Matsumoto Reiji starship riverbus

The riverbuses that run between Tokyo's Asakusa and Odaiba are to get a new addition to the fleet in late March--a vessel designed by Matsumoto Reiji, the manga artist responsible for Uchuu Senkan Yamato (known in animated form as Star Blazers in the US) and Galaxy Express 999, among others.

As will be obvious from the photo, the 125-ton, 33 x 8 m Himiko is designed to look like a spaceship, with tons of silver-metallic paint and gullwing doors. It will accomodate up to 231 people.

Will be running about five times a day; Y1,360 for adults and Y830 for children.

[Via asahi.com (Japanese)]