
Early this morning, a peculiar fellow was spotted riding the rails in Tokyo. Wrapped in layers of lights and adorned in pink pinwheels, he didn’t even bother sitting in the half-empty carriage. Just what was this glowing man doing on the last train home? The answer may surprise you.
The original picture seen above only came with a brief description explaining that the man was on the last train. It was retweeted nearly 5,000 times, causing netizens to wonder just why this man stayed out so late dressed in such an extreme costume. Was he at a party? Did he lose a bet? Soon after another picture surfaced online, giving a little more insight into just what this guy was doing:
▼ “There’s a really amusing person here. He’s taking photos with everyone lol! It seems he’s training for the Tokyo Marathon. Good luck!”
The same Twitter user added, “When he runs, the pinwheels spin in the wind and light up! He’s become an idol on the train! This made my day!”
So that’s what he was doing. Tokyo Marathon participants are known for dressing up in some crazy costumes. Here’s just a small sample from the 2011 race:
So you see, this glowing runner isn’t quite as outlandish as some of the other Tokyo Marathon participants. But he sure does stand out catching a ride on the last train home amongst the sea of brown overcoats and black pants!
Source: Hachima Kikou
Images: Twitter (Asparaman, yochico310)


“Glowing Man” brings smiles to the people of Tokyo while inspiring runners around the world
Tokyo party problem: Last train on most important line will soon leave almost 30 minutes earlier
Is overtime work in Tokyo going to get worse thanks to the Olympics’ new last train schedules?
Japanese superhero Ultraman spotted going to work on the Yamanote train line in Tokyo
Man spotted on train near Tokyo Disneyland with sticker saying he gropes women every day
Beautiful exclusive Totoro tenugui towel is a gift from Disney to Ghibli physical media buyers
Brand new Shinkansen bullet train unveiled in Japan… but it won’t carry passengers
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Sanrio eco-friendly plushies are here for the earth-conscious lovers of all things kawaii
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
Taco sandwiches appear in Japan with new Lunch Pack sandwich pocket flavor[Taste test]
If you love Pokémon and cats, you’ll love Japan’s cat Pokémon cat toys and feeding dishes[Photos]
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Evangelion beautifully reimagined as iconic classical Japanese folding screen art series [Photos]
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Man dressed as Batman’s Joker commits stabbing/arson attack on Tokyo train on Halloween night
Angry confrontation breaks out after man coughs on Yamanote Line train in Tokyo 【Video】
Shitty Shibuya – Dozens of human turds discovered on Tokyo train platform
Photo of man taking a dump on Tokyo subway floor is full of amusing background details
Major Tokyo train line stopped for one hour as passenger gets own head stuck under seat
Tokyo crow who tried to buy a train ticket gets illegally captured