West Japan Railway Company (JR West) in Japan will end operation of the Hello Kitty Shinkansen in spring 2026.
The service began on June 30, 2018. It uses 500 series Shinkansen trainsets, with an exterior design featuring ribbon motifs symbolizing “connecting” and “tying,” with Hello Kitty linking the ribbons. The train is an 8-car set: Cars 3, 7, and 8 are non-reserved cars, Cars 4 through 6 are reserved-seat cars. Car 1 is the regional exhibition space “HELLO! PLAZA,” and Car 2 is the specially themed non-reserved car “KAWAII! ROOM.” The onboard chime plays an original melody exclusive to the Hello Kitty Shinkansen.
At Car 1 “HELLO! PLAZA,” regions across western Japan are showcased for limited periods. It features a shop area offering regional specialty products, a video corner highlighting local attractions, and a space to relax while enjoying the scenery. In Car 2 “KAWAII! ROOM,” Hello Kitty designs appear throughout, and there is a photo spot where passengers can take commemorative pictures with the travel guide “Hello Kitty.” There is also a “hidden Hello Kitty” somewhere on board.
A finale campaign will be held, including social media posting campaigns, events, and sales of commemorative merchandise. The “Hello Kitty Room” at Hotel Vischio Amagasaki will end in January 2026.
Operation of the “Hello Kitty Haruka” (the Hello Kitty–themed Kansai Airport Express Haruka operated by JR West) will also conclude by around summer 2027.
