Anpanman Train Returns with Original Design Until Jan 2026

The Anpanman Train has returned to Kochi Prefecture in its original colorful design and will run until January 12, 2026, marking the 25th anniversary of the first themed service. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Originally launched on the Dosan Line in 2000, the Anpanman Train became a symbol of childhood joy with vibrant artwork and themed interiors. Since then, similar trains have operated across Shikoku.

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To honor this legacy, Shikoku Railway has revived the original blue four-car express known as the Ashizuri. Each carriage displays large, cheerful illustrations of Anpanman and his friends.

Anpanman Train Sends Off with Celebratory Ceremony

On April 12, JR Kochi Station hosted a festive event to relaunch the Anpanman Train. Children waved as Anpanman and Baikinman characters entertained the crowd, and the train departed for Nakamura Station at 11:49 a.m.

The train mainly serves routes between JR Kochi Station and Nakamura Station on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway. Some rides also depart from Sukumo Station, expanding access for travelers.

Cultural Spotlight Shines Again on Anpanman Train

This year, NHK’s drama about Takashi Yanase and his wife Nobu has reignited national interest in the creator behind Anpanman. The renewed attention draws fans from across Japan.

Shikoku Railway Co. President Kazuyuki Shinomiya stated that the project hopes to welcome visitors nationwide to Kochi through the legacy of Anpanman’s world.

By blending nostalgia and regional pride, this special edition of the Anpanman Train offers more than a journey—it revives a cherished cultural icon for a new generation.

Source: japannews.yomiuri.co.jp

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