Galaxy Express 999

A steam train replicating the Ginga Tetsudo 999 (Galaxy Express 999) made a special run today in Shizuoka.

With today being 2009/09/09, a once in a thousand years date, the train decorated as the 999 or Three Nine created by Leji Matsumoto was on show to many happy fans.

Galaxy Express Three-Nine, (銀河鉄道９９９) is a story about a little boy, Tetsuro, who in search of a machine body meets up with an elegant lady, Maetel on board the 999 Express. The train runs through space and comes to Earth just one day in the year.

There were manga, tv, movie and stage productions of this popular series.

If you missed the original series here is a clip from the opening scene

I remember going to see this movie with a friend in Australia before I first came to Japan. I think they were showing a number of Japanese movies. We watched this one and also the Makioka Sisters and maybe Tanpopo.

What movies do you remember from years ago that maybe introduced you to Japan?