【Demon Slayer × SL Gunma】Thorough Explanation of the Infinite Train Great Strategy at Takasaki Station and Gunma Prefecture! Complete Collaboration Event Guide
To commemorate the theatrical release of “Demon Slayer” Infinite Train Arc, the “Demon Slayer × SL Gunma ~ Infinite Train Great Strategy ~” held from October 9 to December 31, 2020, across Gunma Prefecture was a large-scale event that collaborated between JR East Takasaki Branch and the popular anime based on Gotouge Koyoharu’s original work. This article provides a detailed explanation of the full scope of this collaboration and looks back on the fervor of that time.
About Demon Slayer × SL Gunma Infinite Train Great Strategy
“Demon Slayer × SL Gunma ~ Infinite Train Great Strategy ~” was a groundbreaking collaboration project that recreated the world of the theatrical “Demon Slayer” Infinite Train Arc using an actual SL (steam locomotive). Set in Gunma Prefecture, multiple companies and facilities including JR East Takasaki Branch, Oginoya, and Usui Pass Railway Cultural Village cooperated to provide fans with an experience of the “Infinite Train” world.
Event Overview
Event Period: October 9 (Friday) – December 31 (Thursday), 2020
Event Location: Various locations throughout Gunma Prefecture (Takasaki Station, Usui Pass Railway Cultural Village, SL Gunma operational sections, etc.)
Organizer: JR East Takasaki Branch
Cooperation: Gunma Prefecture, Oginoya, Usui Pass Railway Cultural Village, and other related companies
Background and Significance of the Collaboration
The theatrical “Demon Slayer” Infinite Train Arc tells the story of protagonist Tanjiro Kamado and others boarding the Infinite Train and fighting demons alongside Flame Pillar Kyojuro Rengoku. This “Infinite Train” setting perfectly matched the actual SL train “SL Gunma” operating in Gunma Prefecture, creating a dream-like collaboration for fans.
Gunma Prefecture is a region with a deep-rooted railroad culture and abundant railroad-related tourism resources such as Usui Pass Railway Cultural Village. This collaboration became an excellent opportunity to attract anime fans to the region and promote the appeal of Gunma Prefecture.
Collaboration Development at Takasaki Station
Takasaki Station served as the central hub for this Infinite Train Great Strategy, with various collaborative projects developed.
Takasaki Station Decorations and Photo Spots
Large panels and decorations featuring Demon Slayer characters were installed throughout Takasaki Station, with the entire station enveloped in the world of the “Infinite Train.” Illustrations of popular characters including Tanjiro Kamado, Nezuko, Zenitsu Agatsuma, Inosuke Hashibira, and Kyojuro Rengoku decorated the station, with many fans using it as a photo spot.
In particular, decorations using collaboration-exclusive newly drawn illustrations were impressive, featuring Tanjiro, Nezuko, Rengoku, Zenitsu, and Inosuke in conductor and engineer uniforms, becoming a major topic on social media.
Limited Edition Goods Sales at Takasaki Station
Limited original goods for the Infinite Train Great Strategy were sold at Takasaki Station. Major merchandise included:
- Goods Using Newly Drawn Illustrations: Acrylic stands, clear files, enamel badges, and more
- Pillar Character Illustration Goods: Covering all pillars including Giyu Tomioka, Shinobu Kocho, Kyojuro Rengoku, Tengen Uzui, Muichiro Tokito, Mitsuri Kanroji, Obanai Iguro, Gyomei Himejima, and Sanemi Shinazugawa
- SL Gunma Collaboration Goods: Keychains, towels, postcard sets, and more
Many of these items sold out immediately, with limited-time online sales also held later (December 18-27, 2020).
Collaboration Station Lunch “Touge no Kamameshi”
Through collaboration with Oginoya, Demon Slayer original packaged “Touge no Kamameshi” was sold. This famous Gunma station lunch appeared in a limited Infinite Train Great Strategy design and became extremely popular among fans.
The packaging featured Demon Slayer characters, while the contents maintained the traditional taste of Touge no Kamameshi. Available for purchase at Takasaki Station and related facilities, many fans purchased it as a souvenir.
Appeal of the SL Gunma Collaboration Vehicle
Initial Run of the Collaboration SL
On October 11, 2020, the Demon Slayer-collaborated SL Gunma made its inaugural run. Many fans and press gathered for this day, which received significant attention as the kickoff event for the Infinite Train Great Strategy.
The exterior of the SL vehicle featured large illustrations of Demon Slayer characters, creating an atmosphere just like the “Infinite Train” itself. The sight of the steam locomotive running while releasing smoke gave the impression that the anime world had appeared in reality.
Vehicle Interior Decoration and Collaboration Effects
The interior was also thoroughly designed in collaboration style, featuring:
- Seat Headrest Covers: Headrest covers designed with Demon Slayer characters
- In-car Posters: Special posters using newly drawn illustrations
- Commemorative Boarding Certificate: Limited design boarding certificate distributed as proof of riding
- In-car Announcements: Special announcements referencing Demon Slayer
In particular, effects reminiscent of Kyojuro Rengoku’s bravery shown within the Infinite Train were implemented throughout, making it an unforgettable experience that moved many fans.
SL Gunma Operating Routes
SL Gunma primarily operated on the following routes:
- Takasaki Station to Yokokawa Station (Shin’etsu Main Line)
- Takasaki Station to Minakami Station (Joetsu Line)
During the collaboration period, a special train also nicknamed “Kakehashi Yamadori” operated, with plans including one-way service from Ueno Station to Takasaki Station. Official plans organized by JTB Entertainment, which allowed riding on these special trains, sold out immediately.
Collaboration Projects at Usui Pass Railway Cultural Village
Usui Pass Railway Cultural Village in Anaka, Gunma Prefecture is an experiential theme park centered on railroads. In the Infinite Train Great Strategy, this facility also played an important role.
Exhibits and Photo Spots
Special Demon Slayer-related exhibits were held at Usui Pass Railway Cultural Village:
- Life-size Panel Displays: Life-size panels of major characters installed throughout the park
- Infinite Train Recreation Area: Recreation of the Infinite Train world using actual train vehicles
- Memorial Photography Spots: Photography spots with newly drawn illustrations as background
In particular, photography spots using actual railroad vehicles as background provided a sense of immersion as if entering the anime world, attracting many fans.
Mystery-Solving Event
One of the highlight projects of the Infinite Train Great Strategy was a mystery-solving event set at Usui Pass Railway Cultural Village. Participants solved puzzles aligned with the Demon Slayer story while touring the park, ultimately aiming to reach the goal.
Mystery-solving kits were sold for a fee, with special commemorative items prepared for those who completed the course. With content enjoyable for everyone from families to dedicated fans, the event was crowded with participants throughout its duration.
Experience-Type Attractions
In addition to regular exhibits, Usui Pass Railway Cultural Village offered the following experiential content:
- Miniature SL Riding Experience: Riding on a miniature SL with Demon Slayer design
- Driving Experience: Actual train vehicle driving simulation
- Railroad Museum Tour: Exhibits teaching about Gunma Prefecture’s railroad history
Through these experiences, the event became a multifaceted experience enjoyable not only to Demon Slayer fans but also railroad enthusiasts.
Details of Official Tour Plans
The “Infinite Train Great Strategy Official Plan” organized by JTB Entertainment provided a special experience package for fans.
Kakehashi Yamadori Plan
The one-way plan from Ueno Station to Takasaki Station was particularly popular and additional sales were conducted. This plan included the following benefits:
- Boarding the special train “Kakehashi Yamadori”
- Limited design boarding certificate
- Original goods gift
- Special in-car effects
Tickets were sold through lottery or first-come-first-served basis, with applications flooding in upon sales opening. Additional December sales also sold out immediately, demonstrating its popularity.
Other Tour Plans
Various packages were offered including SL Gunma boarding plans departing from Takasaki Station and plans bundled with Usui Pass Railway Cultural Village admission. Plans with accommodations were also popular, including tourist packages combined with hot spring areas within Gunma Prefecture.
Limited Goods Online Sales and Acquisition Methods
For fans unable to visit in person, limited-time online shopping was conducted from December 18 to December 27, 2020.
Goods Available for Purchase Online
- Acrylic stands (all characters)
- Clear file sets
- Enamel badge collections
- Postcard sets
- Original towels
- Various keychains
The shopping site experienced concentrated access upon opening, with some items selling out immediately. Currently difficult to obtain, some items are subject to high-priced transactions on resale apps.
Event Response and Social Impact
Fan Reactions
“Demon Slayer × SL Gunma ~ Infinite Train Great Strategy ~” became a major topic centered on social media. Hashtags including “#InfiniteTrainGreatStrategy,” “#SLGunma,” and “#DemonSlayerCollaboration” trended on Twitter and Instagram, with many fans posting about their on-site experiences and purchased merchandise.
Detailed event reports were also posted on media outlets such as Comic Natalie, conveying the on-site excitement through 59 photographs. The high quality of the newly drawn illustrations by Gotouge Koyoharu and JR East’s seriousness about the collaboration were highly praised.
Impact on Regional Economy
This collaboration set in Gunma Prefecture had significant impact on the regional economy. Throughout the event period, hotels around Takasaki Station remained fully booked, with restaurants and souvenir shops experiencing brisk business.
Visitor numbers to Usui Pass Railway Cultural Village also increased several-fold compared to normal times, making a significant contribution to Gunma Prefecture’s tourism promotion. The event was covered daily by local media, also contributing to increased recognition of Gunma Prefecture.
Fusion of Railroad and Anime Fans
A notable aspect of this event was the fusion of two different hobby communities: railroad fans and anime fans. Anime fans without usual interest in steam locomotives discovered the charm of trains, while railroad fans enjoyed the world of Demon Slayer, creating a synergistic effect.
Legacy of the Infinite Train Great Strategy and Present
Post-Event Developments
Although the event ended on December 31, 2020, its influence continues. Usui Pass Railway Cultural Village has continued displaying part of the Demon Slayer-related exhibits after the event’s conclusion, attracting many fans.
Following the success of this collaboration, similar anime and railroad collaboration projects have increased in other regions, becoming a model case for new tourism promotion.
Value as Collector’s Items
Limited merchandise sold during the Infinite Train Great Strategy now holds high value as collector’s items. Particularly, goods using newly drawn illustrations are among the rarest Demon Slayer merchandise, carefully preserved among fans.
The limited-package Touge no Kamameshi is so popular that some collectors keep it unopened, continuing to be cherished as a memorial of the event.
Appeal of Gunma Prefecture’s Railroad Culture and Tourism
History of SL Gunma
SL Gunma symbolizes Gunma Prefecture’s railroad culture. This steam locomotive operating on the Shin’etsu and Joetsu Main Lines is a valuable cultural heritage conveying the golden age of Showa-era railroads, attracting many railroad enthusiasts even during normal operations.
Railroad Heritage of Usui Pass
Usui Pass was historically known as Japan’s greatest railroad challenge, where innovative technologies like the Abt rack rail system were introduced. Usui Pass Railway Cultural Village preserves and displays these historical treasures, making it enjoyable not only for railroad fans.
Tourist Attractions Around Takasaki Station
Takasaki Station is a key transportation hub in Gunma Prefecture, with various tourist attractions nearby:
- Takasaki Byakue Daikanon: Giant Kannon statue overlooking the city
- Mount Haruna and Lake Haruna: Natural tourism sites
- Ikaho Hot Spring: Historic hot spring town
- Tomioka Silk Mill: Modern heritage registered as a World Heritage Site
Many fans who visited Gunma Prefecture prompted by the Infinite Train Great Strategy also toured these attractions, rediscovering the appeal of Gunma Prefecture.
Conclusion: What the Infinite Train Great Strategy Left Behind
“Demon Slayer × SL Gunma ~ Infinite Train Great Strategy ~” continues to be remembered as a successful example of combining an anime work with regional resources. Through newly drawn illustrations by Gotouge Koyoharu, genuine collaboration by JR East Takasaki Branch, cooperation from Gunma Prefecture, and participation by local companies like Oginoya, an unforgettable experience was provided to fans.
This event, centered on Takasaki Station and featuring all of Gunma Prefecture as its stage, went beyond mere merchandise sales and character displays, offering multi-layered enjoyment including actual SL riding experiences, mystery-solving events, and limited station lunch.
In 2020, when the theatrical “Demon Slayer” Infinite Train Arc became a record-breaking hit, one of the events that most embodied this excitement was the Infinite Train Great Strategy. Along with Kyojuro Rengoku’s message to “burn your heart,” it became a memory forever etched in many fans’ hearts.
Though the event has ended, Usui Pass Railway Cultural Village and SL Gunma continue to operate. Whether you are a Demon Slayer fan, railroad enthusiast, or simply wish to experience the appeal of Gunma Prefecture, please visit Takasaki Station and tour the sites that became the stage for the Infinite Train Great Strategy.
