#111 Pokémon Train
How an anime business company faces disaster areas in a disaster-ridden country.
When I guide foreign guests in Tokyo, almost without exception, families with children love the popular Pokémon anime. Whenever possible, I take them to Pokémon stores in Nihonbashi or Shibuya, and I will never forget the sparkle in their eyes. I don't even play Pokémon Go, but I always look at Pokémon from the perspective of a parent impressed by its popularity. When I look at Pokémon's marketing and various measures, I can't help but be impressed by their meticulousness and thoroughness.
On the other hand, a side of the company needs to be better known to foreign fans. One such aspect is the company's support for disaster-stricken areas, an effort that has been ongoing since the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. The company is also involved in the Noto Peninsula earthquake that struck New Year's Day this year. It is a disaster relief train featuring the overwhelmingly popular Pokémon character. The locations where the trains operate and the frequency of train runs present many hurdles for foreign visitors. Still, I believe this is an excellent opportunity for Pokémon lovers considering a trip to Tohoku and those considering Japan as a disaster-prone country to consider.
What is Pokémon with you train?
Concept
JR East has been operating this "Fun to Ride" train since 2012, the year after the earthquake, to bring smiles to the faces of children affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and encourage children across Japan to enjoy the Tohoku region. There are three lines in the Tohoku region, and the trains operate irregularly, so please be careful.
Operating Area
The train operates from Ichinoseki, Hanamaki, and Morioka stations on the Tohoku Main Line to Kesennuma, Kamaishi, and Miyako, all of which are in the coastal areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.
Operating Time
Most trains run from Ichinoseki to Kesennuma on weekends from May to September. Depending on the situation, JR East may consider adding services in October.
How to Buy Tickets
The train consists of two cars: a communication car and a playroom car. All seats are reserved, so boarding and reserved-seat tickets are required. You can buy tickets at JR Ticket Center, reserved-seat ticket vending machines, Ekitabi Concierge, major travel agencies, and Ekinet. Overseas residents will make reservations via JR East's reservation website(multiple languages). Since Ekinet is for residents in Japan, it is not practical for readers to use it.
Reservation Opening Time
If you buy tickets from overseas via the Internet, they will go on sale at 10:00 a.m., one month before Japan's time. Please consider the time difference between Japan and your reservation time?
The above video is quoted from the JR East Web Page.
Why would a company do this?
Pokémon, a company that has teamed up with JR East, has an organization called the "Pokémon With You Foundation" that contributes to society by supporting children in disaster areas and operating a children's cafeteria. Pokémon With You started after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 when Pikachu visited Tohoku with a car full of relief goods to see if they could do anything to help the children in the affected areas.
With companies worldwide becoming increasingly aware of the SDGs and social contribution, this train symbolizes the increasing number of such activities by companies with many contacts with children.
Preparations for Boarding
Once you have decided on a schedule, please check the operating dates. Most trains operate on weekends, so their schedule will eventually take priority when visiting the Tohoku region.
The next step is to make reservations for reserved seats. Since July and August are the peak seasons for school vacations, you should make reservations a month in advance through JR East's reservation website. Additionally, the number of reserved seats is limited, so reserved tickets sell out quickly.
For tickets in the Tohoku region, you will need to research carefully, as it is more economical to purchase an area pass or use the Japan Rail Pass, depending on the length of your stay in the region.
If you have a close Japanese friend, you can ask your friends to make reservations by Ekinet.
In any case, this train runs infrequently and is very popular, so good luck getting a ticket with a reservation a month in advance.
Approach in the Noto Peninsula Earthquake-Stricken Area
This New Year's Day, a massive earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula on the Sea of Japan side of Honshu. More than half a year has passed since the occurrence, but reconstruction has yet to progress well due to the inaccessibility of the affected areas. Against this backdrop, a Pokémon-wrapped train will make two round trips daily between Nanao and Anamizu on the local Noto Railway line from August 1 to September 1, except on Wednesdays.
Finally
In a sense, the Pokemon with you train concept was born out of the fact that Japan is a disaster-prone country. When the Great East Japan Earthquake struck in 2011, it provided an opportunity for all of Japan to seriously consider how to be there and support the afflicted areas, including the companies themselves.
These efforts bring smiles to children's faces and pass on the lessons of the disaster to the next generation.
Thank you for this.
If I ever make it to Japan, I'd love to experience some Pokemon-related sites, especially Satoshi Tajiri's hometown of Machida and other places that inspired locations in the games.
I’m sure knowing this will make Pokémon fans become even greater fans! By the way, you wrote, “Since Ekinet is for residents in Japan, it is not practical for readers not to use it.” but if I understand your meaning I think the second “not “ doesn’t fit.