Today, let me start with a question: Are there any textile regions in your country?
In Japan, the answer is yes. Kyoto, for example, is famous for its traditional high-quality silk textile known as Nishijin-ori. Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture is well known for its high-quality denim. In the Tokyo metropolitan area, Kiryu in Gunma Prefecture is one of the regions famous for weaving Yagasuri textiles.
Yagasuri is a traditional pattern featuring arrow feathers, forming a repeating geometric V-shape. It is considered a lucky pattern because historically it symbolized a safe and happy marriage—just as an arrow shot from a bow never returns.
JR East is leveraging this unique local cultural resource, Yagasuri, to revitalize communities along the Ryomo Line. One such initiative is the Yagasuri Train.
Please take a look at the photo above—yes, that is the Yagasuri Train, set A28 of JR East’s 211-3000 series EMU. This trainset originally featured orange and green stripes, but in April 2021 they were replaced with green and yellow stripes in a Yagasuri pattern. It’s lovely, isn’t it? The interior of the Yagasuri Train is also decorated with Yagasuri patterns, including the passenger seats.
By the way, you might be surprised to learn that the Yagasuri Train entered service in 2021. That was quite a long time ago. Haven’t I had a chance to share this unique train until now?
Thanks for wondering. I actually tried to visit Gunma Prefecture several times to photograph the Yagasuri Train. However, something always got in the way. For example, please see the photo below. I tried to take it in 2024, but I was caught in a sudden shower, which made the photo blurry. It was unlucky, but looking at this photo now makes me feel nostalgic.
I’m not a native English speaker, but I think I can say now, “All’s well that ends well.”
