HOME Kansai Wakayama Wakayama, Koyasan Japan Launches Limited Express Panda Train: “Sustainable Smile Train” to Run Until 2023

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Japan Launches Limited Express Panda Train: “Sustainable Smile Train” to Run Until 2023

• Written by: Cassandra Lord

Last updated: 22 January 2021

JR West Japan and Adventure World (Shirahama-cho, Wakayama) have collaborated to launch a new train design from July 23, 2020, and that design is in the form of a crazy cute panda! With the theme of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) in mind, the new design is intended to run until 2023, departing from Kyoto Station.

The affectionately named “Panda Kuroshio” (Panda Black & White) train was created by the two companies with the desire to meet people, inspire smiles, and contribute to a safe, secure and prosperous future. They hope to be able to build relationships with everyone involved with the train, from the passengers and workers right through to the communities where the train passes through.

Of course, the first thing we all notice about this design is the giant panda face on the front, but if you look closely you’ll see that there is a cute little panda sitting on its head! This is a parent and child panda family (adorable)!

The idea of the parent and child together is a symbol of the “sustainable smile” being passed down through generations.

The design also features different colors and designs on each carriage, ranging from green for health and security to red for gender equality.

As JR West has teamed up with Adventure World, it seems only fitting that their main design be a little panda family! Adventure World in Wakayama has around 1,400 animals in their park, with 140 different species. The aim of the park is to create a bright and prosperous future, and they have succeeded in breeding various rare animals such as Giant Pandas. They are consistently working on conservation research at the same time.

This links back to the train’s concept of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). A big part of these goals is to create a richer relationship between humans, animals and nature. By literally connecting people to nature by heading to Adventure World, perhaps it will spark a love of nature and animals from a young age, resulting in a more active participation in conservation, too!

1. Period of Operation
July 23, 2020 - Winter 2023 (TBC)

2. Train Type
287 series 1 formation (6-car) *No Green Car or Women-Only Seating

3. Lines, Stations and Trains Involved
・Kyoto Station (Tokaido Main Line) to Shingu Station (Kise Main Line) via Shin-Osaka/Tennoji/Wakayama
*Trains and applicable areas may vary by day
・On the first day of operation, July 23, 2020, the Kurushio Nos. 3,6,25, and 26 will be in use.
・The daily driving "Panda Kuroshio" (Kuroshio Nos. 3,6,25, and 26) will be driven as either "Panda Kuroshio ‘Smile Adventure Train’" or "Panda Kuroshio ‘Sustainable Smile Train’".

4. Further Details
The train schedule will be announced on the official Twitter page the day before.
Twitter account: Panda Kuroshio Schedule (Official, Japanese):
ID: @JRpandakuroshio
・Further details of the Panda Kuroshio will be announced on the dedicated page of “Odekake Net”:
https://www.jr-odekake.net/railroad/kuroshio/pandakuroshio/
*The "Panda Kuroshio 'Sustainable Smile Train'" page will be open by July 23.

Reference: PR Times

Written by:

Cassandra Lord

Cassandra Lord is a British journalist specialising in food, travel, and culture, and has been in Japan for five years after studying Japanese at Edinburgh University for four. With a year of experience as co-editor for LIVE JAPAN, Cassandra has since transitioned to freelance writing, contributing to a variety of platforms including The Japan Times and Tokyo Weekender. During her time in Japan she has visited 25 prefectures, with a goal to eventually visit all 47. She also manages her own YouTube channel, "Cassandra Lord", which is dedicated to all things related to Japanese culinary culture. She also works as a translator and photographer.

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