Ichigo Train

Wed 2007/12/12 04:47 JST
 58
 in Japan
1541 views

While children in Japan get their fair share of bullying and occasionally have coffee spat in their face, at least some of them have the opportunity to get on one of these trains decorated just for kids.

Mind you, you don't have to be a kid to get on the Ichigo train which runs between Wakayama and Kishi station.

The interesting thing apart from the train decor is that the station master is a cat...
Below: Inside and outside the Ichigo train.

Below: Report on the station master cat.
Thanks to member DRAGUN for sending this in.
Photos via Deputy Dog.

If you are interested in reading about life in Japan, seeing photos taken daily around Tokyo, like Japanese subculture (anime, manga, figures, Dollfies) then you may want to start delving into the Japan or Figure categories for a start or have a gander at all photo articles.

If you don't have much time now, maybe subscribe to the RSS Feed, Twitter Feed or join the other readers in the FaceBook Page.
Alternatively, you may want to read more about the site.
If you are a regular reader then this message will probably annoy you each time - hide it forever.

This item was posted in the Japan category. You can see more of everything else or subscribe via RSS instead.
日本語で表示する 日本語で表示する
-Japan Probe - News from Japan (Subscribe)
-Akihabara News – Gadgetry from Japan (Subscribe)

  • etherlite
    etherlite in Jakarta, Indonesia (Registered on 2007/12/06)
    Medical School Student

    err...are those figures? on the shelves, and don't tell me it's cast-offable :p

    Wed 2007/12/12 04:30:02 JST (ID #66736)
    reply to etherlite's comment
  • Alafista OTAKU
    Alafista OTAKU in Singapore (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Policy & Research Officer
    http://www.alafista.com/

    woah any kid taking the train everyday would be happy

    Wed 2007/12/12 04:32:36 JST (ID #66737)
    reply to Alafista OTAKU's comment
  • Benjamin Takeyo
    Benjamin Takeyo in Lieu de la batille decisive (Registered on 2007/12/04)
    ひきこもり/Hikikomori. Suits my current state more than a 大学生/University Student. ^^

    At around 2:07 the old lady says,"Nobi Nobita". Hmm, is the train doraemon-related?

    Wed 2007/12/12 04:41:06 JST (ID #66738)
    reply to Benjamin Takeyo's comment
  • gregory_gdp
    gregory_gdp in Boise, ID (Registered on 2007/07/16)
    Photographer/Night Auditor
    http://hillbillyotaku.blogspot.com/

    It's honestly a bit much for myself but if I had kids I'd be all over it.

    Wed 2007/12/12 04:48:49 JST (ID #66739)
    reply to gregory_gdp's comment
  • Ninja Mari
    Ninja Mari in Japan (Registered on 2007/11/06)
    Japanese Student
    http://japanqna.wordpress.com

    可愛いぃぃぃぃぃぃー o(^0^)o

    Wed 2007/12/12 04:52:14 JST (ID #66740)
    reply to Ninja Mari's comment
  • Snacks
    Snacks in Philippines (Registered on 2007/01/28)
    Graphic Artist
    http://hobbysnacks.wordpress.com/

    Is there a train for otaku too? :D

    Wed 2007/12/12 05:08:10 JST (ID #66741)
    reply to Snacks's comment
  • Senn
    Senn in KL/SG (Registered on 2007/04/03)
    Web Designer
    http://insennity.com/

    kawaiiiii D:

    Wed 2007/12/12 05:08:14 JST (ID #66742)
    reply to Senn's comment
  • lanie-emon
    lanie-emon in Keldabe, Malaysia (Registered on 2007/06/05)
    Mandalorian in training + Otaku...
    http://laniemon.animeblogger.net/

    Oh, the cats are so adorable. Betcha the kids must love this train to bits...

    Wed 2007/12/12 05:08:35 JST (ID #66743)
    reply to lanie-emon's comment
  • Henry
    Henry in /usr/bin/ (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    anime/cosplay events organizer
    http://www.cosplay.ph

    if there will be an otaku train...i'll definitely get on it to get to school/work ^___^

    but that's one really cute train especially the train master~ ^___^

    Wed 2007/12/12 05:32:21 JST (ID #66745)
    reply to Henry's comment
  • D_Blade
    D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2006/12/31)
    Non-profit org. volunteering work addict

    Something funny and not of a bad taste. Such things become rare in this world. ;)

    Wed 2007/12/12 06:01:41 JST (ID #66749)
    reply to D_Blade's comment
  • nefesco
    nefesco in Penang, Malaysia (Registered on 2007/12/09)
    Sunshine Empire's merchant
    http://nefesco.com/

    IMPRESSIVE! I believe Penangites (Malaysia) will actually use the public transports MORE if PENANG MONORAIL is an ICHIGO TRAIN ^_^

    Wed 2007/12/12 06:31:59 JST (ID #66750)
    reply to nefesco's comment
  • marvin
    marvin (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    http://www.marvinryan.com

    Whoa! I think I saw a GP03 Stamen and a Justice Gundam on that video! cool! don't mind the kids, just break the glass and jump out the window. ^^ but seriously I wouldn't mind riding a train like that. *sigh* Danny, you've just successfully made me miss Japan.
    (T-T)

    Wed 2007/12/12 06:54:39 JST (ID #66753)
    reply to marvin's comment
  • Galaxian
    Galaxian in KL, Malaysia (Registered on 2007/10/06)

    camping ground for pedos? =x

    Wed 2007/12/12 06:55:51 JST (ID #66754)
    reply to Galaxian's comment
  • Kuu
    Kuu in 初音島 (Registered on 2007/08/12)
    学生

    We need some of these here now D:

    Wed 2007/12/12 07:15:04 JST (ID #66757)
    reply to Kuu's comment
  • andra
    andra in Singapore (Registered on 2007/11/06)
    中学生
    http://thezhukeeper.blogspot.com

    are there straberry desserts provided inside? X3

    Wed 2007/12/12 07:41:56 JST (ID #66758)
    reply to andra's comment
  • Choo
    Choo in Singapore (Registered on 2007/10/31)
    Student
    http://bakaaaa.wordpress.com

    LOL! thats a rather cute train. The last picture of the cat. Its expression was lmao. XD

    Wed 2007/12/12 08:01:03 JST (ID #66760)
    reply to Choo's comment
  • Sakari
    Sakari (Registered on 2007/06/19)

    Another great example of relevant Japanese news reports.

    Wed 2007/12/12 08:31:36 JST (ID #66762)
    reply to Sakari's comment
  • Ishiro
    Ishiro in Malaysia (Registered on 2007/12/11)
    Student

    wow...i wan to sit in it.it looks cute!

    Wed 2007/12/12 08:38:02 JST (ID #66765)
    reply to Ishiro's comment
  • lostandfound
    lostandfound in Singapore (Registered on 2007/10/21)
    Hikikomori in the making
    http://supermariabros.deviantart.com/

    Change the title to "Pedo Train"... This will surely attract alot of weird people as well as kids... But I'll take the train anytime coz' it looks real cute, just like me... (insert puking noise here)

    Wed 2007/12/12 08:47:11 JST (ID #66766)
    reply to lostandfound's comment
  • kimpoi
    kimpoi in JAVA (Registered on 2007/12/06)
    ??!

    the cat are very cuteeeeeeeee^^

    if they had a PS3/Wii/etc in the train it would be more greatttttt!

    Wed 2007/12/12 08:50:49 JST (ID #66767)
    reply to kimpoi's comment
  • rsnumber2
    rsnumber2 in Oklahoma (Registered on 2007/06/05)
    Dunno, really....
    http://www.goufyshumi.com

    @ Marvin

    That's exactly the first thing I noticed, too!

    Wed 2007/12/12 08:51:40 JST (ID #66768)
    reply to rsnumber2's comment
  • gordon
    gordon in 新加坡 Singapore (Registered on 2007/06/11)
    銀河帝国五〇一軍团 TK/TD 8316 M.E.P.D. Police Sergeant
    http://gordonator.com/

    ichigo means strawberry and 15 right?

    Wed 2007/12/12 09:12:34 JST (ID #66770)
    reply to gordon's comment
  • hendrik
    hendrik in jakarta,indonesia (Registered on 2007/05/31)
    student

    ok... woman only cart, so will ichigo cart be a "children-parents only cart"?

    would like to go though, its unique

    Wed 2007/12/12 09:18:18 JST (ID #66771)
    reply to hendrik's comment
  • Sean
    Sean in San Francisco / Tokyo / London / Dublin (Registered on 2007/01/23)
    Video Editor / Sound Designer / DJ
    http://www.goodnessmusic.com

    Wow. Japan never stops amazing me.

    Wed 2007/12/12 09:24:00 JST (ID #66772)
    reply to Sean's comment
  • radical anime fan
    radical anime fan in Singapore, Furnace City, Cinderblock Outskirts. (Registered on 2007/01/25)
    Polytechnic Junior, Bronze Lifesaving Trainee, Mech Designer In-training.
    http://thehangerbay.wordpress.com/

    Kind of good and bad at the same time. no more pedos, but the bullies will still be there.

    Wed 2007/12/12 09:28:04 JST (ID #66773)
    reply to radical anime fan's comment
  • Hemisphere
    Hemisphere in Ar tonelico (Registered on 2007/08/29)
    Naru Eternal
    http://mouyamete.oniichannoecchi.com/

    If they had a Den-O train, I wouldn't think twice getting in it!

    Wed 2007/12/12 09:55:51 JST (ID #66775)
    reply to Hemisphere's comment
  • Hachiko
    Hachiko in Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Registered on 2006/12/26)
    Student
    http://arudesu.animeblogger.net

    The cat looks super kawaii with the hat =o, I wished the subway cars here were like that...

    Wed 2007/12/12 10:43:15 JST (ID #66776)
    reply to Hachiko's comment
  • lin-da-kenobi
    lin-da-kenobi in Lima, Peru ^^ (Registered on 2007/08/15)
    medicine student & otaku

    HELL YEAH!! ^^ looks soo cute!! especially the cat! congrats to the person who decorated the train looks awesome

    Wed 2007/12/12 11:08:12 JST (ID #66777)
    reply to lin-da-kenobi's comment
  • squee
    squee in Singapore (Registered on 2007/09/26)
    Techie
    http://squeejunkyard.blogspot.com/

    Hmm...I love strawberries...so yeah this is gonna be a good way to get to work

    Wed 2007/12/12 11:46:12 JST (ID #66779)
    reply to squee's comment
  • syrix
    syrix in U.S. (Registered on 2007/03/21)
    student
    http://animesugoi.animeblogger.net/

    Lol, sorry but I wouldn't like looking at bright colors everyday I go to work. I'm not a goth or anything but that many bright colors is a bit of an eyesore to me. I'll take the standard and drab train carts ^^.

    Wed 2007/12/12 11:50:35 JST (ID #66781)
    reply to syrix's comment
  • qingy
    qingy in front of the monitor (Registered on 2007/10/05)
    Gunpla Enthusiast

    i for one can't stand being around a crowd of kids, they tend to be really noisy and distracting, i much rather take the normal train carriage then sit through 40 minutes of nonstop crying and kids throwing fits. but the train is very nicely decorated, makes me wonder if this only happens in japan because this kind of thing is unthinkable in North America. you'd get graffiti and gum stuck on the seats after the first ride, not to mention all those figures stolen.

    Wed 2007/12/12 11:51:17 JST (ID #66782)
    reply to qingy's comment
  • DRAGUN
    DRAGUN in Arizona, USA (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Design Consultant

    @Gingy: agreed. Unfortunetly. Makes me wonder why we cant raise our kids right. And by "we", I mean people who have kids.

    You know, If I had kids, this would be a great idea. Imagine kids complaining the whole car ride/train ride to get somewhere. I bet this is a relief for the parents.

    That cat looks PIiiiiiiiissed. Kind of how my dog looks at me if I put my hat on his head. I can almost hear him say "take it off chief, or Ill put a steaming pile on your head while you are sleeping". Hes eloquent.

    Wed 2007/12/12 12:14:28 JST (ID #66786)
    reply to DRAGUN's comment
  • chun
    chun in need to be in bed (Registered on 2007/01/09)
    part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
    http://puppy52art.com/

    awwww that cat looks like it works very hard LOL!

    Wed 2007/12/12 12:34:44 JST (ID #66789)
    reply to chun's comment
  • JapanAnime
    JapanAnime in Hilversum, Holland (Registered on 2007/08/05)
    4th Year Business Economics Student

    Yet again something that's only possible in Japan. ^^ I wouldn't mind to travel with a train that has more luxury and style on board than the average trains, but only if those kids have been duck taped LOL! Seriously, I can't think of a worser start of the day than being surrounded by 50 noisy kids. XD

    Wed 2007/12/12 12:50:01 JST (ID #66791)
    reply to JapanAnime's comment
  • Steve Keys
    Steve Keys in Toronto, Canada - Tokyo, Japan (sometimes) (Registered on 2007/06/12)
    Web Developer
    http://www.twitter.com/SteveKeys

    Damn, I would live in that train.

    Wed 2007/12/12 12:50:05 JST (ID #66792)
    reply to Steve Keys's comment
  • qingy
    qingy in front of the monitor (Registered on 2007/10/05)
    Gunpla Enthusiast

    @DRAGUN
    yea, i know what you mean. btw, its Qingy, with a q, not a g. i know it looks confusing

    Wed 2007/12/12 13:30:07 JST (ID #66793)
    reply to qingy's comment
  • maceo
    maceo in USandA (Registered on 2008/03/05)
    3d/2d animator illustrator
    http://eqchronicles.com

    can you imagine a train like this in New York City?

    Wed 2007/12/12 13:35:15 JST (ID #66794)
    reply to maceo's comment
  • XSportSeeker
    XSportSeeker in Brazil (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
    http://xspblog.com

    I only said no because.. I'm alergic to CATS! o_O

    But I didn't understand if the cat rode the train, or if he was on the trainstation, of even if he was just part of the promotion or day of the train opening or something.

    Cute though. I personally would love to have cats, but it's just impossible....

    Wed 2007/12/12 13:40:44 JST (ID #66795)
    reply to XSportSeeker's comment
  • DRAGUN
    DRAGUN in Arizona, USA (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Design Consultant

    @Qingy, sorry about that.

    Wed 2007/12/12 14:13:15 JST (ID #66798)
    reply to DRAGUN's comment
  • super rats
    super rats in Philadelphia, PA (USA) (Registered on 2007/01/15)
    Everything
    http://www.happysoda.com

    Maybe not one decorated like the Ichigo Train, but I'd be more likely to take public transport if it didn't smell. In most cities in the US, public transport loses money for the city because people avoid it unless they have to use it. Make it more inviting and maybe people would use it even if they didn't have to.

    Wed 2007/12/12 14:47:47 JST (ID #66799)
    reply to super rats's comment
  • Setsuna-san
    Setsuna-san in Selangor, Malaysia (Registered on 2007/07/06)
    VF-25 Pilot. Universariate Scholar.

    sure i would if the cabinets are filled with figures.

    Wed 2007/12/12 17:00:30 JST (ID #66803)
    reply to Setsuna-san's comment
  • skankywonders
    skankywonders in California (Registered on 2007/08/09)
    Student

    Taking this train everyday to Work/School would give me a happy boost to my whole day.

    That cat seems annoyed by this...

    STRAWBERRY TRAIN YAAAY!

    Wed 2007/12/12 17:31:04 JST (ID #66805)
    reply to skankywonders's comment
  • Barsona
    Barsona in Bay Area, California (Registered on 2007/08/03)
    NEET (no, student, AND employed min. wage)
    http://otterhangar.blogspot.com/

    I would have to agree below, that the Cat is not amused...

    Wed 2007/12/12 21:29:05 JST (ID #66822)
    reply to Barsona's comment
  • 0rion
    0rion in CA, United States (Registered on 2007/08/23)
    Developer
    http://www.epicwin.org/

    This reminds me a lot of highly stylized "old timey" trains that run between Kumamoto and Aso-san in Kyushu. Similar concept - a thematically stylized (perhaps even, dare I say, pimpin') ride; a tourist attraction in and of itself. :)

    I'd probably feel a bit more embarrassed riding on the Ichigo Train, however. ;P

    Wed 2007/12/12 21:51:31 JST (ID #66826)
    reply to 0rion's comment
  • Tragic comedy
    Tragic comedy in Singapore (Registered on 2007/04/10)
    Animator/ graphic designer
    http://www.collateralds.com/

    i would love such a train here...

    Wed 2007/12/12 22:06:11 JST (ID #66830)
    reply to Tragic comedy's comment
  • seth.frostheart
    seth.frostheart in Malaysia. Singapore. Bangkok. Shanghai. (Registered on 2007/01/07)
    Motion Graphics Designer

    i'd ride it at least once, just for the heck of it. hey, you're never too old to be a kid again, well for a few minutes at least, haha!

    Wed 2007/12/12 22:38:35 JST (ID #66835)
    reply to seth.frostheart's comment
  • djet0
    djet0 in Not so Sunnyvale, Teh Golden State (Registered on 2007/01/08)
    High School Graduate... Now what?
    http://djet0.deviantart.com/

    This is one of the best ideas come to life. As expected, Japan touches this finish line first. You can't help that the train is full of eye candy or a homely feel. Thumbs up!
    Though the cats, you can definitely tell that they're domesticated... TOO domesticated aka Lazy House Cat. Should we really trust the jobs of station master to them, I wonder? lol

    Thu 2007/12/13 01:59:31 JST (ID #66842)
    reply to djet0's comment
  • Deathy
    Deathy in Brazil (Registered on 2007/04/20)
    Photography Student
    http://hugodeathy.deviantart.com/

    The cat reminded me of one in Sketchbook.

    He goes like -_- all day.

    Thu 2007/12/13 07:52:27 JST (ID #66852)
    reply to Deathy's comment
  • number1guy
    number1guy in United States (Registered on 2007/11/09)
    University Student

    That cat doesn't look too happy.

    Thu 2007/12/13 08:43:12 JST (ID #66858)
    reply to number1guy's comment
  • antabax
    antabax in Kuala Lumpur (Registered on 2007/12/10)
    SAP Consultant
    http://eyesofagamer.blogspot.com

    im a sucker for this kind of train.

    Thu 2007/12/13 10:44:26 JST (ID #66861)
    reply to antabax's comment
  • rubi.tan
    rubi.tan in Ashelantis, NC USA (Registered on 2007/11/16)
    Graphic Designer/Angry drunk
    http://rubijoux.livejournal.com

    You had me at "Station Master Cat." I support the practice of putting felines in positions of power!

    Thu 2007/12/13 17:01:59 JST (ID #66865)
    reply to rubi.tan's comment
  • thefrikking
    thefrikking in Spain (Registered on 2007/08/18)
    Ork Warlord

    Sure, anything is better that train and underground here...

    Hey, Danny, is true that is strange see delays on train and underground in Japan? Sounds like a dream...

    Fri 2007/12/14 16:05:56 JST (ID #66973)
    reply to thefrikking's comment
  • Danny Choo
    Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11)
    CEO MIrai Inc
    http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/

    thefrikking,
    When delays happen its usually due to suicides/rain/snow. Rarely technical.

    Sun 2007/12/16 00:08:58 JST (ID #67089)
    reply to Danny Choo's comment
  • Jotham
    Jotham in Los Angeles, CA (Registered on 2008/03/08)
    Student
    http://yellowguy89.blogspot.com/

    i spotted a few gundam models on the shelves of the train. Im glad bandai is influencing the next generation of model makers to exceed the last haahahaha...

    Thu 2008/04/10 23:17:53 JST (ID #169089)
    reply to Jotham's comment
  • enguyen
    enguyen in USA (Registered on 2008/02/18)
    Engineer by day, Otaku by night

    Soul Train!!!

    Thu 2008/05/08 23:01:13 JST (ID #183890)
    reply to enguyen's comment
  • arluean
    arluean in singapore (Registered on 2008/10/28)
    Pastry and baking / Culinary

    moe moe kyun~

    Wed 2009/07/29 16:57:33 JST (ID #689211)
    reply to arluean's comment

Currently being read