Tokyo: A two-and-a-half-hour bullet train journey in Japan, typically calm and efficient, recently turned into a chaotic zombie apocalypse. Passengers screamed in terror as the shinkansen (bullet train) ride on October 19, just two weeks before Halloween, became the “world’s first haunted house experience on a running shinkansen”.
Around 40 thrill-seekers boarded the specially chartered train for the eerie event between Tokyo and Osaka. The idea for the experience was inspired by the 2016 South Korean action-horror film Train to Busan, where passengers fight off zombies on a moving train.
Zombies invade bullet train in Japan
At first, everything seemed normal as the bullet train departed. But soon, the horror began. Actors planted among the passengers pretended to be attacked and transformed into zombies, sparking a terrifying rampage inside the train.
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Event organiser Kenta Iwana, from the group Kowagarasetai (meaning “scare squad”), explained the goal was to turn the usually safe and peaceful shinkansen into a nightmarish scenario in an instant.
One of the passengers, 31-year-old American Joshua Payne, said it felt like being in a movie, watching the horror unfold before his eyes. He was impressed by the fact that they could travel from Tokyo to Osaka while also enjoying this immersive performance.
Many participants felt the zombie-filled train ride was worth the ticket price of up to 50,000 yen (Rs 28,000).
Naohiko Nozawa, 30, said the variety of zombies kept him entertained throughout the ride.
This isn’t the first time Central Japan Railway Company has hosted unusual events on their bullet trains. After the Covid-19 pandemic reduced demand for long-distance travel, the company began renting out train compartments for special events. Past events have included a sushi restaurant, a bar and even a wrestling match. Carriages have also been reserved for private parties.
Marie Izumi from JR Central’s tourism subsidiary was initially surprised by the idea of a zombie-themed train ride. When Kowagarasetai approached her, she thought it would be almost impossible to execute. However, the success of the event has shown her new possibilities for future train experiences, including concerts and comedy shows, SCMP reported.
The zombie-themed journey balanced horror with lighter moments. Toy chainsaws and guns were used as props, but extreme violence was avoided. The trip also included fun performances by zombie cheerleaders, magicians and comedians. Passengers were even treated to a choreographed dance to Michael Jackson’s Thriller.
Ayaka Imaide from Kowagarasetai explained that the balance was necessary. “Nobody wants to sit for such a long time being constantly exposed to horror,” she said.
