Stuff I've Seen - April 1st Edition

So, the Evangelion Shinkansen from last trip that was about to be retired has done so, and there is a new themed Shinkansen to replace it.

What more iconic Japanese character could they pick to replace giant fighting robots?

Why, Hello Kitty of Course.

That most Japanese of cartoon characters finally gets the recognition she deserves with her own customized train.

In addition to train conductor kitty and friends (above) there are of course, the obligatory unique versions of the character for each of the major stops along the route (below)

Here is the train arriving at Hakata station:

And an artists rendition of the train.

The front of the train

Side shot

Logo

The first passenger car

Entering the train

Ribboned doors

Pink and Purple carriages

The second car has a "Photo Spot"

Hello Kitty pictured driving the train.

The first car sells a variety of Hello Kitty Shinkansen merchandise, a few snacks, and beer.

The walls have various characters festooned on them

From Kitty serving snacks

To her passanger friends

Space for bicycles

And luggage

The phone room

with cute call being made

Even the bathrooms are obnoxiously pink