Detective Conan Express Train Launches New Look at Tottori Prefecture Station

The launch of the new look of the Detective Conan express train. (Source: City-Cost)

JAKARTA - An express train decorated with characters from the manga series Detective Conan, made its first departure with a new look from a station in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan earlier this month.

Super Detective Train Hakuto Conan Ver. Kyoto destinations depart from Kurayoshi Station in central Tottori Prefecture, an area that is home to manga artist and creator of the Detective Conan series, Gosho Aoyama.

Both the interior and exterior of all Limited Express Super Hakuto train cars, operated by Chizu Express Co., Ltd., together with West Japan Railway Company (JR West), have been decorated with character images and artwork from the manga that follows the adventures of a genius boy detective Conan Edogawa.

The new-look train is the latest effort, from a region that is embracing its ties to Aoyama and his works as part of efforts to develop anime tourism.

Aoyama's hometown of Hokuei, featuring exhibitions celebrating the artist's life and work, including original drawings that can only be seen at the Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory, is scheduled for renovation in 2027. The facility is within walking distance of Yura Station which in 2013 adopting the nickname Conan Station.

Launch of the new look of the Detective Conan express train. (Source: City-Cost)

In 2015 an airport in Tottori City was renamed Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport to highlight the area's connection to manga as well as the nearby sand dunes, which are a popular tourist destination.

Aoyama's Detective Conan has been serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday since 1994. Sales of the Detective Conan series have reached 270 million worldwide.

"I was surprised and honored to see the Super Hakuto express train connecting Keihanshin, Tottori and Kurayoshi, decorated with Detective Conan. I hope the train can continue to be loved by all of us forever," said Aoyama (60) in a statement, reported by Kyodo News December 20.

Detective Conan express train interior. (Source: City-Cost)

Interestingly, the launch of the newest appearance of this train attracted fans of the anime Conan and trains to come to the launch station even though the weather was cold and damp.

"I'm really looking forward to it," said Hayato Nagata (6), a Conan anime fan who came with his parents.

"I think the announcements are cool," he continued, referring to the announcements on the train which were delivered in foreign languages ​​including English and Chinese.

Super Detective Hakuto Conan Ver. It serves Kurayoshi and Tottori station routes, in Tottori Prefecture, as well as stations in the Keihanshin region including Sannomiya, Osaka and Kyoto.

Trains are scheduled to depart almost every day with timetables now available for December and January. Chizu Express plans to publish its next schedule at least one month in advance. Purchases of train seat tickets can be made starting one month before the departure date, until the time of departure.

The Super Hakuto service offers the only direct express train connection between Tottori and Japan's Keihanshin region, which includes the cities of Kyoto, Kobe and Osaka which are hosting the 2025 World Expo.

"Today marks the departure of the Detective Conan train and the exhibition will soon open in Osaka. We hope many people will board the train connecting the two regions and come here to experience the onsen, historic city views and delicious food," said Tottori Governor Shinji Hirai.

"We estimate the economic impact will be large and significant," he added.