The “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba x SL Gunma ~ Infinite Train Grand Strategy ~,” held in Gunma Prefecture from October 9 to December 31, 2020, to commemorate the theatrical release of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Mugen Train Arc,” was a large-scale event featuring a collaboration between JR East Takasaki Branch and the popular anime based on the original work by Gotouge Koyoharu. This article provides a detailed explanation of the full scope of this collaboration and reflects on the fervor of the time.
Demon Slayer x SL Gunma Infinite Train Grand Strategy Explained
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba x SL Gunma ~ Infinite Train Grand Strategy ~” was a groundbreaking collaboration project that recreated the world of the theatrical “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Mugen Train Arc” using an actual SL (steam locomotive). Based in Gunma Prefecture, multiple companies and facilities including JR East Takasaki Branch, Oginoya, and Usui Pass Railway Culture Village cooperated to provide fans with the experience of the “Infinite Train” world.
Event Overview
Period: October 9 (Friday) to December 31 (Thursday), 2020
Location: Various locations in Gunma Prefecture (Takasaki Station, Usui Pass Railway Culture Village, SL Gunma operation sections, etc.)
Organizer: JR East Takasaki Branch
Cooperation: Gunma Prefecture, Oginoya, Usui Pass Railway Culture Village, and other related organizations
Background and Significance of the Collaboration
The theatrical “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Mugen Train Arc” tells the story of the protagonist Tanjiro Kamado and his companions boarding the Infinite Train, where they fight demons alongside Flame Pillar Kyojuro Rengoku. The setting of this “Infinite Train” and the SL train “SL Gunma” actually operating in Gunma Prefecture matched perfectly, creating a dream-like collaboration for fans.
Gunma Prefecture is a region with deep-rooted railway culture, with abundant tourism resources related to railways such as the Usui Pass Railway Culture Village. This collaboration became an excellent opportunity to attract anime fans to the region and promote the appeal of Gunma Prefecture.
Collaboration Developments at Takasaki Station
Takasaki Station served as the central hub for the Infinite Train Grand Strategy, with various collaborative projects unfolding.
Takasaki Station Decorations and Photo Spots
Inside Takasaki Station, large panels and decorations featuring Demon Slayer characters were installed, enveloping the entire station in the world of the “Infinite Train.” Illustrations of popular characters including Tanjiro Kamado, Nezuko, Zenitsu Agatsuma, Inosuke Hashibira, and Kyojuro Rengoku adorned the station, and many fans used them as photo spots.
In particular, decorations using collaboration-exclusive newly drawn illustrations—featuring Tanjiro, Nezuko, Kyojuro Rengoku, Zenitsu, and Inosuke dressed as station conductors and locomotive assistants—were impressive and became a major topic on social media.
Takasaki Station Exclusive Merchandise Sales
At Takasaki Station, original merchandise exclusive to the Infinite Train Grand Strategy was sold. Main merchandise included:
- Merchandise using newly drawn illustrations: Acrylic stands, clear files, can badges, etc.
- Pillar character illustration merchandise: Giyu Tomioka, Shinobu Kocho, Kyojuro Rengoku, Tengen Uzui, Muichiro Tokito, Mitsuri Kanroji, Obanai Iguro, Gyomei Himejima, Sanemi Shinazugawa, and all other pillars covered
- SL Gunma collaboration merchandise: Keychains, towels, postcard sets, etc.
Many of these merchandise items sold out immediately, and limited-time online sales (December 18-27, 2020) were subsequently offered.
Collaboration Station Bento “Touge no Kamaeshi”
Through collaboration with Oginoya, an Demon Slayer original package version of “Touge no Kamaeshi” (mountain pass pot rice) was sold. This famous Gunma prefectural station bento appeared in an Infinite Train Grand Strategy limited edition design and became hugely popular among fans.
The packaging featured Demon Slayer characters, while the contents maintained the traditional taste of the Touge no Kamaeshi. It was available for purchase at Takasaki Station and related facilities, and many fans bought it as a memento.
The Appeal of the SL Gunma Collaboration Train
Initial Run of the Collaboration SL
On October 11, 2020, the Demon Slayer collaboration SL Gunma had its inaugural run. This day drew many fans and media personnel, marking a major kickoff event for the Infinite Train Grand Strategy.
The exterior of the SL train featured large illustrations of Demon Slayer characters, creating an atmosphere exactly like the “Infinite Train” itself. The sight of the steam locomotive running and emitting smoke gave viewers the emotional impact of the anime world becoming reality.
Vehicle Interior Decorations and Collaboration Performances
The interior of the vehicle was thoroughly decorated in collaboration style, with the following performances:
- Seat headcovers: Headcovers designed with Demon Slayer characters
- In-car posters: Special posters using newly drawn illustrations
- Commemorative boarding certificates: Limited-edition boarding certificates distributed as proof of riding
- In-car announcements: Special announcements inspired by Demon Slayer
In particular, performances reminiscent of Kyojuro Rengoku’s brave figure shown inside the Infinite Train were incorporated throughout, making the experience unforgettable and moving for fans.
SL Gunma Operating Routes
SL Gunma operated primarily on the following routes:
- Takasaki to Yokawa stations (Shin’etsu Main Line)
- Takasaki to Minakami stations (Joetsu Line)
During the collaboration period, a special train nicknamed “Kakushi Yamatodori” was also operated, and one-way plans from Ueno Station to Takasaki Station were offered. Official plans organized by JTB Entertainment, which included riding these special trains, sold out immediately due to their popularity.
Collaboration Projects at Usui Pass Railway Culture Village
Usui Pass Railway Culture Village, an experience-type theme park themed around railways in Annakusu, Gunma Prefecture, became an important venue for the Infinite Train Grand Strategy.
Exhibitions and Photo Spots
At Usui Pass Railway Culture Village, special exhibitions related to Demon Slayer were held:
- Life-size panel displays: Life-size panels of main characters installed throughout the park
- Infinite Train recreation area: Recreation of the Infinite Train world using actual train cars
- Memorial photo spots: Shooting spots with newly drawn illustrations as backgrounds
In particular, the shooting spots using actual railway vehicles as backgrounds had a sense of realism, as if entering the anime world, and attracted many fans.
Mystery-Solving Event
One of the main attractions of the Infinite Train Grand Strategy was a mystery-solving event set in Usui Pass Railway Culture Village. Participants solved riddles based on the Demon Slayer story while touring the park, ultimately aiming to reach the goal.
Mystery-solving kits were sold for a fee, and special commemorative items were prepared for those who completed the challenge. The content was enjoyable for families and core fans alike, and the event site was bustling with participants throughout the period.
Experience-Type Attractions
In addition to regular exhibitions, Usui Pass Railway Culture Village provided the following experience-based content:
- Mini SL riding experience: Riding a mini SL designed with Demon Slayer
- Driving experience: Operating simulations using actual railway vehicles
- Railway museum tours: Displays teaching about Gunma’s railway history
Through these experiences, the event became a multipurpose offering enjoyable for not only Demon Slayer fans but also railway enthusiasts.
Official Tour Plan Details
The “Infinite Train Grand Strategy Official Plan” organized by JTB Entertainment was a tour package providing special experiences for fans.
Kakushi Yamatodori Plan
The one-way plan from Ueno to Takasaki stations was particularly popular and even received additional sales. This plan included the following benefits:
- Boarding the special train “Kakushi Yamatodori”
- Limited-design boarding certificate
- Original merchandise gifts
- Special in-car performances
Tickets were sold by lottery or first-come-first-served, with applications flooding in immediately upon release. Additional sales for December also sold out instantly, demonstrating the popularity.
Other Tour Plans
Various packages were offered, including SL Gunma riding plans departing and returning from Takasaki Station, and plans bundling Usui Pass Railway Culture Village admission. Accommodation-inclusive plans were also available, and tourism packages combining hot spring resorts in Gunma Prefecture were popular.
Limited Merchandise Online Sales and Purchase Methods
For fans unable to visit in person, limited-time online sales were conducted from December 18 to December 27, 2020.
Merchandise Available Through Online Sales
- Acrylic stands (all characters)
- Clear file sets
- Can badge collections
- Postcard sets
- Original towels
- Various keychains
The online sales site experienced concentrated access upon opening, with some items selling out immediately. These items are now difficult to obtain, and some are trading at high prices on secondhand marketplace apps.
Event Response and Social Impact
Fan Reactions
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba x SL Gunma ~ Infinite Train Grand Strategy ~” became a major topic of discussion, particularly on social media. On Twitter and Instagram, hashtags such as “#InfiniteTrainGrandStrategy,” “#SLGunma,” and “#DemonSlayerCollaboration” trended, with many fans posting photos from the site and merchandise they purchased.
Detailed event reports were also published on media outlets like Comic Natalie, conveying the excitement of the venue through 59 photographs. The high quality of the newly drawn illustrations by Gotouge Koyoharu and the serious commitment of JR East were highly evaluated.
Impact on Local Economy
This collaboration based in Gunma Prefecture had significant effects on the local economy. During the event period, hotels around Takasaki Station remained fully booked, and restaurants and souvenir shops thrived.
The number of visitors to Usui Pass Railway Culture Village increased several times over normal levels, making a major contribution to Gunma Prefecture’s tourism promotion. Local media covered the event daily, also boosting awareness of Gunma Prefecture.
Fusion of Railway and Anime Fans
A notable aspect of this event was the fusion of two different hobby communities: railway enthusiasts and anime fans. Anime fans who typically had no interest in steam locomotives discovered the appeal of locomotives, while in turn, railway fans enjoyed the world of Demon Slayer, creating a synergistic effect.
Legacy of the Infinite Train Grand Strategy and the Present
Post-Event Developments
Though the event ended on December 31, 2020, its impact continues today. Usui Pass Railway Culture Village continues to display some Demon Slayer-related exhibitions after the event, attracting many fans.
Following the success of this collaboration, similar anime and railway collaboration projects have increased in other regions, serving as a new model case for tourism promotion.
Value as Collectible Items
Limited merchandise from the Infinite Train Grand Strategy now holds high value as collectible items. In particular, merchandise using newly drawn illustrations has high rarity among Demon Slayer goods and is carefully preserved by fans.
The limited-edition Touge no Kamaeshi package is so popular that some collectors preserve it without eating it, and it continues to be treasured as an event memento.
Gunma Prefecture’s Railway Culture and Tourism Appeal
History of SL Gunma
SL Gunma symbolizes Gunma Prefecture’s railway culture. This steam locomotive, operating on the Shin’etsu Main Line and Joetsu Line, is a valuable cultural heritage conveying the railway’s golden age of the Showa period to the present, attracting many railway enthusiasts even during normal operations.
Usui Pass Railway Heritage
Usui Pass was once known as the greatest difficulty in Japanese railway history, with innovative technologies such as the Abt rack and pinion system implemented there. Usui Pass Railway Culture Village preserves and displays these historical heritages, making it an enjoyable facility for everyone, not just railway enthusiasts.
Tourist Attractions Around Takasaki Station
Takasaki Station is a transportation hub in Gunma Prefecture, with various tourist attractions in the surrounding area:
- Takasaki Kannon statue: A massive Kannon statue overlooking the city
- Haruna Mountain and Lake Haruna: Natural tourist attractions
- Ikaho Hot Spring: A historic hot spring town
- Tomioka Silk Mill: Modern-era heritage registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site
Many fans who visited Gunma Prefecture because of the Infinite Train Grand Strategy also toured these attractions, rediscovering the appeal of Gunma Prefecture.
Conclusion: What the Infinite Train Grand Strategy Left Behind
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba x SL Gunma ~ Infinite Train Grand Strategy ~” continues to be remembered as a successful example of combining an anime work with regional resources. Through the newly drawn illustrations of Gotouge Koyoharu, the serious collaboration of JR East Takasaki Branch, cooperation from Gunma Prefecture, and participation of local companies like Oginoya, an unforgettable experience was provided for fans.
This event, centered on Takasaki Station and spanning all of Gunma Prefecture, offered not merely merchandise sales and character exhibitions but multifaceted enjoyment including actual SL riding experiences, mystery-solving events, and limited-edition station bento.
In 2020, when the theatrical “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Mugen Train Arc” achieved record-breaking success, this Infinite Train Grand Strategy was one of the events most embodying that fervor. Together with Kyojuro Rengoku’s message to “set your heart ablaze,” it became a lasting memory in the hearts of many fans.
Though the event has ended, Usui Pass Railway Culture Village and SL Gunma continue to operate. Whether you are a Demon Slayer fan, a railway enthusiast, or someone wishing to experience the appeal of Gunma Prefecture, please visit Takasaki Station and tour the sites that were the stage for the Infinite Train Grand Strategy.
