The “zombie apocalypse” in Japan’s bullet train on October 19, 2024. SUPPLIED

A Halloween fright came to life aboard a high-speed shinkansen or bullet train in Japan, offering passengers a spine-chilling experience straight out of a horror movie. On October 19, a bullet train journey between Tokyo and Osaka transformed into a real-life version of the hit South Korean film "Train to Busan," where passengers faced an intense zombie outbreak while speeding through Japan. Dubbed the “world’s first haunted house experience on a running shinkansen,” the event was organized by Kowagarasetai, or the "scare squad." Around 40 brave souls boarded the train, unaware that the peaceful start of their trip would soon spiral into a nightmare. As the train sped across Japan, actors planted by the organizers turned into the undead, mimicking the gory transformations of the 2016 horror classic. One by one, the "victims" began jerking in their seats, as if in agony, before launching into a rampage through the train car, much to the horror—and excitement—of the passengers. Kenta Iwana, the event organizer, explained that the goal was to turn something as familiar and peaceful as Japan's iconic shinkansen into a scene of chaos. The ticket price for this thrilling ride ranged up to 50,000 yen ($335), and it included both the train ride and an unforgettable zombie performance. Among the passengers was 31-year-old American Joshua Payne, who expressed his awe at the immersive experience. "I literally felt like I was in the film, just watching it unfold right in front of me," Payne said. This event marks another imaginative use of the shinkansen, celebrating 60 years of bullet train operations in Japan. Although the ride might not be for the faint of heart, it shows how a blend of entertainment and travel can create groundbreaking experiences. ICA/Expat Media
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