This might sound sudden, but let me start by introducing an animated film. Pom Poko is a 1994 Japanese fantasy movie created by Studio Ghibli. The story follows a group of tanuki—Japanese raccoon dogs—living in the Tama area of Tokyo. As their forest home gradually disappears under development, the tanuki use their shape-shifting powers to resist the changes. In Japanese folklore, tanuki are known to transform into humans and play tricks, so the film blends fantasy, humor, and a surprisingly touching message.
Now, fast-forward 30 years. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has decided to shine a new spotlight on Pom Poko by promoting the Tama area through the Tama Monorail Line. And yes—that means a wrapped train. Please take a look at the photo above. This is the Pom Poko wrapped train, decorated with many of the film’s lovable characters. I spotted it from the riverbed of the Asakawa River, which felt like the perfect place to photograph a train connected to a story about nature and tanuki.
For those interested in the technical side (I know some of you are!), the wrapped train is Set 1102 (1102F) of the 1000 series EMU—the only train type running on the Tama Monorail Line. These sets are 1,500 V DC with aluminum alloy bodies, and all four cars are motorcars. Their traction system uses an IGBT–VVVF inverter paired with induction motors. Set 1102 used to wear an all-white livery, but from October 17 to December 21 last year, it transformed—quite literally—into the Pom Poko wrapped train.
So yes… 1102F has shape-shifting powers of its own!
