Nankai Railway introduced a new addition to their fleet of “Medetai” sightseeing trains which run along the Kada Line in Wakayama Prefecture. There are currently three Medetai trains which are colored pink, blue, and red, and filled with playful decorations. The new train is called “Medetai Train Kashira” and is colored black.
The new Medetai Train Kashira
The Kada Line runs from the city of Wakayama to the seaside town of Kada which is famous for its fish, and so this line has the nickname “Kada Fish Line”. In particular, Kada is known for its high-quality bream, so all the Medetai trains are decorated with images of bream. This is also why the trains are called “Medetai” which means “celebration” because bream is eaten for special celebrations in Japan.
The sea bream Medetai logo can be seen on the front of the train
You will notice that the exteriors of these trains are also decorated with a fish scale pattern. Along with the eyes that are painted at the front of the train, this fish scale pattern makes each train look like a big fish.
The exterior of the Medetai Train Kashira
However, each of the Medetai trains have their own individual themes and points of interest. Medetai Train Sachi is colored bright pink as a tribute to local bream’s naturally pink color.
Medetai Train Sachi
Medetai Train Kai has an undersea theme and so it is colored blue.
Medetai Train Kai
Medetai Train Nana is colored red and decorated with images of good fortune.
Medetai Train Nana
The new Medetai Train Kashira has a more adventurous theme. The interior is meant to resemble a pirate ship and it is decorated with a variety of images related to treasure, fish, and music.
The interior of Medetai Train Kashira
These decorative features include images of bream being shot from a cannon, treasure hunt images on the seats, and hanging hand straps that are shaped like fish, keys, or musical notes.
A cannon design on the train doors
Treasure hunt patterns on the seats
Hand straps on the train
There’s no doubt that this fun new addition to the Medetai Train fleet will make a rail trip to Kada an especially memorable occasion. The Medetai Train Kashira started regular services between Wakayamashi Station and Kada Station on September 18th.
Article by Michael Lambe. Images courtesy of Nankai Railway. All rights reserved.
