The international phenomenon that is Hello Kitty just went super-hi-tech when Japan unveiled a Hello Kitty-themed bullet train. The astonishingly-bedecked high-speed train will run between the western cities of Osaka and Fukuoka and is bedecked in true Hello Kitty style, complete with signature pink and white color scheme, fluffy seats and purple floors.
The West Japan Railway company, which hopes to draw thousands of tourists to the train, has branded the train’s windows, seat covers, and even the floors with Hello Kitty designs.
One of the train’s carriages features a huge Hello Kitty doll dressed up in a unique uniform for the train’s crew. Here, visiting fans will have the chance to pose for pictures next to their favorite character. The first carriage will have no seats, but offer passengers the opportunity to buy regional items and food from the west of Japan.
Hello Kitty was created in 1974 by Yuko Shimizu, and has since seen worldwide adoration for the cute little character. The Hello Kitty brand can be found on just about any kind of item, from airplanes to motor oil, and toilet paper to key chains. The brand is now estimated to worth several billion dollars.
