If you plan to take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya early next year, hope that Sephiroth doesn’t intervene. Or maybe hope that he does. For a limited campaign in 2026, Square Enix has teamed up with JR Central. As such, riders of the bullet train can experience various Final Fantasy VII promotions.
The campaign commemorates the arrival of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on the Switch 2. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade will release for the new Nintendo console on January 22nd, 2026. Meanwhile, the JR Central Final Fantasy VII campaign will begin just a few days earlier on January 15th. It will then run until April 15th. So you’ve got a limited window to take part.
And what will this collaboration entail? For starters, those riding the Tokaido Shinkansen may enjoy an audio drama featuring Cloud, Barret, Tifa, Aerith, and Sephiroth. JR Central describes the premise as follows:
One night, Cloud had a strange dream. It was a dream story born from the guidance of the stars, and it was unclear whether it was reality or an illusion. Cloud and his friends pursue their nemesis, Sephiroth, and step into a mysterious time-space portal. They arrive at a strange, parallel world. Another journey begins…
So it sounds like Cloud, a frequent train rider himself from his time in Midgar, will get to ride a newer and faster train. And much like in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, it will include parallel worlds and portals. The press release doesn’t say it this story will be cannon, but after the timey-wimey shenanigans in Rebirth it’s certainly possible.
Riders may listen to this audio drama by riding the Tokaido Shinkansen during the campaign period. Once the bullet train reaches a certain speed, passengers may scan a code to listen in on their personal devices. Note that headphones are strongly recommended, as bullet trains tend to be a quiet affair in Japan.
And those who tune in will be rewarded with physical goodies as well. Those who play the voice drama while on the train will be able to redeem their boarding pass for a prize. What is the prize? None other than one of three acrylic keychains featuring Final Fantasy VII characters. Check them out below.
Each design features a selection of characters from the game wearing JR uniforms. Two of them feature the Shinkansen as well, including one of Barret… firing the train out of his arm. Now that’s metal.
Fans may redeem the promotion at Animate Nagoya, conveniently located just a few blocks from JR Nagoya Station. They’ll receive one keychain at random. But, if they ride the train on another day they can get another. Personally, I want all of the designs. I’m hoping one of my Japanese friends can snag at least one for me. There’s no word yet on how riders from Nagoya to Tokyo or Osaka can claim the promo.
That said, Nagoya is absolutely worth visiting, especially as a city right between Kyoto and Tokyo. So if you’re planning a trip to Japan along the “Golden Route,” you’ll very likely pass through Nagoya. Why not stop by, see the city, and pick up a Final Fantasy VII souvenir on the way?
What’s more, Nagoya itself will feature three more Final Fantasy VII audio dramas, available at checkpoints around the city. These include Nagoya City Science Museum, Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER (not to be confused with another Electric Power Company), and Sunshine Sakae. That last stop features a Ferris Wheel, in case you want to have your own Final Fantasy VII-style date.
And of course, collecting stamps from these locations gives a prize as well. Animate Nagoya will also provide limited edition Final Fantasy VII postcards to those who get the three stamps. The postcards not only feature chibi versions of the characters, they also include “voice notes.” Presumably, a barcode similar to the one for the audio drama will let you access a character voice message. And if you don’t wrangle the stamps, you can still mosey over to Animate Nagoya or the Nagoya City Science Museum to purchase exclusive merchandize.
Lastly, for those in Tokyo or Nagoya in January, the respective cities’ stations will feature signage of Final Fantasy VII. This part of the promotion will prove extra limited. It will run from just January 19th to the 25th.
But if you’re a Final Fantasy VII fan in Japan this spring, consider a trip to Nagoya. The wider Final Fantasy VII JR Central collaboration will occur from January 15th to April 15th.
Source: JR Central
