INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Resplendent in shocking pink, a sleek "Hello Kitty" bullet train has been unveiled (AFP)Tokyo: Resplendent in
shocking pink, a sleek "Hello Kitty" bullet train, complete with special carriages festooned with images of the global icon from Japan, has
been unveiled before it chugs into service this week.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)Another
car will have no passenger seats but offer regional specialities, including a selection of goods and foods, in a bid to boost the local
economy and tourism.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)It adorns everything from pencil cases and pyjamas to double-decker buses and airliners.(Except for the headline, this
story has not been edited by TheIndianSubcontinent staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
