X Densha de Ikou

X Densha de Ikou was produced by the acclaimed studio Madhouse and released as an OVA in 1987. It serves as a notable entry in the experimental animation scene of the 1980s, functioning as a music video project centered around the synth-pop work of the Japanese band Dreams Come True. The production was intended to showcase the potential of blending contemporary Japanese pop music with the high-quality, fluid animation techniques that Madhouse had become known for during this era.

The visual design and direction were heavily influenced by the avant-garde aesthetic popular in late-80s creative circles. The project utilized the visual language of urban alienation and dreamlike surrealism to complement the atmospheric qualities of the soundtrack. Upon its release, it was regarded as a niche but technically proficient showcase for the studio's artistry, cementing its place as a distinct artifact of the crossover between the Japanese music industry and the burgeoning original video animation market.