Revival-colored Train: The Beginning of the End？

Revival-colored train, Set 7728 of the Keio 7000 series EMU

On October 28, Keio Electric Railway brought back one set of its 7000 series EMU in the original color scheme. I’d like to share this topic and look into it a bit deeper today.

Please take a look at the photo above. Here it is—the revival-colored train, Set 7728 of the Keio 7000 series. The paint has been changed from the familiar double red-and-blue stripes to a single dark red stripe. In addition, the car number plates and company logo have been restored to their original designs.

For your information, the 7000 series debuted in 1984 to increase transport capacity on the Keio Line. A total of 190 cars were built. The trains were originally equipped with a field chopper control system, which was later replaced by a variable frequency drive with induction motors as part of a modernization program.

Why did Keio decide to bring back the original colors now? According to the company, “many passengers expect the 7000 series to return to its original color scheme.” That’s probably true—but I can’t help feeling there may be a deeper meaning behind this decision.

Let’s take a look at similar cases by other railway companies. Odakyu revived the original colors of its LSE Romancecar in 2012; six years later, it was retired. Keikyu also repainted its 800 series in the classic livery in 2016; three years later, it too was withdrawn from service. These examples suggest that a revival color train might sometimes mark the beginning of the end.

I sincerely hope the 7000 series will continue to run on the Keio Line for many more years.

Side view of Set 7728

News release by Keio (in Japanese):

https://www.keio.co.jp/news/update/news_release/news_release2025/pdf/nr20250925_keio7000.pdf

The 60th Anniversary of Hakone Soba

60th anniversary special menu item of Hakone Soba Restaurant: “Mocoron Soba”

Do railway companies in your country diversify their businesses? In Japan, they certainly do. For instance, many railway companies operate their own department stores along their lines. Another example is the real estate business. The residents living in their housing developments are expected to take the company’s trains to go shopping, commute, and attend school.

This diversification also extends to smaller ventures. Take a look at the photo above — it shows a bowl of Japanese noodles from Hakone Soba, a modest restaurant located inside Shimokitazawa Station on the Odakyu Line. Operated by Odakyu Restaurant System Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Odakyu Group, Hakone Soba has grown to more than 40 locations along the line. I love this style of noodles — they’re served quickly, reasonably priced, and, of course, delicious. It’s the perfect stop when I’m in a hurry.

In August this year, Odakyu celebrated the 60th anniversary of Hakone Soba. To mark the occasion, a special menu item was introduced. Look again at the top photo — you’ll notice a semicircular fish cake sitting on the noodles. What’s that? It’s Mocoron!

Mocoron, as you may know, is Odakyu’s cheerful blue rabbit mascot. I was pleasantly surprised to find Mocoron appearing as a topping in this commemorative dish. It was as tasty as it was charming.

And there’s more. The Odakyu Romancecar is also joining the celebration. I spotted a commemorative sticker on the side of Set 30255 of the EMU 30000 series. The entire Odakyu Group seems to be celebrating the 60th anniversary of Hakone Soba together — truly, an “all hands on deck” moment for this beloved brand.

Commemorative sticker on the side of Odakyu Romancecar, EMU 30000 series

It Was Gone Before I Knew It

“The 100th Anniversary of Kiyose Station” commemorative train (December 2024)

This may sound sudden, but just imagine: there was someone you were fond of — someone who caught your attention. One day, they suddenly moved away and never came back. You feel a quiet loneliness without them. Have you ever experienced something like that?

So, what am I trying to say?

On October 2nd, Seibu Railway announced that the regular services of the 2000 series EMUs would be withdrawn from the Ikebukuro, Toshima, Sayama, and Chichibu lines by October 15th.

Let’s take a quick look back at the Seibu 2000 series. The 2000 series EMU debuted in 1977 to strengthen Seibu Railway’s transportation capacity. There were two types: the original 2000 series, which were retired in June this year, and the newer 2000N series. This time, it’s the 2000N series that have left the Ikebukuro and related lines.

As you know, the Ikebukuro Line is Seibu Railway’s main artery. The 2000N series, with their bright yellow bodies, were the quintessential Seibu trains. This combination was inseparable — and yet, it has come to an abrupt end. I can’t help but feel a bit lonely without them.

Pulling myself together — please take a look at my photos.

This is the special poster train featuring Set 2071 of the 2000N series EMU, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Kiyose Station on the Ikebukuro Line. The commemorative train ran from June 2024 to March 2025. In the end, it turned out to be my last chance to photograph the 2000N series on the Ikebukuro Line.

Thank you, the 2000N series on the Ikebukuro Line. Let’s meet again on the Shinjuku Line.

Side view of the commemorative train using the 2000N series EMU (December 2024)

Two Locomotives in Warabi City

Unit 304 of the Class C11 locomotive preserved in Ooarata Traffic Playground

Do you have a place you’ve always wanted to check out? For example, somewhere you often pass by on the train but have never actually visited. Ooarata Traffic Playground in Warabi City was one such place for me. I had sometimes passed it by on JR East’s Keihin-Tohoku Line, but I had never stopped there until recently. One day, I got off at Warabi Station and walked along the track. About ten minutes later, what caught my eye was a preserved steam locomotive surrounded by a chain-link fence. This is it!

The preserved locomotive was Unit 304 of the Class C11. This model debuted in 1932 to reinforce the transportation capacity of the Japanese Government Railways’ local lines. It’s a small 2-6-4 type tank locomotive (Whyte notation). A total of 381 units were built. Unit 304 was manufactured in 1945 by Nippon Sharyo as part of the fourth production batch of the Class C11. After mainly operating on the Sagami Line, it was retired in 1965 and has since been preserved in Warabi City, Saitama Prefecture.

You can see the box-shaped steam and sand “domes” on the top center of the boiler, can’t you? They look different from those on earlier Class C11s such as Unit 227 and 245. This design change came in the last days of WWII. At that time, these box-shaped domes were adopted to simplify the manufacturing process under urgent wartime conditions. The war had even influenced locomotive design — how sad.

Incidentally, I found another C11 steam locomotive in the playground. Please take a look at the photo below — it’s for kids! How nice it is to live in peace.

Another "Class C11 steam locomotive (playground equipment)”

Keisei Skyliner AE Series: Over 60 Million Passengers

EMU Keisei AE series Skyliner displaying a gold-colored commemorative sticker

The 3rd-generation Skyliner operated by Keisei Electric Railway is still going strong. The total number of passengers has recently exceeded 60 million, and I’d like to share this happy news today.

Let’s begin with a brief overview. The Keisei Skyliner is an airport access train connecting central Tokyo with Narita International Airport. The current model, the EMU AE series, entered service in July 2010, replacing the previous AE100 series. The AE series is an EMU for 1,435-millimeter-gauge and 1,500 V DC track. A total of eight trainsets (64 cars in total) were introduced. Each set consists of six motorcars and two trailers (6M2T). The train is equipped with an IGBT–VVVF (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor-variable frequency drive) inverter control system and 175 kW induction motors. With a maximum speed of 160 km/h, it is the fastest train in Japan outside of the Shinkansen network.

The AE series reached 40 million total passengers in October 2022, then 50 million in July 2024 — meaning it took 21 months to carry another 10 million passengers. This time, it reached 60 million in July 2025, just 12 months later — quite an impressive pace!

To celebrate the milestone, Keisei held a commemorative ceremony at Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station. The 60 millionth passenger was a Japanese family returning home from a trip to Vietnam. Currently, one of the AE series trainsets, AE6, is decorated with special stickers on the front and sides to mark the occasion.

Congratulations to the Skyliner on this remarkable achievement!

Side body of the “60 Million Passengers” commemorative Skyliner

Official information (Keisei Skyliner):

https://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/skyliner/index.php

Serving a Double Purpose on the Odakyu Line, Part 2

EMU 1000 (left) and 2000 series (right) running side by side on the Odakyu Line

It’s mid-autumn in Tokyo, and the daytime temperature now hovers around 20 degrees Celsius. The most comfortable season of the year has arrived! I recently visited the Tama River again along the Odakyu Line.

After getting off at Izumi-Tamagawa Station, I headed to the riverbank and focused on searching for fossils—my lifelong passion. Please take a look at the photo below. This was my find of the day: a fossilized Cultellus sp., a large, rectangular marine bivalve. Welcome back to the world above ground after more than a million years of sleep!

Of course, I can’t end without mentioning the railway side of things—this is a railway blog, after all! On my way home, I switched gears to another hobby: trainspotting at Izumi-Tamagawa Station. My theme that day was the “double-double track” (a quadruple track). In 1964, the company planned to expand the double track into a double-double track in the urban area to relieve congestion. Because of the densely built-up surroundings, the project took nearly half a century to complete, finally finishing in 2018.

Today, the inner two tracks are used for limited express and express trains, while the outer two are for semi-express and local trains. Please take a look at the top photo—seeing two trains running side by side like they’re racing is always exciting for rail fans.

That day, I enjoyed both the million-year history of the Earth and the modern engineering of the double-double track in the city. I truly served a “double purpose” that day on the Odakyu Line.

Fossil Cultellus sp. found near Izumi-Tamagawa Station

The 100th Anniversary of the Circular Operation

Set 39 of the JR East EMU E235 series, designed like the EMU 103 series

Are there any loop lines in your country? In Japan, there are a few. For example, the Osaka Loop Line is a well-known circular line in the western part of the country. The Meijo Line in Nagoya is the only subway loop line with continuous circular operation, and the Disney Resort Line in Chiba Prefecture is the only monorail loop line in Japan.

Thank you for waiting. Here comes the headliner! Japan’s most famous loop line is none other than JR East’s Yamanote Line. It loops through several central areas of Tokyo. The line is double-tracked, and each train keeps running in the same direction throughout the day—either clockwise or counterclockwise.

On November 1st, 2025, JR East will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Yamanote Line’s circular operation. The line originally opened as part of the Nippon Railway’s Shinagawa Line and was gradually extended. In 1925, it was finally connected into a loop, and circular operation began under the Japanese Government Railways.

To commemorate this remarkable milestone, JR East is operating special trains using Sets 39 and 44 of the EMU E235 series. Set 39 features the nostalgic face of the former EMU 103 series, which ran on the line between 1963 and 1988, while Set 44 is designed in the style of the EMU 205 series, which was in service from 1985 to 2005.

Recently, I’ve often seen many railway fans gathering along the Yamanote Line to celebrate this special event. Of course, I’m one of them too.

Happy 100th anniversary of circular operation to the Yamanote Line!

Set 44 of the JR East EMU E235 series, designed like the EMU 205 series

Official video, "the 100th anniversary of the Yamanote Line's circular operation", by JR East:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuhCtUo74jQ

Official information, "the 100th anniversary of the Yamanote Line's circular operation", by JR East (in Japanese):

https://www.jreast.co.jp/tokyomovinground/exhibition/yamaf,es/

EMU 71-000 Series: A New Model on the Rinkai Line

The EMU TWR 71-000 series running on JR East’s Saikyo Line

I’m happy to introduce a new train that appeared in the Tokyo area this autumn — the EMU 71-000 series on the Rinkai Line. It’s been about three months since I last shared a new train here.

First of all, please take a look at the photo above. This is the Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit (TWR) 71-000 series, which made its debut on October 1st. This new DC commuter train was developed to replace the older 70-000 series. Technically, it’s almost the same as JR East’s E233-7000 series, which also runs on the Rinkai Line.

Its front design is said to express a gentle smile, and the blue stripe along the body represents the Tokyo Bay waterfront. I think it looks very nice and friendly.

At the moment, two trainsets are in service, and TWR plans to add six more by the middle of fiscal year 2027. The 70-000 series, which has been in service for many years, will be retired by the end of that same year.

By the way, TWR is a semi-public company established in 1991. The Rinkai Line has been in operation since 1996, running through the central part of the Tokyo Bay area. The 12.2-kilometer route is mostly underground, passing beneath reclaimed islands and connecting them with several undersea tunnels. Trains on the Rinkai Line also run through onto JR East’s Saikyo Line and other lines.

If you have a moment, please check the link below for the official video and information (in Japanese) about this new EMU 71-000 series.

Car 71-201 of Set z12, EMU TWR 71-000 series

Official video and information by TWR (in Japanese):

https://www.twr.co.jp/71000/tabid/382/Default.aspx

The Subway Above the JR East Line

Yotsuya Station: The “subway” Marunouchi Line (left) and the JR East Line (right)

As I mentioned before, Yotsuya, located in central Tokyo, is a complicated station shared by the JR East Chuo Line and the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. For example, JR East’s Yotsuya Station is situated in a valley, with a railway tunnel located just beside it. On the other hand, although the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line is a “subway,” its Yotsuya Station is on an elevated track rather than underground. It’s quite confusing—so how are these two stations positioned relative to each other?

I recently captured a photo that clearly explains the mystery. In the top image, you can see a Tokyo Metro Series 2000 EMU on the left and a JR East Series E231 EMU on the right. Notice how the 2000 series rides above the E231 series—literally placing the “subway” above the JR East Line. This curious structure has a fascinating backstory.

The history begins in 1894, when the Kobu Railway (now JR East) built Yotsuya Station in the bottom of a valley. Over half a century later, in the 1950s, Eidan (now Tokyo Metro) began planning the Marunouchi Line as part of Tokyo’s growing subway network. They faced a major challenge: the line was too deep to tunnel beneath the Chuo Line. The solution was unexpected—the Marunouchi Line would be built as an elevated track directly above the Chuo Line, creating this unusual vertical layout.

Today, Yotsuya Station remains a rare example of Tokyo’s intricate railway history—a place where “subway” really means above rather than below.

To close, here’s one more photo showing the Marunouchi Line track as it emerges from a tunnel and approaches its elevated Yotsuya Station. This is a unique feature in Tokyo—a singularity in a city of wonders.

Marunouchi Line track approaching Yotsuya Station

Original Form of the EMU 7000 Series on the Sunzu Line

Set 1 of the Izu-Hakone Railway 7000 Series at Mishima Terminal

I’ve already uploaded over 1,900 posts on this blog over the past 14 years. I think I’ve introduced almost every existing train in the Tokyo metropolitan area by now. But wait—I realized there’s still one model in its original form that I haven’t shown you yet. Sorry if I sound a bit obsessive, but as a trainspotter, I’m particular about featuring trains I haven’t posted before.

Take a look at the top photo. This is EMU Izu-Hakone Railway 7000 Series Set 1. The 7000 Series was introduced in 1991 as a rapid service train on the Sunzu Line. A total of two sets (six cars) were built by Tokyu Sharyo. Set 1 still retains its original look, with its blue-striped front. You may remember when I introduced Set 2 of the 7000 Series on this blog—it was a very unique train with a gold-colored front. However, please note that Set 2 didn’t keep its original appearance; that was its look after renovation. For reference, the body stripe color also differs between Set 1 (original) and Set 2 (renovated); Set 1’s stripe is lighter than Set 2’s.

Over the past 14 years, I’ve sometimes visited the Sunzu Line, but I never came across Set 1 until this May. I wonder why... but finally, here it is! I came across it at Mishima-hirokoji station (see the photo below). Set 1—I hope we’ll meet more often from now on. I feel relieved that I can finally introduce the original form of the Izu-Hakone Railway 7000 Series EMU.

Set 1 arriving at Mishima-Hirokoji Station

A Hanging Strap with a Unique Design: Part 2

Mocoron-themed hanging strap in the Odakyu Mocoron Train

I was very surprised when I checked the “Popular Posts of the Last Month” section on this blog. To my surprise, “A Hanging Strap with a Unique Design” was ranked number one. As I mentioned in that post, it was just a “trivial topic” for me, so I was amazed by the result. I always post about what I find interesting, without thinking much about popularity. Even so, it still feels a little strange to me.

Now, this is the second post about the “hanging strap with a unique design". Please take a look at the top photo. I found this strap inside Set 5055 of the EMU 5000 series on the Odakyu Line. It has two small, ear-like protrusions on the top of the ring. Doesn’t it look like someone? … It’s Mocoron!

What is Mocoron?

Mocoron is the mascot character of Odakyu Electric Railway. He (or she) is a blue rabbit who helps promote child-friendly services on the Odakyu Line. Mocoron likes riding trains and is always looking for something fun. Please take a look at the photo below. You can see a stuffed Mocoron sitting in the driver’s cab of Set 5055, which is called the “Mocoron Train”. So cute, isn’t it?

By the way, Odakyu has not officially announced where the Mocoron-themed hanging straps are installed. As far as I know, there is at least one strap in each car of the Mocoron Train. I also found some in a few sets of the EMU 8000 series. In addition to taking photos of trains or observing their bodies, it might be enjoyable to look for Mocoron straps when you ride Odakyu trains. Trainspotting has many small pleasures, doesn’t it?

Stuffed Mocoron sitting in the driver’s cab of the Odakyu Mocoron Train

Nippori after a Long Time

A train view from Shimogoindenbashi (the EMU JR East E7 series)

Do you have a tradition of visiting ancestral graves in your country? In Japan, yes. Many people do it twice a year in spring and autumn honoring their ancestors. From our perspective, it is not so much a religious activity as a custom. Anyway, I recently visited my maternal ancestors’ grave in Yanaka of Tokyo Metropolis. Yanaka is famous for many cemeteries.

After updating my ancestors on how things are going, I enjoyed strolling around. First, I found myself drawn to Shimogoindenbashi (Shimogoinden Bridge) in front of Nippori Station for the first time in ten years. As I posted before, Shimogoindenbashi is well known as a train viewing spot. JR East’s 12 tracks are seen from the bridge. A total of 2,500 trains run under the bridge per day, so, we can enjoy train viewing continuously there. The bridge was crowded with railfans, families and inbound tourists. Please take a look at the top photo. I shot the JR East’s E7 series shinkansen train running under the bridge. I've been taking pictures of the E7 series repeatedly, but there's something special about a long-distance train approaching its goal, Tokyo Terminal. The E7 series… thank you for your hard work.

Another spot I visited was a scenic cemetery on a hill near Nippori Station. I could see an airport access train, EMU AE series “Skyliner” traveling on the elevated track of the Keisei Line (see the photo below). I have passed through this cemetery many times, but this was the first time for viewing trains. Was it a guidance from my ancestors as a token of their appreciation?

The EMU Keisei AE series Skyliner traveling on the elevated track

Official information, ”Shimogoindenbashi Train Museum" by Arakawa Ward, Tokyo Metropolis (in Japanese):

https://www.city.arakawa.tokyo.jp/a022/shisetsuannai/kankouspot/nippori006.html

Railroad Speeder on the Keisei Line

Keisei's railroad speeder Unit M2591 at Keisei-Makuhari station yard

When I visited the Keisei-Matsudo Line in August, I spotted a rare sight—a railroad speeder, Unit M2591, parked in the Keisei-Makuhari station yard. I got off at the station and was able to observe it from the platform. Please check out the top photo.

Railroad speeder Unit M2591 is a diesel work vehicle built by Matsuyama Jyusharyo Kogyo (MJK). Coupled with rail transport wagons, M2591 carries rails for track maintenance. Its technical specifications are unclear, but it seems capable of hauling over 20 tons of freight. It mainly operates after midnight, once the last train has finished running, so to be honest, I had never seen M2591 in action before. It’s an unsung hero, isn’t it? Its bright yellow body really stood out in the sunlight—beautiful!

Incidentally, did you notice the panda illustration on the side of the speeder? Please take a look at the photo below. This is the mascot character of Keisei Electric Railway, “Keisei Panda.” According to Keisei, he was born as a prince of the House of Panda on Planet Panda. But since he was lazy, his father, King Panda, sent him to Earth for training. Today, he lives in Narita City and works at a zoo as a zookeeper. On the speeder, Keisei Panda is depicted wearing work clothes. You might feel that this version of Keisei Panda looks less cute and even a bit creepy. And that’s right—Keisei intentionally designed their mascot character to have a strong impact rather than just conventional cuteness.

Keisei’s mascot character “Keisei Panda”

100th Anniversary of the Full-line Opening

Set 51095 of the EMU Tobu 50090 series

On July 10, Tobu Railway celebrated the 100th anniversary of the full-line opening of the Tojo Line. To commemorate this milestone, the company held several special events. Today, I’d like to share this topic with you.

Before that—if you feel something is strange about this anniversary, you must know a lot about Japanese railways. That’s right: I have already posted about the 100th anniversary of the Tojo Line. But that was eleven years ago. Please take a careful look at my previous post: it was not the 100th anniversary of the full-line opening, but of the partial opening of the Tojo Line.

Enough with the preamble. One highlight was a commemorative sticker mounted on the front of Set 51095 of the EMU 50090 series (see the top photo). The sticker features the number “100” (see the photo below). To avoid blown-out whites in the sticker image, I shot it with a narrower exposure.

For your information, the Tobu Tojo Line is one of the main transportation arteries in the metropolitan area. It began operation in 1914, connecting Ikebukuro in downtown Tokyo with Kawagoe City. The line was fully opened in 1925 between Ikebukuro and Yorii. Its total length is 75 kilometers, and it carries an average of one million passengers per day.

The 50090 series was launched in 2008 under the service name TJ Liner. Six sets (60 cars in total) were built by Hitachi. The trains are equipped with multi-purpose seats and feature a purple stripe along the sides—a symbol of Tobu’s premium commuter service.

Commemorative sticker displayed on the front of Set 51095

Yamitetsu Part 2: Shinkiba Railyard

Night view of Shinkiba Railyard, with Set 6102 on the right

Do you remember my post about “yamitetsu” last month? Today, I’d like to share an update on my activities.

Let’s start with a quick overview. Yamitetsu refers to a railfan who loves photographing trains in the dark. The word is a blend of “yami” (meaning “darkness”) and “tetsu” (meaning “iron”). In Japanese, we call a railway "tetsudō", which literally means “iron road". Without realizing it, I’ve long enjoyed taking photos at underground stations, at night on the surface, and in other low-light settings. Still, I think of myself as just a beginner yamitetsu.

Now, let’s move on to the main topic. I recently stopped by Tokyo Metro’s Shinkiba Railyard on the Yurakucho Line for a yamitetsu outing. I chose this spot because there’s a pedestrian bridge crossing the yard. On the bridge, a pleasant evening breeze made the air feel refreshing. Below, I saw many trains being readied for service. Under the yard lights, they gleamed beautifully—the Tokyo Metro 10000 and 17000 series EMUs, as well as the Seibu 40000 series, which directly operates onto the Seibu-Ikebukuro Line.

And one more… Set 6102 of the Tokyo Metro 6000 series! As you know, all 6000 series EMUs have already disappeared from Japanese tracks, but Set 6102 is still preserved here at the yard. Its interior lights were off, but its aluminum alloy body shone faintly under the floodlights. Set 6102, it’s been a while! How have you been?

View from a different angle, with Set 6102 in the right corner

Fringed Water-lily Field in Saitama City

EMU Saitama Railway 2000 series emerging from a tunnel

My outings to Saitama Prefecture won’t stop for a while. This time, my destination was Minuma-Hikawa Park in Saitama City, about 30 kilometers north of Tokyo. It isn’t a very well-known park, but I happened to learn about it on social media. Please take a look at the photo below. You can see yellow flowers with fringed petals—the fringed water-lily. It is an aquatic plant, like the water hyacinth I introduced before. Covering the surface of the pond like a carpet, it looks beautiful! But why were there no visitors other than me? Probably because the locals have seen this yellow carpet many times, so it becomes part of the everyday scenery.

Of course, I can’t finish without mentioning the railway side of things… since this is a railway blog! To reach Minuma-Hikawa Park, the nearest station is Urawa-Misono, the terminal of the Saitama Stadium Line operated by Saitama Railway (SR). SR is a joint public-private company established in 1992. The Saitama Stadium Line (formerly called the Saitama Railway Line) is the only route operated by SR. Connecting Akabane-Iwabuchi in Tokyo and Urawa-Misono in Saitama Prefecture, its total length is 14.6 kilometers. All the trains run directly onto the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, and some continue onto the Tokyu and Sotetsu lines. Most of the route is underground; however, Urawa-Misono is the only above-ground station on the line. Rail fans can enjoy watching trains emerge from the tunnel at the end of the platform. Please look at the top photo—I was able to photograph SR’s EMU 2000 series climbing the slope and coming toward me. It was spectacular!

Fringed water-lily flowers at Minuma-Hikawa Park, Saitama City

Official information about fringed water-lily flowers at Minuma-Hikawa Park by Saitama City (in Japanese):

https://t.co/i3LQv9wv7s」 / X

The 70th Anniversary of the Keibajo Line

EMU Keio 7000 series train with the Keibajo Line 70th-anniversary plate

Do you remember my post about the urban local route, the Keio-Keibajo Line (the Keio-Racecourse Line), last year? Today, I’d like to give you an update on this topic.

Let’s start with a quick look at the Keio-Keibajo Line. It’s a short branch of the Keio Main Line, connecting Higashi-Fuchu and Fuchu-keiba-seimonmae (the main gate of Fuchu Racecourse). The entire route is just 0.9 kilometers long. On weekdays, a 2-car train without conductors runs every 20 minutes. But on race days, it’s a completely different scene—many extra trains operate, including 10-car limited expresses straight from Shinjuku.

Now for the main topic. On April 29, Keio Electric Railway celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Keibajo Line. To mark the occasion, the company held several special events. One highlight was a commemorative plate mounted on the front of Set 7421 of the EMU 7000 series. Take a look at the top photo—you can see the number “70” along with a horseshoe design. That’s the Keibajo Line’s signature style!

Since I’m a total beginner when it comes to horse racing, let me instead share a little local scenery from along the route. Please check out the photo below. It shows a train passing by Kokubu Hachimangu Shrine. In front of the shrine, you can see a peaceful forest. A stone pillar and a torii gate stand quietly among the trees, welcoming visitors. The atmosphere is so calming. This place truly feels relaxing.

Happy 70th anniversary to the Keio-Keibajo Line!

EMU Keio 7000 series train passing by Kokubu Hachimangu Shrine

Graffiti? A Surprising Truth

“Graffiti?” on the doors of the Tokyu 6020-6050 series EMU

(Note: Photographed in the rain)

On September 8, rail fans were shocked on social media. Graffiti was spotted on a Tokyu train. And not just one or two marks—there were several all along the sides of the 6020-6050 series (6020 series, type 6050) EMU operating on the Ōimachi Line. What happened? Was it some kind of nasty prank?

Thankfully, ITmedia interviewed Tokyu Railways, and a surprising truth came to light. These weren’t graffiti at all, but part of a formal installation by Tokyu. Why? To improve the sensitivity of the automatic platform gate sensors! As I wrote before, the 6020-6050 series only debuted this May. Their bodies were still sparkling new… but apparently the shiny finish reduced the sensors’ accuracy. Of course, safe train operation is essential for any railway company, but it was still shocking to learn that spray left visible marks on the train’s exterior. According to Tokyu, they will work to make the residues less noticeable.

That’s reassuring. But I still have a question. The 6020-6050 series is the “little brother” of the 6020 series. As far as I know, no such issue has occurred with the older 6020 series. The only difference is the train formation: the 6020-6050 series is a five-car set, while the 6020 series is a seven-car set. That’s it. For an ordinary rail fan like me, it’s a difficult mystery to understand. To the engineers of Tokyu Railways… please restore the 6020–6050 series to its beautiful original state. I’m rooting for you!

An automatic platform gate at Ōimachi Station, the Tokyu-Ōimachi Line

Preserved Tobu Steam Locomotive in Miyashiro Town

Tobu B4 Class Unit 40 preserved in front of Miyashiro Town Office

I recently visited Miyashiro Town in Saitama Prefecture, about 50 kilometers north of Tokyo. Miyashiro isn’t very well-known, even among Japanese people. However, if you mention it as “the town of Tobu Zoological Park,” most people will recognize it—or rail enthusiasts may know it better as the home of the Nippon Institute of Technology, which has an industrial museum preserving valuable rolling stock.

This time, though, my destination in Miyashiro was neither the zoo nor the museum. Instead, I headed to the town office. Why? Because a historic steam locomotive is preserved right in front of the town hall. Take a look at the top photo: this is Unit 40 of the Tobu B4 Class. This locomotive was originally built in 1898 by Sharp, Stewart and Company in England for Japan’s first private railway company, Nippon Railway. It was later taken over by the Government Railways in 1906 and then transferred to Tobu Railway in 1922, where it became Unit 40 of the B4 Class.

The B4 Class is a 4-4-0 type (Whyte notation) steam locomotive with a tender. After years of hauling freight trains, it was retired in 1966 and moved to its current location at the Miyashiro Town Office in 1994. I’m not an expert on steam locomotives, but I was especially impressed by its elegant leading wheels and connecting rods (see the photo below).

If you’re interested, please also check out my previous posts on preserved Tobu steam locomotives: Class B1, Class B3, and Unit 1.

Side view of Unit 40

A Hanging Strap with a Unique Design

Sounyan-themed hanging strap, Set 8713 of the Sotetsu EMU 8000 series

Sorry for the trivial topic today, but let me start with a question: Are there any hanging straps on commuter trains in your country? In Japan, yes, there are. Commuter trains in major cities are always crowded, so hanging straps are essential to keep passengers safe and prevent accidents. Here’s another question: Have you ever seen a hanging strap with a unique design in your country? In Japan, we have!

They say “a picture is worth a thousand words,” so please take a look at the top photo. I found this strap inside Set 8713 of the Sotetsu EMU 8000 series. It has two ear-like protrusions on top of the ring. Doesn’t it look like someone? ...It’s Sounyan! As I mentioned before, Sounyan is Sagami Railway’s (Sotetsu’s) mascot character. He helps create a friendly image for the railway and adds value to the Sotetsu Line. Sounyan is a cat and an official “employee” of Sotetsu, working in public relations. On this train, a Sounyan-themed strap is installed in part of one car. Isn’t that cute?

Incidentally, the Sotetsu EMU 8000 series was introduced in 1990. A total of 13 sets (130 cars) were built by Hitachi. Currently, six sets (60 cars) are still in service after undergoing refurbishments. For example, the headlights of Set 8713 have been relocated to the top of the cab, as seen in the photo below. I hope Set 8713, with its Sounyan-themed hanging strap, continues to operate for years to come.

Set 8713 of the Sotetsu EMU 8000 series on the Izumino Line