On April 21st, 2025, JR East celebrated the 100th anniversary of their Itsukaichi line. In commemoration, the company held several events.
Let's take a quick look at the Itsukaichi line to start. It’s a commuter line in the western part of Tokyo Metropolis. The route was originally opened by ex-Itsukaichi Railway Company in 1925. Connecting Haijima on the Ome line and Musashi-Itsukaichi terminal, its route length is 11.1 kilometers. Trains are operated every 20 to 30 minutes. They are the EMU E233 series consisting of 6 (or 4) cars. Many trains are directly operated onto the Ome line to Tachikawa terminal. My favorite spot on the Itsukaichi line is Ryushuin temple in the cherry blossom's season. It’s close to Itsukaichi terminal, and a place like a dream. Please check out my previous post on the Itsukaichi line as well, if you have time.
One of the 100th anniversary events is a special memorial plate on the front of trainset Ao660 of the EMU E233 series (see the top photo). In addition, I found several anniversary stickers on the side bodies. They are official mascots of cities along the Itsukaichi line. For example, Akishima city provides a “Chikappa” (see the photo below). Chikappa is a compound word made of “Chikasui (underground water) and “Kappa (a mythical river imp)”. Akishima city is famous for its safe and tasty water. Chikappa has a plate on its head, green skin, and webbed hands and feet. If it really existed, do you feel it cute or scary?
