2024 Sakura Season on the Odakyu Line

EMU Odakyu 70000 series, "GSE", passes by sakura trees in full bloom

This year's sakura (cherry blossom) season has long since passed in the metropolitan area, but I continue posting this topic for the time being.

A wide variety of sakuras are seen on the Odakyu lines ranging from famous spots such as Senbonzakura to nameless trees in my neighborhood. This year, I visited Zama City in Kanagawa Prefecture, about 50 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. I got off at Sobudaimae station on the Odakyu-Odawara line, and headed southwestward. Ten minutes later, I found that old sakura trees in full bloom formed a line on both sides of the track. Spring was in full swing!

Standing at the end of the overpass, I could observe many kinds of trains passing by sakura trees. One of the gains was a vermillion-colored train, the EMU 70000 series, also known as Romance Car "GSE (Graceful Super Express)". Actually, that was the first time for me to observe the roof of GSE. I found that the air-conditioners are beautifully integrated with the roofs. There are three air-conditioners on the head car, which look like a part of the roof. One of those air-conditioners is used for the driver's room, which is located on the second floor. GSE is generous to drivers as well. On the other hand, two separate air-conditioners are seen on the edges of the middle cars. It looks good as the roofs are neat and tidy. It was unexpected to find the train roof like this. Trainspotting is indeed interesting, isn't it?

An old sakura tree in full bloom and the EMU Odakyu 3000 series

Serving Quadruple Purposes at One Railway Crossing

Container train pulled by the electric locomotive Class JR Freight EH500, "Kintaro" 

This is the sequel of my trip to Fukushima City last month. I would like to show you my favorite spot in the city.

Yashikishita Railway Crossing is a famous train viewing spot among rail-fans. We can observe four kinds of trains there. I didn't look up the train schedule on purpose, and waited for trains with excitement. Ten minutes later, a red-colored locomotive jumped into my eyes. That was JR Freight's electric locomotive Class EH 500. Cool! The EH500, also known as Kintaro, was launched in 1997. It's an AC (20,000V, 50 and 60Hz) - DC (1,500V) triple mode locomotive. Being coupled in two units, the UIC indication of a wheel arrangement is (Bo-Bo)+(Bo-Bo). It has eight 565kW induction motors with a variable frequency drive control system. Pulling cargo container wagons, its maximum speed is 110 kilometers per hour. Five minutes later, a green colored train approached me. That was JR East's EMU 701 series. Dazzling! The 701 series is a standard commuter train in the Tohoku area. It was commissioned in 1993. Different from the trains in Tokyo, the 701 series is an AC train. The coloring of the 701 series varies by areas. In the Fukushima area, it has green, red and white-colored stripes.

I'm running short of space in this post. You may ask, "What are the two other trains passing through this railway crossing?" Please don't worry! I've already introduced them in my previous posts. They're the Fukushima Kotsu and the Abukuma Express trains.

EMU JR East 701 series approaches Yashikishita Railway Crossing

The 20th Anniversary of the Minatomirai Line

Set Y511 of the EMU Minatomirai 500 series, the 20th anniversary poster train

On February 1st this year, Yokohama Minatomirai Company celebrated the 20th anniversary of their Minatomirai line. In commemoration, many events were held by the company.

Let me review the Minatomirai line. It's a subway route in Yokohama City, about 20 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. Connecting Yokohama and Motomachi-Chukagai (Motomachi-Chinatown), the total length is 4.1 kilometers. It was opened in 2004 as an access route to the urban development area, Minatomirai 21. The track is double and electrified. The electric system is 1,500 V DC with overhead catenaries. All the trains are directly operated onto the Tokyu-Toyoko line.

The 20th anniversary poster train, Set 11 of the EMU Y500 series, is a fun event for rail-fans. We can see the rounded celebratory plate on the front. Moreover, there are stickers of the Minatomirai line's mascot character named "Em-em-san" on the side bodies. According to the company's website, Em-em-san is a seabird that attracts happiness. He (or she) was born in the port of Yokohama. He (or she) is very kind, and fond of walking and eating around. Do you want to be his (or her) friend? I accept this approachable profile, as I'm also fond of walking and eating around.

Joking aside, taking pictures of trains on the Minatomirai line is not easy, but Shin-Takashima station is the only suitable spot. There are no pillars between our position and the subway train, so, we can shoot the whole train from the opposite platform. Congratulations on the 20th anniversary, Minatomirai Railway!

Minatomirai line's mascot character, "Em-em-san"

Official information about the 20th anniversary poster train (in Japanese):

https://www.mm21railway.co.jp/info/news/2024/01/20-4.html

Official information about "Em-em-san" (in Japanese):

https://www.mm21railway.co.jp/mmsan/

Advent of Spring on the Keisei Line

EMU Keisei 3000 series passes through a vast tulip field near Keisei-Usui station

I'm continuing railway mini-travels to find the advent of spring. My next destination was a vast tulip field located in Sakura City of Chiba Prefecture, about 60 kilometers east of Tokyo.

I got off at Keisei-Usui station on the Keisei main line, and headed to the bank of Kashima River. After strolling for about 30 minutes, a windmill jumped into my eyes and in time, I could see the whole tulip field. Where am I? Is this the Netherlands? Joking aside, I fully enjoyed this colorful tulip field for a while. The even more good news was that I could shoot the tulip field backed by Keisei trains, because the tulip field was located near the Keisei line track. An 8-cars train, the EMU Keisei 3000 series, was passing through the numerous colorful tulips. They are red, yellow, pink, white and so on. The railway track is separated by a road, so, you can see several automobiles are in the foreground of the train, but never mind. What's more important was that I didn't worry about backlighting, as it was a cloudy day. Luck was on my side.

For your information, the EMU Keisei 3000 series is the main fleet of the Keisei commuter trains. A total of 326 cars, were built by Tokyu Sharyo (present J-TREC) and Nippon Sharyo between 2002 and 2019. The EMU Shinkeisei-N800 series, Hokuso 7500 series, and Chiba New Town Railway 9200 series have the same technical specifications as the Keisei 3000 series.

Is this the Netherlands?

2024 Sakura Season on the Inokashira Line

Set 1755 of the EMU Keio 1000 series approaches Takaido station

On March 29th, the Meteorological Agency of Japan declared that this year's sakura (cherry) blossoms had started blooming in Tokyo. That was five days later than most other years. The agency then reported that they fully blossomed on April 4th. As I posted before, Japanese people harbor special emotions towards cherry blossoms. We are also reminded of the emptiness of life seeing the beautiful blossoms dropping only a week after they fully blossom. Cherry blossom viewing is a part of Japanese culture. This year, I visited Takaido station on the Keio-Inokashira line. As I introduced you before, there are plenty of cherry trees on both sides of the tracks around this station.

After getting off at the station, I started strolling on the bank of Kanda River, which runs parallel to the Inokashira line. While strolling, I came across a group of kindergarten pupils and their teachers. It brought back my childhood memories, because I also went to a kindergarten nearby Takaido station. It's already a long time ago. Here is a place filled with my memories. The trains have totally changed, but the beauty of the cherry blossoms hasn't changed. I could take many trains and cherry blossom pictures in little time from the river bank and the station platform. I tried to change the atmosphere of the photos this year. Full blown cherry trees, which were reflecting on the front windows of the EMU 1000 series, is my most favorite picture on that day. Spring is here!

Cherry blossoms reflect on the front windows of Set 1777 of the EMU 1000 series

Abukuma Express: 2024 Update

Set AB-2 of the EMU Abukuma Express AB900 series, "Lapras and Lucky Train"

This is the sequel of my post before last. Sorry for jumping from one topic to another. After observing the preserved train at Soneda station on the Iizaka line, I shifted my attention to the adjacent track. 10 minutes later, the train, which I really wanted to see, was approaching me. That was the EMU Abukuma Express AB900 series.

Abukuma Express, also known as Abukyu, is a local railway company straddling Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures. Connecting Fukushima and Tsukinoki stations, its operating length is 54.9 kilometers. The track is mainly single, and electrified. The gauge size is 1,067 mm. The electric system is 20,000 V - 50Hz AC with overhead catenaries. The section between Fukushima terminal and Yanome signal station is shared with the JR East - Tohoku main line.

Different from nine years ago, Abukyu's main fleet has been replaced by the EMU AB900 series, which debuted in 2019. You may have a feeling "I've seen this train before". Wow, you're sharp! This model has the same specifications as those of the JR East E721 series. A total of 7 sets, 14 cars, are currently operated on the line. Each set has a different color, but only Set AB-2 (see the top photo) is a special poster train, named "Lapras and Lucky Train". As you know, Lapras and Lucky (Chansey) are members of Pocket Monsters. Lapras is cheering for Fukushima Prefecture. On the other hand, Lucky is supporting Miyagi Prefecture. Lapras and Lucky, please get along and help each other!

Set AB-5 of the EMU Abukuma Express AB900 series

Official website, Abukuma Express (in Japanese): http://www.abukyu.co.jp/

Advent of Spring on the Seibu-Tamagawa Line

EMU Seibu New 101 series travels on the Tamagawa line

It's getting warmer and warmer in Tokyo. The maximum daytime temperature is nearly 20 degrees Celsius. The spring outing season has just started. I recently visited the Seibu-Tamagawa line for the first time in three years.

To start, let me quickly review the Seibu-Tamagawa line. It's a short local route in the western part of Tokyo. Connecting Musashi-Sakai on the JR East Chuo line and Koremasa near Tama River, the route length is 8.0 kilometers. The track is a 1,067 millimeter-size single and electrified. The electric system is 1,500 V DC with overhead catenaries. 4-car trains are operated every 12 minutes. This route was opened in 1917 to transport gravel from the Tama riverbed to large cities for construction. It's similar to the history of the JR East Nambu line. The route was, then, changed to a commuter line in 1967.

I got off at Shin-Koganei station, and headed to Nogawa river. On the way to the river, I found a fantastic shooting spot of the Tamagawa line trains. It was a straight track in a trench surrounded by a residential area, and had good visibility. The even more good news was that numerous yellow-colored canola flowers were blooming beautifully along the track. The land for the future double track project is especially a suitable space for canola planting. Another of my favorite shooting spots was Nimaibashi bridge over Nogawa river. I could enjoy both the colorful New 101 series trains and the beautiful stream. Spring is here on the Seibu-Tamagawa line.

EMU Seibu New 101 series crosses Nimaibashi bridge over Nogawa river

Preserved Train on the Iizaka Line

Set 7101 of the EMU Fukushima Kotsu 7000 series is preserved at Soneda station

This is the sequel of my last post. After enjoying the latest trains, the EMU 1000 series, on the Iizaka line of Fukushima Kotsu Company, I hit upon a question... "Where have all the old trains gone?" "All scrapped?" Please don't worry! I found that one set of the old train was being preserved at Soneda station. That's Set 7101 of the EMU 7000 series.

Set 7101 is composed of 2 cars, namely DeHa 7101 and DeHa 7202. It's amazing that Set 7101 is preserved as the whole set, not just one car. Even more surprising, Set 7101 is preserved not only as an exhibit, but also utilized as a waiting room for railway passengers and a break room for local people. Please look at the photo below. The inside of the vehicles is kept clean, and equipped with indoor plants. Mellow music is played on a large screen. Paintings, which have been drawn by a local artist, are also exhibited. I fully enjoyed this healing space for a while.

For your information, the EMU 7000 series is the ex-Tokyu 7000 series. A total of 6 sets, 14 cars, were transferred to Fukushima Kotsu in 1991, when the Iizaka line was boosted from 750 to 1,500 V DC. Please look at the top photo. You can see the good old "Pioneer bogies", which were developed in the US, below the body. The brake disks are shining! The EMU Fukushima Kotsu 7000 series, it was great to see you today!

Interior of Set 7101

Official information about the preserved train, Set 7101, by Fukushima Prefectural Government (in Japanese):

https://www.pref.fukushima.lg.jp/site/infra/soneda.html

Fukushima Kotsu: 2024 Update

Set 1103 of the EMU Fukushima Kotsu 1000 series travels on the Iizaka line

I visited Fukushima City for the first time in 9 years. What was new with the local railways in this northern city?

Let me quickly review Fukushima City to start. It's the capital city of Fukushima Prefecture in Tohoku District, some 270 kilometers north of Tokyo. The population is about 270,000. The urban area is rather small, but it's bustling with throngs of local people. The city is surrounded by beautiful nature, and famous for the production of delicious peaches.

Now, let's get down to the main topic. After arriving at Fukushima station by Tohoku Shinkansen, I headed to Fukushima terminal of the Iizaka line, which is operated by a local company, Fukushima Kotsu. The Iizaka line is a 9.2 kilometers-long railway connecting Fukushima and Iizaka, which is known as a hot spring resort. The track is single and electrified. The electric system is 1,500 V DC with overhead catenaries.

Different from 9 years ago, the vehicles on the Iizaka line had been totally changed. The current model is the EMU 1000 series, which was transferred from Tokyu Railways in 2017. A total of 6 sets, 14 units, are operated on the line. They are second-hand cars, but look brand-new in my opinion. Specifically, the front design of the head cars looks different from the previous Tokyu 1000 series. It's not surprising, because these head cars had been modified from the middle cars of the Tokyu 1000 series. The driver's cabs were added later. To be continued...

Set 1109 of the EMU Fukushima Kotsu 1000 series travels on the Iizaka line

Official information about the EMU Fukushima Kotsu 1000 series (in Japanese):

https://ii-den.jp/new.php

Advent of Spring on the Green Line

A 6-car train, Set 10081 of the EMU Yokohama Municipal Subway 10000 series

It's the end of March already. Time really flies. I recently visited the Green line of Yokohama Municipal Subway for the first time in three years, and found an advent of spring.

Let me quickly review the Green line. It's the second subway line in Yokohama City, opened in 2008. Connecting Nakayama on the JR East-Yokohama line and Hiyoshi on the Tokyu-Toyoko line, the route length is 13.1 kilometers. The electric system is 1,500 V DC with overhead catenaries. The gauge size is 1,435 millimeters. Linear motor technology is adopted for the train driving system, so, you can see a special box, named "reaction plate", between the two rails.

I got off at Kawawa-cho station on the elevated track section, and found that numerous yellow-colored flowers were blooming beautifully in front of the station. They were canola blossoms lovingly cared for by local people. The yellow-colored flowers were very vivid backed by the blue sky and the trains. Winter has gone and spring is here.

I can't be written off here, as this is a rail-fan's blog. Taking this opportunity, I'd like to show you what the trains on the Green line are now. Please look at the top photo. You can see a 6-car train on the track. As you probably have noticed by now, the EMU 10000 series on the Green line are being changed from 4-car to 6-car trains. Along with this, the platforms have also been stretched at all stations. The Green line is still growing.

The EMU 10000 series passes by a canola field in front of Kawawa-cho station

EMU E8 Series: New Model for Yamagata Shinkansen

Set G2 of the EMU JR East E8 series travels on Yamagata Shinkansen

On March 16th, JR East changed their timetable for the first time in a year. What was new with Japan's largest railway?

The big news was the debut of a new model on Yamagata Shinkansen. Let me quickly review Yamagata Shinkansen to start. It's a branch line of Tohoku Shinkansen, and a kind of "mini-shinkansens". Connecting Fukushima station on Tohoku Shinkansen and Shinjo terminal in Yamagata Prefecture, its line length is 148.6 kilometers. This route was originally constructed as a conventional line with a narrow gauge (1,067 millimeters) track, but the gauge was changed to the shinkansen size (1,435 millimeters) later.

A new model, named the EMU E8 series, is the third generation Yamagata Shinkansen train following the 400 and the E3 series. Being coupled with the E5 series, the E8 series is operated from Tokyo to Fukushima station on Tohoku Shinkansen. The E8 series is then detached, and runs by itself to Shinjo terminal. What are the main differences between the old E3 and the new E8 series? Firstly, its maximum speed was raised from 275 to 300 kilometers per hour on the Tohoku Shinkansen section. Secondly, a full active suspension system is notable. It's a special device to minimize the lateral swinging movement of the train by artificially creating a reverse swinging movement. Different from the E3 series, the full active suspension system is applied to not only the head cars but also the middle cars. Please enjoy photos of the E8 series, which have just been shot.

EMU JR East E8 (left) + E5 (right) series arrives at Tokyo station

Official information about the EMU JR East E8 series (in Japanese):

https://www.jreast.co.jp/sendai/yamagata_e8_debut/

Official information about Yamagata Shinkansen:

https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/routemaps/yamagatashinkansen.html

The Daiyuzan Line: Update

Set 5501 of the EMU Izu-Hakone 5000 series, "Tengu Train" (February, 2024)

Spring is here in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The maximum daytime temperature is nearly 20 degrees Celsius. I visited the Daiyuzan line of Izu-Hakone Railway to find the advent of spring.

I got off at Wadagawara station, and visited a cherry-tree-lined path, named Harukimichi for the first time in five years. It's famous for Harumeki-sakura, which were developed by the local people a quarter of a century ago. The blooming season of Harumeki-sakura is earlier than that of the standard cherry, so, many cherry lovers flock to this path to feel the herald of spring as soon as possible. I'm also one of those people. This time, I could luckily enjoy not only the cherry blossoms but also snow-capped Mt. Fuji far away.

I can't be written off here as this is a rail-fan's blog. Taking this opportunity, I'd like to show you what Set 5501 of the EMU Izu-Hakone Railway 5000 series is now. The 5000 series is basically a blue-colored train, but the body color of Set 5501 was changed to vermillion last year cerebrating the 100th anniversary of the Daiyuzan line. The vermillion is known as the color of Tengu, who is an imaginary goblin living deep in the mountains around the Daiyuzan line. It is said that he has a vermillion-colored face, a long nose and wings on his back. You can see his feather fan on the front of Set 5501. Incidentally, the Daiyuzan line is the 9.6 kilometers-long local line in the southwestern part of Kanagawa Prefecture.

Snow-capped Mt. Fuji and Harumeki-sakura blossoms (March, 2024)

Official information about "Tengu Train" (in Japanese):

https://www.izuhakone.co.jp/sunzudaiyu/sunzudaiyu-news/p000146_d/fil/railway_news_20230904.pdf

Official website, the trains of Izu-Hakone Railway (in Japanese):

https://www.izuhakone.co.jp/izu-group/izu-news/p000631.html

A Small Topic on the Seibu Lines

The seat fabric of the EMU Seibu 20000 series is being temporarily repaired

Generally speaking, Japanese trains have comfortable seats. Fabrics for passenger seats are clean and strong; however, they are not perfect. I recently found that the seat fabric of the Seibu train was being temporarily repaired. Please look at the top photo. The bright blue-colored seat is very beautiful, but the seat surface is covered by a special cloth for temporal repair. The train illustration looks to be "crying"; however, there is a message on the cloth, saying "This seat can be used safely". Passengers will be relieved, but the train illustration is so lovely. Can you sit on the cloth without hesitation? No, I can't. Am I an overthinker?

Joking aside, the train under seat repair is the EMU Seibu 20000 series. It was commissioned in 2000 as a new-generation commuter train to replace the deteriorated 101 series. The design concept is simple and clean. One set is composed of 8 or 10 cars. The motorcars to trailers ratio is 1. The body is made of aluminum with a double skin structure, so, they're light and sturdy. The electric control system is an IGBT-VVVF (variable-frequency drive) with 135kW/h induction motors and regenerative brakes. Needless to say, the 20000 series promotes energy saving.

Let me tell you one last thing. Don't you think that the Seibu 20000 series is like the Tobu 50000 series? It's not surprising because both the Seibu 20000 and the Tobu 50000 series were designed by Hitachi based on the concept of the "Hitachi A-train".

The EMU Seibu 20000 series travels on the Ikebukuro line

Joetsu Shinkansen: New Shuttle’s Neighbor

The Joetsu Shinkansen train is seen from Hanuki station on the New Shuttle line

This is the sequel of my last post. After enjoying the 40th anniversary memorial trains on the New Shuttle line, I shifted my attention to the adjacent track. That's JR East's Joetsu Shinkansen. Let me quickly review the Joetsu Shinkansen to start. It's the main transportation artery between Tokyo Metropolis and Niigata Prefecture. Its operating length is 334 kilometers. The EMU E7 series is the representative model on the Joetsu Shinkansen. Its maximum operating speed is 275 kilometers per hour.

Hanuki station platform on the New Shuttle line is one of the best places to observe the Joetsu (and Hokuriku) Shinkansen trains, because the New Shuttle track and the Shinkansen track are the same height. We can easily shoot the Shinkansen trains, especially southbound ones running with high speed. Trains are operated every 15 minutes on average. For your information, a suitable sunlight condition for photographers is around noon. It's a fairly famous shooting spot among rail-fans.

Another recommended spot is the riverside of Haraichinuma River, 0.5 kilometer southwest of Maruyama station on the New Shuttle line. It's not a famous spot, but I like it. We can observe 3-story tracks there. They are, from top to bottom, the southbound Joetsu Shinkansen track, the northbound Joetsu Shinkansen track and the northbound New Shuttle track. Sitting on the riverside, I could fully enjoy the hurtling Shinkansen train, whose total length is 300.25 meters. Early spring scenery in the suburban area was also my favorite. Spring has sprung in the Tokyo metropolitan area!

Distant view of the EMU JR East E7 series traveling on the Joetsu Shinkansen

Official information about the Joetsu Shinkansen:

https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/routemaps/joetsushinkansen.html

Official information about the JR East E7 series (in Japanese):

https://www.jreast.co.jp/train/shinkan/e7.html

The 40th Anniversary of the New Shuttle

The New Shuttle track has 3 rigid wires for power supply and a guide rail (lower left)

I recently visited the New Shuttle for the first time in two years. What's new with this AGT (Automated Guideway Transit) line?

Let me review the New Shuttle. It's a rubber-tyred automated guideway transit (AGT) system in Saitama Prefecture, about 30 kilometers north of Tokyo. The formal name is the Ina line of Saitama New Urban Transit Company. Connecting Omiya and Uchijuku, its operating length is 12.7 kilometers. The route was opened in 1983 beside the JR East's Tohoku and Joetsu Shinkansen track. The track is mostly double, but partly single. The power supply is 600V three-phase alternate current. Instead of an overhead catenary, three rigid wires are installed along the track. Unlike the other AGT lines such as the Yurikamome, Nippori-Toneri Liner and Seaside Line, a driver operates each train. It's not a driver-less operation. For your information, the definition of the Automated Guideway Transit is a transportation system that runs on rubber tires by applying guide wheels to the guide rails in the center or side walls of the track. It doesn't necessarily mean driver-less operation. You can see three rigid wires for power supply and a guide rail in the top photo.

In commemoration of the 40th anniversary, all trains of the New Shuttle have been displaying 40th anniversary stickers since last August. We can see illustrations of both the retired model, EMU 1000 series (later modified to the 1010 series), and the latest model, EMU 2020 series, on the sticker. Time really flies. Congratulations on the 40th anniversary of the New Shuttle!

The 40the anniversary sticker of the New Shuttle train

Official website, the New Shuttle (in Japanese): https://www.new-shuttle.jp/

The 2nd Generation SDGs Train: Part 2

The 2nd generation SDGs train, set 3122 of the EMU Tokyu 3020 series

This is the sequel of the 2nd generation SDGs train on the Tokyu lines. In April, 2023, Tokyu Railways launched the 2nd generation SDGs trains on their four routes, namely the Toyoko, Setagaya, Meguro and Den-en-toshi lines. The former two have already been posted, so, I'm going to show you the latter two today.

Let me review the concept of SDGs Trains to start. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by all United Nations Member States to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. In accordance with SDGs, Tokyu commissioned the special poster trains named "(the 1st generation) SDGs trains" in 2020. Those trains were substantially powered by renewable energy, but Tokyu's initiative was not limited to the partial use of renewable energy. In 2023, the company then started the use of 100% renewable energy for all trains. In commemoration of this goal achievement, Tokyu commissioned the 2nd generation SDGs trains.

Please look at the photos. The top image shows the new SDGs train for the Meguro and its directly operation lines, set 3122 of the EMU 3020 series. On the other hand, the photo below shows the new SDGs train for the Den-en-toshi and its directly operation lines, set 2150 of the EMU 2020 series. These trains are ornamented with the 17 goal colors of SDGs. The gradation represents co-creation of the goals. These 2nd generation SDGs trains are also vivid and beautiful. Observing trains is really fun.

The 2nd generation SDGs train, set 2150 of the EMU Tokyu 2020 series

Kenty Skyliner: The Prince of Keisei Escorts Passengers

Set AE4 of the EMU Keisei AE series, "Kenty Skyliner"

Railway companies in the Tokyo metropolitan area are in competition to attract passengers. For that purpose, many companies have their own mascot characters, such as Odakyu's "Mokoron" and Sotetsu's "Sounyan", to refine the value of their lines. In addition, several companies use celebrities for their advertising campaigns. For instance, Tokyo Metro, which is a subway operator, has been using a famous actress, Ishihara Satomi, for their TV commercials. On the other hand, Keio Electric Railway recently uses a young emerging actress, Kiyohara Kaya, for their TV ads and digital signages at the stations.

The celebrities contributing to railway companies are not only females. Keisei Electric Railway uses a famous young male idol, Nakajima Kento, for their face of the company. He acts as "the Prince of Keisei", and promotes the airport access train "Skyliner" on the TV commercials. Needless to say, the rival of Skyliner is JR East's "Narita Express". Keisei is operating a special poster train, named "Kenty Skyliner", as well. That's Set AE4 of the EMU Keisei AE series. As you probably have noticed by now, "Kenty" is the nickname of Nakajima "Kento". This train displays a gold-colored "Kenty Skyliner" sticker on the front. Furthermore, large posters of Kenty, who is dressed as the Prince of Keisei, are also displayed on the side bodies. It means that Kenty, the prince of Keisei, escorts passengers in the likeness of princesses. I hope that many passengers, specifically young girls, use Kenty Skyliner to be escorted by the Prince of Keisei.

Side body of "Kenty Skyliner"

Official website, "Kenty Skyliner" (in Japanese):

https://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/jp/kentyskyliner/

Small Topics on the Chuo Rapid LIne

Nursery school children observe the EMU JR East E233 series

It is said that there are 2 million rail-fans in Japan, according to sociological research. It's 1.6 percent of the total population. They are ride-on rail fans, train spotters, rail photo lovers, model train lovers, ticket collectors, sound rail fans, timetable rail fans, train lunch lovers, train driving simulator lovers and so on. This is just out of curiosity, but... "What was the catalyst for them to start enjoying railways?"

I recently found a root of rail-fans. Please look at the top photo. Local nursery school children on the JR East Chuo Rapid line are observing trains accompanied by their teachers. That's one of the important events during strolling. When I pricked up my ears, I could hear children's conversation. "The E233 series is coming." "That's a rapid train bound for Tokyo." Exactly! That's great! Where did you learn that? I am convinced that they are potential rail-fans either way. Their future looks bright.

You may feel like something is missing from this post, so, I'm going to show you one more topic on the Chuo Rapid line. JR East and Ibaraki Prefecture are jointly promoting a regional tourism campaign named Ibaraki Destination Campaign. As a part of this campaign, a train with special plates on the front and back was operated on the Chuo Rapid line from October to December, 2023. After coming across this train, I visited Ibaraki Prefecture, and enjoyed amazing anglerfish hot pot, dried sweet potatoes, fragrant strawberries and rich plum wines. I only talked about foods. Sorry!

Set T25 displays "the Ibaraki Destination Campaign" plate on the front  

Not so much a Strawberry as an Orange

Set 109 of the EMU Tobu 100 series, "Ichigo Spacia"

I'm not a native English speaker, so, writing English compositions is difficult even posting an English blog for many years. The structures of English and Japanese are different. The title of today's post is a specifically difficult phrase for me to use... "Not so much a strawberry as an orange".

In June, 2023, people in Tochigi Prefecture celebrated the 150th anniversary of their prefecture. To commemorate this, Tobu Railway, which has an extensive railway network in Tochigi Prefecture, started to operate a memorial train, named "Ichigo Spacia" (set 109 of the EMU 100 series, “Spacia”) on the Nikko, Kinugawa and Isesaki lines. Strawberry, also known as Ichigo in Japanese, is a local specialty in Tochigi Prefecture. I have a thing for strawberries. My favorite variety is "Tochiaika" produced in Tochigi Prefecture. It's large and sweet. I recently found a beautiful strawberry poster on the side body of an Ichigo Spacia train. That was a promotion of Tochiaika produced in Tochigi Prefecture. Please look at the photo below. It looks delicious!

According to Tobu Railway, the body coloring of the Ichigo Spacia train was designed in accordance with a strawberry; however, I feel that the body stripes are not strawberry-colored. Several rail-fans commented, "Strawberry-colored train images will be able to be obtained, if we shoot it on cloudy days", so, I followed their suggestions. Please look at the top photo. What color do you see it in the image? I see it... "Not so much as a strawberry but an orange". Sorry, let's not say something so rigid.

Strawberry poster on the side body of the Tobu "Ichigo Spacia" train

Official information about the Tobu "Ichigo Spacia" train (in Japanese):

https://www.tobu.co.jp/cms-pdf/releases/20231207172230RF_TR0B9Qvjbg1pKOXe0Ig.pdf

The 115th Anniversary of the Yokohama Line

Set H001 of the EMU JR East E233-6000 series travels on the Yokohama line

This is going back a bit, but JR East celebrated the 115th anniversary of the Yokohama line on September, 23rd in 2023. I'm going to introduce this topic today.

To start, let me review the Yokohama line. That's one of the main transportation arteries in the eastern part of Kanagawa Prefecture and the southwestern part of Tokyo Metropolis. It was opened in 1908 to transport silk from the inland sericultural area to Yokohama port. Connecting Hachioji and Higashi-Kanagawa, its route length is 42.6 kilometers. One of the features of this line is its arrangement. The Yokohama line forms part of the outer ring railway in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Its route intersects many lines, namely JR Central's Tokaido Shinkansen, Yokohama Municipal Subway, Keikyu, Tokyu, Sotetsu, Odakyu, Keio and some other JR East lines. The track is double and electrified with 1,500 V direct current. Some of the trains are directly operated onto the Keihin-Tohoku and Negishi line to Ofuna terminal via Yokohama station. An 8-car train, named the EMU E233-6000 series, is a sole model on the line.

Celebrating the 115th anniversary, a train with memorial plates on the front and back has been operating on the Yokohama line since September 25th, 2023. We have heard very little news lately on the Yokohama line, so, I'm happy about this memorial train. According to JR East Yokohama Branch Office, this train will be operated until late March this year. Congratulations on the 115th anniversary of the Yokohama line!

Special plate of "the 115th anniversary of the Yokohama line"

Official information about the 115th anniversary of the Yokohama line (in Japanese):

https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2023/yokohama/20230907_y0%EF%BC%92.pdf

Tokyo Night Walk: Hibiya Moat

EMU JR East E657 series, limited express "Tokiwa", stands at Tokyo station

It's getting warmer in Tokyo. The maximum daytime temperature is about 15 degrees Celsius. It has started to be a good season for a stroll not only in the daytime but also in the evening. I visited the Hibiya moat near Tokyo station after sunset, and enjoyed a night view of the Hibiya area. Please look at the photo below. You can see a beautiful stone wall on the left. It was completed in 1608 as a part of the Edo castle. I was surprised that the stone wall was lit up. This illumination was designed by a female lighting designer, Ishii Motoko, in 2021 in the midst of the COVID-19 calamity. To protect the ecosystem of the moat, the light doesn't shine on the water surface. Thanks to that, visitors can enjoy both the lit-up stone wall and the reflection image of the Hibiya downtown area in the still water. What a fantastic night view it is!

After enjoying the night walk, I returned to Tokyo station, and enjoyed shooting trains for a while. Please look at the top photo. The EMU JR East E657 series, limited express "Tokiwa", stands at the station. Tokiwa is operated between Katsuta on the Joban line and Shinagawa terminal in Tokyo. Its travel distance is 133.7 kilometers. Tokiwa is a convenient train for people in Chiba and Ibaraki prefectures, because it's directly operated to Tokyo central station, which is the starting station of Shinkansen trains and Shinagawa, which is a transfer station to the Tokyo International Airport (Haneda).

Night view of Hibiya Moat