On January 15, 2024, an unveiling ceremony took place at the Senda Depot of Hiroshima Electric Railway to introduce the “Hiroshima University (HU) Original Design Wrapped Trams and Buses.” Attendees included Masao Mukuda, President & Representative Director of Hiroshima Electric Railway; illustrator Hirofumi Kamigaki; the two creators of the tram and bus designs proposals, Haruki Yoshiasa and Natsuko Hikiji; HU President Mitsuo Ochi, and many other guests.

During the ceremony, HU President Ochi said, “We aspire to be a university chosen by the world and loved by the local community. We want to liven up Hiroshima together with the local community.”

Hiroshima Electric Railway President Mukuda remarked, “The design embodies the thoughts of the staff and students of my alma mater, Hiroshima University. I am delighted to participate in the uplifting of Hiroshima.” 

Illustrator Hirofumi Kamigaki signed one of the trams, followed by a tape-cutting ceremony. Attendees then toured the trams. The initiative is part of HU's 75th-anniversary celebrations, commemorating its 150-year history. Original HU-designed streetcars and buses will operate in Hiroshima City for one year starting January 2024.

Designs were selected through an internal call for submissions, inviting proposals from students and staff. Crowdfunding was utilized to fully wrap the trams and buses, with contributions from alumni and the local community ensuring the project's success.

The tram stop in front of the Higashi-Senda Campus, now named “Nisseki-byoin-mae,” was formerly known as “Hiroshima-daigaku-mae.” When it was first installed in 1912, it bore the name “Koto-shihan-mae.” HU and Hiroshima Electric Railway share a long story, and the connection continues. Going forward, our goal is to share the university's history and its ongoing dedication to tackling challenges with a wide audience.

President Ochi has also signed the train. If you come across the train, be sure to look for his signature!

• Scheduled routes
  Trams: Mainly on the City Line 1 (Hiroshima Station-Hiroshima Port)
  The tram route map can be found here (link to an external website in Japanese).
  
  Buses: Mainly on City Line 2 (Prefectural Office-Fuchu/Nukushina) and Line 6 (Ushita-Eba), etc.
  The bus route map can be found here (link to an external website in Japanese).
   
• Period of operation
  From January 15, 2024 (Monday) for one year