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Hello Kitty bullet train to debut in Japan on June 30

Kyodo

West Japan Railway Co. said Friday it will begin operating a Hello Kitty-themed shinkansen on June 30.

The interior and seats of the 500-series shinkansen, to be used for daily round trips between Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka Prefecture and Hakata in Fukuoka Prefecture, will feature Sanrio Co.’s Hello Kitty character, the railway operator said.

The special train, to be decorated with pink ribbons like the character, will be used to promote local attractions and specialty goods, and passengers will have the chance to pose for photos with a big Hello Kitty doll.

「ハローキティ新幹線」18年6月より運行！500系新幹線が生まれ変わる https://t.co/xjNHT6ge0o pic.twitter.com/h1jN82RVS0
— Fashion Press (@fashionpressnet) May 18, 2018

The first Hello Kitty train car, dubbed “Hello! Plaza,” will introduce areas in western Japan for a limited period of time, starting with Tottori and Shimane prefectures.

The railway company recently wrapped up the operation of a bullet train featuring a design inspired by the popular Japanese animation series “Neon Genesis Evangelion.”