JR West to host final Doctor Yellow and 500 Series Shinkansen event

JR West is hosting a ‘Shinkansen Fureai Day’ event on October 11, 2026, at the Hakata General Rolling Stock Depot in Fukuoka. To support recovery efforts following the Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake, the company is inviting up to 100 children aged elementary school or younger living in Kumamoto Prefecture, along with their guardians, to participate via a lottery.

The event marks the final opportunity for fans to interact with the iconic Doctor Yellow and the 500 Series Shinkansen. Activities include commemorative photography with the Doctor Yellow, viewing the 500 Series driver's cab, demonstrations of vehicle jacking, mini-shinkansen rides, and drawing experiences on the 500 Series exterior. JR West will provide round-trip tickets for eligible participants traveling from Kumamoto or Shin-Yatsushiro stations to Hakata-Minami station.