Passengers aboard Japan’s high-speed bullet trains have traditionally taken pleasure in requesting coffee, ice cream, or pre-packaged meals from attendants who traverse the train with a snack trolley. They relish these delectable offerings while seeing prominent locations like Mount Fuji as they swiftly glide by.
However, due to an impending manpower crisis and a growing tendency for individuals to purchase food prior to boarding trains, the provision of on-board snack cart services between Tokyo and Osaka will cease operations on October 31st.
On August 8th, Central Japan Railway announced its decision to gradually discontinue the renowned on-board snack cart services. These services involve uniformed vendors who sell beverages and light refreshments, navigating the train’s aisles with their carts while respectfully bowing upon entering or exiting the carriage.
According to a spokeswoman from the railway, the selling of snacks and food has been a longstanding feature on the Shinkansen, often known as the bullet train, since its inception in 1964, coinciding with Japan’s hosting of the inaugural Tokyo Olympics. However, the exact commencement date of the cart services remains unclear.
The internet reaction was characterized by a sense of despair, as evidenced by the trend of “Super-Cold Shinkansen Ice Cream” in fifth place on the X platform, previously referred to as Twitter. Additionally, “In-Train Service” quickly gained popularity and secured the sixth position shortly after the news.
One user expressed their recollection of consistently deriving pleasure from consuming ice cream throughout their train rides. They further recounted an instance wherein they inadvertently boarded the final train without having the opportunity to partake in this customary indulgence, but were, fortunately, able to find solace in the availability of sandwiches provided on board.