Kintetsu “Oshawott Liner” – A Special Pokémon Train in Collaboration with Mie Prefecture

Kintetsu Railway, Mie Prefecture, and Pokémon have teamed up to launch a special express train themed around the beloved Oshawott, the Support Pokémon of Mie Prefecture. offering passengers traveling between Osaka-Namba and Kashikojima a fresh and delightful riding experience. This article introduces the charm of this unique themed train.

1.What is the Oshawott Liner?

Image source: Official Oshawott Line website

On February 27, 2025, Kintetsu Railway debuted the “Oshawott Liner” (ミジュマルライナー), a specially remodeled version of the popular Ise-Shima Liner 23000 series. The entire train is wrapped in designs featuring Oshawott—a sea otter-inspired Pokémon—combined with scenic motifs from Mie Prefecture’s stunning natural landscapes.

This is Kintetsu’s first fully wrapped express train. Its exterior features vivid shades of blue and light blue, symbolizing Mie’s beautiful seas and marine ecology. The train primarily runs between Osaka-Namba, Kyoto, and Kintetsu-Nagoya to Kashikojima, with a total of six cars (excluding the DX car configuration). Every car is decorated with Oshawott themes, including:

• Special commemorative stamp stations in Cars 3 and 4
• At Toba & Kashikojima Stations along the route, the train plays its theme song “Mijumarhythm” upon arrival.
• Many playful design elements that Pokémon fans and families will love

2.The Connection Between Oshawott and Mie Prefecture

Image source: Official Mie Prefecture × Oshawott

Oshawott (ミジュマル) is a popular Pokémon character based on a cute sea otter. Interestingly, the Japanese pronunciation of “Mie” (Mijiu) sounds somewhat like “Mijumaru” (Oshawott’s Japanese name), creating a natural connection.

Oshawott’s trademark is the scallop-shaped shell on its belly—matching perfectly with Mie’s rich marine culture, famous for its pearl oysters (Akoya-gai) and other shellfish, such as oysters.

In 2021, Oshawott was officially appointed as the Support Pokémon of Mie Prefecture (local promotion ambassador), becoming a symbol of the region’s tourism and cultural initiatives.

Image source: Official Mie Prefecture × Oshawott

Mie Prefecture hopes to use Oshawott in various collaborative activities within the region to showcase and help people discover more of Mie’s charms, inspiring more visitors to fall in love with this land blessed by the bounty of the sea.

Image source: Kankomie

Image source: Kankomie

The Oshawott Liner is an extension of various collaborative projects between Mie Prefecture and Pokémon. In the past, these included the Oshawott Train and Pokémon-themed manhole covers, which integrated Pokémon into local tourism promotions and boosted visitor appeal.

3.How to Ride the Oshawott Liner

• Operating Routes & Period

From February 27, 2025, the train operates regularly between Osaka-Namba, Kyoto, Kintetsu-Nagoya, and Kashikojima, with occasional service on other sections. Timetables may change depending on season and demand—check the official website for the latest updates.

• Reservations & Fares

The Oshawott Liner is a fully reserved-seat limited express train. In addition to a basic train ticket, a limited express ticket is required.

Limited express tickets go on sale one month in advance and can be purchased online, at ticket counters, or via ticket machines.

Example fares:

– Kintetsu Nagoya → Toba: ¥3,140 (Fare ¥2,070 + Express ticket ¥1,340)

– Osaka-Namba → Ise-shi: ¥3,510 (Fare ¥2,170 + Express ticket ¥1,340)

＊Seats in the popular “Salon Seats” section are limited—book early to secure them.

• Commemorative Tickets

Image source: Official Oshawott Liner website

A special commemorative ticket is available for ¥1,500, valid from February 27 to September 30, 2025. Sold at major stations in Mie Prefecture, it can be used from any station and makes a great collectible or souvenir.

Sales locations include: Toba, Kuwana, Kintetsu-Yokkaichi, Shiroko, Tsu, Ise-Nakagawa, Matsusaka, Ise-shi, Ujiyamada, Ugata, Kashikojima, and Nabari Stations.

4.Highlights & Fun Features

• Adorable, Eye-Catching Exterior Wrap

All six cars are painted in deep and light blue tones to represent Mie’s blue seas and nature.

Large illustrations of Oshawott in various poses decorate the train, with its shell proudly displayed—a nod to Mie Prefecture’s rich tradition of pearl cultivation.

• Oshawott & Mie-Themed Interiors

Each standard car features a different color scheme with seats, walls, and decorations adorned with Oshawott designs and illustrations of Mie’s scenic landscapes.

Even the corridors and doors are covered in cute details to delight passengers.

Note: DX car interiors are not themed.

• Perfect for Families & Pokémon Fans

Car 2’s Salon Seats offer comfortable four-seat face-to-face arrangements—great for families or friends traveling together, enjoying conversations while admiring the passing scenery.

Note:Depending on the train’s direction of travel, Salon Seats may be located in Car No. 5.

• Observation Deck & Photo Spots

Behind the driver’s cab, a standing observation area lets passengers take in the view, surrounded by Oshawott designs—especially beautiful along the Mie Prefecture coastline.

In the middle of the train, a special photo zone features a large plush Oshawott, perfect for snapshots and social media.

• Special Music at Toba & Kashikojima Stations

As the train approaches Toba and Kashikojima, the original Oshawott Liner theme song “Mijumarhythm” plays, blending gentle melodies with oceanic sounds for a relaxing travel mood.

Blending Mie Prefecture’s natural beauty with one of Pokémon’s most popular characters, the Oshawott Liner is a highlight of Kintetsu’s express services. Whether starting from Osaka, Kyoto, or Nagoya, it offers an easy, fun, and memorable way to reach the Ise-Shima area.

Be sure to check the latest timetables and seat availability before boarding. For Pokémon fans and travelers interested in Japanese regional culture, this is an experience not to be missed—a journey that’s as much a part of your trip as the destination itself.

Kintetsu Railway Official Website

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