I visited Kyushu Island again. My destination this time was Miyazaki Prefecture in the southeastern part of the Island. I flew to Miyazaki Airport and changed to the train on the JR Kyushu line.
As soon as I reached Miyazaki Airport station, what jumped into my eyes was a distinctive train, the EMU JR Kyushu 787 series (see the top photo), limited express “Hyuga (the old province name of Miyazaki Prefecture)”. This reputable train was commissioned in 1992 for 1,067 millimeter-gauge track with 20,000 V (60 Hz) AC electric system. The maximum speed is 130 kilometers per hour. A total of 140 units were built from 1992 to 2002 by Hitachi and Kinki-Sharyo. Its metallic colored body with the futuristic front design has been quite unique and popular among passengers. The 787 series won the 1993 Blue Ribbon Prize by Japan Railfan Club as the best train that debuted in 1992.
It has been more than 30 years since then. The bodies are getting old. For example, destination rollsigns are still used on the side bodies (see the photo below). The newest LED destination signs are not equipped. Incidentally, what do you think about the face design of this European style train from a modern perspective? Still cutting-age or old-fashioned? Whenever I see it, my impression of the 787 series has slightly changed. Sometimes it’s cutting-age, and other times it's a bit old-fashioned for me. Additionally, sometimes its face is scary, and other times it’s charming. That's very strange. Anyway, long time no see, the 787 series!
