The "Aso Boy!" limited express train is celebrating its 15th anniversary of service in June 2026. To mark the occasion, a series of special events and offerings have been announced, including a departure ceremony, a 15th anniversary commemorative stamp design, limited on-board merchandise, and discount coupons in conjunction with the Kumamoto Destination Campaign.
1. 15th Anniversary Departure Ceremony
A departure ceremony will be held at Kumamoto Station to celebrate the milestone, with local residents also welcoming and seeing off the train at stations along the route.
Date: June 13, 2026 (Saturday), from approximately 9:35 AM
Train: "Aso Boy!" No. 1, departing Kumamoto Station at 9:57 AM
Venue: Platform 3, Kumamoto Station
Attendees:
- Kumamon, Kumamoto Prefecture's Sales and Happiness Manager
- Kumamoto Castle Omotenashi Samurai Corps
- Children from Yashiro Shirayuri Gakuen Kindergarten
- Kumamoto Station Master
Program:
- Opening remarks by the Station Master
- Guest introductions
- Appointment of Day Station Master
- Departure signal
After departing from Shin-Suizenji, passengers will receive a special "happy present" from local residents along the route. At Aso Station, honorary station master "Kuro-chan" will be on hand to welcome arriving passengers.
2. 15th Anniversary Commemorative Stamp
The on-board commemorative stamp has been updated to a special 15th anniversary design. Passengers can press the stamp onto their commemorative boarding certificate and take it home as a keepsake.
Period: From Saturday, June 6, 2026, for approximately one year
Location: On board the "Aso Boy!" express train
3. Limited On-Board Merchandise
New 3D stickers (¥650, tax included) are planned for sale on board the "Aso Boy!" from early August, in addition to existing items. Details will be announced on the JR Kyushu cabin crew's official Instagram account (jrkyushu_cabincrew_official).
To coincide with the anniversary, commemorative goods are also being released on the JR Kyushu official EC site "Ekicho Osusume no JQ MALL." Items include shaka-shaka acrylic keychains, front hair clips, and clear files featuring "Kuro-chan" and "Aso Boy!" motifs.
Examples of planned merchandise:
- Aso Boy! 15th Anniversary KURO-chan Shaka-Shaka Acrylic Keychain
- Aso Boy! 15th Anniversary KURO-chan Charm
- Aso Boy! 15th Anniversary KURO-chan Front Hair Clip Set (2 pieces)
- Aso Boy! 15th Anniversary Clear File
Product names, designs, specifications, release timing, and availability are subject to change without notice.
4. Kumamoto DC ¥500 Discount Coupon
In partnership with the Kyushu Tourism Organization, a ¥500 discount coupon is available for use on board selected "Aso Boy!" trains as part of the Kumamoto Destination Campaign.
Eligible Trains: Aso Boy! No. 2 and No. 3
Conditions: Available to passengers who make an on-board purchase of ¥500 or more
Period: July 1, 2026 (Wednesday) to September 30, 2026 (Wednesday)
To use the coupon, download the Kyushu tourism mobile app "Kyu-chan no Wakuwaku Kyushu Juku" and complete the required registration in advance. The offer may end without notice once the set number of coupons has been claimed, even within the campaign period.
