitty ended its journey on Sunday last week after eight years of operation.

Crowds of fans carrying cameras and Hello Kitty merchandise gathered at JR Shin-Osaka Station in western Japan to watch the last departure of the high-speed train, which has carried around 1 million passengers since its debut in June 2018.

Featuring pink-themed carriages decorated with Hello Kitty ribbons and illustrations on the outside and inside, the Shinkansen 500 series operated by West Japan Railway Co. operates between Shin-Osaka and Hakata stations.

Fans waved and shouted "thank you" as the train departed.

Yoshiharu Ikeda, a sixth grader visiting from Fukui Prefecture to ride the train, said, "I'm sad that this train will retire, but I'm happy to be able to ride it before it disappears. I want to remember this moment forever," quoted from Kyodo News (21/5).

Launched in June 2018, the high-speed train is loved for its cute and colorful design, motifs, and characters inspired by global Japanese icons, as reported by Time Out.

The striking pink exterior features Hello Kitty's signature ribbons and bows, while the interior is even more adorable.

Car 1 serves as a display area and souvenir shop offering exclusive Hello Kitty merchandise. While Car 2, 'Kawaii! Room', is completely decorated with Hello Kitty designs, from the walls and ceiling to the chairs. There is also a special photo spot where you can take a photo with a unique Hello Kitty train conductor.

Ahead of the end of the train's service, Car 1 was renamed from 'Hello! Plaza' to 'Thanks! Plaza'.