New Hybrid Train on the Hachiko Line

JR East's HB-E220 series hybrid train arriving at Komagawa Station

I’m happy to introduce a brand-new train that has joined the metropolitan area fleet. Please take a look at the photo above. Here it is—JR East’s HB-E220 series hybrid train on the Hachiko Line. This new train debuted last December, replacing the older KiHa 110 series DMUs.

What’s new about the HB-E220 series?

First, the power transmission system has been completely redesigned. On the older KiHa 110 series, the engine’s rotational force was sent to the wheels through a torque converter (a hydraulic transmission) and a reduction gear. In contrast, the HB-E220 series uses diesel–electric propulsion. Power generated from the engine and rechargeable batteries is fed to the traction motors via a main converter. In addition, during braking, the motors act as generators and recharge the batteries.

Second, the carbody material has changed from steel to stainless steel to reduce weight. The number of passenger doors has also increased from two to three per side on each car, allowing smoother boarding and alighting. Inside, the seats have been changed from semi-cross seating to longitudinal benches (see the photo below).

What was my impression?

The train stood out with its silver body accented by green stripes. When it departed, it was as quiet as an EMU. About five seconds later, the diesel engine kicked in—just like a DMU. It felt a little strange, in a fun way.

As for the interior, I was impressed by the spacious, wheelchair-accessible restroom. On the other hand, I was a bit disappointed that there were fewer passenger windows, because machine rooms occupy space inside the cars. And more importantly for someone who enjoys traveling by train, I was shocked to find no cross seats at all. As the saying goes, when you gain something, you lose something.

Incidentally, if you have time, please check out my previous posts on other JR East hybrid trains—the KiHa E200 series, the HB-E210 series, and the HB-E300 series as well.

Interior of the HB-E220 series

・Official information by JR East (in Japanese)

Like a Snake: Point Switches on the Tama Monorail Line

A point switch on the Tama Monorail Line (straight-running configuration)

Let me pick up where I left off in my last post. After taking photos of the Pom Poko–wrapped train, I continued enjoying the Tama Monorail Line. My next focus was the point switches of this straddle-beam monorail. Since I observed dual-gauge track point switches on the Hakone Tozan Line last month, I wanted to see monorail point switches with my own eyes as well.

My target was a point switch near Tama Center Terminal.

First, I rode in the rear car of the train and observed the point switch in one state. Please take a look at the top photo. Yes—this is the configuration for straight running. Unlike standard railways, you can see many components and pieces of equipment along the track. It looks more complex than that of the Tokyo Monorail Line, which I posted about 13 years ago.

After that, I moved to the front car and observed the point switch in another state. Please take a look at the photo below. This is the configuration for branch running. What a twisty structure it is! I could hardly believe that this point switch is made of iron and concrete. It is composed of many short rails connected by flexible joints. The way it moves is just like a snake.

For a rail fan like me, small scenes like these always feel like hidden treasures. I can’t help but stop and watch for a moment. Perhaps you can feel a bit of that excitement too? Rail fans are happy creatures, aren’t they?

A point switch on the Tama Monorail Line (branch-running configuration)

Tama Monorail's Pom Poko Wrapped Train

The Pom Poko wrapped train crossing the Asakawa River

This might sound sudden, but let me start by introducing an animated film. Pom Poko is a 1994 Japanese fantasy movie created by Studio Ghibli. The story follows a group of tanuki—Japanese raccoon dogs—living in the Tama area of Tokyo. As their forest home gradually disappears under development, the tanuki use their shape-shifting powers to resist the changes. In Japanese folklore, tanuki are known to transform into humans and play tricks, so the film blends fantasy, humor, and a surprisingly touching message.

Now, fast-forward 30 years. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has decided to shine a new spotlight on Pom Poko by promoting the Tama area through the Tama Monorail Line. And yes—that means a wrapped train. Please take a look at the photo above. This is the Pom Poko wrapped train, decorated with many of the film’s lovable characters. I spotted it from the riverbed of the Asakawa River, which felt like the perfect place to photograph a train connected to a story about nature and tanuki.

For those interested in the technical side (I know some of you are!), the wrapped train is Set 1102 (1102F) of the 1000 series EMU—the only train type running on the Tama Monorail Line. These sets are 1,500 V DC with aluminum alloy bodies, and all four cars are motorcars. Their traction system uses an IGBT–VVVF inverter paired with induction motors. Set 1102 used to wear an all-white livery, but from October 17 to December 21 last year, it transformed—quite literally—into the Pom Poko wrapped train.

So yes… 1102F has shape-shifting powers of its own!

A tanuki character from Pom Poko (left)

Related link:

・Official information by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (in Japanese; machine translation available)

Return of the Red 1000 Series EMU

Odakyu’s red 1000 series EMU arriving at Iriuda Station on the Hakone Tozan Line

Happy New Year! The year 2026 is finally here. I hope all railfans around the world will enjoy a healthy and peaceful year. As my first update of the year, I’d like to share a little piece of happy news.

The red 1000 series EMU has returned to the Hakone Tozan Line. Please take a look at the photo above. Yes — that’s Odakyu’s red 1000 series EMU on the Hakone Tozan Line. It really stands out with its bright red color.

For those who may not be familiar with it, the 1000 series debuted in 1988 as a commuter train with a stainless-steel body and a neat blue stripe. Later, in 2009, the sets that operated on the Hakone Tozan Line were repainted in red (vermillion)—the traditional color of the line. These red trains sadly disappeared in 2022 when they were retired, but many passengers and railfans continued hoping for their return.

And finally, in November 2025, a brand-new red 1000 series EMU joined the fleet. Odakyu Group plans to introduce four sets—16 cars in total—by March 2026. It’s wonderful to see this symbolic color running through the mountains once again.

In the photo below, you can see set 1066 carefully descending the steep track with the Hakone mountains behind it. It really gives you a sense of how dependable the 1000 series is. I have a feeling this spot will become one of my regular photo destinations this year.

Set 1066 of the red 1000 series descending the steep Hakone Tozan Line

Related link:

・Official information by Odakyu (in Japanese)

Bird Watching on the Haneda Airport Line

Tokyo Monorail 1000 series EMU arriving at Ryutsu-center Station

I know you are a train enthusiast—but how about bird watching?

As for me, I feel a bit unsure about it. I basically like bird watching, but I’m not very good at photographing birds. Today, let me share one of my memorable experiences with you.

Recently, I had a chance to visit Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park. It’s a well-known place where visitors can encounter many kinds of wild birds. In fact, I saw quite a few of them from the observation room in the park. It was an exciting experience, but there was one problem: taking photos.

Unlike trains, birds don’t appear according to a timetable. They behave completely differently, and that made me feel a little frustrated. Perhaps I’m not suited to unpredictable phenomena.

Instead, I was deeply impressed by a simple, almost featureless landscape. Please take a look at the photo below. Here it is—a small island in a pond within the park. It was heart-shaped and quietly beautiful. Although there were no birds on it, I couldn’t stop taking pictures.

Of course, I can’t end this post without mentioning the railway side of things—after all, this is a railway blog. To reach Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park, the nearest station is Ryutsu-center Station on the Haneda Airport Line of Tokyo Monorail. The Haneda Airport Line connects downtown Tokyo with Tokyo International Airport (Haneda). It opened in 1964, making it the second-oldest monorail line in Tokyo.

The 1000 series EMU (see the top photo) is the oldest active train on the line. It debuted in 1989 as the first six-car train on Tokyo Monorail. A total of 16 sets—96 cars—were built by Hitachi, and eight sets are still in service today. I sincerely hope that the 1000 series will continue to run on the Haneda Airport Line for many more years.

A heart-shaped island in a pond at Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park

Related link:

・Official video about the retirement of Tokyo Monorail Set 1001 (1000 series EMU) in 2021 (in Japanese)