Japan now has a Slowpoke themed train

Pokémon fans in Kagawa Prefecture can now travel on a new Slowpoke themed train.

News of the Slowpoke train made the headlines with local TV station KSB

Part of a project where Pokémon characters are used to promote regional tourism, the “Udon Prefecture x Yadon Train” began operation on Friday, March 21st.

Kagawa Prefecture is known for the popular Sanuki Udon noodles and is represented by Slowpoke due to the similarity between it’s Japanese name, “Yadon” and Udon.

The Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railroad, commonly referred to as “Kotoden,” is a regional railway known for its vintage train cars, which appeal to railway enthusiasts both domestically and internationally.

The partnership between Slowpoke and Kotoden is anticipated to appeal to both Pokémon fans and retro train enthusiasts.

A two carriage train will run on the Kotoden Kotohira Line and has been covered in a bright pink wrap featuring various images of Slowpoke.

Slowpoke is featured all along the exterior of the train

In addition to the train’s exterior wrapping, the interior has also been redesigned with Slowpoke featured prominently throughout.

The interior is also suitably Slowpoke themed

At Kawaramachi Station, Busshozan Station, and Ayagawa Station, the station name plates have also been decorated with Slowpoke designs.

Station signs have been updated to celebrate the new train service

The departure melody at the Kotohira Line outbound platform at Kawaramachi Station has been changed and is now based the Slowpoke inspired reggae song “Donai Yanen Yadon”.

The new departure melodies will be based on “Donai Yanen Yadon”

Kotoden ticket booths will also be issuing specially designed Slowpoke one-day travel passes.

New one-day passes also feature Slowpoke

This collaboration is rooted in a “Cooperation and Cooperation Agreement for Regional Revitalization” established between Kagawa Prefecture and The Pokémon Company in 2018.

As part of this agreement, the Pokémon character Slowpoke was appointed as the “Udon Prefecture PR Ambassador,” utilizing its global recognition to broaden the prefecture’s appeal to diverse demographics.

KSB filmed the inauguration and first service operated by the Slowpoke train

Previous collaborative efforts have included the development of “Udon Prefecture x Slowpoke” branded merchandise, Slowpoke-themed taxis, buses and ferries, and the establishment of the Slowpoke Park childrens play area.

Slowpoke Taxi’s have previously operated in Kanagawa Prefrecture

No end date for the trains operation has been announced, so it looks like fans can ride the Slowpoke train for the foreseeable future.

Source: Official Website