Prepare for a spine-chilling ride on Japan’s bullet train! In a unique twist on the usually serene journey, a Halloween event transformed the shinkansen into a living nightmare, with zombie actors, light-hearted performances, and a ‘Train to Busan’ inspired experience. This event, dubbed the “world’s first haunted house experience on a running shinkansen,” took place just weeks before Halloween, offering passengers a two-and-a-half-hour thrill ride between Tokyo and Osaka.
Imagine stepping onto a bullet train, expecting a peaceful journey, only to find yourself facing a zombie apocalypse. This is exactly what happened on Saturday, as thrill-seekers boarded a chartered car of the shinkansen, ready for an encounter with the undead. Inspired by the popular Korean action-horror movie “Train to Busan,” the event transformed the normally safe and familiar bullet train into a terrifying scene.
The first gory attack came unexpectedly. Actors, planted in seats, suddenly jerked in agony, transforming into terrifying zombies right before the eyes of passengers. The screams and chaos quickly filled the train as the zombies launched into a rampage, leaving passengers to navigate the terrifying encounter.
Kenta Iwana, event organizer of the group Kowagarasetai (which translates to “scare squad”), explained their vision: “We wanted to depict the normally safe, peaceful shinkansen — something we take for granted — collapsing in the blink of an eye.”
Joshua Payne, a 31-year-old American tourist, described the experience as “literally feeling like I was in the film.” He was impressed by the immersive nature of the event, stating, “The fact that we can physically go from Tokyo to Osaka right now and have this whole performance at the same time… I think is really cool and maybe a little bit groundbreaking.”
This isn’t the first time Central Japan Railway Company has experimented with its iconic bullet train. After facing declining long-distance travel during the pandemic, they began renting out compartments for unique events. From sushi restaurants to wrestling matches, the train has seen various ventures, with carriages also available for private parties.
Marie Izumi, from JR Central’s tourism subsidiary, admitted she was initially surprised by the zombie-themed idea when Kowagarasetai approached her. “I thought it would be almost impossible to pull off,” she said. However, the successful event has convinced her of “new possibilities” for the bullet train, suggesting future concerts and comedy shows as potential offerings.
While the event showcased a thrilling dose of horror, it also maintained a lighthearted atmosphere. The journey was punctuated by performances from zombie cheerleaders, magicians, and comedians, including a choreographed dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” This combination of horror and entertainment helped keep the experience engaging for passengers throughout the two-and-a-half-hour journey.
The event, which cost up to 50,000 yen ($335), was a hit with attendees. Many, like Naohiko Nozawa, a 30-year-old passenger, described the experience as “immersive.” The constant appearance of different types of zombies kept passengers entertained throughout the journey.
This unique Halloween event on Japan’s bullet train is a testament to the country’s creativity and its willingness to explore new frontiers in entertainment and tourism. As Japan embraces innovation and seeks to offer unique experiences, the future of bullet train travel promises more exciting possibilities, potentially including concerts, comedy shows, and even more thrilling zombie encounters.
