ABOUTThought and Connections of the Train
THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO is a tourist train
operated by Nishitetsu that offers onboard dining experiences.
Passengers can enjoy course meals prepared using abundant local ingredients from Kyushu’s Chikugo region, cooked in the train’s prideful oven.
As you travel along the changing landscapes, it promises a unique and delightful journey.
CONCEPT
LOCAL to TRAIN The Rails that Have Connected the City Will Lead to an Era that Connects People
Historically, trains have served as essential transportation for communities, supporting people’s daily lives.
Looking ahead, trains will not only transport passengers but also carry the charm of the towns along their routes, connecting people, goods, and experiences.
THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO serves as a space where people gather, connect, and rediscover the town’s allure.
DESIGN
Nishitetsu serves its proud homemade dishes using local ingredients along the railway line. It’s a place that feels a little special, yet as cozy as being invited to someone’s home.
The exterior design evokes the image of a kitchen cloth, expressing both deliciousness and cleanliness.
The train consists of three cars: a kitchen centered around an oven and dining cars, offering 52 seats.
The interior features woven bamboo ceilings made from Yame bamboo, beautiful Jojima tiles with an aged silver appearance, furniture from Okawa, known as the city of furniture, and artwork depicting the Chikugo River－a showcase of regional resources along the route.
Take your time and enjoy the culture and lifestyle of Chikugo.
Take a look at the 360-degree view of the interior.
<Three-dining-car train offers 52 seats>
NAMING&LOGO
Encapsulate the Charm of Chikugo
We named it “THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO” so that it would evoke both
delicious meals and the essence of the region it traverses.
Chikugo, still relatively undiscovered, reveals its hidden and newfound allure through this project.
From strawberries and grapes to local spirits, river panting in Yanagawa,
and the world heritage site in Omuta, etc.
The train logo is packed with things related to Chikugo,
and symbolizes the primitive pleasures of “eating,” “drinking,” and “gathering.”
The logo design invites exploration－what’s packed into it is part of the fun.
We hope everyone can savor the full charm of Chikugo.
CREATIVE TEAM
Specialists Unveiling New Regional Charms
To bring out and convey the fresh allure of Chikugo,
we’ve harnessed the expertise of specialists from various fields.
Their strong dedication, combined with a fusion of local elements, creates unprecedented value.
TOTAL PRODUCE
Transit General Office
Founded by CEO Sadahiro Nakamura in 2001, it operates approximately 90 establishments, including cafes and restaurants in collaboration with apparel brands. They have introduced popular overseas brands to Japan, such as “ICE MONSTER,” the world’s best shaved ice from Taiwan and the ever-popular pastry shop “DOMINIQUE ANSEL BAKERY” from New York. Additionally, they opened the original udon izakaya “Niwakaya Chosuke,” which originated in Hakata, in Nakameguro, Tokyo. As a “Culture Engineering Company,” they produce, operate, and create synergy across shared offices, hotels, railways, and real estate, bringing new cultural experiences and trending spots to Japan. In 2017, they received an award in the restaurant industry category at the “Gastronomy Awards.”
transit-web.comINTERIOR DESIGN
Landscape Products
It was founded in 1997 with Shinichiro Nakahara at the center. Rooted in modern design from the 1940s to 1960s, they started with furniture manufacturing and sales. In 2000, they opened “Playmountain” in Shibuya’s Jingumae district (now operated in Sendagaya, Shibuya). Since incorporating as a company that year, they have expanded their activities to include interior design for homes, offices, and stores, direct retail operations, production and distribution, exhibition and event production, editing and publishing, and branding. In February 2017, they also opened “Playmountain EAST” in San Francisco.
landscape-products.netEXTERIOR & LOGO DESIGN
Naoko Fukuoka
She was born in Hyogo Prefecture in 1976, is a graphic designer. In 2010, she co-founded woolen. She received the JAGDA New Designer Award and Packaging Award in 2008, the Tokyo ADC Award, and the Japan Package Design Award Gold Prize in 2009. Additionally, she was nominated for the Tokyo TDC Award in 2011 and received the TOP AWARDS ASIA APRIL/AUGUST in 2017. In 2014, she started woolen press, where she focuses on graphic design, including branding, packaging, and book design.
woolen2010.tumblr.com
woolenpress.tumblr.com
X :@woolen_infoILLUSTRATION
Makoto Kagoshima
Born in Fukuoka City. Engaged in various activities related to ceramics, design work, and art projects both domestically and internationally. In 2017, held solo exhibitions in various locations: Taipei’s xiaoqi +g, LA’s chariots on fire, Tokyo’s doinel, Morio Shoten, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and Mitsubishi Chisho Artium in Fukuoka. Also participated in collaborative projects in 2017: with John Julian and Donna Wilson in the UK, LAPUAN KANKURIT in Finland, keramic studion in Sweden, Hobonichi in Tokyo, Familia in Kobe, Meets (Yumiko Iihoshi) at Isetan Shinjuku, Romi - Unie Confiture in Kamakura, and Ichizawa Shinzaburo Hampu in Kyoto, etc.
makotokagoshima.netMUSIC
BAGN
BAGN is a planning and direction company. The key theme that runs through all their activities is “BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR.” Under this theme, they focus on local perspectives and engage in editing and directing creative content, contributing to diverse event creation across genres throughout Japan. Since its establishment in 2014 as part of the LandscapeProducts group, BAGN has been organizing the annual GOOD NEIGHBORS JAMBOREE in Kagoshima. Additionally, they are involved in planning and directing festivals, events, markets, public spaces, as well as producing shops, hotels, and communication design for companies and local governments nationwide.
bagn.jp
