Hankyu Corporation is collaborating with Nintendo’s (Minami Ward, Kyoto City) popular video game series “Kirby of the Stars” to operate a “Kirby” train, hold related events, and sell merchandise.
The “Hankyu Railway x Characters” project continues since 2015
Since the first game, developed by HAL Laboratory (Chiyoda City, Tokyo) for the Game Boy handheld console in 1992, the popular action game series has released over 30 titles and continues to be developed. The lovable, round protagonist, Kirby, has the mysterious ability to suck up anything and fly. His friendliness and easy-to-understand controls have earned him a reputation among game fans worldwide. Hankyu has been collaborating with various characters since 2015, and in 2025, the year of the World Expo, Kirby, who is well-known among foreign tourists, will make his long-awaited appearance.
Starting August 22 (Fri), one Kirby train each (1000 series and 1300 series) will begin operating on the Kobe Line, Takarazuka Line, and Kyoto Line. The sides of both front cars will be decorated with Kirby and his friends and scenery from each line. A headmark will be displayed on the front connecting door, and a stuffed animal will be accompanying the driver’s compartment. Don’t miss the original stickers displayed inside and outside the car, including the intermediate cars, and the hanging posters that look back on the history of Kirby. The service will run until March 17 (Thu), 2026, and the schedule will be released on the official website around late August.
Unlimited-ride tickets are also available, perfect for stamp rallies
Among our group companies, Nose Electric Railway will be displaying Kirby headmarks and interior stickers on some of its trains starting August 22 (Fri). Hankyu Bus will also be operating Kirby-themed buses on select routes starting the same day. A stamp rally featuring collaboration stamps featuring Kirby and friends will be held at seven locations along the Hankyu and Nose lines from September 2 (Tue) to November 24 (Mon/holiday). Collect stamps on an original card and receive prizes. Photo spots will be set up at the stamp points, allowing visitors to take photos with Kirby and friends. Two versions of the convenient “Hankyu Railway & Hankyu Bus All-Line One-Day Pass” will be available: a Hankyu version (¥1,400 for adults, ¥700 for children) and a Nose version (¥1,800 for adults, ¥900 for children).
In a first for Hankyu’s collaboration project, train-themed background music based on music from the Kirby games will be broadcast at major stations such as Osaka Umeda Station and Hankyu Group commercial facilities. A total of 28 collaboration merchandise, including Kirby plushies (¥2,970) wearing train-themed hats and pouches, will be released sequentially at stores along the line and online shops starting September 10 (Wed). This time, the first capsule toys will also be produced as part of the collaboration project, and Gashapon vending machines containing a total of four figures of Kirby and friends playing train pretend games will be installed at major stations and some mass retailers from September 10 (Wed).
