"Buster Shinjuku" Now Tokyo's Key-Spot of Tourism

Buster Shinjuku? A queer name, don't you think? Let me break it down this way: Bus + ter(minal). So, that's it. It's a new-born huge terminal of highway buses leaving and arriving at one of Tokyo's key towns of 1600 services moving 40000 people a day: Shinjuku. Built 4-storey high atop the South Gate (Minamiguchi) of Shinjuku Station, Buster Shinjuku was flooded with people already on the first day of its services, April 4, switching from train to bus just for utility and ease of transfer.

The Ministry of Transport had invested 70 billion yen to build it at Shinjuku, the nation's most concentrated bus network, targeting a growing influx of foreign tourists and, of course, binding scattered highway bus routes into one bundle under s single roof.

The Internet is noisy with numerous comments on its utility values to start and even on its rather unique naming. Some say it sounds husky and others say it reminds of a herbicide by the same name. etc.

Its official logo interests quite a few people who recall that of the Masked Rider and linear designs used in the early days of TV. Planning Dept. Chief Hiroyoshi Sekiguchi of the ministry's Tokyo Office comments:

"The Bus+Ta(=er) has all sort of ideas built-in, really: Bus + ter(minal), Bus + Ta(xi), Bus(es running like s)tars moving people distances away, etc.

"A member of the selecting-board mentioned the whole project reminds all of the TV anime 'Mach Go Go'. He hoped people would love to feel a touch of yesterdays."

For those away from Japan at the moment, this episode may not even tickle you, but for those who are in Japan, particularly those in the heart of Tokyo right now, this is obviously a big thing happening to them. A British couple:

"It is easier than taking bags to the train. It's very helpful here...."

Since it started functioning a few days ago, the 4th-floor booking area is crowded with tourists from abroad charmed with easier and less costlier tour arrangements. (Nathan Shiga)