A Double-Purpose Trip on the “Tokyo Panorama Line”

Monchhichi Wrapped Train leaving Ōi-keibajō-mae Station

Today, I'd like to share something about the Tokyo Panorama Line with you.

Even if you are familiar with Japanese railways, you may be thinking, “Tokyo Panorama Line? I've never heard of such a line!” You are absolutely right. It is the brand-new nickname for the Tokyo Monorail's Haneda Airport Line. On November 1, 2025, the company adopted “Tokyo Panorama Line” as a nickname for the Haneda Airport Line to enhance the line's appeal.

As I mentioned before, we've recently seen several existing railway lines in Japan being given new nicknames. The Tobu Urban Park Line and the Tokyo Sakura Tram are typical examples, but something didn't feel right, to be honest. Compared with those, “the Tokyo Panorama Line” isn't so bad, since passengers can actually enjoy panoramic views of the Tokyo Bay area from the trains.

To promote the Tokyo Panorama Line, the company appointed Monchhichi as its Panorama Ambassador and introduced the Monchhichi Wrapped Train on February 20 this year. For your information, Monchhichi is a famous mascot character that was born in 1973. It is said to be a monkey-like fairy.

Now, please look at the photo above. That is the Monchhichi Wrapped Train, Set 10051 of the Series 10000 EMU. I was pleased to see Monchhichi featured prominently on the exterior—so cute!

Stick with me just a bit more.

After taking photos of the Monchhichi Wrapped Train, I got off at Ōi-keibajō-mae Station to take a stroll. My destination was the Keihin Canal, constructed on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay. It was a hot and humid summer day, but the breeze blowing across the canal was very soothing.

When I glanced down at my feet, I spotted a rounded, pale-brown stone on the ground. As soon as I noticed it, I couldn't help mumbling, “That's a fossil!”

In fact, it was a six-million-year-old fossil of “Yoshihara-manju-uni” (Echinolampas yoshiwarai), a kind of sea urchin (6cm long). I think it was brought there as part of the fill material used for the reclamation project, probably from the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture. What a lucky day it was!

By happy coincidence, I was able to enjoy two of my hobbies during a single trip on the Tokyo Panorama Line.

A sea urchin fossil (Echinolampas yoshiwarai) found near Ōi-keibajō-mae Station

Related Link:

・Official information from Tokyo Monorail (in Japanese)

The Tokyu Green Lifestyle Train

Set 4103 of the 5050 series EMU, “Tokyu Green Lifestyle Train”

Do you remember my posts about specially wrapped trains promoting GREEN×EXPO 2027 on the Yokohama Municipal Subway? Today, I’d like to share a similar wrapped train on Tokyu Railway.

・What is GREEN×EXPO 2027?

GREEN×EXPO 2027 is an upcoming international horticultural exposition to be held in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Today marks 220 days until the event opens. As I understand it, it will be more than just a flower exhibition; it will also showcase advanced green technologies.

The venue is close to several stations served by Sagami Railway, the Yokohama Municipal Subway, and Tokyu Railway. I hope for a vibrant and cheerful event, but at the same time, I am concerned about train congestion during the event.

・Railway operators’ contribution

The Yokohama Municipal Subway has been operating special wrapped trains promoting GREEN×EXPO 2027 on the Blue and Green Lines since autumn 2025. Meanwhile, Sagami Railway (Sotetsu) has been operating a special wrapped train, “Let’s Go by Sotetsu!,” since May this year. (I will write about it in a future post.)

・Tokyu’s wrapped trains

Tokyu introduced three sets of wrapped trains, “The Tokyu Green Lifestyle Trains,” for the Toyoko, Den-en-toshi, and Meguro Lines this summer. These trains promote GREEN×EXPO 2027, with a particular focus on the Tokyu Group Pavilion.

・Photographing the Tokyu Green Lifestyle Train

I chose Set 4103 of the 5050 series EMU as my first subject and headed to Ryokuentoshi Station on the Sotetsu Izumino Line. There was no particular reason. I just felt like photographing a train emerging from a tunnel this time.

For your information, trains on the Tokyu Toyoko Line sometimes run directly onto the Sotetsu Izumino Line. I waited eagerly for the wrapped train to emerge from the pitch-black tunnel beside the station.

・Impression of the Tokyu Green Lifestyle Train

Now, please look at the photo above. The blue-and-green wrapped train is beautiful, isn’t it?

In particular, I loved the cute mascot character of the Tokyu Group Pavilion, “Miraidane (Seed for the Future)” (see the photo below). However, the official mascot of GREEN×EXPO 2027, “Tunk Tunk,” was not featured on the train. That was a little sad.

It would have been even better if I could have seen Miraidane and Tunk Tunk getting along.

Close-up view of the Tokyu Green Lifestyle Train

Related Link:

・Official information from Tokyu (in Japanese)

Riding the Prince No.2 Gondola on Mt. Naeba

Prince No.2 Gondola on Mt. Naeba

I recently visited Niigata Prefecture with my family to escape the summer heat. One of the highlights of our trip was a ride on the Prince No.2 Gondola on Mt. Naeba, and I'd like to share the experience with you today.

・Why a Gondola?

You may be wondering why I'm writing about an aerial lift on a railway blog. To be honest, there isn't any special reason—I simply felt like sharing it! If I have to come up with an excuse, though, gondola lifts in Japan are legally classified under the Railway Business Act. So perhaps this topic isn't entirely out of place after all!

・Where Is Mt. Naeba?

Mt. Naeba, which rises to 2,145 meters, is well known for its beautiful alpine wetlands. It stands on the border between Niigata and Nagano prefectures, about 150 kilometers north of Tokyo. At the foot of the mountain is Naeba Ski Resort, one of Japan's best-known ski resorts, operated by Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide.

・What Is the Prince No.2 Gondola?

Although the ski resort is naturally busiest in winter, several gondola lifts and chair lifts continue operating during the green season, allowing visitors to enjoy the mountain scenery. The Prince No.2 Gondola is one of them.

Built by Nippon Cable in 1995, it is a detachable monocable gondola that connects the Sanroku and Sancho stations. The line is 1,754 meters long and climbs 607 meters in elevation, with a maximum gradient of 37 degrees. Sixteen towers support the line, and the haul rope is driven by a 640-kW electric motor.

・The Gondolas

The cabins were manufactured by CWA of Switzerland. Each cabin accommodates up to eight passengers, and a total of 75 cabins are in service. They circulate continuously in a counterclockwise direction at a speed of 5.0 meters per second.

・The Ride and the Scenery

The ride to the upper station took only about ten minutes. Thanks to the back-to-back seating arrangement, we enjoyed unobstructed views throughout the journey.

After arriving at Sancho Station, we walked to the observation deck, which stands at an elevation of 1,518 meters. From there, we enjoyed panoramic views of Mt. Tairappyo (1,984 meters) rising above the surrounding clouds. The temperature was a pleasant 20°C—about 10 degrees cooler than in Tokyo—making it a wonderfully refreshing escape from the midsummer heat.

Our visit to Mt. Naeba turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip, thanks to the cool mountain air, magnificent scenery, and relaxing gondola ride.

View from the observation deck

The Class EF65: Where Are They Now?

JRF’s Class EF65 No. 2096 passing through JR East’s Haijima Station in Tokyo

Don’t you sometimes find yourself wondering, “Where are they now?” For example, you might be relaxing at home, looking through an old photo album, when that question suddenly comes to mind. That’s exactly what today’s post is about.

I’ve recently started sorting through my train photos. Over the years, I’ve accumulated both digital files and printed photos, and as you can imagine, the collection has grown enormous.

I’ve got to do something about it!

But that’s easier said than done. As soon as I started looking through my old photo albums, I got completely absorbed in them and forgot all about my original purpose. One of the trains that caught my attention was the Class EF65 electric locomotive.

Where are they now?

Before answering that question, let me briefly introduce the Class EF65. It is one of Japan’s most representative electric locomotives. Developed by the former Japanese National Railways (JNR) in 1965 as a new standard locomotive, a total of 308 units were built. After the breakup and privatization of JNR, they were transferred to JR Freight (JRF) and the other JR Group companies. Technically speaking, the EF65 is a 1,500-volt DC electric locomotive powered by six 425-kW DC traction motors. Its wheel arrangement is Bo-Bo-Bo in UIC notation.

To my surprise, I found that only about 30 Class EF65 locomotives remain in service today. I hadn’t realized their numbers had fallen so dramatically.

Take the photo above, for example. It shows JR Freight’s EF65 No. 2096, which was retired earlier this year. I still remember coming across it at Haijima Station in Tokyo in 2024 while it was hauling a train of oil tank cars. I was especially fascinated because it still wore the classic JNR livery. Locomotives in these colors remain very popular among Japanese rail fans, as they bring back memories of the famous overnight sleeper trains once hauled by EF65s in the same livery.

Now take a look at the photo below. It shows JR Freight’s EF65 No. 2127, which was retired in 2023. I photographed it near Shimizu Station in Shizuoka Prefecture in 2015 while it was hauling a container freight train. What impressed me most was its distinctive paint scheme, especially the yellow gangway door. Japanese rail fans affectionately call this livery "Karashi" ("mustard"). This distinctive paint scheme originated at Hiroshima Depot, far from my home, making it an especially exciting locomotive to encounter.

I sincerely hope these veteran EF65 locomotives will continue running safely for as long as possible.

Hang in there, Class EF65!

JRF’s Class EF65 No. 2127 running near Shimizu Station in Shizuoka Prefecture

The Seibu 7000 Series EMU Begins Service

The Seibu 7000 series EMU arriving at Nishi-Tokorozawa Station

Do you remember that I mentioned back in 2023 that Seibu Railway would introduce trains purchased second-hand from Odakyu Electric Railway and Tokyu Railway? Today, I'd like to revisit that story.

・What's Happened Since Then?

Following last year's introduction of the former Odakyu 8000 series, the former Tokyu 9000 series EMU finally entered service on the Seibu network on June 27 this year. Renumbered as the Seibu 7000 series, it can now be seen in regular service (see the photo above).

・History of the Seibu 7000 Series

The Seibu 7000 series began life as Tokyu's 9000 series EMU, which debuted in 1986. A total of 117 cars were built for use on the Toyoko and Oimachi lines. The cars feature 20-metre stainless-steel bodies, VFD-controlled induction motors, and an electric-command braking system with regenerative braking.

After the transfer was announced, 16 cars of the former Tokyu 9000 series were refurbished for Seibu. They received Seibu's blue-and-green livery, and door-open/close buttons were installed beside the passenger doors for driver-only operation.

The Seibu 7000 series has already entered service on the Sayama Line, and it will also operate on the Tamagawa, Tamako, and Seibu-Chichibu lines.

・Riding the Seibu 7000 Series

I recently rode the Seibu 7000 series on the Sayama Line. As it arrived at Platform 2 at Nishi-Tokorozawa Station, I couldn't help mumbling, "Now that's a Seibu train!"

Although the train has retained the distinctive shape of the former Tokyu 9000 series, its blue-and-green checkerboard livery makes it look unmistakably like a Seibu train. It matches the design already introduced on the former Odakyu 8000 series.

I was even happier once I stepped inside. The box seats had been retained from its Tokyu days (see the photo below), and that was irresistible for a cross-seat lover like me.

・Final Thoughts

The remaining Tokyu 9000 series is still in service on the Tokyu Oimachi Line. For railfans like me, that's wonderful news, as it gives us the rare opportunity to ride both versions and compare them. I hope they will continue running for many years to come.

A box seat in the Seibu 7000 series

Related Link

・Official information from Seibu Railway (in Japanese)

A Phantom Train in Ibaraki Prefecture

Series 7000 DMU preserved at Yumenoba in Chikusei City, Ibaraki Prefecture

Have you ever had an experience like this in your country?

Have you ever wanted to ride a train that rarely ran? You kept telling yourself, "Someday I'll ride it," only to find that it had already been retired before you had the chance. Today I'd like to introduce one such train.

Series 7000 was a luxurious DMU operated by the Kashima Rinkai Railway from 1992 to 2010. Interestingly, it was owned not by the railway company itself, but by Ibaraki Prefecture. It was a two-car hydraulic-transmission DMU powered by 169 kW diesel engines, and only a single set was ever built by Nippon Sharyo.

The interior was surprisingly luxurious for a regional railway train. It featured reclining cross seats, not to mention a lounge area, a large TV and even karaoke equipment.

When Series 7000 entered service, it operated as the rapid train Marine Liner Hamanasu ("Hamanasu" means rugosa rose in Japanese). In 2008, it was reassigned to special excursion services before being retired from service in 2010. Since 2024, it has been preserved at Yumenoba (also known as THE HIROSAWA CITY), a vehicle-themed park in Chikusei City, Ibaraki Prefecture.

As I mentioned earlier, I had wanted to ride Series 7000 for many years. Unfortunately, the Kashima Rinkai Railway was quite a long way from where I lived, and I was very busy at the time. Then I was transferred to Indonesia in 2007, and before I knew it, Series 7000 had been retired.

Sixteen years after its retirement, I finally met Series 7000. It was on display in excellent condition alongside other historic rolling stock. Looking at its stylish exterior, I couldn't help thinking that it resembled JR East's HB-E300 hybrid DMU, which I rode recently. Perhaps Series 7000 was ahead of its time—a pioneer of Japan's sightseeing trains.

It was wonderful to finally meet you, Series 7000. I only wish I had had the chance to ride you while you were still in service. Still, I'll come back to visit you from time to time. See you again soon.

Side view of Series 7000

Related link:

・Official information from Yumenoba (in Japanese)

Enoden's Series 1000 EMU: The Final Chapter

Enoden Series 1000 EMU Set 1001 with its “Last Run” headmark

Rail fans like me have mixed feelings whenever a new train enters service.

When a new type of rolling stock enters service, I get excited and rush to the tracks to welcome it. But realistically, the debut of a new train usually means that an older one will soon be retired, and that is often exactly what happens. My head understands that, but my heart cannot accept it. Whenever a railway company announces the retirement of an old train, I feel sad. It still has plenty of life left in it! If you are also a rail fan, I hope you understand this complicated feeling.

Sorry for the long introduction. Today’s topic is the latter.

On July 15, Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden) announced that Series 1000 Set 1001 (shown in the photo above) had been withdrawn from service the previous day. The moment had finally come.

As I mentioned in a previous post, Enoden introduced its brand-new Series 700 EMU on April 19. The company explained that the Series 700 would replace the aging Series 1000 fleet. In fact, Set 1001 became the first Series 1000 set to be withdrawn on July 14, marking the beginning of the retirement of the Series 1000 fleet.

Let me briefly review the history of Enoden’s Series 1000 EMU. It entered service in 1979. A total of six two-car articulated sets were built between 1979 and 1987. The fleet consists of three batches, and their specifications differ slightly, including their drive systems, brake systems, and auxiliary power supplies. Set 1001, for example, was equipped with an old nose-suspended drive system and a simple air brake system without regenerative braking. Its auxiliary power supply was a traditional motor-generator rather than a static inverter.

I was shocked when the company suddenly announced that Set 1001 had been withdrawn from service. It still had plenty of life left in it! Still, I suppose it could not be helped. Fortunately, I was able to photograph Set 1001 during its final days in service, complete with a “Last Run” headmark, last month. Set 1002 (shown in the photo below) and the remaining sets are still active. Hang in there, Series 1000!

The final chapter of Enoden’s Series 1000 EMU has just begun.

Enoden Series 1000 EMU Set 1002

Related link:

・Official information, Enoden Series 1000 EMU (in Japanese)

A Trip on JR East's Joyful Train "Kairi"

Joyful train Kairi arriving at Tsuruoka Station

Sorry for jumping from one topic to another, but today I'd like to return to my recent family trip to Yamagata Prefecture and share one of its highlights in a little more detail.

After enjoying the fascinating world of jellyfish and another railway experience at Tsuruoka Station, we boarded Kairi, a joyful train I had always wanted to ride.

・What is Kairi?

Take a look at the photo above. Kairi—literally meaning Sea and Village—is JR East's sightseeing train that operates between Sakata and Niigata (168 km, about two and a half hours) via the Uetsu Main Line and the Hakushin Line. Passengers can enjoy local cuisine while taking in the beautiful scenery along the Sea of Japan.

The train consists of four stainless-steel cars: Car 1 with reclining seats, Car 2 with private compartments, Car 3 with a shop and an event space, and Car 4 with a dining room. Riding Kairi requires the reserved-seat surcharge.

・The Technical Side of Kairi

Kairi is operated by JR East's HB-E300 series Hybrid Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU). It combines diesel engines, three-phase squirrel-cage induction generators, converters/inverters, induction motors, and lithium-ion batteries. The induction motors also function as generators during braking, allowing the electricity they produce to be stored in the batteries.

A total of 18 HB-E300 series cars were built between 2010 and 2019. One four-car trainset is dedicated to Kairi, while the remaining 14 cars are used on other joyful trains, such as Resort Shirakami (Aoike).

・Impressions of the Ride

We reserved seats in Car 4, the dining room, where we enjoyed a delicious early dinner while watching the beautiful coastal scenery pass by.

In particular, the ocean view near the Yamagata–Niigata prefectural border was simply breathtaking (see the photo below). We had hoped to watch the sun set over the Sea of Japan, but the sky remained overcast. Never mind—railfans are always optimistic! It simply gave me one more reason to come back and ride Kairi again.

Our trip on Kairi turned out to be much more than just a train ride. It gave us the chance to experience one of JR East's unique joyful trains while enjoying some of the finest scenery along the lines.

The view from Car 4 (the dining room)

Related link:

・Official information from JR East

The 20th Anniversary of the Keikyu Blue Sky Trains

Set 606 of the EMU 600 series, Blue Sky Train

This is a bit late to mention, but Keikyu quietly celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Blue Sky Trains last year. I’d like to share a little about them today.

What Is the Blue Sky Train?

When people think of Keikyu, the first image that comes to mind is usually its bright red trains. That’s true—though there are a few colorful exceptions. One is the Keikyu Yellow Happy Train, painted yellow and operated with a single EMU 1000 series set. Another is the Blue Sky Train, which comes in a striking blue livery and includes one set each from the EMU 600 and EMU 2100 series.

The blue paint represents both the sky above Haneda Airport and the sea along the Miura Peninsula. In that sense, the Blue Sky Train serves as a symbol of Keikyu’s airport access service and its connection to the coastal resort areas.

The photo above shows Set 606 of the EMU 600 series, one of the Blue Sky Train sets. Beginning on October 27 last year, a special anniversary sticker was added to the front. It’s surprisingly modest compared to Keikyu’s usual bold designs, don’t you think? For the record, the other Blue Sky Train—Set 2133 of the EMU 2100 series—also carried the same sticker. Modesty aside, congratulations to the Blue Sky Train on its 20th anniversary!

While I’m at it, let me share another photo taken in late autumn last year. The picture below shows a standard-color EMU 600 series train crossing the Yatsumori Overpass, which spans the JR tracks near Shinagawa Station. The yellow ginkgo trees create a beautiful natural frame, making the red train stand out vividly. It’s one of my favorite viewing spots along the Keikyu Line—such a lovely scene.

Unfortunately, this scenery won’t last much longer. A major project to rebuild the overpass is underway to relieve congestion at the nearby level crossing. Improved transportation is important, of course, but I can’t help feeling a little sad knowing that this atmospheric spot will soon disappear. I suppose you can’t please everyone.

Standard-color EMU 600 series passing over Yatsumori Overpass

Related link:

・Official information on the overpass replacement project (Japanese only)

A Jellyfish Aquarium on the Uetsu Main Line

JR East GV-E400 series diesel-electric multiple unit (DEMU)

Let me start with a question: What brings you peace?

For me, it's trains with cross-seats, such as Odakyu's Romancecars.

Besides trains, what else?

That's what today's post is about.

I recently visited Kamo Aquarium in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, about 470 km north of Tokyo. This municipal aquarium is famous for its impressive jellyfish exhibits. In fact, it currently displays around 100 species of jellyfish, earning official recognition from Guinness World Records as the world's largest jellyfish exhibit.

I'm proud that Japan is home to the world's largest jellyfish aquarium, but it has been a long road to success.

Kamo Aquarium opened in 1964. However, visitor numbers gradually declined, and by 1997 the aquarium was facing an existential crisis.

This was where the magic happened.

One day, the aquarium staff discovered a jellyfish in a small fish tank and immediately thought, "This is it."

Nearly 30 years have passed since that moment, and Kamo Aquarium has made a remarkable comeback. During my visit, I saw countless holidaymakers flocking to the aquarium to admire its wide variety of jellyfish. I was happily one of them.

I was fascinated by the many different species on display, especially the Blue Cannonball jellyfish from California (see the photo below). Its beautifully rounded blue form brought me a wonderful sense of peace.

Of course, I can't end this post without mentioning the railway side of things—after all, this is a railway blog.

The nearest station to Kamo Aquarium is Tsuruoka on JR East's Uetsu Main Line. There, I came across an unfamiliar local train: the GV-E400 series (see the top photo). It is JR East's first diesel-electric multiple unit (DEMU), which entered service in 2019. Each trainset consists of two single-cab cars.

My first impression was that it looked similar to the HB-E200 series. Both trains feature angular front ends, although the HB-E200 series is actually a hybrid train equipped with rechargeable batteries.

My trip to Kamo Aquarium gave me the chance to enjoy both a fascinating world of jellyfish and another new railway experience on the Uetsu Main Line.

Blue Cannonball jellyfish at Kamo Aquarium

Related link:

・Official information from JR East (in Japanese)

・Official information from Kamo Aquarium

The Tobu 90000 Series EMU: A New Commuter Train

Set 91001 of the Tobu 90000 series EMU at Shinrin-koen Depot

Following my previous posts on Keio’s 2000 series, Seibu’s L00, Sotetsu’s 13000 series, and Enoden’s new 700 series EMUs, I’m happy to introduce another brand-new train that has joined the Tokyo metropolitan area fleet.

Please take a look at the photo above. Here it is—the Tobu Railway 90000 series EMU for the Tojo Line. The new train is scheduled to enter service this September, but I had the chance to see it before its official debut by joining an event hosted by the Japan Railfan Club. Today, I’d like to share that memorable experience with you.

What’s New About the 90000 Series?

First, the front end features a reverse-slant design that sweeps upward from the bottom. Doesn't it remind you of something? Yes—a ship! But why? The areas along the Tojo Line owe much of their early development to inland waterways before the railway was built, and the new design pays tribute to that history. I like the story behind it.

To me, this reverse-slant front is slightly reminiscent of the Chiba Urban Monorail 0-series. If so, I wondered whether the front coupler might be difficult to accommodate. On the Chiba monorail, the coupler is mounted above the body. On the Tobu 90000 series, however, it has to be installed below the body. With such a ship-like front, I was afraid the coupler might stick out like a tongue. Wouldn't that look a bit awkward?

I examined the front several times with that concern in mind, but it turned out to be unfounded. The coupler is neatly integrated into the skirt and the surrounding equipment, so it doesn't protrude very much. Tobu got it right!

Second, take a look at the interior in the photo below. You can see wavy lines on the seat partitions. If you look closely, you'll notice the same pattern on the floor. These waves also represent the rivers and streams along the Tojo Line. I like that thoughtful touch.

Finally, take another look at the top photo. The windows in the passenger doors have been lowered compared with those on existing trains. As a result, the interior feels much brighter, and children can enjoy the view outside more easily. I think that's a wonderful improvement.

I'm running out of space here, so I'll save the technical specifications of the 90000 series for a future post. Please look forward to it!

Interior of the 90000 series EMU

Related link:

• Official information from Tobu Railway (in Japanese)

Serving a Double Purpose on the Keisei Chiba Line

Set 3668 of the Shibatetsu 3600 series EMU at Makuhari-hongo Station

You may remember that I wrote about the retirement of the Shibayama Railway (Shibatetsu) 3500 series EMU in March this year. At that time, I mentioned that I would save the replacement for the 3500 series for a future post.

Three months have passed since then, and now I finally have a chance to introduce it.

Please take a look at the photo above—this is Set 3668 of the Shibatetsu 3600 series EMU, which has been newly leased from Keisei Electric Railway. To welcome Set 3668, I recently visited Makuhari-hongo Station on the Keisei Chiba Line and took the above photo, as 3668F occasionally operates through onto Keisei lines.

The technical specifications of Set 3668 are, of course, identical to those of the Keisei 3600 series. However, before entering service with Shibatetsu, the body stripe colors were changed from red and blue (the Keisei colors) to green and red (the Shibatetsu colors).

You may be thinking, “Is this really a newly assigned train? It looks just as old as the former Set 3540.” I understand what you mean. However, as a railway enthusiast, I am quite satisfied with this replacement because: (1) the veteran Set 3668 has escaped retirement, and (2) Set 3668 is a high-performance train.

Set 3668 was originally built in the late 1980s. It currently consists of four motor cars with no trailer cars and is equipped with a VFD traction control system. Japanese railfans affectionately call this trainset “Turbo-kun.” “Turbo” comes from the English word “turbocharger,” while “-kun” is a casual Japanese suffix used for boys or for male friends and colleagues with whom one is on familiar terms. In short, Turbo-kun means “a powerful train.”

Turbo-kun, go for it!

After welcoming Set 3668, I switched gears to another hobby of mine—fossil collecting. As I have mentioned before, fossil collecting has been a lifelong hobby of mine, just like railway enthusiasm. My hunting ground that day was Makuhari Artificial Beach, located near Makuhari-hongo Station. Fossil-bearing rocks dredged from the floor of Tokyo Bay can sometimes be found there.

Please take a look at the photo below—this was my find of the day: Thalassinoides isp. It is not a body fossil but an ichnofossil representing crustacean burrows. It is about 10 cm long and consists of intricately intertwined branches, giving it a somewhat creepy appearance.

That day, I was able to pursue two hobbies during a single trip on the Keisei Chiba Line.

An ichnofossil, Thalassinoides isp., found at Makuhari Artificial Beach

The 30th Anniversary of the Romancecar EXE

Odakyu Series 30000 EMU "Romancecar EXE"

On March 23, Odakyu celebrated the 30th anniversary of its Romancecar EXE. Today, I would like to share this milestone with you.

First, let me briefly look back at the Romancecar EXE.

The Romancecar EXE (officially the Series 30000 EMU) is a limited express train operated by Odakyu Electric Railway. It entered service in 1996.

To be honest, I was disappointed when the EXE made its debut because it abandoned many of the traditional features that had made the Romancecar so special. For example, the driver's cab was no longer located on the upper level, meaning passengers could no longer enjoy a panoramic front view through the large observation window. Earlier Romancecar models featured articulated bogies, which helped reduce weight and improve ride stability, whereas the EXE adopted conventional bogies instead. I still remember muttering to myself, "The Romancecar isn't special anymore."

In fact, the EXE was not particularly popular among tourists or railway enthusiasts. After its introduction, the number of passengers using the Romancecar to visit Hakone declined significantly. This downturn continued until the new Romancecar VSE (Series 50000 EMU) entered service in 2005. While many previous Romancecar models had won the Blue Ribbon Prize, the EXE did not receive the award. As many of you may know, the Blue Ribbon Prize is presented annually by the Japan Railfan Club to the most outstanding new railway vehicle introduced in the previous year.

But was the EXE really all that bad?

As the saying goes, one person's junk is another person's treasure. One advantage was that reserving seats became much easier thanks to its increased passenger capacity. Another practical feature was its flexible train formation: a ten-car set could be divided into six-car and four-car sections to better match operational needs.

And then I discovered one more thing to appreciate—its reclining seats. They are just the right firmness for me, making them exceptionally comfortable on longer journeys.

To mark the 30th anniversary, a commemorative sticker has been placed on the front of the EXE (see the photo below). The sticker features two different cab designs: one with the standard cab front and the other with the gangway-equipped cab, highlighting the EXE's operational flexibility.

Happy 30th anniversary, Romancecar EXE!

I'm on your side now.

The commemorative sticker celebrating the 30th anniversary

Aizu: A Rapid Train to the Samurai City

JR East E721 series EMU, Rapid "Aizu" service

Sorry for jumping from one topic to another, but today I’d like to follow up on my recent family trip to the Aizu region in a little more detail.

After arriving at Koriyama Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen, we stayed there overnight before heading to Aizu-Wakamatsu the following day. Aizu-Wakamatsu, also known as the Samurai City, is the largest city in the Aizu region, located about 65 km (40 miles) west of Koriyama.

Please take a look at the photo above. This was our train—the Rapid "Aizu" service bound for Aizu-Wakamatsu. You can see the beautifully designed "Aizu" headmark displayed on the front.

The train consists of two coupled two-car sets of JR East's E721 series EMUs. Although the E721 series is basically designed for ordinary commuter and regional services, the Rapid "Aizu" includes one reserved-seat car equipped with comfortable reclining seats. To use this car, we paid an additional reserved-seat charge of 530 yen (about 3.29 USD) per seat during the summer peak travel season.

I know many railway enthusiasts enjoy the technical aspects of trains, so here are a few details. The E721 series is a standard AC electric multiple unit designed for a 20 kV, 50 Hz electrified network and operates on 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) narrow-gauge track. It entered service in 2007. Between 2007 and 2017, JR East built 170 cars, consisting of 67 trainsets in both two-car and four-car formations. A two-car set is configured as 1M1T (one motor car and one trailer car), while a four-car set is configured as 2M2T. The trains are equipped with IGBT-based VFD traction control systems driving 125 kW induction motors.

After arriving in Aizu-Wakamatsu, we visited Wakamatsu Castle, the symbol of this Samurai City (see the photo below). Construction of the castle began in 1384. It is best known as the site of the Battle of Aizu, one of the major battles of the Boshin War, the civil war fought between the Tokugawa shogunate and the Imperial forces from 1868 to 1869. Many samurai defended the castle until they were finally forced to surrender. The present castle is a reconstructed building and serves as a symbol of Aizu-Wakamatsu today. Its distinctive, maroon-tiled roofs are especially beautiful.

For your information, the red figurine in the photo below is an Akabeko ("red cow"), a traditional folk toy in the shape of a red cow. Its head gently bobs up and down when touched. Akabeko has long been regarded as a good-luck charm believed to protect people from illness. Interestingly, the black spots on its body are said to represent smallpox. I can't help wondering what the people who created this charming toy were thinking and feeling centuries ago.

Akabeko (foreground) and Wakamatsu Castle (background)

A Kintetsu-Liveried Train on the Tobu Line

Tobu's Series 10030 EMU Set 11267 in Kintetsu livery (the two cars on the right)

Do people in your country have any symbols of friendship?

In Japan, they do. For example, I sometimes see high school girls who are close friends attaching matching character charms featuring their favorite characters to their school bags. It always looks like they are having fun!

Now, here's another question. Do railway companies have symbols of friendship, too?

Again, the answer is yes in Japan. Railway companies with close ties sometimes adopt each other's train liveries as a symbol of their partnership. For example, Keikyu Corporation introduced the KEIKYU YELLOW HAPPY TRAIN in 2014. Its yellow livery resembles Seibu Railway's iconic yellow trains. In return, Seibu repainted one of its EMU sets into Keikyu's signature red livery to celebrate the friendship between the two companies.

This kind of partnership can even be found overseas. In 2014, Hakone Tozan Railway introduced the Allegra train, whose red livery was inspired by that of the Swiss Rhaetian Railway (RhB). In return, the RhB repainted one of its electric locomotives in Hakone Tozan's livery as a symbol of the partnership between the two railways.

Now, let's take a look at the latest example. The photo above shows Tobu Railway's Series 10030 EMU Set 11267, painted in Kintetsu's livery (Series 1252 EMU). It entered service on April 20 this year.

Both Tobu and Kintetsu operate the largest private railway networks in their respective regions. Tobu serves Nikko, one of Japan's best-known tourist destinations, while Kintetsu serves the Ise-Shima area. The two companies certainly have much in common.

I found that Tobu's Kintetsu-liveried train looked even more like a real Kintetsu train than I had expected. That's probably because the front design of Set 11267 is similar to that of Kintetsu's commuter train. I really enjoyed seeing it.

Incidentally, Set 11267 was built in 1995. It consists of two 20-meter stainless-steel cars configured as one motor car and one trailer car (1M1T). The set is also known as Tobu's first train equipped with single-arm pantographs. On the day I photographed it, it was coupled to the four-car Set 11433, which retained Tobu's standard livery.

Finally, you may be thinking, "I'd like to see Kintetsu's Tobu-liveried train as well."

Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to visit the Kintetsu network since that train entered service. However, please take a look at the photo below. You can at least catch a glimpse of it in the lower-right corner of the overhead advertisement inside a Tobu train. It's painted in Tobu's livery (Series 8000 EMU).

Overhead advertisement promoting the Tobu–Kintetsu partnership

Related link:

・Official announcement from Tobu Railway (Japanese)

Disruption on the Tohoku Shinkansen

Departure board on the JR East Tohoku Shinkansen platform at Tokyo Station

I recently traveled to the Aizu region in Fukushima Prefecture, about 250 km north of Tokyo, with my family. It was basically a family obligation, so I didn't expect to do any train spotting during the trip. I at least looked forward to visiting the historic sites and relaxing in the hot springs. However, things turned out rather differently...

When we arrived at Tokyo Station to board the Tohoku Shinkansen, we immediately noticed something unusual. Many passengers were standing around the concourse, looking puzzled. Was something wrong?

After checking the news online and looking at the departure board, I finally understood the reason. Please take a look at the photo above—the trains were delayed due to an offshore earthquake in northern Japan. By then, it was already 14:16, yet our train, which had been scheduled to leave at 14:00, had not even arrived at Platform 20. Fortunately, there was no damage to the Tohoku Shinkansen, but according to the announcement, services would be delayed by about an hour. Did I panic?

Not at all—railfans are always optimistic! I quickly adjusted my mindset and decided to make the most of the situation. While my family relaxed in the waiting room, I went out to try a type of train photography that I had never attempted before.

Now, let's take a look at the photo below. On the left is JR Central's Series N700A EMU, wearing its familiar white-and-blue livery on the Tokaido Shinkansen. On the right is JR East's Series E6 EMU in its distinctive red-and-gray livery on the Tohoku (Akita) Shinkansen. I photographed it from Platform 23 on the Tohoku Shinkansen at Tokyo Station.

In fact, Platform 23 is one of the very few places where you can photograph both the Tokaido and the Tohoku Shinkansen trains in a single shot. I was lucky enough to witness this fascinating railway scene and thoroughly enjoyed this unexpected photography opportunity. I'm not trying to boast—I simply hope you can understand how exciting this was for a train enthusiast.

In the end, we were able to board our Tohoku Shinkansen train about an hour late and arrived safely at Koriyama Station on the day.

JR Central’s series N700A (left) and JR East’s series E6 (right) EMUs