From Terrifying Demons to Mecha Pilots: Japan Votes for Top Railway Characters

In celebration of Japan’s official “Railway Day,” anime news outlet Anime! Anime! surveyed Japanese fans to determine the most iconic train-themed characters in anime history. Trains play a massive role in Japanese pop culture, serving as battlegrounds, vehicles for cozy journeys, and even transforming super-robots!

Top Characters Taking the Tracks

Here is a breakdown of the fan favorites that captured the top spots in the poll:

• 1st Place: Thomas (Thomas & Friends) — Taking 12% of the total vote, the world-famous blue engine took the crown. Fans cited nostalgia for both the classic model animation and modern incarnations as their primary reason for voting.
• 2nd Place (Tied): Enmu (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba) — Tying for second place with 10% of the vote, Lower Rank One demon Enmu left a terrifying impression on fans in the Mugen Train Arc by hijacking a train, putting passengers to sleep, and ultimately fusing with the locomotive itself.
• 2nd Place (Tied): Hayato Hayasugi (Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion) — Tied with Enmu is Hayato, the primary protagonist of Shinkalion. His overwhelming passion for Japanese bullet trains and his heroic feats piloting the Shinkalion E5 Hayabusa won the hearts of many train enthusiasts.
• 4th Place (Tied): Kamen Rider Den-O (Kamen Rider Den-O)
• 4th Place (Tied): Maito Senpuuji (The Brave Express Might Gaine) — The charismatic high school tycoon who leads a team of transforming bullet train mecha.

Classic Sci-Fi and Cozy Fan Favorites

The poll also featured a diverse range of characters across various eras and genres, including:

• Tetsuro Hoshino & The Conductor (Galaxy Express 999) — A nostalgic classic for sci-fi anime fans who grew up with cosmic railway adventures.
• Nadeshiko Kagamihara (Laid-Back Camp) — Loved for her newfound appreciation of scenic retro trains while traveling to camping spots.
• Ingo / Nobori (Pokémon Black & White) — The popular Subway Boss from the Unova region.
• Dvorak (ClassicaLoid) — The train-obsessed hippopotamus composer who summons conductor-themed abilities.

Whether they command transforming robot trains or fuse with steam engines to nightmare-inducing effect, railway-themed characters continue to hold a special place in the hearts of anime fans worldwide. Who is your personal favorite train character?

Source: Yahoo News Japan