Travel through Okayama with Wilson – When Chuggington comes to life

Who would have thought that the colourful trains from the children's series Chuggington – Tales from the Rails! would actually roll through the streets one day? In Okayama, Japan, this has indeed become reality. Okayama is home to a special tram which not only gets children's hearts racing. By Sigrid Riewe-Scholz

The Chuggington series, produced since 2008 by Ludorum and the BBC, tells the adventures of the young locomotives called Wilson, Bastian and Koko in the city of the same name i.e. Chuggington. It teaches values like team spirit, responsibility and curiosity in a playful way – perfect for young viewers between the ages of three and five.

This charm has been brought into the real world In Okayama: for some time now, Okayama Electric Tramway Co. (Okaden) has been operating two carefully designed trams which look as if they have just sprung from the series. One train bears Wilson‘s cheerful red livery, the other Brewster‘s vibrant blue.

All aboard, please!

The series theme tune can be heard even before the train arrives – a real eye-catcher (and ear-catcher). Down to the last detail, everything in the interior, too, has been tuned to the Chuggington world: colourful seats, characters from the series and many small surprises which astound the children. Booking in advance via the Okaden website is advisable because the tours are popular.

Behind the cheerful design lies a serious objective: with this initiative, Okayama would like to revitalise the city and attract families. In a country in which the birth rate is sinking, such projects are a heartfelt endeavour to make child-friendliness visible and tangible – while strengthening community spirit.

To sum up

The Okaden Chuggington trainsare more than just rolling pieces of popular culture. They are a symbol of creativity, love of the city and the power to make children's dreams come true. if you are ever in Okayama, don’t miss a ride on Wilson & Co. – a mini adventure guaranteed to leave a smile on your face.