Aranden's KYOTRAM Wins Blue Ribbon Award, Designed by GK Design Group Hiroshima

GK Design Group Hiroshima (Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture; Representative Director and President: Toshikazu Yanaka) announces that "KYOTRAM," a project for which it participated in vehicle design, has won the 2026 Blue Ribbon Award organized by the Japan Railfan Club.

■ Keifuku Electric Railroad "Mobo 1" Series KYOTRAM

KYOTRAM began commercial operation in February 2025 as a new vehicle for Aranden (Arashiyama Main Line / Kitano Line). As the only remaining tram in Kyoto, it was developed under the concept of "Timeless Design," bridging the past, present, and future.

The exterior adopts a traditional rounded front design typical of trams, with a horizontal-based side profile that gives a modern impression. The body color is based on Aranden's traditional "Kyomurasaki" (Kyoto purple), combined with silver and white for a modern look.

The interior features a mix of wood grain and gray with accents of Kyomurasaki, creating a space that feels calm yet glamorous.

Furthermore, equipment such as seats and handgrips were designed with ergonomics in mind, featuring unique shapes and colors that make travel—whether for daily commuting or sightseeing—safe, secure, and enjoyable.

Additionally, to coincide with the introduction of the new vehicle, a new logo mark for the route was designed, featuring a motif of combined shapes reflecting the roots of the characters for "Arashiyama" and "Electric Tram" (Araden). It contributes to enhancing the route brand starting from the vehicle.

■ What is the Blue Ribbon Award?

Organized annually by the Japan Railfan Club, this award selects newly built or modified vehicles that have officially begun commercial operation in Japan, with the aim of contributing to the progress and development of Japanese railway vehicles.

Based on member voting results, the selection committee evaluates factors such as convenience, comfort, environmental response, and effective use of new technology to award the prize to the vehicle recognized as the "best."

■ Selection Rationale

The Mobo 1 series received the highest number of votes from members. The selection committee honored it with the Blue Ribbon Award, citing its well-considered design concept, the introduction of multilingual guidance using slim glass-integrated LCD displays, and the adoption of bucket seats designed for comfort, resulting in a highly complete and excellent vehicle.

GK Design Group Hiroshima is a comprehensive design office that works across the fields of products, communication, urban environments, and architecture based on the philosophy of "Business, Movement, and Research."