Japan’s famously efficient bullet train took an eerie turn on October 19, as passengers boarded for what became a nightmarish ride. Billed as the “world’s first haunted house experience on a running Shinkansen,” this special event transformed a serene two-and-a-half-hour journey between Tokyo and Osaka into a thrilling encounter with the undead. Just in time for Halloween, around 40 daring passengers took part in this spine-chilling experience.
The idea was inspired by the 2016 South Korean horror film Train to Busan, in which passengers aboard a moving train fight for survival against zombies. Similarly, during this haunted train ride, passengers were treated to a night of horror, starting with an ordinary departure from Tokyo. However, things quickly spiraled into chaos when actors, planted among the passengers, suddenly transformed into zombies, sparking a series of terrifying encounters.
The event was orchestrated by Kenta Iwana, head of the group Kowagarasetai (translated as the “scare squad”). His vision was to take something as reliable and safe as the Shinkansen and completely subvert it, transforming it into a scene of panic. “The aim was to show how the normally peaceful bullet train could collapse into chaos in the blink of an eye,” Iwana explained.
Joshua Payne, an American tourist aboard the train, described the event as “immersive,” saying, “I felt like I was in the movie, watching everything unfold in front of me.” Others echoed similar sentiments, praising the creativity and energy of the performance. Many felt the 50,000 yen (approximately US$335) ticket was well worth the experience.
Passengers were treated to more than just terrifying zombie attacks. Lighthearted performances, including zombie cheerleaders, magicians, and a choreographed dance to Michael Jackson’s Thriller, helped to balance the horror with entertainment. The event even featured toy chainsaws and prop guns, though extreme violence and gore were avoided to preserve the Shinkansen’s spotless reputation.
Naohiko Nozawa, another participant, commented on the diverse array of zombies that appeared throughout the journey, keeping the experience engaging from start to finish.
This haunted Shinkansen ride isn’t the first time Central Japan Railway Company has experimented with unconventional uses for the bullet train. In response to a drop in travel demand during the pandemic, the company has hosted sushi restaurants, bars, and even wrestling matches on its high-speed trains. The success of the zombie-themed ride has inspired the company to consider more creative uses for the Shinkansen, such as concerts and comedy shows in the future.
As a one-of-a-kind Halloween event, the haunted Shinkansen demonstrated the versatility of Japan’s bullet trains, offering thrill-seekers an unforgettable, immersive experience.
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