Let’s start with the not-so-good news: the beloved Hello Kitty Shinkansen, which runs along the Sanyo Shinkansen line between Shin-Osaka and Hakata Stations in Fukuoka, will be retired in spring 2026.
The good news? Character-themed bullet trains aren’t going anywhere. JR West has recently launched the One Piece Shinkansen along the same Sanyo Shinkansen Line, bringing the world of Monkey D. Luffy to life along this popular route in western Japan.
Inspired by the Grand Line, a legendary ocean route in the One Piece world, the Sanyo Shinkansen has been reimagined as the Grand Rail, taking passengers on a journey reminiscent of the Straw Hat Crew’s epic adventures. Even better, there are three unique train designs, each featuring exclusive exterior and interior art drawn from One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda’s original world. These illustrations are all new, specially commissioned for this collaboration.
For a fully immersive experience, the One Piece Shinkansen even plays ‘We Are!’, the first opening theme song from the One Piece anime, as the onboard arrival and departure chime. At selected stations, you’ll also hear Luffy and Chopper delivering the onboard announcements.
The first train, Setouchi Blue, is a striking aquamarine design inspired by the sea of the Setouchi region, which the Sanyo Shinkansen passes through between Shin-Osaka and Hakata Stations. Along the route, it stops at some of Japan’s most popular destinations including Shin-Kobe, Himeji, Okayama and Hiroshima.
The second train is themed after the lovable Tony Tony Chopper. In keeping with the character, the train is decked out in pink and blue to reflect his signature hat and charming personality.
Naturally, the third train celebrates the protagonist himself, Monkey D. Luffy. The design is inspired by his iconic straw hat, and there are a total of 32 different Luffy illustrations appearing on the train exterior. Die-hard One Piece fans should definitely catch this train, even just to spot the multiple versions of Luffy in different outfits, which correspond to the manga’s various story arcs.
Alongside the three trains, all 19 stations on the Sanyo Shinkansen line now host a One Piece Shinkansen Special Zone. Each station features dedicated welcome art and visuals inspired by different One Piece story arcs. The 19 stations are: Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, Nishi-Akashi, Himeji, Aioi, Okayama, Shin-Kurashiki, Fukuyama, Shin-Onomichi, Mihara, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Shin-Iwakuni, Tokuyama, Shin-Yamaguchi, Asa, Shin-Shimonoseki, Kokura and Hakata.
Of course, you can also find an array of exclusive One Piece Shinkansen merchandise at the stations. If you’re planning to ride this special train, check the timetable here – although which of the three trains you get is random.
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