He may be a bit on the podgy side, but that Pikachu knows how to get around. Especially when it comes to public transport (in fact, maybe that's why he's a bit podgy. He never has to walk anywhere if he's painted on the side of all the trains!)
Pikachu and his Pokémon friends may have been featured on bullet trains, planes, and even underground trains before - but the latest carriage to get plastered with his visage serves a rather more special purpose.
As many will no doubt remember, in 2011, parts of northern Japan were struck by a devastating earthquake and tsunami, bringing buildings - and railway lines - to the ground. As part of an effort to help support those effected by the disaster - and bring some much needed cheer into people's lives - Nintendo and Game Freak partnered to create a scheme called Pokémon with You. Along with selling special merchandise in the country's Pokémon Centres, the scheme also saw the creation of the Pokémon train, a specially themed train designed both to cheer up the local children, and encourage tourism to the regions that need it the most.
Now celebrating its first anniversary running the newly re-opened and re-built line, the Pokémon train is something to behold, both on the outside and in. Far from just a fancy paint job, the entire inside of the train has been Pokémon themed, with Pokémon ready and waiting on the seats, and an entire play area in the one car, complete with giant Snorlax and Wailmer plushes, inflatable Pokéballs, a tunnel with Pokémon hiding inside, and even a themed toilet. Oh, and of course, it features a Magikarp. Check it out below:
For yet more Pokémon train goodness, feel free to check out its official website here, where you can find 360 degree panoramas of the play room and carriage, along with the all important timetables.
So, who's going to write the petition to get the 10:30 Virgin Trains service to London Euston decked out in the same way?
