TOKYO – A train decorated to look like a maneki neko, or lucky “beckoning cat” figurine, is currently running on the Tokyu Setagaya Line, delighting local residents.

The Tokyu Setagaya Line connects Shimotakaido Station and Sangenjaya Station, both in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. This year marks the 110th anniversary of the launch of the current line’s predecessor, the now-defunct Tokyu Tamagawa Line that connected Shibuya Station and Tamagawa Station.

Tokyu Corp. decided to run the beckoning cat train to commemorate the anniversary.

With the support of Gotokuji temple, which is located along the Tokyu Setagaya Line and known as the birth place of maneki neko, a beckoning cat designed by the temple has been drawn on the front and the sides of the train.

Paw prints have been drawn on the floor inside the train and each hand strap is shaped like the ears and legs of a beckoning cat, creating a fun atmosphere for passengers.

The single-car beckoning cat train will be in service through the end of March next year. “We hope not only residents along the line, but a wider range of people too will see or use the train so that more people can get good luck,” an official of Tokyu Corp. said.







