Thomas and Percy Reunite After Two and a Half Years

Apr 27, 2025 | News On Japan

SHIZUOKA, Apr 27, 2025 (News On Japan) - Thomas the Tank Engine and his longtime friend Percy have reunited after about two and a half years apart on the Oigawa Railway in Shizuoka Prefecture, with operations set to begin on April 26th.

On April 24th, a special preview event was held at Shin-Kanaya Station in Shimada City, where local kindergarten children enjoyed an early encounter with the two popular characters. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was also held to mark the occasion. This year is a particularly special one for the Oigawa Railway, celebrating its 100th anniversary, while 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the original publication of "Thomas the Tank Engine."

The Oigawa Railway's main line has faced disruptions since Typhoon No. 15 struck in September 2022, causing ongoing service suspensions between Kawane Onsen-Sasamado Station and Senzu Station. Percy, which had been stationed at Senzu during the typhoon, became separated from Thomas and remained stranded until now. In response to the absence of Percy, Oigawa Railway President Ryo Toritsuka said that children often voiced their disappointment. Recognizing the ample space at Ieyama Station, the railway decided to relocate Percy there and stage a heartwarming reunion with Thomas to lift spirits.

During the preview event, children boarded Thomas at Shin-Kanaya Station and traveled approximately 30 minutes to Ieyama Station, where Percy was waiting. The reunion scene was filled with excitement, with children calling out to Percy and expressing their happiness. One child described seeing Thomas and Percy together as being "like they got married," while another shared a love for Percy because of his green color.

As part of the 2025 program, Thomas will now stop at both Ieyama Station and Kawane Onsen-Sasamado Station, allowing passengers to explore more of the scenic Oigawa region. The railway hopes that visitors will enjoy not only the beloved characters but also the surrounding attractions along the line. The special event, where visitors can meet Thomas, Percy, and many other friends, is scheduled to run from April 26th to December 25th.

Looking ahead, Toritsuka expressed optimism, saying that it feels as if they can now see the light ahead and move forward with positivity. He emphasized the railway’s commitment to continuing operations with the smiles of children in mind. Oigawa Railway aims to attract 100,000 visitors during this event, an increase of about 30,000 from the previous year.

Source: SBSnews6

Typhoon No. 18 Threatens Okinawa as Storm Intensifies

Typhoon No. 18, known as Soudelor, is forecast to intensify into a very strong storm over the weekend before approaching Okinawa early next week, bringing the risk of violent winds and extremely rough seas. As of 5 a.m. on August 22, the typhoon was near the Mariana Islands, where satellite images showed a well-developed circular mass of clouds surrounding the storm.

Death Row Inmate Executed for Deadly Pachinko Parlor Fire

Japan executed 58-year-old death row inmate Sunao Takami on August 21 for setting fire to a pachinko parlor in Osaka in 2009, killing five people and injuring 10 others, in the first execution carried out under the Takaichi administration.

Japan to Abolish Cool Japan Fund

Japan's government is moving toward abolishing the Cool Japan Fund, a public-private investment vehicle created to support the overseas expansion of Japanese anime, food culture and other industries, after its cumulative losses reached 54 billion yen.

Four Workers Killed After Being Struck by Spacia X Train in Tochigi

Four workers were killed after being struck by the limited express train Spacia X while carrying out vegetation-clearing work at Shin-Kanuma Station on the Tobu Nikko Line in Kanuma, Tochigi Prefecture, on August 20, prompting an investigation by the Japan Transport Safety Board.

Shikoku Shinkansen Plan Revived After 53 Years

Plans to bring Shinkansen service to Shikoku have taken a significant step forward for the first time in 53 years, with the transport ministry beginning preliminary studies that could eventually cut travel times from Osaka to major cities including Tokushima, Takamatsu and Matsuyama to around 90 minutes.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Mount Fuji Climbing Fee of 4,000 Yen Helps Eliminate Bullet Climbs

The measures were introduced in response to concerns over reckless climbing, including attempts to reach the summit without staying overnight at a mountain hut or taking sufficient rest. Under the current system, climbers who do not have reservations are restricted from beginning their ascent after 2 p.m., helping discourage people from climbing through the night without adequate preparation.

Why Has Inokashira Park Pond Turned Matcha Green?

A pond at Inokashira Park, a popular destination in Tokyo's Kichijoji area, has turned a striking matcha-like green, a phenomenon that has become particularly noticeable in 2026 and is believed to be caused by an accumulation of phytoplankton.

Arrivals to Japan from China Plunge 56% in July

Japan welcomed a record 3.44 million foreign visitors in July, the highest figure ever recorded for the month, even as the number of travelers from China fell sharply from a year earlier.

Shikoku Shinkansen Plan Revived After 53 Years

Tokyo Metro Unveils New Headquarters

Tokyo Metro has unveiled its new headquarters ahead of a full relocation at the end of August, featuring an open office design filled with route symbols, station names and other elements inspired by the subway network.

Free-Spirited Dolphin Yuki Goes Viral

A playful young dolphin named Yuki at Kagoshima City Aquarium has become a social media sensation after videos showed her freely sliding along the poolside, spinning around and plunging back into the water while other dolphins followed their usual routines.

ANA Faces Backlash Over New Domestic Fare System

All Nippon Airways has come under criticism over a new three-tier domestic fare system introduced from May 19, with complaints over seat assignments and reports that some passengers booked on the cheapest fares were unable to board their scheduled flights, prompting ANA to consider changes as it seeks to improve the profitability of a domestic network where about 60% of routes are in the red.

Nagoya Castle Elevator Dispute Continues

Nagoya City has begun individual consultations with disability advocacy groups over accessibility plans for the proposed wooden reconstruction of Nagoya Castle's main tower, as the two sides remain divided over how people with disabilities should be able to move between floors.

< 2 3 4 5 >