Special "Parade Trains" to operate during Osaka Expo

A woman walking through a facial recognition ticket gate

JR West have started direct “Expo Liner” services between Shin-Osaka Station and Sakurajima Station using new “Parade Trains”.

The Expo Liner service operates along the route between Shin-Osaka Station and Sakurajima Station, a segment of the JR West network’s JR Sakurajima Line (also known as the Yumesaki Line).

Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 takes place on the island of Yumeshima which can be reached by road, ferry or the Osaka Metro subway.

The Expo Liner services offer another route as they terminate at Sakurajima Station near to Universal Studios Japan, where shuttle buses will be available to take visitors to the Expo grounds.

The exterior of the Parade Trains have been decorated to stand out to the public

Two modified #323 series electric trains have been converted into Parade Trains to serve the Expo Liner route.

The #323 series is a commuter train model introduced by JR West in 2016, specifically designed for the Osaka Loop Line.

These trains are characterized by their energy efficiency and accessibility features, catering to the high volume of daily commuters in the Osaka metropolitan area.

323 series trains have previously been used to promote attractions on the Sakurajima line such as Universal Studios

A distinctive feature of the Parade Trains is the integration of an “immersive video experience” within the passenger carriages.

This system involves the installation of continuous LED screens along the interior length of each car.

Due to the LED screens position, the curtains and luggage racks in each carriage have been removed.

Interior fittings such as luggage racks have been removed to make room for LED screens

These screens are programmed to display real-time video footage of the external scenery as the train progresses along its route.

This footage is augmented with computer-generated imagery, including digital representations of confetti, fireworks, and soap bubbles, creating a simulated “open-top car” parade atmosphere.

This augmented reality (AR) experience is intended to enhance the passenger’s journey and provide a preview of the atmosphere associated with the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

JR West first began operating the Parade Trains on the Osaka Loop Line and Yumesaki Line, with the first entering service in December 2024, and the second in February 2025 as part of a phased rollout before the start of Expo Liner services.

Although Expo Liner services have now begun, the full augmented reality LED display will not be activated until the official start of the Expo in April 2025.

This phased rollout allows JR West to conduct operational testing and ensure the system’s reliability prior to the anticipated surge in passenger traffic during the Expo.

During the rollout period, the LED screens will be showing “idling footage” as they travel.

The “idling footage” are generic videos showing shapes and graphics that have been created for use when the train is not streaming the exterior scenery.

Expo Liner services will terminate at Sakurajima Station in Osaka

When in full use, the “idling footage” will only be shown when the train is in, or arriving/leaving, a station.

This has been implemented for privacy reasons to prevent broadcasting images of the people waiting on station concourses into the train.

While JR West considers the Parade Trains to be a demonstration experiment, they are currently considering how to handle them after the Expo ends.

Depending on the reception of the train services, they may consider extending the operation period or using it in a different way in the future.

Source: JR Odekake