Japan Created a Pikachu Train to Cheer Up Children After the Tsunami
After the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, recovery in Japan was not only about rebuilding roads, homes, and infrastructure; it was also about rebuilding lives. It was also about helping children grow up in places that suddenly felt unfamiliar and fragile. For many families, daily life had lost its sense of ease.
One response to that loss came in an unexpected form. A bright yellow train began running through some of the hardest-hit regions, built around a character children already loved. Known as the Pokémon with YOU Train, it was designed to offer small moments of excitement and normalcy at a time when both were in short supply.
Where the Idea Came From
Image via Canva/Aflo Images
After the March 2011 disaster struck the Tohoku region, communities along Japan’s northeastern coast faced widespread damage and long-term disruption. As rebuilding continued, JR East looked for ways to support families beyond infrastructure repairs.
In 2012, the company introduced a special train designed primarily with children in mind. The goal was to create an experience that felt safe, playful, and welcoming for kids who had lived through upheaval, while also encouraging families and visitors to return to the region.
To do that, JR East partnered with The Pokémon Company and centered the train around Pikachu, the instantly recognizable character from the Pokémon franchise. Pikachu’s familiarity and popularity with children made him a natural choice for a project that combined emotional support with broader regional revitalization.
A Train Designed for Kids, Not Commuters
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Mutimaro
The Pokémon with YOU Train was never intended to run like a daily commuter service. The ride itself is the destination. From the outside, the train stands out immediately. Its bright yellow exterior and large Pikachu illustrations make it impossible to overlook as it moves through the region.
Inside, the design avoids rigid rows and fixed seating. One car uses family-style seating that gives parents and children room to sit together comfortably. Another car serves as a dedicated play space. Plush toys, soft seating, and open floor areas give children freedom to move rather than stay confined to a seat.
Large windows line each car and offer wide views of the rural Tohoku landscape. The route passes through smaller towns and open countryside. Onboard staff help set a relaxed, friendly tone so children feel comfortable throughout the journey.
Running Through the Heart of Tohoku
The train operates along the JR Ofunato Line, traveling between Ichinoseki and Kesennuma. These areas were directly affected by the tsunami, and when the train first launched, many towns along the route were still in the midst of rebuilding.
By running through these communities, the train served two purposes at once. It offered local children a joyful experience close to home, and it encouraged families and visitors to return to the region, supporting recovery efforts through renewed tourism and local spending.
Between its launch and subsequent updates, the Pokémon with YOU Train carried tens of thousands of passengers, many of them children traveling with parents or grandparents.
More Than a One-Time Gesture
Image via Wikimedia Commons/迷惘的人生
The original version of the train entered service in 2012. In 2017, an updated version replaced it, keeping the same purpose while expanding the design. The newer train featured even more Pikachu imagery inside and out, reinforcing its identity as a space built around play, comfort, and shared experiences.
Rather than being retired after the initial recovery phase, the train became part of JR East’s broader group of “Joyful Trains,” a collection of themed rail experiences focused on regional connection, creativity, and travel as an experience rather than just transportation. Years later, the bright yellow cars continue to stand out against the landscape as a reminder.