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Japan’s Pikachu Train Will Give Rides to Kids in Earthquake-Stricken Areas
In an effort to brighten up an area of Japan still recovering from disaster, a relief project is enlisting help from a colorful character. The JR East railway company is making over one of their trains in Pikachu-themed decor as part of the country’s Pokémon with You initiative, SoraNews24 reports.
After the Tōhoku region of Japan was rocked by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011, Pokemon with You formed to provide cheerful distractions to kids touched by the events. In 2012, the group partnered with JR East to debut a Pokemon train, and now the teams are collaborating once more to design a train solely dedicated to Pikachu.
Concept art [PDF] from the railway company shows a train painted in red, yellow, and brown to match the pattern of the Pokemon star. Inside, families can sit in yellow and brown seats studded with poké balls or enjoy themselves in the play area scattered with toy Pikachus.
All Aboard Japan’s Pikachu Train https://t.co/vO0589CGkC #Pokemon pic.twitter.com/gCECuttpIf
— Nerd Approved (@NerdApproved) May 31, 2017
Complete with sofas and lounge, Japan is getting a Pokemon themed train (HT: @luxurylaunches) #Pokemon https://t.co/enoc6uVz5B pic.twitter.com/gxSaBsp1xd
— Travel Japanese App (@traveljpapp) May 31, 2017
The Pikachu train will run through the earthquake-stricken area along the Ofunato Line, with trips beginning July 15 and continuing through September.
[h/t SoraNews24]