Final Chapter of the 6000 Series EMU in Indonesia

Set 6117 of the 6000 series EMU in Jakarta, Indonesia

Photo: Faris Fadhli (2026)

Today, I’d like to share a little story about Indonesia’s railways.

Not long ago, I received a heartwarming message from an Indonesian railfan. My friend, Faris Fadhli, sent me some updates along with his latest photos. I always enjoy hearing from him—his messages make me feel closer to Indonesia’s railway scene. After reading his note, I felt inspired to write about an “endangered species” that has long fascinated me.

Please take a look at the photo above. It shows the endangered ex–Tokyo Metro 6000 series EMU running in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The 6000 series is a 1,500 V DC commuter EMU that first entered service in Tokyo in 1968. In total, 36 sets—353 cars—were built through 1990. Its technology was considered advanced at the time, equipped with an armature-chopper traction system and regenerative braking. Many sets were later upgraded with a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive=VVVF) traction system and induction motors.

After 43 years of service in Tokyo, 27 sets were transferred to Jakarta starting in 2011, helping modernize the commuter lines operated by PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia.

Now, let’s take another look at the recent photo. A red-striped 6000 series train stands out under the tropical sunlight, framed by lush greenery. Beautiful! I instantly recognized the spot—Universitas Indonesia Station, a classic place for train photography. Faris’s photo brought back many memories from the time I was stationed in Indonesia.

I also vividly remember the excitement in 2011, when the 6000 series first arrived in Jakarta. I was extremely busy with work then, so Indonesian railfans, including Faris, visited Bukit Duri Railyard and kindly shared their photos of the newly arrived trains with me (see the photo below). It’s hard to believe that fifteen years have passed. Time truly flies.

I’m glad the 6000 series is still active in Jakarta. However, according to Faris, the trains are now being gradually phased out as the new Indonesian-built CLI-225 series enters service. Panta rhei—everything is constantly changing.

The final chapter of the 6000 series has already begun.

Set 6126 of the 6000 series EMU (right) upon arrival in Jakarta, Indonesia

Photo: Faris Fadhli (March, 2011)

A Railroad Speeder on Tokyo Metro’s Marunouchi Line

Tokyo Metro railroad speeder, Unit 1 (MJK Type MR2618)

Do you remember my post about Yotsuya Station last year? Today, I’d like to share a small but interesting discovery I made there afterward.

While photographing a Marunouchi Line train emerging from a tunnel and approaching the elevated Yotsuya Station, I noticed something unusual beside the track—a small yellow vehicle (please see the bottom photo in my blog post from October 16, 2025).

It was a railroad speeder, a type of small maintenance vehicle used on railways.  Unfortunately, I didn’t have a telephoto lens with me that day, so I couldn’t get a clear shot.

After that, I returned to the same spot, determined to try again. This time, I succeeded. Please take a look at the top photo. Yes—this is Tokyo Metro’s railroad speeder, Unit 1, used on the Marunouchi Line. It is a diesel-powered maintenance vehicle built by Matsuyama Jyusharyo Kogyo (MJK), known as Type MR2618.

According to MJK’s catalogue, the MR2618 is designed to transport track maintenance staff. It is about 3 meters long, weighs 4.2 tons, and can carry up to eight people. With a work basket installed on the roof, it can also be used for overhead catenary maintenance. However, the Marunouchi Line uses a third-rail power system instead of overhead wires, so this function is not actually needed here.

Now, here’s something I found particularly interesting. Did you notice the angle at which the speeder is parked? If you look closely at the photos, you’ll see that Unit 1 is placed on a stabling track that crosses the main line at a right angle. There is no switch connecting the two tracks. So how does the speeder get onto the main line?

The answer is surprisingly clever. The vehicle is equipped with its own turntable, allowing it to rotate and align with the main track. I would love to see this process in action, but that’s very difficult—because Unit 1 is usually operated only after the last train of the day has finished running.

A bit frustrating for a railfan, isn’t it?

Side view of Unit 1 (left)

Related link:

・Official information from Matsuyama Jyusharyo Kogyo (in Japanese)

Arigato, the 7000 Series EMU in Indonesia

Set 7123 of the 7000 Series EMU exhibited at Jakarta Kota Station

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

This post is a continuation of my previous one. Once again, my thanks go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly shared his recent photos with me.

Please take a look at the photo above. One of the trains exhibited at the farewell event for former Japanese rolling stock in Jakarta was Set 7123 of the 7000 series EMU. Its red, white, and dark blue stripes are visually striking. You can also see a special round headmark on the front reading “ARIGATO, TERIMA KASIH, 2010–2025”—beautiful!

Set 7123 was built in 1983 by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The 7000 series is an EMU designed for 1,500 V DC and a 1,067-millimeter gauge. In Japan, it was operated as a 10-car train with six motorcars (6M4T). The electric control system was an armature chopper combined with regenerative braking. Air conditioners were not equipped at first, but were later installed in 1988.

After nearly 27 years of service on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, Set 7123 was transferred to Indonesia in 2010 along with its comrades—Sets 7117, 7121, and 7122. In Indonesia, the 7000 series began service as 8-car trains with four motorcars (4M4T). As of 2011, the 7000 series including Set 7123 carried red, yellow, and white stripes (see the photo below). It was very eye-catching. I also remember that one women-only car was provided on this series. Trains in Jakarta during rush hours were just as crowded as those in Tokyo.

Set 7123 and the 7000 series EMUs… thank you, terima kasih, and arigato. I will never forget you all.

Set 7123 of the 7000 Series EMU arriving at Gambir Station in Jakarta, Indonesia

(February 12, 2011)

Arigato, My Memorable Trains in Indonesia

The 8500 series (left) and 203 series (right) EMUs exhibited at Jakarta Kota Station

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

I recently received some news from an Indonesian railfan. My thanks go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly sent me his recent photos.

On November 11th, PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia (KCI) held a farewell event for the 8500 series, 7000 series, and 203 series EMUs at Jakarta Kota Station.

I knew this day would come sooner or later, but it has finally arrived. These EMUs are unforgettable trains for me—both in Indonesia and in Japan. The 8500 series is the former Tokyu 8500 series, the 7000 series is the former Tokyo Metro 7000 series, and the 203 series is the former JR East 203 series. They were transferred from Japan to Indonesia between 2006 and 2011. After nearly 20 years of service in Indonesia, they have now reached their final chapter.

As I have written several times, I was stationed in Jakarta from 2007 to 2011 as an exploration geologist for a petroleum and natural gas company, living away from my family. Even when work was tough, nothing made me happier than spending weekends enjoying the railways with local railfans. These trains truly gave me energy. Thank you. Terima kasih. Arigato!

I also would like to express my gratitude to Indonesian railway employees and railfans. I was moved to see the EMUs beautifully decorated with farewell stickers. On top of that, I was surprised and touched that the above railfan, Faris Fadhli, and his friend Adam held an exhibition inside an 8500 series EMU. Their enthusiasm really impressed me.

From the next post, I will introduce the trains that were exhibited, along with my own memories. To be continued…

A precious historical photo taken by Faris Fadhli, exhibited inside the 8500 series

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

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

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

Yamitetsu: Photographing in the Dark

EMU Tokyo Metro 2000 series arrives at Yotsuya station

Are there any slang words that only railfans understand in your country? In Japan, there definitely are. For example, I’ve previously introduced the term “hansha-tetsu”, which refers to a railfan who loves taking photos of trains reflected in water, glass, or other surfaces. Today, I’d like to introduce another fun piece of railfan slang "yamitetsu".

Yamitetsu describes a railfan who loves photographing trains in the dark. In fact, I’m just a beginner yamitetsu myself.

They say “a picture is worth a thousand words,” so please take a look at the top photo. This is one of the typical yamitetsu-style images. You can see a striking, red-colored train—the Tokyo Metro 2000 series—standing out against the darkness. Although this photo looks “simple”, it was actually taken by thinking outside the box. The EMU Tokyo Metro 2000 series is a subway train, and as I’ve mentioned before, subway trains are often frustrating subjects for photographers because they run underground in dimly lit tunnels. That’s why Yotsuya Station is so special. It’s one of the rare subway stations built above ground, making it bright and easy to shoot trains during the day. But I deliberately went out in the evening to shoot it in the dark—and unexpectedly captured this mystical, atmospheric image.

The second photo below is another example. This one was taken underground at Shinyokohama Station yard, one of my recommended spots for yami-tetsu fans. The tunnel there is illuminated by colorful lights, which created a stunning backdrop for this Tokyo Metro 9000 series train operating on the Tokyu Line.

EMU Tokyo Metro 9000 series leaves Shinyokohama station on the Tokyu line

Seijo Corty: My Neaby Train Observation Deck

View from the train observation deck at Seijo Corty Shopping Mall

I am not a native English speaker, so posting blogs in English is a good opportunity for me to learn a foreign language. I recently learned a proverb: "It’s hard to see what is right under your nose." I’d like to remember this proverb by using a real example.

Last week, I went shopping in Seijo-gakuenmae, my neighborhood. After that, I stopped by the roof garden of the Seijo Corty Shopping Mall. It’s close to my house, but it was actually my first visit. As soon as I arrived at the garden, I found a wonderful train observation deck. I hadn’t realized there was such a nice spot so close to home. “It’s hard to see what is right under your nose.” That’s exactly how it felt.

Enough with the preamble—please look at the top photo. You can see a straight quadruple track on the Odakyu Line. Two trains are running side by side: the EMU Tokyo Metro 16000 series (left) and the Odakyu 8000 series (right). The former is on the express track, while the latter is on the local track. Both shine beautifully in the afternoon sun. Doesn’t it make you excited? Even better, there are comfortable benches surrounded by trees on this deck. Sitting on one of them, I was able to enjoy a relaxing time.

Incidentally, if you have time, please also check out my previous posts about other train observation decks in the Tokyo metropolitan　area: Shimogoindenbashi, Kitatopia, Shibuya Hikarie, Horinouchi, Fuefuki, and so on.

 The roof garden of Seijo Corty Shopping Mall, surrounded by trees

Extra Rare Train on the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line

Set 9109 (8-car train) of the Tokyo Metro 9000 series 

As a trainspotter, it’s always fun for me to come across rare trains on the tracks. No matter what troubles I face, spotting a rare train instantly lifts my spirits. Trainspotters are carefree people, aren’t we? Today, I’d like to introduce a surefire topic for old-school trainspotters like me.

The subway Tokyo Metro Namboku Line penetrates Tokyo Metropolis from south to north. Connecting Meguro and Akabane-Iwabuchi, the total operating length is 21.3 kilometers. Many trains run through onto the Tokyu Meguro Line, the Saitama Railway Line, and other lines. In addition, the section between Meguro and Shirokane-Takanawa is shared with the Toei Mita line.

To keep the Namboku Line service on schedule, Tokyo Metro operates a total of 23 trainsets. They all appear to be 6-car trains, but there is one exception if you look closely. That’s Set 9109 of the EMU 9000 series, which is composed of 8 cars. You can confirm it simply by counting the air-conditioning units on the train’s roof (see the photo below). Set 9109 was originally built in 1995 as a 6-car train. Two new cars were added later, making it an 8-car train in 2023.

According to Tokyo Metro, 14 more trainsets are planned to be lengthened from 6 to 8 cars to increase transport capacity; however, I haven’t heard any updates recently. As a result, Set 9109 remains an extra rare 8-car trainset for now. It’s really enjoyable for me to notice such subtle differences among these trains.

Set 9109 (8-car train) traveling on the Tokyu Meguro Line

Final Chapter of the ex-Tokyo Metro 05 Series in Indonesia

05-110F of the EMU ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series in Jakarta, Inodonesia

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

I know I’ve been jumping from one topic to another lately, but allow me to stay in Jakarta just a little longer. After writing about the EMU ex-Tokyu 8500 series on November 14th, I couldn’t help introducing another “endangered species” that continues to fascinate railfans. As always, my heartfelt thanks go to Faris Fadhli for sharing his wonderful photos.

Take a look at the top picture. This is set 05-110 (hereafter 05-110F) of the ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series, now running quietly in Indonesia. The 05 series made its debut on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line back in 1988. A total of 240 cars were produced by Kinki Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo, and several other manufacturers. Over the years, 130 of them retired from the Tozai Line, 12 cars found a new role on the Kita-Ayase branch line after modification, and 80 cars crossed the sea to Indonesia to begin their second life. According to Faris, only two sets—05-108F and 05-110F—are still bravely holding on.

I still remember the excitement as if it were yesterday. When the ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series arrived in Indonesia in 2010, I visited the Port of Tanjung Priok with several passionate Indonesian railfans. Together we watched the freshly arrived 05 series being unloaded, feeling as though we were welcoming an old friend to its new home (see the photo below).

Just like the ex-Tokyu 8500 series, the 05 series is now approaching the final chapter of its long journey. Even so, two sets continue to run firmly on Indonesian soil. I’m deeply grateful to the local railway engineers who have supported these trains for so many years, and I sincerely hope the 05 series will keep running for as long as possible.

05-107F of the EMU ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series just after arriving at Tanjung. Priok Port

(August 14th, 2010)

Extra Rare Subway Spot on the Ginza Line: Part 2

EMU Tokyo Metro 1000 series leaves Shibuya Depot on the Ginza line

Do you remember when I introduced you to an extra rare subway spot on the Ginza line two years ago. That was a railway crossing on the "subway" Tokyo Metro-Ginza line. It's located on the siding track between the underground main track and Ueno Depot on the ground. Today, I'm going to introduce you to another extra rare spot on the Ginza line. That's an "elevated track" of the Ginza line.

You may want to say, "An elevated track... so what? It's not rare at all!" OK. I can provide you more details. There certainly are several elevated tracks on the "subway" lines in Tokyo. Higashi-Ojima on the subway Toei-Shinjuku line, which I posted two years ago, is a good example, but what about the Ginza line? Please look at the top photo. That's the only one elevated track section on the Ginza line. Moreover, it's not a main track, but a siding track between Shibuya Depot and Shibuya terminal. Is it easy to see a train passing through this elevated track? No, it isn't. Firstly, we have to look for a train viewing spot. I found it on the 8th floor of a shopping building, named "Hikarie". Secondly, the timetable of deadhead trains to and from Shibuya Depot are not made public. I eventually found that a deadhead train leaves the depot, and passes through this elevated track at 4.26pm on weekdays.

Please enjoy the subway Ginza line train traveling on the extra rare elevated track.

Distant view of the elevated track, subway Tokyo Metro-Ginza line 

The 40th Anniversary of the Seibu-Yurakucho Line

Set 6017 of the EMU Seibu 6000 series with yellow-colored stripes

On October 1st, 2023, Seibu Railway celebrated the 40th anniversary of their Seibu-Yurakucho line. In commemoration, Seibu will operate an anniversary train until March, 2024.

Let me review the Seibu-Yurakucho line to start. It's a connecting line between the Seibu-Ikebukuro line and the Tokyo Metro-Yurakucho line. Connecting Nerima on the Seibu-Ikebukuro line and Kotake-Mukaihara on the Tokyo Metro-Yurakucho line, its route length is 2.6 kilometers. The track is underground and double. There is an intermediate station, Shin-Sakuradai on the line. 8-car or 10-car trains are operated every 5 to 10 minutes. The line name is "Seibu-Yurakucho line", but the route doesn't pass through "Yurakucho" in the central part of Tokyo. Why? Because, the Seibu-Yurakucho line was initially planned as a part of Subway Line 8, namely the Yurakucho line, by Transport Council of the Japanese government in 1970. It's integrated with the Tokyo Metro-Yurakucho line, which passes through "Yurakucho". As you know, the trains on the Seibu-Yurakusho line are currently operated onto the Tokyo Metro-Fukutoshin line as well, so, the situation has changed.

The anniversary train is set 6017 of the EMU Seibu 6000 series. It has yellow-colored special stripes on the bodies. As you know, yellow is the line color of the Tokyo-Metro Yurakucho line; meanwhile, the standard Seibu 6000 series trains have blue-colored stripes. The anniversary train also has a special plate on the front celebrating the 40th anniversary. Congratulations on the 40th anniversary of the Seibu-Yurakucho line! It's the short connecting line, but the great transportation artery in the western part of Tokyo.

Special plate of "the 40th anniversary of the Seibu-Yurakucho line"

Official information about the memorial train (in Japanese):

https://www.seiburailway.jp/file.jsp?newsroom/news/file/20230928_seibuyurakucho40.pdf

Green Garden in the City Center

New Shibuya terminal on the subway (Tokyo Metro) Ginza line 

The rainy season continues in Tokyo. From early June to mid-July, Tokyo has a hot and humid rainy season, called Tsuyu. It's a gloomy period before midsummer, but Tokyoites can enjoy that the trees have gotten greener and greener each day.

I recently visited Nezu Museum in the city center of Tokyo. This museum is famous for exhibiting antiques of Japan and Asia, but it's not only that. Another pleasure of visiting Nezu Museum is to stroll through the garden, which is said to be an urban oasis. After viewing the museum, visitors can enjoy the changing seasons in the lush garden. The garden is filled with so many greens in this season. It was incredible for me that I was in the city center of Tokyo.

To get to Nezu Museum, the nearest station is Omotesando on the subway Ginza line. Taking this opportunity, I'm going to show you the new Shibuya terminal on the Ginza line. In January, 2021, the subway operator, namely Tokyo Metro, moved their Shibuya terminal 130 meters eastward as part of the urban infrastructure project in the Shibuya area. The new terminal has an island platform with M-shaped arches. It's cleaner and brighter than before. The appearance of the new Shibuya terminal is of course my favorite, but the problem is its location. It became far from Shibuya terminal of the Keio-Inokashira line. It became inconvenient to transfer to the Ginza line for the Inokashira line users like me. You can't make everybody happy.

The garden of Nezu Museum near Omotesando station on the subway Ginza line

Railway Bridge on the Tokyu-Toyoko and Meguro Lines

The EMU Toei 6500 (left) and the Tokyo Metro 17000 series (right)

I still enjoy strolling along Tama River. After observing the preserved streetcar on the ex-Kawasaki City tramline, I went upstream another day. My destination was Tamagawa station on the Tokyu-Toyoko and Meguro lines. I walked along the river, and stopped by a shrine named Sengen-jinja, which is located on a hill adjacent to the riverbank.

There was a reason for visiting this shrine. That's because a railway bridge across Tama River can be viewed from the shrine. I could see a bridge of a double-double track. Many kinds of trains constantly crossed the bridge. For example, I saw two kinds of subway trains at one time. They were the EMU Toei 6500 series and the Tokyo Metro 17000 series. The former was directly operated from the Toei-Mita line; meanwhile, the latter was from the Tokyo Metro-Fukutoshin line. The subway trains of two different operators meet each other on the bridge... it's rarely do you ever get to see. I felt this superb view like a reward given by the God of railways. Is that a bit of an exaggeration?

For your information, both the Toei 6500 and Tokyo Metro 17000 series trains debuted in 2021. The former has free Wi-Fi service on the train. That would really help passengers take specifically subway lines. On the other hand, the latter was elected as a winner of the Laurel Prize by the Japan Rail Fan Club last year. It's implemented an advanced train information monitoring and analysis system.

Sengen-jinja near Tamagawa station on the Tokyu-Toyoko and Meguro lines

Preserved Subway Train in Hachioji City

Unit 652 of the EMU ex-Eidan 500 series

I recently visited Hachioji Science Dome in the western suburb of Tokyo Metropolis. It's a science museum for local children. Along with many interesting exhibits, visitors can observe an old electric car in front of the museum. That's unit 652 of the EMU ex-Eidan 500 series. Before introducing this precious car, I must explain about "Eidan". Eidan, also known as Teito Rapid Transit Authority, used to be a subway operator in the Tokyo metropolitan area. It was privatized in 2004, and taken over by newly established Tokyo Metro Company. Eidan owned many trains, but most of them had already been retired from the track.

Unit 652 of the EMU 500 series is one such electric car. It was built in 1960 by Nippon Sharyo. After travelling 3.1 million kilometers on the subway Marunouchi line, it was retired from the track in 1992. Unit 652 currently spends its second life as a precious study material for children. You may think that the 500 series is similar with the 300 series, which was exhibited in the Subway Museum. Yes, but the details are different. For example, the 300 series has both sides driver's cab; while, the 500 series has one side driver's cab. The 300 series is a double roof car; while; the 500 series is a single roof car, so you can see many ventilation ducts at the upper part of the side body of the 500 series.

It's fun to observe a train. I hope that children also enjoy it.

Side view of unit 652

Extra Rare Subway Spot on the Ginza Line

EMU Tokyo Metro 1000 series passes through a railway crossing near Ueno Depot

What comes to mind when you hear a subway? You tend to think of a dark tunnel or rarely an elevated track passing through a river and so on.

Wait a bit! I'd like you to see the top photo. You can see a railway crossing near Ueno station on the "subway" Tokyo Metro-Ginza line. It's an extra rare subway spot in Japan. Why is it there? That's a good question. This railway crossing is located on the siding track between the underground main track and Ueno Depot on the ground.

It's not easy to see a train passing through this railway crossing, because the timetable of deadhead trains to and from Ueno Depot are not made public. One day, I watched there between 4 and 5pm, and came across a train only one time. Tokyo Metro takes strict security measures at this railway crossing to ensure the safety of pedestrians. As you know, the electric system of the Ginza line is the third rail... not overhead catenary. To reduce the risk of pedestrians' electric shock, there're rugged steel gates on both sides of the railway crossing. Thanks to the steel gates, pedestrians don't get lost onto the subway track.

In the meantime, if you're interested, please have a look at my previous post in 2014. It's the other extra rare railway spot, where you can see a level intersection of a railway and a tram line in Matsuyama City. Extra rare railway spot-hopping... that's a very fun time.

A rugged steel gate is closed after a train passes through the railway crossing

The Subway Museum: Revisit

Unit 301 is exhibited in the Subway Museum (Tokyo Metro Museum)

It's already September, but the maximum daytime temperature is still over 30 degrees Celsius. My shelters to evacuate from this heat wave are air-conditioned indoor railway museums. Following the Keikyu Museum, I recently visited the Subway Museum (Tokyo Metro Museum) for the first time in five years.

Let's quickly review the Subway Museum to start. It was opened by Metro Cultural Foundation (an affiliate of Tokyo Metro) in 1986 to focus exclusively on subways. The museum is located next to Kasai station on the Tokyo Metro-Tozai line. Exhibitions are replete including actual vehicles and related equipment such as driving simulators.

I was lucky to enter Unit 301 of the electric car 300 series. The 300 series had been operated on the Marunouchi line, which is Japan's second oldest subway route. Unit 301 was launched in 1954, when the Marunouchi line was inaugurated. The reddish body with a wavy patterned white stripe seemed to have a strong impact at that time. The technical specifications were modeled after subway vehicles in New York City. 30 cars in total were built by Kisha Kaisha, Nippon Sharyo, Kinki Sharyo and Kawasaki Sharyo after paying patent fees for motors and brakes to New York City. Unit 301 was retired from the track in 2002 after operating for 48 years. The interior of the 300 series is rose-colored. It's very nostalgic, as I often used this train to go to work. I got immersed in memories of my old days, when I started working. Where has the time gone?

Interior of Unit 301

Official website, the Subway Museum (Tokyo Metro Museum):

https://www.chikahaku.jp/en/

The Clear-cut Faces of the Indonesian Trains: Update

Set 6133 of the EMU ex-Tokyo Metro 6000 series without protection nets

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

This is the sequel of my previous post. Protection nets on the front of Jakarta trains are being removed one after another. My thanks go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly sent me the recent pictures.

Let me quickly review the protection nets of trains in Jakarta, Indonesia. They are made of metal, and protect train drivers from stone throwing. When I lived in Indonesia in the 2000's, I saw that naughty local children were throwing stones at the trains. It was very dangerous, but now, such vandalism has vanished. The protection nets are no longer necessary. As a result, trains with "clear-cut faces" have been increasing.

The top photo shows set 6133 of the EMU ex-Tokyo Metro 6000 series without protection nets on the fronts. This train was built by Kinki Sharyo in 1988. After operating for 24 years on the subway Chiyoda line in Japan, it was transferred to Indonesia in 2013. Set 6133 is currently composed of 8 cars with the local railway operator's new body color design. It's very clean.

The photo below is set 8618 of the EMU ex-Tokyu 8500 series without protection nets. This train was built by Tokyu Sharyo. Two top cars are the oldest ones, which were launched in 1976. After operating over 30 years in Japan, it was transferred to Indonesia in 2008. Set 8618 is currently composed of 12 cars, which is longer than that of the Tokyu-era.

I look forward to further development of the railways in Indonesia.

Set 8618 of the EMU ex-Tokyu 8500 series without protection nets

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

Goodbye to the EMU Tokyo Metro 7000 Series

Set 7120 of the EMU Tokyo Metro 7000 series travels on the Tokyu-Toyoko line

(January, 2022 in Tokyo, Japan)

On April 17th, 2022, some news shook all rail-fans. The final set of the EMU Tokyo Metro 7000 series was retired from the track without any prior notice. Urban railway companies in Japan recently tend to NOT disclose the retirement date of their old trains. It's because to avoid confusion caused by rail-fans, who flock to stations to say goodbye to the retiring trains.

Let me quickly review the 7000 series. It was launched in 1974, when the subway Yurakucho line was partially opened between Ikebukuro and Ginza-itchome stations. 34 sets, 340 cars in total, were built by Nippon Sharyo, Tokyu Sharyo, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Kinki Sharyo over 15 years. Its futuristic aluminum alloy body with an odd-shaped front mask was my favorite. With regard to the technical specifications, a state-of-the-art AVF (automatic variable field) chopper electric control system was applied to save electric power consumption.

My best memory with the 7000 series trains was the happy reunion with it in Indonesia in June, 2010. One of Indonesian Railways' staff kindly invited me to Bukit Duri Railyard in Jakarta, when the first second-hand 7000 series train arrived there. I lived in Indonesia at that time, so, it was a touching reunion with the 7000 series. Twelve years have already passed since then. Time really flies. For your information, the 7000 series trains are still operated in Indonesia in good condition.

Goodbye to the 7000 series in Japan and thank you to the 7000 series in Indonesia for doing well working.

Set 7122 of the ex-Tokyo Metro 7000 series has just arrived at Bukit Duri Railyard

(June, 2010 in Jakarta, Indonesia) 

"B-class Gourmet" on the Yurakucho Line

Set 75 of the EMU Tokyo Metro 10000 series arrives at Shintomicho station

"B-kyu gourmet (B-class gourmet)" is a Japanese-made English phrase widely used in this country. It means "a person who likes inexpensive but tasty local food" or "inexpensive but tasty local food" itself.

For example, "monjayaki" is a "B-class gourmet (inexpensive but tasty local food)" in Tokyo. Simply put, monjayaki is a savoury pancake with various fillings. It's like okonomiyaki, but uses more soup than okonomiyaki. Monjayaki is made with a flour and water batter. In addition to flour, ingredients like dashi soup stock, Worcestershire sauce, cabbage, leek, shrimp and sliced squid are added.

If you go to eat monjayaki, please take the subway Yurakucho line and get off at Tsukishima station. You will easily find "Tsukishima monja street" in front of the station. There are a number of monjayaki restaurants on the street. I recently visited there with my family, and tasted monjayaki heartily.

On my way back home, I stopped by Shintomicho station for taking pictures of the Yurakucho line trains. As I posted before, Shintomicho is a precious underground station for rail-fans, because we can get a whole train including bogies in the frame there. The station consists of separated platforms. There are no pillars between the eastbound and westbound tracks. Thanks to the special structure of Shintomicho station, I could easily shoot the EMU Tokyo Metro 10000 series and other trains in a very short time.

The B-class gourmet followed by the subway train photography... Rail-fans always get a bonus, whenever they go out by train.

Monjayaki is a famous "B-class gourmet" in Tokyo