Your Story Becomes a Picture Book! Hanshin Electric Railway's 120th & Hanshin Bus's 20th Anniversary Project: 'SALAD EXPRESS' Creative Picture Book Story Contest Held!

Hanshin Electric Railway Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Fukushima-ku, Osaka City; President: Yusuke Kusu) and Hanshin Bus Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture; President: Kazuhiro Shirojima) will hold a picture book story contest featuring vegetable characters depicted on "SALAD EXPRESS" buses operated by Hanshin Bus for highway buses and other services.

Hanshin Electric Railway began operations on April 12, 1905, between Kobe (Sannomiya) and Osaka (Deiribashi), celebrating its 120th anniversary in 2025. On the other hand, Hanshin Bus began operations on June 14, 2006, after taking over part of Hanshin Electric Railway's automobile business, and will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year.

Therefore, as a joint anniversary project, we are soliciting picture book stories featuring the "SALAD EXPRESS" characters: "Corn," "Chingensai (Bok choy)," "Bell Pepper," and "Tomato." Please give each character a wonderful name.

The grand prize-winning work will be published as a picture book, donated to libraries, and sold at events where Hanshin Bus exhibits.

We look forward to receiving your heartwarming picture book story submissions.

1 Application Details

We are soliciting picture book stories featuring the four vegetable characters "Corn," "Chingensai (Bok choy)," "Bell Pepper," and "Tomato," which are illustrated on the "SALAD EXPRESS" buses operated by Hanshin Bus for highway buses and other services, along with the "Bus" itself. We also welcome suggestions for the naming and personalities of the characters.

Submissions should be original and unpublished story manuscripts of up to approximately 1,200 characters, intended for a 20-page picture book targeting elementary school children in lower grades.

- Submissions are limited to text data transmission. - Please ensure that the title is on the first line of the manuscript, your name (or pen name) on the second line, and the story begins on the third line.

2 Application Period

From 2:00 PM on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, until 11:59 AM on Monday, June 1, 2026 (based on transmission time).

3 Eligibility

Age, gender, professional or amateur status are not questioned. However, applications are limited to individuals residing in Japan. Minors applying are deemed to have the consent of their guardian.

4 Prizes

- Grand Prize (1 winner): Certificate, publication as a picture book, supplementary prize of 200,000 yen. - Honorable Mention (5 winners): Certificate, 10,000 yen original design book card.

5 How to Apply for the Story Contest

Access the dedicated application form from the official website and either: (1) Directly enter the story, or (2) Upload the manuscript data.

Official Website: https://www.hanshin.co.jp/saladproject/ Dedicated Application Form: https://form.qubo.jp/saladexpress-storycontest-form

6 Results Announcement

Late July 2026 (scheduled to be announced on the official website, etc.).

7 Other

For details on application precautions and other information, please refer to the official website or the flyers placed at each Hanshin Electric Railway station.

8 Organizers

Hanshin Electric Railway Co., Ltd. / Hanshin Bus Co., Ltd.

9 Contact for Applications

"SALAD EXPRESS" Original Picture Book Story Contest Secretariat (Within Hankyu Hanshin Marketing Solutions, Inc.) Email: saladexpress_storycontest@hhms.co.jp

About SALAD EXPRESS

"SALAD EXPRESS" is the nickname for the highway buses operated by Hanshin Bus since 1989. Currently, there are approximately 50 buses with vegetable characters depicted on their bodies. They mainly operate between the Shikoku region and Osaka/Kobe, and also as airport limousine buses connecting Itami Airport and Kansai International Airport with various locations in the Hanshin area.

Under the brand slogan of "Gathering What's Important.", the Hanshin Group will continue to face each customer's "importance" and, as a group, continue to provide a "Hanshin-like" brand experience, thereby meeting their trust and expectations.

Reference Materials: d5180-3576-c6095cd1d93b302e7619c3f5fecced8a.pdf

Hanshin Electric Railway Co., Ltd. https://www.hanshin.co.jp/

Hanshin Bus Co., Ltd. https://www.hanshin-bus.co.jp/

Release: https://www.hankyu-hanshin.co.jp/release/2026/04/316c692af8686b79bd8720a73f34273a035cee1c.pdf

Issued by: Hankyu Hanshin Holdings 1-16-1 Shibata, Kita-ku, Osaka