Do you know the EMU 103 series? It's an old commuter train developed by the ex-Japanese National Railways. 3,447 cars in total were built from 1963 to 1984, but most of them have already been scrapped. We can't see the 103 series in Tokyo any more, but in the Kansai area (JR West's operating area), we can still see them on several local lines. Kansai was supposed to be "the 103 Kingdom" for me.
On March 12th, some news shook me badly. The 103 series was abruptly retired from the Nara line. To make matters worse, there was no prior announcement from JR West. Why? I don't know how much of it is true, but railfans rumor that it was to avoid unexpected accidents on the track. If the company made a prior announcement, a large number of railfans would flock to the Nara line to say goodbye to the 103 series. It'd be risky for safe train operation.
There's no use complaining about it. I recently visited the JR West Bantan line to see the still active 103 series instead. Fortunately, I could come across set BH9 of the 103 series at Himeji station. It's a beautifully maintained 2-car train (KuMoHa 102-3509 and 103-3509). Specifically, KuMoHa 103-3509 is my favorite rare car, as it has dual pantographs on the roof. I don't know how long the 103 series' current life will continue, but hope it'll be operated as long as possible.
The 103 Kingdom is still alive and well.
