Merry Christmas! How are you spending the holidays this year? Christmas is a religious event in many countries around the world, but in Japan it’s more like a seasonal celebration. For example, people enjoy Christmas lights—also known as winter illuminations—glittering here and there across Tokyo.
Now, let’s move on to the main topic. I found that a tramcar on the Toei Arakawa Line is decorated for Christmas again this year, just like in previous years. Please take a look at the photos. Isn’t it charming? The tramcar is Unit 9002 of the Toei 9000 series. The 9000 series is a retro-inspired model introduced in 2007. Only two units were built by Alna Sharyo, each in a different body color: brownish-red (Unit 9001) and indigo blue (Unit 9002). Its electric control system is an IGBT-VVVF inverter driving two 60 kW induction motors. Although its technical specifications are modern, the exterior design and interior ambiance remain nostalgic—and that’s exactly what makes it fun.
Incidentally, the Toei Arakawa Line is a precious survivor among Tokyo’s tram routes. Operated by the Bureau of Transportation of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (Toei), the line was originally two separate routes, Nos. 27 and 32. They were combined into the present Arakawa Line in 1974. Running between Waseda and Minowabashi, the line stretches 12.2 kilometers. The track gauge is 1,372 millimeters, and the line is electrified at 600 V DC.
