One Piece Fans Can See Japan from Three New Themed Bullet Trains

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Summary

  • Japan introduces themed One Piece bullet trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen line with unique designs.
  • Bullet trains have unique character-like qualities, and themed trains are rare but popular.
  • The first design, Setouchi Blue, features exterior One Piece characters, with interior theming and special merchandise being planned.

As someone who has had the privilege of traversing the globe and experiencing various forms of transportation, I must say that the announcement of the One Piece themed bullet trains in Japan is nothing short of exhilarating! Having grown up with the anime series, it’s fascinating to see its influence extend beyond screens and into real-life experiences.

Japan is renowned for numerous attractions, such as Pokemon, Mount Fuji, cherry blossoms, ramen, high-speed trains, and One Piece among others. Exciting news awaits travelers in Japan who are fans of One Piece, whether they reside locally or internationally! Soon, this famous manga series will be joining the likes of Hello Kitty and Neon Genesis Evangelion by having a new line of themed bullet trains.

Earlier this week, PR Times unveiled plans and sketches for no less than three upcoming “One Piece”-themed bullet trains. As the information is quite recent, details are scarce at present, with only one of the designs being publicly shown. Here’s what we know so far about the impending “One Piece” bullet trains.

Bullet Trains, Explained

And Why a One Piece Themed Train?

Observing the 2022 action comedy “Bullet Train,” one might gain a colorful but slightly inaccurate notion about what a bullet train actually is. In reality, these high-speed marvels are more famously known as “Shinkansen” in Japan, serving as their extensive railway network. These Shinkansen connect numerous major cities across various Shinkansen lines. Each of them carries a unique name and design, earning them endearing character-like qualities. Given the widespread fascination with these speedsters, a plethora of special merchandise is available for each line, and there are frequent collaborations between popular anime characters and Shinkansen lines to produce exclusive goods.

While completely themed bullet trains are scarce, the Hello Kitty and Neon Genesis Evangelion trains are the only ones I’m aware of that have been dedicated to specific themes. These were highly successful when they were operational. Given that One Piece is currently one of the most cherished and widely followed anime series in Japan, and boasts a substantial international fanbase too, it seems ideal for a themed Shinkansen. With numerous enthusiasts eager to spend money on such an experience, it’s a promising prospect.

Casey Baseel of SoraNews24 describes this business decision well, writing,

The anime/manga series, One Piece, is a sea-faring tale that chronicles the escapades of lead character Monkey D. Luffy and his band of pirates. Fundamentally, One Piece embodies the thrill of adventure and the captivating mystery of uncovering new wonders in distant lands, no matter what means of travel you employ to reach them.

The financial investment required for manufacturing these bullet trains might be enormous, yet JR West seems confident they can recoup their costs. With the anticipated influx of avid One Piece fans, this themed train is expected to draw a crowd once it’s operational, generating revenue not just for the railway but also for lesser-visited cities in southern Japan. (Further details on that are provided below.)

The One Piece Bullet Train Details

What Has Been Revealed So Far

To clarify, the One Piece bullet trains are not headed to Tokyo but will instead journey along the Sanyo Shinkansen line. This stretch connects the stations in Shin-Osaka and Fukuoka, with 17 other stops in between at cities like Hiroshima and Kobe. Interestingly, Hiroshima might have an unexpected link to One Piece.

The “One Piece” high-speed train is set to boast both interior and exterior themes. The initial design unveiled goes by the name “Setouchi Blue,” a moniker that honors the Setouchi region of Japan, where the train passes through. As expected, this “Setouchi Blue” design features a vibrant blue color scheme, adorned with characters from “One Piece” along its sides. While the interior designs are yet to be disclosed, JR West has hinted that the theming will continue throughout the train’s interior as well. Additionally, special merchandise for the trains is planned, and certain stations along the route will also incorporate theming.

Here’s one way of paraphrasing that keeps the information accurate and easy to understand:

Catch up on One Piece on Crunchyroll.

Sources: SoraNews24, PR Times

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2024-12-15 18:25