by Fans of Goodbye, Lala (Sayonara Lala) will soon be able to experience the anime beyond the screen. The production committee has officially announced a special collaboration with Keihan Railway, featuring a themed wrapped train that will begin operating on the Ishiyama–Sakamoto Line starting August 9, 2026.
In addition, a large-scale tourism campaign titled “Shiga Digital Rally – Discovering the Shiga You Didn’t Know Yet” will run from August 6 through October 31, 2026, encouraging fans to visit real-life locations featured in the anime while unlocking exclusive digital rewards.
These initiatives celebrate both the growing popularity of Goodbye, Lala and its strong connection to Shiga Prefecture, the real-world setting that plays a central role in the story.
Keihan Railway Launches Goodbye, Lala Wrapped Train
One of the biggest announcements is the Keihan Railway × Goodbye, Lala collaboration train.
Beginning August 9, 2026 (tentative), a specially designed wrapped train will operate on the Ishiyama–Sakamoto Line, allowing passengers to travel through the scenic landscapes that inspired the anime.
The train is expected to feature exclusive artwork from the series, turning an ordinary railway journey into an immersive experience for anime fans and tourists alike.
Because much of Goodbye, Lala is set around Lake Biwa, riding the themed train offers viewers a unique opportunity to explore the locations that inspired the story while enjoying Shiga’s beautiful natural scenery.
The collaboration also highlights the growing trend of regional tourism projects that use anime to introduce visitors to local culture and attractions.
Explore the World of Goodbye, Lala Through the Shiga Digital Rally
Alongside the railway collaboration, the production committee has announced the Shiga Digital Rally – Discovering the Shiga You Didn’t Know Yet.
The event will take place from August 6 to October 31, 2026, inviting participants to visit locations connected to the anime across Shiga Prefecture.
By checking in at designated spots, fans will receive exclusive digital rewards that cannot be obtained elsewhere.
Participants will be able to unlock:
- Exclusive character voice recordings available only at participating locations
- Original augmented reality (AR) illustrations specially created by Kinema Citrus
- Digital collectibles inspired by the anime’s world
- A deeper connection to the real-life settings featured throughout the series
The campaign encourages both anime fans and travelers to discover the culture, history, and natural beauty of Shiga while following in the footsteps of the characters.
Why Shiga Prefecture Is Central to the Story
Unlike many fantasy anime that take place in fictional worlds, Goodbye, Lala is deeply rooted in a real Japanese location.
The story unfolds around Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake, which serves as both the emotional and visual heart of the series.
The anime reimagines the classic fairy tale The Little Mermaid by asking a unique question:
What if the mermaid princess returned to the modern world 200 years after her tragic ending?
Instead of awakening in the ocean, Princess Lala is mysteriously resurrected in modern-day Lake Biwa, where she begins a second journey to discover love, friendship, and her place in an unfamiliar world.
This fresh setting gives the timeless fairy tale a distinctly Japanese identity while showcasing one of the country’s most beautiful regions.
About Goodbye, Lala
Goodbye, Lala is an original television anime created to celebrate the 15th anniversary of animation studio Kinema Citrus, known for producing acclaimed series such as:
- Made in Abyss
- My Happy Marriage
- The Rising of the Shield Hero
- Revue Starlight
Rather than directly adapting Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid, the series presents a completely original continuation inspired by the classic story.
The anime combines fantasy, romance, coming-of-age drama, and slice-of-life storytelling while exploring themes of destiny, identity, and second chances.
Creative Team
The anime is directed by Takafumi Koide, a native of Shiga Prefecture, making the project especially meaningful for the local community.
The main production staff includes:
- Director: Takafumi Koide
- Series Composition: Anna Kawahara
- Character Design: Shiori Tani
- Animation Production: Kinema Citrus
The production team’s close connection to Shiga has helped create a setting that faithfully reflects the prefecture’s landscapes and atmosphere.
Voice Cast
The series features a talented voice cast led by:
- Kana Hishikawa as Lala
- Nana Kawaishi as Mari Otsu
Together, the cast brings emotional depth and warmth to the anime’s modern retelling of the classic fairy tale.
Where to Watch
Goodbye, Lala is currently airing on TOKYO MX and other television networks across Japan.
As the story continues to unfold, fans can also participate in the real-world events inspired by the series, making this one of the most immersive anime projects of 2026.
Anime Tourism Continues to Grow
Collaborations between anime productions and local governments have become increasingly popular in recent years, helping regional communities attract visitors through beloved series.
With its railway collaboration, digital rally, exclusive AR content, and location-based voice recordings, Goodbye, Lala is the latest example of how anime can promote tourism while allowing fans to experience the world of their favorite series firsthand.
These initiatives not only celebrate the anime itself but also introduce audiences to the rich culture and scenic beauty of Shiga Prefecture.
Final Thoughts
The Keihan Railway wrapped train and Shiga Digital Rally make Goodbye, Lala more than just an anime—they transform it into a real-world adventure for fans.
Whether you’re planning to ride the themed train along the Ishiyama–Sakamoto Line, explore the shores of Lake Biwa, or collect exclusive AR illustrations during the digital rally, these special events provide exciting new ways to experience the world of Goodbye, Lala beyond television.
As the series continues its broadcast, the collaboration is expected to attract both anime enthusiasts and travelers eager to discover the beautiful locations that inspired one of 2026’s most distinctive original anime.
