JR East’s Yagasuri Train

Trainset A28 of JR East’s 211-3000 series EMU, the Yagasuri Train

Today, let me start with a question: Are there any textile regions in your country?

In Japan, the answer is yes. Kyoto, for example, is famous for its traditional high-quality silk textile known as Nishijin-ori. Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture is well known for its high-quality denim. In the Tokyo metropolitan area, Kiryu in Gunma Prefecture is one of the regions famous for weaving Yagasuri textiles.

Yagasuri is a traditional pattern featuring arrow feathers, forming a repeating geometric V-shape. It is considered a lucky pattern because historically it symbolized a safe and happy marriage—just as an arrow shot from a bow never returns.

JR East is leveraging this unique local cultural resource, Yagasuri, to revitalize communities along the Ryomo Line. One such initiative is the Yagasuri Train.

Please take a look at the photo above—yes, that is the Yagasuri Train, set A28 of JR East’s 211-3000 series EMU. This trainset originally featured orange and green stripes, but in April 2021 they were replaced with green and yellow stripes in a Yagasuri pattern. It’s lovely, isn’t it? The interior of the Yagasuri Train is also decorated with Yagasuri patterns, including the passenger seats.

By the way, you might be surprised to learn that the Yagasuri Train entered service in 2021. That was quite a long time ago. Haven’t I had a chance to share this unique train until now?

Thanks for wondering. I actually tried to visit Gunma Prefecture several times to photograph the Yagasuri Train. However, something always got in the way. For example, please see the photo below. I tried to take it in 2024, but I was caught in a sudden shower, which made the photo blurry. It was unlucky, but looking at this photo now makes me feel nostalgic.

I’m not a native English speaker, but I think I can say now, “All’s well that ends well.”

The Yagasuri Train photographed during a sudden shower in 2024

Related link:

・Official information from JR East Takasaki Branch Office (in Japanese)

Seibu's SAMURAI BLUE TRAIN

Set 40156 of Seibu’s 40000 series EMU fleet, the SAMURAI BLUE TRAIN

Is the FIFA World Cup creating a huge buzz in your country?

In Japan, yes. As evidence, the Bureau of Waterworks of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government recently released data on “match-day changes in water distribution volume” and found that water usage increased sharply just before kickoff, during halftime, and immediately after the final whistle. I hope you can imagine what that means.

I’m not a soccer enthusiast, but as a train enthusiast, I can’t get World Cup-related trains out of my mind.

For example, on June 7, Seibu Railway introduced a specially wrapped train, the SAMURAI BLUE TRAIN.

Please take a look at the top photo—yes, this is the SAMURAI BLUE TRAIN. You can see the vibrant two-tone blue and green livery on the train. The blue represents the team color of Japan’s national team. Meanwhile, the blue and green also represent the corporate colors of the sponsor, Credit Saison.

Along the sides of the train, you can see players from the national team. For example, the bottom photo shows Kubo Takefusa, who plays as a right winger. He is very popular with children because he is kind to them. He has a small build, but he is very fast—like JR East’s Series E6 Shinkansen EMU. Is this analogy a bit of a stretch?

As a train enthusiast, I would also like to touch briefly on the technical aspects of the train itself. The SAMURAI BLUE TRAIN is Set 40156 of Seibu’s 40000 series EMU fleet. The 40000 series entered service in 2017. A total of 26 sets, or 248 cars, were introduced between 2017 and 2025. Each car has a 20-meter aluminum-alloy body and an IGBT-based VFD traction system with 190 kW fully enclosed permanent-magnet synchronous motors. The 40000 series trainsets have a special space called the “Partner Zone” for wheelchair users and passengers with prams.

For your information, there are several variations within this fleet. For example, 20 sets, including Set 40156, are composed of 10 cars, while the other six sets consist of 8 cars. Another difference is that six sets have convertible cross/long seats and a wheelchair-accessible restroom, while the other 20 sets, including Set 40156, have longitudinal seating only. Furthermore…

Sorry to be so specific... I always geek out over this kind of topic.

Close-up view of the SAMURAI BLUE TRAIN

Art Train on the Den-en-toshi Line

Set 2145 of Tokyu's 2020 series EMU in special art-train livery

Do wrapped trains run in your country? If so, here's another question: do any of them feature artwork?

In Japan, art-themed wrapped trains are not particularly common, but we do occasionally come across them. One memorable example for me was Tobu Railway's "Ikebukuro–Kawagoe Art Train", which operated in 2020. To promote tourism in Kawagoe City, illustrations of the city's historic landmarks, local food, and specialty products were painted on the train by a Japanese-style artist.

Another example was Saitama Railway's "Thanks 25 Train". Created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Saitama Stadium Line, it featured abstract artwork by a local artist.

Today, I would like to introduce another art train currently operating on Tokyu's Den-en-toshi Line. Please take a look at the photo above. This is "A Special Train That Paints Color for People, Towns, and the Future."

The train was created through a collaboration between Tokyu Corporation and Heralbony, a talent agency that works primarily with artists with intellectual disabilities. The company signs licensing agreements with these artists and promotes their artwork through various projects.

Incidentally, the name "Heralbony" itself does not have any particular meaning. It was coined by the older brother of the company's CEOs, who has an intellectual disability.

Now, let's take a closer look at the artwork. The train features various scenes found along Tokyu's railway lines, including urban buildings, riverside parks, and a historic station building.

Among these scenes, my personal favorite is the depiction of everyday local life shown in the photo below—a father pushing a stroller. There is something heartwarming about such an ordinary moment captured in art.

Finally, as a railway enthusiast, I would like to touch briefly on the technical aspects of the train itself.

The art train is Set 2145 of Tokyu's 2020 series EMU fleet. The 2020 series is a commuter EMU designed for 1,500 V DC electrification and operation on Japan's 1,067 mm narrow-gauge network. The series entered service in 2018.

Each trainset consists of ten 20-meter stainless-steel cars arranged in a 5M5T configuration (five motor cars and five trailer cars). Many of its running components are shared with JR East's E235 series.

The train is equipped with a SiC-based VFD traction system and 140 kW fully enclosed induction motors. Thanks to these advanced technologies, power consumption has been reduced to approximately half that of the older 8500 series, while exterior noise levels have been lowered by around 10 dB.

Close-up view of the artwork on the side of the train

Related Link:

・Official information from Tokyu (Japanese only)

The 700 Series EMU: Enoden’s New Train Model

Enoden’s new 700 series EMU (a double-set formation)

Today, I’d like to share a bit about a new train model introduced in the Tokyo metropolitan area: the 700 series EMU operated by Enoshima Electric Railway. This new model entered service on April 19 and will replace the older 1000 series EMU.

First, let me briefly review the background of the company, commonly known as Enoden.

Enoden is a local railway operator serving the cities of Fujisawa and Kamakura, located about 40 km southwest of Tokyo. The company operates the Enoshima Electric Railway Line, often simply called the Enoden Line. The line is 10 km long and connects Fujisawa and Kamakura. It is entirely single-track, with a 1,067 mm gauge and a 600 V DC electrification system. At first glance, it may look like a tramway because the trains are small and a certain section shares space with road traffic. However, it is officially classified as a railway under the Railway Business Act, not the Tramway Act.

Now, let's take a look at the new train model. The photo above shows the 700 series EMU. Each trainset consists of two articulated motorcars, with a total length of 25.44 meters. The bodies are made of stainless steel, and each car has two passenger doors on one side. The traction system uses a VFD with 60 kW induction motors, and the braking system is an electric-command type with regenerative braking. With these features, the 700 series achieves approximately 49% lower energy consumption compared to the older 1000 series.

As a rail fan, I would also like to introduce the interior of the 700 series. Its seating layout is unique, allowing passengers to enjoy views of the ocean. Unfortunately, this has been difficult recently. Enoden trains are extremely crowded with inbound tourists, as the line offers access to many popular destinations, including historical temples, beautiful beaches, and real-life anime locations. I’m very proud that so many international visitors come to experience the Enoden Line, but because of the crowds, it has been nearly impossible to photograph and present the distinctive seating arrangement.

If you have time, please take a look at the related link below, which provides Enoden’s official information on the 700 series EMU (in Japanese).

“Debut” commemorative sticker displayed on the front of the 700 series EMU

Related link:

• Official information from Enoden

The 30th Anniversary of the Toyo Rapid Line

The 30th Anniversary Train: Set 2103 of the Toyo Rapid Railway 2000 series EMU

On April 27th, Toyo Rapid Railway celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Toyo Rapid Line. Today, I’d like to share a few thoughts about this milestone.

Let me start with a brief overview of the line. The Toyo Rapid Line opened in 1996 as a new commuter route in the western part of Chiba Prefecture. It is operated by the Toyo Rapid Railway Company, a joint public–private entity. The line stretches 16.2 kilometers between Toyo-Katsutadai and Nishi-Funabashi and has eight stations in total. The entire route is double-tracked, and trains run on a 1,500 V DC system. Almost all services continue onto the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, and some even extend as far as the JR East Chuo Line.

To commemorate the 30th anniversary, Toyo Rapid Railway has introduced a specially wrapped train—the “30th Anniversary Train,” using Set 2103 of the 2000 series EMU. In the photo above, you can see the special round emblem on the front and the commemorative stickers along the sides. The design is modest, but charming in its own way.

Although the Toyo Rapid Line is a little far from where I live, I often take it to visit a rose garden in spring and autumn. Because of that, the 2000 series EMU always reminds me of those seasonal trips. I have many fond memories connected to this line.

Seeing the anniversary train also brought back older memories. In the photo below, you can see the former Toyo Rapid Railway 1000 series EMU, which I photographed in 2009 when I was living in Jakarta, Indonesia.

As you may know, many Japanese trains were transferred to Indonesia during that period and operated by the local railway company, KRL JABODETABEK. The 1000 series was one of those valuable trains. I used to ride it on weekends to visit suburban areas and enjoy relaxing walks.

I am grateful to the trains of Toyo Rapid Railway—not only in Japan, but also in Indonesia—for the comfort they brought me over the years. Congratulations to Toyo Rapid Railway on its 30th anniversary!

Former Toyo Rapid Railway 1000 series EMU at Jakarta Kota Station, Indonesia

(January 2009)

Related Link:

・Official information on the Toyo Rapid Line from Toyo Rapid Railway

・Official information on the 30th anniversary of the Toyo Rapid Line from Toyo Rapid Railway (Japanese only)