The Kyoto Shimbun - Feb 27, 2020 - 12:30 | All, Lifestyle, Japan

A shinkansen bullet train featuring Hello Kitty livery went on display at Kyoto Railway Museum on Feb. 22.

Children and railway enthusiasts have been enjoying viewing the 500 series shinkansen car, whose white body is decorated with images of pink ribbons to mimic the look of the popular character of Sanrio Co.

The Hello Kitty shinkansen started operating between Hakata and Shin-Osaka in 2018. Kitty's trademark ribbon along the car body is designed to "connect" passengers with areas along the route.

Yumiko Takino, a member of the idol group STU48 and a shinkansen fan, took part in an event at the museum on the opening day of the display.

"Enjoy a relaxing time with cute Kitty," said Takino.

A 9-year-old girl and her 5-year-old sister, visiting the display with their family from Echizen city, Fukui Prefecture, described the shinkansen car as "pink and cute" and said they "would love to board it."

The display is open from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. through May 26. Admission fee required.

The Kyoto Shimbun

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