Taiwan Railways unveils new mascots "Tetsuro & Hanna-chan" with adorable merchandise

▲Taiwan Railways' new mascots "Tetsuro & Hanna-chan" (Photo / Screenshot from the fun Taiwan Railways fan page, the same below)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

To celebrate its 128th anniversary, the Taiwan Railways Administration held various birthday events and simultaneously unveiled its new mascots "Tetsuro & Hanna-chan" on June 6 at 11 AM on the east side of Taipei Main Station. In addition to a specially made giant birthday cake, the event featured the original designer of the mascots, Mr. Kohei Mineyuki—a self-taught artist from Hokkaido, Japan—who was invited to Taiwan for the celebration. Related merchandise was also available for purchase at the venue.

▲Taiwan Railways' new mascots "Tetsuro & Hanna-chan"

The Taiwan Railways mascots were designed by Kohei Mineyuki, a railway enthusiast and self-taught artist from Hokkaido, Japan. This is his first time designing mascots. He specifically chose the Formosan black bear, not only because it is highly representative—just like the koala represents Australia—but also because it resembles his own personality.

The simple-lined, cute "Tetsuro" (a play on the words for railway and marinated egg) is a hospitality bear; "Hanna-chan" gets her name from the white flower on her head. Taiwan Railways stated that currently launched merchandise includes double-layer L-shaped clips, magnetic clips, and ticket holders, with the next wave expected to feature plush dolls of Tetsuro and Hanna-chan. Additionally, plush dolls are currently displayed at the Taiwan Railways Dream Factory in Taipei Station for visitors to take photos with.

▲Merchandise of Tetsuro and Hanna-chan.