On April 1, 2026, the Odakyu Hakone Group held its first entrance ceremony aboard the Hakone Tozan Railway Series 100 train, welcoming seven new employees. This train, Japan's oldest regularly operating train, has been in service for over 100 years since its opening in 1919 and is scheduled to retire in January 2028. The surprise ceremony was held with the desire to "pass on the spirit of hospitality to the next generation." New employees renewed their determination inside the historic train and received warm welcomes and blessings for their new beginnings at Hakone-Yumoto and Gora Stations from station staff and the tourist association.
Odakyu Hakone Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture; President: Hidehiro Mizukami) and Hakone Tozan Bus Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture; President: Naohiro Nomura), both part of the Odakyu Hakone Group, held their first entrance ceremony aboard the Hakone Tozan Railway Series 100 train (Moha 1 and Moha 2) on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, welcoming seven new employees.
This train, which has been in active service for over 100 years since the opening of Hakone Tozan Railway in 1919, undergoing repeated modifications, is Japan's oldest regularly operating train (according to the company) and is scheduled to retire in January 2028. This year's entrance ceremony was a surprise event, embodying the Odakyu Hakone Group's management philosophy of "cherishing all people involved in Hakone, creating 'heart-pounding moments,' and connecting them to the future," with the desire to "pass on the spirit of hospitality inherited to the next generation." The entrance ceremony was held inside the historic Series 100 train, which retains the charm of the Showa era. The new employees, though somewhat nervous, felt the spring of Hakone flowing past the train windows and engraved their determination as new members of society in their hearts. At Hakone-Yumoto Station, they were warmly seen off by station staff, and at Gora Station, they received a welcome, including commemorative gifts, from "Goran," the mascot character of the Hakone Gora Tourist Association, and members of the association, celebrating the new generation's departure into the future.
<Scenes from the Entrance Ceremony>
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: Event
FAQ
On what date and where was the Odakyu Hakone Group entrance ceremony for new employees held in 2026?
The ceremony took place aboard the Hakone Tozan Railway Series 100 train on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, organized by Odakyu Hakone Co., Ltd. and Hakone Tozan Bus Co., Ltd., both members of the Odakyu Hakone Group.
Which presidents of the companies participated in the entrance ceremony and what are their names?
Hidehiro Mizukami, President of Odakyu Hakone Co., Ltd., and Naohiro Nomura, President of Hakone Tozan Bus Co., Ltd., both members of the Odakyu Hakone Group, attended the ceremony.
How many new employees were welcomed during the 2026 entrance ceremony and what special features did the train provide for them?
Seven new employees were welcomed, and they experienced the historic Series 100 train’s Showa‑era interior, viewing the spring scenery through the windows while receiving commemorative gifts at Gora Station.
What is the historical significance of the Hakone Tozan Railway Series 100 train, including its service start year and planned retirement date?
The Series 100 train has been in continuous service since the Hakone Tozan Railway opened in 1919, making it Japan’s oldest regularly operating train, and it is scheduled to be retired in January 2028.
Which mascot greeted the new employees at Gora Station and which organization does the mascot represent?
The mascot named Goran, representing the Hakone Gora Tourist Association, welcomed the new employees at Gora Station and presented them with commemorative gifts during the ceremony.