The hit short anime Galaxy Express Milky☆Subway (Ginga Tokkyu Milky☆Subway) is teaming up with the hot spring facility chain Gokurakuyu RAKU SPA for a limited-time collaboration. Titled ‘Galaxy’s Most Relaxing!? – Get Off at Gokurakuyu,’ the campaign will run from June 18 to July 7, 2026 at 25 participating locations.
About the Anime
Directed by Kameyama Yohei, who spent nearly two years creating it almost single-handedly, Galaxy Express Milky☆Subway is a 12-episode short anime that aired and streamed from July 2025, quickly becoming a massive hit. Set aboard a runaway ‘Milky☆Subway,’ the series features a nostalgic sci-fi visual style, uniquely natural dialogue, and an expertly timed soundtrack that captivated viewers. Even after the broadcast ended, its popularity continues to grow, with the official YouTube channel surpassing an astonishing 250 million total views. Numerous celebrities and public figures have publicly declared themselves fans of the series, keeping it a hot topic in the 2025 anime scene. In February 2026, a theatrical re-edited version titled Galaxy Express Milky☆Subway: Local Train to the Theater was released, adding new scenes.
Collaboration Highlights
The collaboration includes seven main initiatives:
- Milky☆Subway Plus Set: Upon entering a participating store, guests who purchase the special ‘Plus Set’ (in addition to the entrance fee) will receive one randomly selected exclusive microfiber towel (9 designs in total).
- Collaboration Goods: Original merchandise using newly drawn illustrations will be sold. For every 2,000 yen (tax included) spent on collaboration goods at the store, customers will receive one random clear card (7 designs). Online sales begin at 13:00 on June 18.
- Collaboration Menu Items: Limited-edition food and drinks inspired by the characters will be available. Each order comes with a randomly selected original coaster (9 standard designs plus rare holographic versions).
- Themed Baths: Six special baths themed after the characters will be set up, with decorated tapestry displays inside the bathing areas.
- Decorations and Photo Spots: Newly drawn character panels, banners, scene posters, and a ‘plushie photo spot’ will appear. The plushie photo spot uses AR technology to recreate the bath tapestry decorations, allowing guests to take fun photos with their smartphones.
- X Campaign: Participating in the X (formerly Twitter) campaign will give entrants a chance to win postcards and lottery tickets for collaboration decorations.
- In-Store Broadcast: A newly recorded mini voice drama featuring the characters will be played once every hour in the facilities.
Event Details
| Duration: | June 18 (Thu) – July 7 (Tue), 2026 |
| Locations: | 25 Gokurakuyu & RAKU SPA group stores |
| Initiatives: | Plus Set, goods, menu items, themed baths, decorations, X campaign, in-store broadcast |
(C) Kameyama Yohei / Titan Kogyo
