
Resplendent in shocking pink, a sleek "Hello Kitty" bullet train has been unveiled (AFP)
The special shinkansen or bullet train will run for the next three months between the western cities of Osaka and Fukuoka from Saturday, the West Japan Railway firm said, hoping that one of the country's most famous exports will boost tourism.
Passengers will be in left in no doubt what train they are on, with Hello Kitty smiling down from the shades of every window and adorning every passenger seat cover.
One car will feature a "life-sized Hello Kitty doll" -- the character is "five apples" tall, according to creator Sanrio -- so fans can take selfies, a West Japan Railway spokesman told AFP.

Passengers will be in left in no doubt what train they are on, with Hello Kitty smiling down from the shades of every window and adorning every passenger seat cover (AFP)
Hello Kitty, the mouthless character, has spawned a multi-billion-dollar industry since Sanrio introduced it in 1974.

One car will feature a "life-sized Hello Kitty doll" -- the character is "five apples" tall, according to creator Sanrio -- so fans can take selfies (AFP)
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