Japan's Character-Themed Plarail Trains - Hello Kitty, Doraemon, and more!

Plarail, derived from "play rail", are toy trains produced and sold by Japanese toy maker Takara Tomy. These battery-operated miniature trains run along plastic blue rails that can be assembled in many ways. They are popular among people of all ages from children to adults. In this article, we will introduce various plarail, particularly replicas of actual trains that have had collaborations with popular Japanese characters. 


Celebrating Rilakkuma's 15-Year Anniversary
SC-05 Rilakkuma x Yamanote Line Character Train

Rilakuma Train

Rilakkuma is a character that has gained fame not only in Japan, but all over the world. This plarail is a replica of the Rilakkuma-themed Yamanote Line that made its rounds in Tokyo during the summer of 2018 to commemorate Rilakkuma's 15th anniversary. Conductor Rilakkuma is ready to take passengers to their destination! The second train car has a switch to open and close the train doors. Open the doors to reveal a cute surprise: Korilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and more Rilakkumas!

Product Details

Train car doors open and close via switch

Speed: 2 speed settings

Suggested retail price:  2,800 yen (tax incl.)

Product licensed by East Japan Railway Company

© 2018 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.


Supporting Restoration Efforts of the Great East Japan Earthquake
SC-02 Pokémon With You Train

Pokemon Train

This plarail is a replica of the Ofunato Line's Pokemon-themed train that ran in December 2012 to support the reconstruction efforts of the aftermath of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that happened in March 2011. This two-car train covered in cute, cheerful Pikachus is sure to bring a smile to anyone's face!

Product Details

Speed: 2 speed settings

Suggested retail price: 2,400 yen (tax incl.)

©2018 Pokémon

©1995-2018 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.

Product licensed by East Japan Railway Company

Check Out Those Cute Pink Ribbons!
SC-07 Hello Kitty Shinkansen

Hello Kitty Train
Hello Kitty Train

This Hello Kitty-themed bullet train is cute as can be. It was designed with pink ribbon motifs to represent the concept of "bonds that tie" and "connection". Adorable conductor Hello Kitty is coming to take you for a ride! (as of September 2018)

Product Details

Speed: 2 speed settings

Suggested retail price: 2,800 yen (tax incl.)

©1976, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. S593729

Product licensed by East Japan Railway Company

Doraemon is Everywhere!
SC-06 Doraemon Tram

Doraemon Train

This robot-cat themed plarail is a replica of the Manyosen tram that connects Doraemon creator and manga artist Fujio F. Fujiko's hometown of Takaoka City and Imizu City in Toyama Prefecture. The tram was designed to look like Doraemon, with blue cars, a red ribbon, and his trademark yellow bell. The tram's doors are Doraemon's "Anywhere Door" and the windows are painted with Doraemon and his friends!

Product Details

Speed: 1 speed setting

Suggested retail price: 2,400 yen (tax incl.)

©Fujiko-Pro

Product licensed by Manyosen


Colorful Illustrations on Both Sides!
SC-03 Gudetama Smile Train


Gudetama Train

This egg-like version of the Seibu 30000 series Smile Train is a special collaboration with Sanrio's popular character, Gudetama. On the front and back end of the train is Gudetama's famous dozy face, while the sides are covered in colorful illustrations of the lazy egg lounging around. This collaboration commemorates 10 years of operation for the Smile Train and Gudetama's 5-year anniversary.

Product Details

Speed: 2 speed settings

Suggested retail price: 2,600 yen (tax incl.)

©2013, 2018 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. S592338

Product licensed by Seibu Railway Company, Ltd.

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※ All information current as of April 2019
※ Possibility products may sell out
※ Products may be purchased at the following Plarail specialty stores or other department and toy stores

Plarail Shop - Tokyo  (inside Tokyo Station)
Tokyo Character Street, First Avenue Tokyo Station, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005
Hours of Operation: 10:00 am - 8:30 pm, 7 days a week

Plarail Shop - Tokyo Skytree Town / Solamachi
Tokyo Skytree Town / Solamachi 3rd Floor, Oshiage 1-chome 1-2, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 131-0045
Hours of Operation: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm, irregular holidays

Plarail Shop - Osaka
Daimaru Umeda 13th Floor, Umeda 3-1-1, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8202
Hours of Operation: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm, fixed holiday once a month

Index

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