On April 21, 2025, JR East celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Itsukaichi Line. To commemorate the milestone, the company held several special events.
Let’s start with a quick overview of the Itsukaichi Line. This commuter line runs through the western part of Tokyo Metropolis. It was originally opened by the former Itsukaichi Railway Company in 1925. Connecting Haijima Station on the Ōme Line with Musashi-Itsukaichi Station, the route is 11.1 kilometers long. Trains operate every 20 to 30 minutes and are E233 series EMUs made up of six or four cars. Many trains run through onto the Ōme Line to reach Tachikawa Station.
My favorite spot along the Itsukaichi Line is Ryūshūin Temple during cherry blossom season. Located near Musashi-Itsukaichi Station, it’s a dreamlike place. Please check out my previous post on the Itsukaichi Line as well, if you have time.
One of the 100th-anniversary highlights is a special commemorative plate mounted on the front of trainset Ao660 of the EMU E233 series (see the top photo). In addition, several anniversary stickers featuring mascots from cities along the line are displayed on the train’s sides. For example, Akishima City created Chikappa (see the photo below), a name combining chikasui (groundwater) and kappa (a mythical river creature). Akishima is known for its clean, delicious water, so Chikappa sports a plate of water on its head, green skin, and webbed hands and feet. If this creature really existed, would you find it cute—or a little scary?
