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Yurikamome Gets Mascot Date: 11/2/2005 |
| If you've ever been out to Tokyo Big Sight and the artifical island of Daiba for events such as the Tokyo Anime Fair or Comike chances are you took the Yurikamome Line train to get there. Originating from Shimbashi station, Yurikamome offers one of the most breathtaking visual experiences to be had in Tokyo as it winds it's way through Minato-ku, across the famed Rainbow Bridge and finally winding up at Ariake station. The train itself was Tokyo's first fully automated transit system, controlled entirely by computers with no drivers on board. It doesn't rely on traditional rails but rides an elevated concrete track on two rows of rubber wheels. Now Tokyo Waterfront New Transit Yurikamome has appointed a new mascot to represent their transit system. Yurimo is a black-headed seagull (yurikamome in Japanese) which commonly resides in Tokyo Bay and is the official prefectural bird. The mascot was announced at a ceremony at the Yurikamome Shinbashi station (Minato Ward) on the 30th. There was a naming contest for the character which started in August and the winner of a 50,000 Yen prize and railway / hotel vouchers was 14 year old Isamu Fukuhara of Adachi Ward. According to the company, there were 9,361 entries submitted and 120 of those suggested the name Yurimo. Although the line currently reaches Daiba via a single route, a new portion of track is being constructed now that will connect Ariake station back to the mainland via to Toyosu (Koto Ward) on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line. Construction will wrap in March, 2006. |
| Source: Anime News Service |
