#Japan #Niigata #Momotaro Dentetsu #Train Stamp #TOKI Train

New Characters in the Momotaro Dentetsu Train Stamp Project

The second collaboration between the renowned board game "Momotaro Dentetsu" and the train stamp initiative, known as "Momotaro Stamp," is set to launch on June 13, 2026. This initiative is a joint effort led by the Regional Rail Council, Yomiuri Travel Co., Yomiuri Travel Publishing Co., and Nippon Travel Agency, aimed at promoting local railways and revitalizing areas along their routes.

This collaboration, initiated by Akira Sakuma, the original creator of "Momotaro Dentetsu," aims to support regional railways and has resulted in this unique undertaking. The first edition of the project ran from April 2023 to March 2025, following the release of "Momotaro Dentetsu 2 - Your Town Will Definitely Be There" by Konami Digital Entertainment in November 2025, which spurred the creation of new characters for the second installment of the initiative.

The "Momotaro Stamp" features designs that showcase beloved characters from the game, such as Momotaro and the impoverished spirit, alongside historical heroes and local specialty monsters. Participants can collect these stamps from the 41 railway companies affiliated with the Regional Rail Council, enabling them to experience a "real-life Momotaro" adventure while traveling across Japan.

In addition to the stamps being sold, a special edition of the train stamp book, the "Momotaro Stamp Book," will also be re-released.

To celebrate this collaboration, the Echigo Tokimeki Railway will operate a limited-time TOKI Train featuring head markers and destination signs inspired by "Momotaro Dentetsu." Inside the train, riders will find decorations showcasing all 41 stamps on hanging posters and can receive a commemorative passenger certification to remember their journey. This exciting experience combines beautiful landscapes of mountains and sea visible from the train windows, providing a deep dive into the world of "Momotaro."

Here are the sales details for the stamps:

• - Sales Launch: June 13, 2026, at designated railway company ticket windows affiliated with the Regional Rail Council.
• - Momotaro Stamps: 46 designs available for 300 yen each (tax included).
• - Momotaro Stamp Book: One type available for 2,200 yen (tax included).
• - Note: Buyers need to present a train ticket from the day for purchases, and availability may vary by company.

TOKI Train Operation Schedule

The TOKI Train will run from June 13 to June 28 on Saturdays and holidays, and again from July 11 to July 26 on similar days. The schedule is as follows:

• - Departure from Naoetsu Station (8:42 AM) - Arrival at Myoko Kogen Station (9:33 AM)
• - Departure from Myoko Kogen Station (9:39 AM) - Arrival at Naoetsu Station (10:29 AM)
• - Departure from Naoetsu Station (11:31 AM) - Arrival at Ichiburi Station (12:52 PM)
• - Departure from Ichiburi Station (1:14 PM) - Arrival at Naoetsu Station (2:31 PM)
• - Departure from Naoetsu Station (3:03 PM) - Arrival at Ichiburi Station (4:15 PM)
• - Departure from Ichiburi Station (4:26 PM) - Arrival at Naoetsu Station (5:23 PM)

All trains have a three-car setup and are fully open seating. Only regular tickets and commuter passes are valid for boarding. The commemorative passenger certifications will be distributed exclusively on the first four runs of the Holiday Liner.

About the Train Stamp Project

The Train Stamp Book, established by the Regional Rail Council in July 2020, serves as a railway-themed version of a traditional goshuincho (a stamp book used in Japan for collecting temple seals). As of February 2026, over 78,000 train stamp books have been issued, with approximately 890,000 stamps sold. The initiative has been recognized with the Special Award at the 20th Japan Railway Awards and the Excellence Award at the 2022 Naming Awards, reflecting its success in stimulating local railways and communities.

Overview of Momotaro Dentetsu

Since the launch of the first iteration in 1988 for the Family Computer, "Momotaro Dentetsu" has been a beloved board game enjoyed by generations. Players take on the role of railway company presidents, traveling through various regions to acquire properties and strive for the highest net worth. The game gained renewed popularity with the 2020 release of "Momotaro Dentetsu - Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa are Classics!" for Nintendo Switch™, with sales exceeding 4 million copies. In November 2023, "Momotaro Dentetsu World - The Earth Turns with Hope!" was released for Nintendo Switch, surpassing 1.5 million copies sold.

Further educational value has been added with the introduction of the digital learning tool, "Momotaro Dentetsu Educational Version Lite - Discover Japan!" made available free to educational institutions starting in 2023.