by Ao no Hako x JR Central Oshi Tabi: Hina Chono Visual and Voice Drama
Ao no Hako reveals a new Hina Chono collaboration visual for JR Central’s Oshi Tabi campaign. Discover the Shinkansen-exclusive voice dramas, campaign dates, merchandise plans, and latest updates.
Fans of Ao no Hako (Blue Box) have another reason to celebrate as the anime’s collaboration with JR Central’s Oshi Tabi campaign reveals its second original illustration, featuring Hina Chono. The newly released visual shows Hina standing on a Shinkansen platform, dressed in her school uniform with a pink scarf and a large backpack. Her gentle smile and travel-ready appearance have quickly caught the attention of fans.
The announcement was shared through the official Ao no Hako X account on October 23, 2026. It follows the previously revealed collaboration visual featuring Chinatsu Kano, giving fans a second look at the characters in a travel-themed setting.
The campaign, titled “Ao no Hako: Feelings That Accelerate When We Want to Meet,” is scheduled to run from December 4, 2026, to January 17, 2027. Organized in collaboration with JR Central’s Oshi Tabi initiative, it will bring the world of Ao no Hako to the Tokaido Shinkansen through original voice dramas, travel-exclusive bonuses, and merchandise featuring newly drawn illustrations.
One of the most exciting features is the availability of two different original voice dramas, depending on whether passengers are traveling from Tokyo toward Shin-Osaka or from Shin-Osaka toward Tokyo. These stories are designed to make the train journey part of the Ao no Hako experience itself.
The new Hina illustration has also generated enthusiastic reactions from fans, who have praised the artwork, its connection to the manga’s school-trip atmosphere, and the promise of exclusive voice content.
New Hina Chono Illustration Revealed for the JR Central Collaboration
The second collaboration visual focuses on Hina Chono, one of the most recognizable characters in Ao no Hako. In the illustration, Hina is seen looking back toward the viewer while standing on a Shinkansen platform.
She wears her school uniform with a pink scarf and carries a large backpack, creating the impression that she is about to begin a memorable journey. Her relaxed pose and gentle expression give the artwork a warm, everyday atmosphere that fits the series’ focus on youth, friendship, and romantic feelings.
The illustration is accompanied by the tagline, “Our destination is the best memories.” The message reflects the emotional tone of the collaboration, which connects the characters’ relationships with the experience of traveling together.
Unlike a conventional anime promotional image, the artwork places Hina in a recognizable travel setting. The Shinkansen platform acts as more than a background; it becomes part of the story’s atmosphere, suggesting anticipation, shared experiences, and the possibility of unexpected encounters.
The visual also complements the earlier illustration featuring Chinatsu Kano. Together, the two images establish a consistent travel theme while highlighting different characters from the series.
For fans who enjoy collecting original anime artwork, these newly drawn illustrations are one of the major attractions of the campaign.
Chinatsu Kano’s Visual Was the First Collaboration Reveal
Before Hina’s illustration was announced, the collaboration introduced Chinatsu Kano in a separate travel-themed visual.
Chinatsu, voiced by Reina Ueda, is one of the central characters in Ao no Hako. She is a talented basketball player whose dedication to her sport and developing relationship with Daiki Inomata form an important part of the story.
The first illustration showed Chinatsu in a Shinkansen station setting, establishing the visual concept for the collaboration. Hina’s newly revealed artwork follows the same approach, creating a sense of continuity between the two character designs.
This two-visual approach gives the campaign a stronger connection to the anime’s ensemble cast. Rather than using only a standard promotional image, the project introduces character-specific artwork that reflects the atmosphere of a journey.
Fans have welcomed both illustrations, with many commenting that the combination of school uniforms, travel accessories, and station scenery captures the charm of the original series.
The contrast between Chinatsu and Hina also gives the campaign additional appeal for viewers who have different favorite characters.
What Is JR Central’s Oshi Tabi Campaign?
JR Central’s Oshi Tabi is a promotional initiative designed to combine travel with fans’ favorite entertainment franchises, including anime, manga, games, and music.
The term oshi is commonly used in Japanese fan culture to refer to a favorite character, performer, or group that someone particularly supports. Tabi means travel or a journey. Together, the name describes an experience in which fans can enjoy their favorite series while traveling.
Rather than limiting a collaboration to posters or merchandise, Oshi Tabi projects may include digital content, original voice recordings, travel-related activities, and special items that passengers can access during a journey.
For the Ao no Hako collaboration, the main attraction is the original voice drama content designed specifically for passengers on the Tokaido Shinkansen.
The campaign also plans original travel bonuses and merchandise featuring the newly drawn artwork. Details of these additional items are still to be announced, so fans should check the official campaign page for updates.
This approach allows JR Central to connect the act of traveling with a fictional story. Instead of simply looking at an illustration, passengers can experience an original conversation involving the characters while making their own journey.
Two Exclusive Voice Dramas for Shinkansen Passengers
One of the most notable features of the Ao no Hako collaboration is its two original voice dramas.
The stories differ depending on the direction of travel, creating two separate experiences for passengers traveling along the Tokaido Shinkansen route.
Tokyo to Shin-Osaka: Daiki and Chinatsu’s Story
The first voice drama is designed for passengers traveling from Tokyo toward Shin-Osaka.
In this story, Daiki Inomata is waiting on a station platform for a Shinkansen because he is traveling for a sports club event. By coincidence, he encounters Chinatsu Kano, who is also waiting for a train for her own trip.
The unexpected meeting gives the two characters a brief opportunity to spend time together before boarding.
For fans of the series, this setup is appealing because it places Daiki and Chinatsu in an everyday situation that could easily happen during a school trip or sports excursion. A simple encounter at a station becomes an opportunity for a meaningful conversation.
Their relationship is one of the central emotional threads in Ao no Hako, and even a short interaction can carry significance because of the feelings they have for each other.
The voice drama is designed to capture that familiar atmosphere of anticipation and quiet excitement before a journey begins.
Shin-Osaka to Tokyo: Daiki, Hina, and Kyo’s Story
The second voice drama is designed for passengers traveling from Shin-Osaka toward Tokyo.
In this story, Hina wins a theme-park invitation through a lottery, and she, Daiki, and Kyo Kasahara travel together to enjoy the prize.
The journey becomes an opportunity for the three characters to discuss their memories and what lies ahead. Their conversation offers a different group dynamic from the Daiki-and-Chinatsu story, with Hina and Kyo bringing their own perspectives to the experience.
The setup is especially relevant to the new Hina visual because both emphasize travel, shared memories, and the relationships between the characters.
The two voice dramas give the campaign a more personalized feel. Passengers can experience different stories based on their travel direction, and the train ride becomes part of the narrative rather than simply the time spent getting from one city to another.
Both stories are scheduled to be available during the collaboration period, from December 4, 2026, through January 17, 2027.
How to Access the Exclusive Voice Dramas
The voice dramas are intended for passengers traveling on the Tokaido Shinkansen. Access is provided through the campaign’s official website using a compatible smartphone.
JR Central’s Oshi Tabi campaigns commonly use a process that checks whether a passenger is traveling on a moving train before allowing access to selected content. Users may need to open the campaign page, complete the required speed verification, and follow the instructions displayed on their device.
For the Ao no Hako campaign, passengers should check the official page for the final participation instructions, including any account registration requirements or technical restrictions.
A few practical points are worth remembering:
- Use a compatible smartphone and an up-to-date web browser.
- Follow the official campaign instructions while traveling on the Tokaido Shinkansen.
- Check the page for any location or speed-verification requirements.
- Bring headphones and keep the volume at a considerate level so other passengers are not disturbed.
- Check the official website for the latest availability and access details before traveling.
The content is intended to complement the train journey, so fans should not assume that the voice dramas can be accessed in the same way from home or while traveling on unrelated railway services.
Original Merchandise and Travel Bonuses Also Planned
In addition to the voice dramas, the collaboration will feature original merchandise and travel-related bonuses.
The official campaign page confirms that goods using newly drawn illustrations are planned. However, the detailed product lineup and the full conditions for receiving travel bonuses have not yet been announced.
This means fans should wait for further information before assuming that particular products, character designs, or purchase benefits will be available.
The use of original artwork gives the merchandise a clear connection to the campaign. Rather than simply reusing existing promotional images, the collaboration’s character illustrations are created for the travel theme.
Once the additional details are released, fans will be able to check which items are available, whether they can be purchased online or at designated locations, and whether any bonuses require participation in the train-based content.
For collectors, this is an important part of the announcement. The campaign combines digital content with physical items, giving fans several ways to remember the collaboration.
Ao no Hako: A Story About Sports, Friendship, and First Love
Ao no Hako, also known as Blue Box, is a coming-of-age romantic sports manga created by Kouji Miura. It was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump and has gained popularity for combining athletic ambition with the emotional experiences of growing up.
The story follows Daiki Inomata, a member of his school’s boys’ badminton team. He trains hard because he wants to improve as an athlete, but his life changes when he develops feelings for Chinatsu Kano, a talented basketball player who is one year older than him.
Chinatsu is dedicated to her sport and has ambitions of her own. Their lives become more closely connected when she comes to stay at Daiki’s family home, creating new opportunities for them to interact outside their usual school activities.
At the same time, Daiki’s relationship with Hina Chono adds another layer to the story. Hina is a rhythmic gymnast and one of Daiki’s close friends. Her feelings and interactions with Daiki contribute to the series’ exploration of friendship, affection, and the uncertainty of young love.
Rather than relying entirely on dramatic romantic twists, Ao no Hako often focuses on subtle emotional changes. A short conversation, a moment of hesitation, or a small act of kindness can carry significant meaning.
The series also emphasizes the effort required to pursue sports seriously. The characters must balance training, schoolwork, friendships, and their personal feelings, making their experiences relatable to a broad audience.
These themes help explain why the anime’s travel-themed collaboration has attracted so much attention. The campaign’s illustrations and voice dramas extend the characters’ everyday experiences into a new setting.
Why Hina Chono Is a Fan-Favorite Character
Hina Chono has an important role in the emotional dynamics of Ao no Hako. As a rhythmic gymnast and a close friend of Daiki, she is familiar with his personality and experiences many of the same pressures associated with school, training, and relationships.
Her character adds complexity to the story because her feelings do not always align with Daiki’s own romantic interests.
This creates moments of vulnerability and uncertainty that contrast with the more straightforward goals the characters pursue in their sports activities.
Hina’s expressive personality and her interactions with Daiki have helped her attract a dedicated fanbase. Her new JR Central collaboration illustration gives those fans an opportunity to see her in a different context.
The travel setting also suits the character’s role in the campaign. A train platform suggests movement, new experiences, and the possibility of spending time with people who matter.
For viewers who have followed Hina’s story, the visual can evoke both the lighthearted side of the series and the emotions that make her character memorable.
Her appearance in the second collaboration visual also expands the campaign beyond the initial Chinatsu reveal, giving fans another original illustration to look forward to.
Ao no Hako Season 2 Began Broadcasting in October 2026
The collaboration arrives as Ao no Hako continues its television anime run. The first season began airing in October 2024 and ran for two consecutive courses.
The second season began broadcasting in October 2026, bringing the series back to television for more of its story about sports, relationships, and growing up.
The timing makes the JR Central campaign particularly relevant for fans following the anime as new episodes are released. It provides another way to stay connected with the characters between broadcasts.
The campaign is not a substitute for the television series, nor does it replace the main storyline. Instead, its original illustrations and voice dramas offer additional character-focused material created for the collaboration.
For viewers who enjoy the series’ quieter moments, this type of bonus content can be an appealing way to experience the characters outside the main episodes.
The official anime website and JR Central’s campaign page are the best sources for future updates related to the television series and the collaboration.
Fans React to Hina’s New Illustration
Following the announcement, fans responded enthusiastically to Hina’s newly drawn visual.
Several comments praised the artwork and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to see another original illustration created specifically for the campaign.
Some viewers highlighted how cute Hina looks in the school uniform, pink scarf, and travel-ready outfit. Others commented on the visual’s connection to the school-trip atmosphere of the original manga.
The first Chinatsu illustration had already attracted attention, and the addition of Hina has encouraged further discussion about the collaboration.
The two different voice dramas have also become a talking point among fans. The fact that the stories change according to travel direction makes the campaign more than a standard promotional partnership.
For people who enjoy both the characters and the world of railway travel, the combination of original artwork, exclusive audio, and planned merchandise creates several reasons to follow the campaign.
Fan reactions are subjective, but the enthusiasm surrounding the new visual demonstrates the appeal of character-focused collaborations that provide content beyond the regular anime broadcast.
- What is the Ao no Hako x JR Central Oshi Tabi collaboration?
It is a promotional campaign that brings Ao no Hako characters into a special travel experience on the Tokaido Shinkansen, featuring original voice dramas, newly drawn illustrations, planned merchandise, and travel-related bonuses.
- Which character appears in the second collaboration visual?
The second visual features Hina Chono, voiced by Akari Kito. She is shown standing on a Shinkansen platform wearing her school uniform, a pink scarf, and a large backpack.
- Who appeared in the first collaboration visual?
The first announced visual featured Chinatsu Kano, voiced by Reina Ueda.
- When will the collaboration take place?
The campaign is scheduled to run from December 4, 2026, to January 17, 2027.
- What are the two original voice dramas about?
The Tokyo-to-Shin-Osaka story follows Daiki and Chinatsu as they unexpectedly meet at a station before a sports-related trip. The Shin-Osaka-to-Tokyo story follows Daiki, Hina, and Kyo as they travel to a theme park after Hina wins an invitation.
- Can fans listen to the voice dramas at home?
The campaign describes the voice dramas as exclusive to the Tokaido Shinkansen. Access conditions should be checked on the official website, and fans should not assume the content will be available outside the designated travel experience.
- Will there be exclusive merchandise?
Yes, the official campaign page confirms that original goods featuring newly drawn illustrations are planned. Specific products and purchase details have not yet been fully announced.
The Ao no Hako × JR Central Oshi Tabi collaboration is shaping up to be an appealing experience for fans who enjoy the series’ characters and its gentle blend of sports, friendship, and romance.
Hina Chono’s newly revealed illustration adds a second character-focused visual to the campaign, following Chinatsu Kano’s earlier appearance. The school uniform, pink scarf, backpack, and Shinkansen platform create a warm travel atmosphere that fits the story’s emphasis on memorable everyday experiences.
The two original voice dramas are another major highlight, offering different stories depending on whether passengers travel from Tokyo toward Shin-Osaka or in the opposite direction. Planned original merchandise and travel bonuses provide additional reasons to watch for updates.
The campaign is scheduled to run from December 4, 2026, through January 17, 2027. As more details become available, fans should check the official campaign website for the final merchandise lineup, bonus conditions, and instructions for accessing the Shinkansen-exclusive content.
For Ao no Hako fans, this collaboration offers more than a promotional image. It creates a chance to carry the series’ characters into a real journey, turning an ordinary train ride into a special experience inspired by the anime.
