Gunma Mascot Gunma-chan Debuts as Conductor on JR East Special Trains
Gunma Prefecture mascot Gunma-chan made its debut as a train conductor on a JR East event service on the 15th. A departure ceremony at Takasaki Station in Gunma Prefecture drew more than 60 supporters, who also met fellow mascots Aoma and Mimi. Having trained for over a month, Gunma-chan boarded a Joetsu Line train to Minakami in uniform. The special trains operate on the Joetsu Line on the 15th-16th and the Shin'etsu Line on the 29th-30th.
Gunma Prefecture mascot Gunma-chan served as a train conductor for the first time on a JR East event train on the 15th. A commemorative departure ceremony was held that day at Takasaki Station in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture. In addition to Gunma-chan, its companions Aoma and Mimi also appeared. More than 60 supporters carrying merchandise turned out to cheer and take photographs.
Dressed in uniform, Gunma-chan boarded a Joetsu Line train bound for Minakami in Minakami-machi, Gunma Prefecture, which bore a special head marker. According to JR East, Gunma-chan began studying conductor duties, including signal checks, more than a month before the event.
During the event period, the special trains will operate on the Joetsu Line between Takasaki and Minakami on the 15th and 16th, and on the Shin'etsu Line between Takasaki and Yokogawa in Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture, on the 29th and 30th. Passengers can interact with Gunma-chan at stations and other locations while the trains are in service.