BUSad Trend Note | 2026.08.13

“BUSad Trend Note” introduces recent news that has caught the attention of BUSad, focusing on bus advertising and promotions utilizing buses.

This time, we have picked up five topics, including collaborations with characters and artists, promotions involving the city, and support advertisements for individuals.

1. “Curious George” wrapping bus appears on Hankyu Bus

In conjunction with the collaboration project between Hankyu Corporation and “Curious George,” Hankyu Bus is operating a specially wrapped bus.

In addition to the exterior, the interior of the bus also features collaboration decorations. In parts of the Ibaraki area and the Amagasaki/Itami area, bus stop signs have also been customized with “Curious George” designs.

It is a project that can be enjoyed throughout the Hankyu railway line, including trains, buses, bus stops, stamp rallies, and original merchandise.

▶ Details of the “Curious George x Hankyu Train” wrapping bus

2. Hinatazaka46 x Miyako Group to operate collaboration wrapping bus

The operation of a wrapping bus commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Miyako Group and the “Hinata Fes 2026” held in Miyazaki Prefecture has begun.

The bus body is designed with the Hinatazaka46 logo, colorful musical notes, and palm trees typical of Miyazaki. Two limited-edition buses are scheduled to run in Miyazaki City from August 7, 2026, to mid-September.

Local buses are enlivening large-scale events held in the region from within the city.

▶ Hinata Fes 2026 x Miyazaki Kotsu Special Page

3. “Sutopuri Shibuya Jack” begins. Two wrapping buses are also in operation

A large-scale “Shibuya Jack” commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 2.5D idol group “Sutopuri” has started.

Starting with the Tokyu Line train jack, collaboration advertisements and digital rallies are being deployed in various locations in the Shibuya area. Two types of wrapping buses have also appeared on Tokyu buses departing from and arriving at Shibuya Station.

This is an area-integrated promotion that combines advertisements on trains, facilities, and in the city, rather than just on the buses alone.

▶ Details of the “Sutopuri Shibuya Jack” implementation

4. Ryobi "Hello Kitty Bus": Even the advertising spaces are Hello Kitty themed

As part of the "KAWAII OKAYAMA!" collaboration project between the Ryobi Group and Hello Kitty, the "Hello Kitty Bus" is now operating through the streets of Okayama.

In addition to the pink exterior, the interior features Hello Kitty patterned seat covers, heart-shaped hand straps, and over 100 plush toys. Everything from the fare box and stop buttons to the digital destination display is unified with the Hello Kitty world view.

Furthermore, the interior advertising spaces, which usually display commercial ads, have been specially customized. Hello Kitty introduces Okayama's tourist spots, facilities, and local specialties.

▶ Details of the "Hello Kitty x Ryobi Group" project

5. WILLER opens transit advertising to individuals. Launches "Support Ads"

WILLER MARKETING has launched a "Support Ad" service utilizing posters and digital signage at bus terminals and stations.

Advertising spaces previously offered only to companies and corporations are now open to individuals. Fans can now display advertisements for the birthdays or anniversaries of idols, artists, and creators.

This initiative leverages transit advertising as a place for fans to "convey their feelings" to their favorites, building on WILLER's history of providing transportation for fans to "go see" them.

▶ Details of the WILLER "Support Ad" service

The initiatives introduced this time—character collaborations, boosting local events, city-wide advertising campaigns, disseminating tourist information, and individual support ads—all have different objectives.

Even when simply called bus advertising, the ways it can be utilized are diverse. Next time, we will introduce more interesting news from across the country.