Sankei Digital Inc. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Tatsushi Doi) will host the brand new railway event “Super Railway Festival” (https://tetsudosai.ignjp-special-page.jp/) for the first time over three days from Friday, November 28 to Sunday, November 30, at Grand Mall in AEON Mall Makuhari Shintoshin, Chiba. The event will offer a variety of programs such as the E5 Series Shinkansen simulator experience and stage shows by train-loving comedians, as well as railway-themed games and sales of railway goods. Not only railway enthusiasts, but people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy these fun railway contents.
Our parent company, The Sankei Shimbun, has hosted the comprehensive cross-sectional “Railway Technology Exhibition” since 2010, focusing on the latest technologies in the railway sector. While this exhibition mainly targets industry professionals as a business-matching venue, Sankei Digital believes that providing railway content to the general public will also support the development of the railway industry, which led to the launch of the “Super Railway Festival.”
With the cooperation of “AEON Mall Makuhari Shintoshin,” one of the largest AEON Malls in Chiba, we will offer programs at the following four venues where visitors can experience the charm of railways.
[Grand Court] — Stage Events by Comedians, Quiz Contests, and Shinkansen Simulator Experience
At the “Grand Court,” an open event space in the center of the first floor of the Grand Mall, there will be stage events by guests and train-loving comedians, railway quiz contests, and mascot stage appearances by railway companies. For the first time ever in a commercial facility, you can try out a full-fledged Shinkansen driving simulator—a chance to experience your dream railway job in the driver’s seat.
[E5 Series Shinkansen Simulator Experience]
Thanks to the cooperation of Ongakukan Inc., a full-fledged Shinkansen driving simulator will make its debut at a commercial facility. The driver’s cab, using some real equipment, faithfully reproduces signaling protection devices including DS-ATC and a range of Shinkansen systems. With 4K video footage, you can experience traveling at 320 km/h.
Numbered tickets will be distributed in the morning and afternoon. For details, please check the special event site.
[Stage Guests]
11/29 (Sat.) Fruits Punch
Performance times: 13:00 / 15:00
11/30 (Sun.) Trendy Angel
Performance times: 13:00 / 15:00
*Performance times are subject to change.
[Stage MC]
MC for both 11/29 & 11/30: Hiroyuki Mc-II
[Train-loving Comedians]
Appearing only on November 30
Kippei Zaha / Sonoko / Tonjiru Muryou / Hane / Frontier Maiko (in alphabetical order)
[Appearance by Railway Mascots]
11/28–30: All days
Hokuhoku Express: Hokkunn
Chiba Urban Monorail: Mono-chan
Ainokaze Toyama Railway: Ainonosuke
Mascots from the various railway companies—Hokkunn, Mono-chan, and Ainonosuke—will appear on stage. They will introduce and promote their companies, as well as participate in commemorative photo sessions and meet-and-greet events.
In addition, the Grand Court stage will feature the “Super Railway Quiz Contest.” Members of the audience can participate in quizzes about different regional railways, and those who answer correctly will receive prizes from the companies presenting the quizzes.
[Grand Square] — Wilson BIG Train from “Chuggington” Makes an Appearance
In the semi-outdoor area adjacent to the “Grand Court,” the popular railway CGI animation “Chuggington” brings the “Wilson BIG Train” to the event!
Additionally, there are exclusive corners at the “Super Railway Festival” venue, including places where you can make Chuggington stamps with OSMO and take commemorative photos while wearing real railway uniforms provided by the railway companies.
[Hobby Court] — Find Your Favorites at the Game Experience Corner and Railway Goods Shop
Located on the west side of the first floor of the Grand Mall, the “Hobby Court” is a hobby and culture zone with large bookstores and music shops. Here, you’ll find a demo area for the train driving game “Railroad Nippon! RealPro Long Distance Driving! Limited Express Hinotori Kintetsu Edition” (Sonic Powered) as well as free trial sessions for other railway-related games. Additionally, there is a sales corner offering railway parts, supplies, train tickets, uniforms, and more railway goods.
[Other Playable Game Titles]
“Exit 8” / “Platform 8” (PLAYISM), “A-Train: Let’s Begin the Tourism Plan” (Artdink)
[Toyosuna Park] — Popular Attractions, Station Bento Sales, and Food Trucks Gathered
At “Toyosuna Park,” which is adjacent to the AEON Mall Makuhari Shintoshin site, there will be popular attractions for children, including mini Shinkansen train rides.
There will also be popular station bento, usually sold at Tokyo Station, and famous regional foods served from food trucks. You can enjoy specialty dishes from all over Japan, from north to south, feeling as if you are on a journey.
[Attraction Lineup] (Paid)
1. Mini Shinkansen (Red/Komachi, Yellow/Doctor Yellow, Green/Hayabusa, Blue/500 Series) — 4 double-track trains, 8 passengers each (400 yen per ride)
2. Parent-Child Driving Otogi Series (SL/Shinkansen/Anpanman) (500 yen per ride)
3. Ride a Tsukiji Turret Truck (500 yen per ride)
[Event Overview]
Event Name: Super Railway Festival (https://tetsudosai.ignjp-special-page.jp/)
Dates: November 28–30
Time: 10:00–18:00
Venue: AEON Mall Makuhari Shintoshin (https://makuharishintoshin-aeonmall.com/)
Admission: Free *Food, merchandise, and attractions require separate fees
Organizer: Sankei Digital Inc.
Cooperation: AEON Mall Makuhari Shintoshin