On May 11, 2026, the Shinkansen bullet train decorated with the iconic Hello Kitty character officially concluded its service after eight years of operation. The final train departed from Tokyo Station, drawing large crowds of fans who came to bid farewell.
According to Kyodo News, the Hello Kitty Shinkansen began operation in 2018, serving the route between Tokyo and Yamaguchi Prefecture. The train featured a predominantly pink design with Hello Kitty motifs, creating a unique highlight for Japan's railway industry.
Over the past eight years, the train completed thousands of trips, becoming a beloved tourism icon. The cessation of service is believed to be due to plans for replacement with new rolling stock. Passengers and fans shared numerous memories on social media as the train made its final run.
Hello Kitty, created by Sanrio, has long been a cultural icon in Japan, appearing on a wide range of products and services. The discontinuation of the Shinkansen carrying this symbol marks the end of an era for the country's railway sector.
