Junko Kosino Designs New Attendant Uniforms for GRAN Tenku Train

The GRAN Tenku train, operated by Nankai Electric Railway, is set to launch on April 24, 2026. For this exciting new service, the company has commissioned the globally acclaimed fashion designer Junko Kosino to craft the attendant staff uniforms. The design sketches have been unveiled, showcasing a commitment to elegance and comfort in the travel experience.

Traditionally, attendants on the "Tenku" service have worn uniforms similar to those of other express train staff. However, for the GRAN Tenku, Nankai Electric Railway aims to provide a more tranquil journey with a unique uniform that harmonizes with the serene ambiance of the train. Junko Kosino, who previously designed the uniforms for various departments at Nankai Electric Railway, will ensure that this new attire reflects the dignified essence that GRAN Tenku embodies, all while resonating with the natural beauty of the area leading to Mount Koya.

Design Features

The new uniform design will be gender-neutral and will readily adapt to the ever-changing beauty of the Mount Koya landscape throughout the seasons. Moreover, it aims to balance functionality and comfort, accommodating long hours of service for the attendants. Both long-sleeved shirts and vests are showcased in the design sketches, exuding a sophisticated style tailored for hospitality.

Kosino's Vision

Junko Kosino shared her thoughts on the new design: "Designing the uniform for GRAN Tenku has been a wonderful experience. Uniforms are essential components of hospitality, and this design strives to evoke the elegance of a stay in a high-class hotel. I hope passengers enjoy every moment spent in this unique environment."

About Junko Kosino

Since her debut at the Paris Fashion Week in 1978, Junko Kosino has become a celebrated name in fashion, showcasing her collections for over two decades. Her work extends globally, with fashion shows held in locations such as Beijing, New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, Vietnam, Cuba, Poland, Myanmar, and beyond. Besides high fashion, Kosino has designed costumes for operas like "The Magic Flute" and "Madama Butterfly," Broadway musicals like "Pacific Overtures" (Tony Award nominee), and sports uniforms, as well as interior designs.

Over the years, she has received numerous accolades for her contributions to the arts, including the title of Cultural Merit in 2017 and the Chevalier of the Legion of Honor from the French government in 2021. Her autumn 2022 honors included the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, and she is set to receive the Cultural Medal in 2025.

Kosino's achievements in uniform design include prestigious projects such as:

- Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel (2014)
- Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay (2019)
- Long Life Holdings (2022)
- Fuji Dream Airlines cabin crew (2024)
- Nankai Electric Railway (2025)
- Hotel Rihga Royal Osaka (2025)

As we await the detailed designs to be revealed later, the anticipation grows for the new travel experience GRAN Tenku promises to deliver, complemented by Junko Kosino's exquisite uniform designs.

Note: The start date for the GRAN Tenku service is subject to change.