"One Piece Sets Sail on the Grand Rail with Three Special Shinkansen Train Collaborations"

"One Piece Sets Sail on the Grand Rail with Three Special Shinkansen Train Collaborations" 

While One Piece is famously associated with boats, next year in Japan, Eiichiro Oda’s legendary series will also be making waves on the Shinkansen. JR West announced on Friday that three special Shinkansen trains will be decorated with One Piece themes, traveling along the Shin-Osaka to Hakata line. The first of these uniquely designed trains is set to launch in Spring 2025, coinciding with the start of the Osaka Expo in April 2025.

The first One Piece-themed Shinkansen, named "Setouchi Blue," takes inspiration from the Setouchi Sea, which the Sanyo Shinkansen route runs parallel to. The train is adorned with a striking blue decal featuring the beloved Straw Hat crew. Alongside the train's design reveal, a key visual for the collaboration was also unveiled, showcasing a Bullet Train bursting through the One Piece logo. However, despite the nautical inspiration, these One Piece Shinkansen won’t actually be crossing the Setouchi Sea!

"Setouchi Blue" will be the inaugural train on the “Grand Rail” — a playful nod to the Grand Line from the One Piece series — with two more themed trains set to debut after it. Each of the three trains will feature unique, newly drawn illustrations, and their interiors will also reflect the One Piece world in special ways. JR West plans to offer exclusive merchandise at stations along the Sanyo Shinkansen line and will develop various projects to further immerse travelers in the One Piece universe during their journey.