Art Train on the Den-en-toshi Line

Set 2145 of Tokyu's 2020 series EMU in special art-train livery

Do wrapped trains run in your country? If so, here's another question: do any of them feature artwork?

In Japan, art-themed wrapped trains are not particularly common, but we do occasionally come across them. One memorable example for me was Tobu Railway's "Ikebukuro–Kawagoe Art Train", which operated in 2020. To promote tourism in Kawagoe City, illustrations of the city's historic landmarks, local food, and specialty products were painted on the train by a Japanese-style artist.

Another example was Saitama Railway's "Thanks 25 Train". Created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Saitama Stadium Line, it featured abstract artwork by a local artist.

Today, I would like to introduce another art train currently operating on Tokyu's Den-en-toshi Line. Please take a look at the photo above. This is "A Special Train That Paints Color for People, Towns, and the Future."

The train was created through a collaboration between Tokyu Corporation and Heralbony, a talent agency that works primarily with artists with intellectual disabilities. The company signs licensing agreements with these artists and promotes their artwork through various projects.

Incidentally, the name "Heralbony" itself does not have any particular meaning. It was coined by the older brother of the company's CEOs, who has an intellectual disability.

Now, let's take a closer look at the artwork. The train features various scenes found along Tokyu's railway lines, including urban buildings, riverside parks, and a historic station building.

Among these scenes, my personal favorite is the depiction of everyday local life shown in the photo below—a father pushing a stroller. There is something heartwarming about such an ordinary moment captured in art.

Finally, as a railway enthusiast, I would like to touch briefly on the technical aspects of the train itself.

The art train is Set 2145 of Tokyu's 2020 series EMU fleet. The 2020 series is a commuter EMU designed for 1,500 V DC electrification and operation on Japan's 1,067 mm narrow-gauge network. The series entered service in 2018.

Each trainset consists of ten 20-meter stainless-steel cars arranged in a 5M5T configuration (five motor cars and five trailer cars). Many of its running components are shared with JR East's E235 series.

The train is equipped with a SiC-based VFD traction system and 140 kW fully enclosed induction motors. Thanks to these advanced technologies, power consumption has been reduced to approximately half that of the older 8500 series, while exterior noise levels have been lowered by around 10 dB.

Close-up view of the artwork on the side of the train

Related Link:

・Official information from Tokyu (Japanese only)

A Surprise Return: The 8500 Series EMU

8637F (8637 side) of Tokyu’s 8500 series EMU at Nagatsuta Station

This may sound sudden, but can you guess where the top photo was taken?

If you’re familiar with Japanese trains, you might say, “Somewhere on the Tokyu Den-en-Toshi Line.” A reasonable guess—but remember that the train in the photo, the 8500 series EMU, was supposed to have been retired from that line in 2022, as I mentioned before.

If you’re an international railfan, you might guess, “Somewhere in Jakarta, since the 8500 series EMUs were transferred to Indonesia.” Also a good guess—but please note that all 8500 series sets there were retired by early 2026.

Or perhaps you’d answer, “Somewhere on a local railway in Japan, since some 8500 series sets were transferred after their retirement from Tokyu.”

Thank you for joining my little quiz.

The answer is: Nagatsuta Station on the Kodomonokuni (Children’s Land) Line. Here’s the story.

All 8500 series EMUs were indeed retired from Tokyu lines by January 2023. However, one set—8637F—has been kept operational so Tokyu can preserve and pass down expertise related to DC motor technology. Its formation has been reduced from 10 cars to 4.

8637F had been “sleeping” for quite a long time, but it finally “awoke,” appearing on the Kodomonokuni Line as an extra train during this year’s spring sightseeing season. As I wrote earlier, the Kodomonokuni Line serves as an access route to the Children’s Land theme park. The line is owned by Yokohama Minatomirai Railway and operated by Tokyu.

When I heard the surprising news about the 8500 series making a comeback, I rushed to the Kodomonokuni Line and confirmed with my own eyes that 8637F was indeed running again.

8637F—long time no see! It’s great to see you back in action.

8637F (8537 side) at Nagatsuta Station on the Kodomonokuni Line

The 25th Anniversary of the Saitama Stadium Line

Thanks 25 TRAIN: Set 2101 of Saitama Railway’s 2000 series EMU

On March 28, Saitama Railway will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Saitama Stadium Line. To mark this milestone, the company is hosting several special events. Today, I’d like to share a little about them with you.

Since my explanation in an older post may have been unclear, let me briefly revisit the basics of Saitama Railway and the Saitama Stadium Line. Saitama Railway Company is a joint public–private company founded in 1992. The Saitama Stadium Line (formerly the Saitama Rapid Railway Line) is the company’s only route opened in 2001. Stretching 14.6 kilometers, it connects Akabane-Iwabuchi in Tokyo and Urawa-Misono in Saitama Prefecture with a total of eight stations. All trains run through onto the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, and some continue even farther onto the Tokyu and Sotetsu lines.

Sorry for the long introduction. To celebrate the line’s 25th anniversary, Saitama Railway has been operating a special wrapped train—“Thanks 25 TRAIN”—since October 13 last year, using Set 2101 of the 2000 series EMU.

Please take a look at the photo above. This is the Thanks 25 TRAIN, wrapped in colorful posters. The artwork on the side is an abstract painting created by a person who lives along the Saitama Stadium Line. It represents diversity and connection within the local community.

Now, please look at the photo below. This is another abstract painting wrapped on the opposite side of the train. It expresses the flow of people’s emotions leading toward the future. Quite profound, isn’t it?

By the way, these photos were taken on the Tokyu Meguro Line, since most of the Saitama Stadium Line runs underground. I’m not asking for praise, but capturing these shots was a bit of a challenge.

Close-up of "Thanks 25 TRAIN"

Related link:

・Official information by Saitama Railway Company (in Japanese)

Arigato — The 8500 Series EMU in Indonesia

Set 8618 of the 8500 Series EMU exhibited at Jakarta Kota Station

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

I recently received another heartwarming message from an Indonesian railfan. My friend, Faris Fadhli, kindly shared some news along with his latest photos. I really appreciate his updates—they always make me feel closer to Indonesia’s railway scene.

As many of you may know, the former Tokyu 8000 and 8500 series EMUs, JR East’s 203 series EMUs, and Tokyo Metro’s 05 series EMUs were all retired by the beginning of 2026. They are now being scrapped at Depok Railyard near Jakarta. Faris even sent me photos of the stacked train bodies in the junkyard. But honestly, I had to look away. Seeing them like that was too painful for me. Maybe I’m a bit sentimental… but I guess that’s what being a railfan is all about.

So instead of those sad images, let me share a brighter one that Faris sent me last year. Please look at the photo above—yes, that’s Set 8618 (or 8618F) of the former Tokyu 8500 series EMU in Jakarta. Among Indonesian railfans, this set became known as the “Revival of JALITA.” It was specially displayed at Jakarta Kota Station during the farewell ceremony for three former Japanese train sets on November 11, 2025. If you’re interested, please take a look at my earlier post about this revival story.

As I’ve mentioned before, I lived in Jakarta from 2007 to 2011. During those years, 8618F wasn’t just a means of transportation—it was something that quietly supported me every day. That feeling still hasn’t faded. In the photo below, you can see 8618F as it looked in 2011. Arigato (thank you), 8618F. You were a special companion.

I also have some good news to share. The leading car of 8618F, Unit DeHa 8518, will be preserved at the Museum Kereta Api Ambarawa (Ambarawa Railway Museum) in Central Java. I’m so relieved to know that at least part of the set will live on. And recently, new EMUs have been introduced in the Jakarta area, so there’s always something exciting happening there. I really can’t take my eyes off Indonesian railways.

To be continued…

Set 8618 of the 8500 Series EMU arriving at Gambir Station in Jakarta, Indonesia

(February 3, 2011)

Yamitetsu Part 3: Yukigaya Railyard

 Set 1507 of the Tokyu 1000 series EMU resting at Yukigaya Railyard

I recently visited Gotanda on the Tokyu Ikegami Line for a private matter. When I finished my meeting, it was already around 7 p.m., and the sun had completely set. Where should I go next?

Alright then—it’s time for yamitetsu! Do you remember the word yamitetsu? It refers to a railfan who loves photographing trains in the dark. The word is a blend of yami (“darkness”) and tetsu (“iron”). In Japanese, we call a railway tetsudō, which literally means “iron road.” I’m still a beginner yamitetsu myself, but I love it.

So I made a detour to Yukigaya Railyard on the Ikegami Line, located near Yukigaya-Ōtsuka Station. When I arrived at the southern end of the yard, I found Set 1507 of the 1000 (1000-1500) series EMU resting beside the vehicle inspection building (see the top photo). The train was gleaming brightly under the yard lights and signal lamps. The inspection building was empty, but the lights were still on as if it were alive. Beautiful.

In contrast, the northern part of the yard was quiet. A total of six train sets—1000 (1000-1500) series and 7000 series—were resting there (see the photo below). I was impressed to see the trains lined up alternately: 1000, 7000, 1000, 7000... It was as if the two series were good friends. Am I the only one who gets excited about things like this?

I fully enjoyed yamitetsu at Yukigaya Railyard. If I had to say what was missing that evening, it would be the Iketama Happy Train. That special wrapped train still seemed to be running on the line somewhere. Maybe I’ll see it next time.

1000 and 7000 series EMU sets resting at Yukigaya Railyard

Related link:

・Official information about Tokyu’s railway vehicles (in Japanese)

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)

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

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

EMU Tokyu 6020 Series: 2025 Update

Trainset 6151 of the EMU Tokyu 6020 series, debuted in May 2025

Do you remember when I posted that Tokyu Railways would transfer their EMU 9000 series trains to Seibu Railway? What has happened with that plan? Today, I’d like to share an update on this topic.

Many rail fans have reported that several Tokyu 9000 series sets have already been retired from service. They are most likely being prepared for transfer to Seibu Railway.

The next question is: Who will succeed the 9000 series on the Tokyu lines? The answer is the EMU 6020 series. Please take a look at the top photo. You can see the new 6020 series, which debuted this year. Are there any differences between the existing 6020 series and the new trains? Yes. The existing 6020 series consists of seven cars, including one Q SEAT car, and operates as express trains on the Ōimachi and Den-en-toshi lines. The new 6020 series, however, consists of five cars with no Q SEAT car and is used for local services. To make it easier to distinguish between the two, the new version is officially designated as the 6020-6050 series (6020 series, type 6050).

I found commemorative stickers displayed on both ends of trainset 6151 of the 6020-6050 series. One is in Japanese (shown in the top photo), and the other is in English (see the photo below). Both stickers were designed by staff from the Mizonokuchi Train Crew Base. The train even appears to be winking at passengers (photo below). Tokyu plans to introduce a total of 18 sets of the 6020-6050 series over the next three years.

Commemorative sticker displayed on the front of trainset 6151

The 100th Anniversary of the Setagaya Line

Tokyu 300 series Set 305 with the 100th anniversary sticker

On May 1st, Tokyu Railways celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Setagaya Line. To mark the occasion, Tokyu organized a variety of local events.

Let me review the Setagaya Line. It operates under the Tramways Act, connecting Sangenjaya on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line with Shimo-Takaido on the Keio Line. The line is 5.0 kilometers long, entirely double-tracked, electrified at 600 V DC, and built to a 1,372 mm gauge. The Setagaya Line originally opened in 1925 as a branch of the Tamagawa Line (hereafter Tamaden). The Tamaden main line, which opened in 1907, connected Shibuya with Futako-Tamagawa via Sangenjaya. Since the Tamaden was constructed as a streetcar line running along National Highway 246, it unfortunately had to be abolished in 1969 due to severe traffic congestion. The Setagaya Line, on the other hand, was built as a dedicated right-of-way, which is why only this branch line has survived.

One of the anniversary events was the addition of special memorial stickers on the trams. Please look at the top photo. This is Set 305 of the Tokyu 300 series tramcars, carrying a special round memorial sticker on the front. It looks beautiful, but wait a moment—something is missing. Speaking of the 300 series, why not also capture Set 301 in Tamaden colors? As I mentioned before, Set 301 is the representative tramcar of the Setagaya Line. That’s why I returned to Yamashita stop on another day to photograph Set 301 (see the photo below). Railfans are sticklers for detail when it comes to their photo subjects, aren’t they?

Set 301 in Tamaden colors arriving at Yamashita stop on the Setagaya Line

Official information about the 100th anniversary of the Setagaya Line (Japanese only):

https://www.tokyu.co.jp/company/information/pdf/20250416_setagayasen100_d.pdf

News from Indonesia: Revival of "JALITA"

8618F of the ex-Tokyu 8500 series EMU, "JALITA" in Indonesia

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

This is a continuation of my post on June 3rd. My thanks once again go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly sent me the recent photo.

On April 22nd, a ceremony was held in Jakarta to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Indonesia’s electric railways. Many special trains, such as the old electric locomotive “Bonbon,” were operated in the Jakarta area. Along with Bonbon, “JALITA” also stood out that day.

So, what is JALITA? It’s a special commuter trainset named by Indonesia’s Minister of Transport in 2009 to mark the establishment of the new commuter railway company in the Jakarta metropolitan area. It had a unique tri-toned front design (red, black, and silver; see the top photo). There are differing opinions on the origin of the name JALITA. One explanation is that it stands for “Jalur Lingkar Jakarta” in Indonesian, which means “Jakarta Loop Line.” Another is that it stands for “Jalan Jalan Lintas Jakarta” in Indonesian, which means “strolling on the Jakarta line.” According to a Japanese railfan blogger living in Jakarta, “Pakuan Kyuko (Pakuan Express),” the latter explanation is correct.

Incidentally, the original JALITA was Trainset 8613 of the ex-Tokyu 8500 series EMU (hereafter 8613F). 8613F was transferred from Japan to Indonesia as a second-hand train in 2009 and was repainted in 2013. It has already been retired from service in Indonesia, but this time the last surviving set of the ex-Tokyu 8500 series, namely Trainset 8618 (hereafter 8618F), was repainted in JALITA colors. You can also see what 8618F looked like 16 years ago in the photo below.

JALITA… welcome back.

8618F arriving at Jakarta Kota Station (February 21, 2009)

EMU Tokyu 9000 Series: 2025 Update

Trainset 9015 of the Tokyu 9000 series (revival color), Oimachi Line

Do you remember when the Odakyu 8000 and Tokyu 9000 series EMUs were sold to Seibu Railway last year? Eight months have already passed since then. The other day I posted about the latest status of the Odakyu 8000 series, so today I would like to give an update on the Tokyu 9000 series.

First, let’s review the background. On September 26, 2024, Seibu Railway issued a press release announcing that it would purchase a total of 100 trainsets from Odakyu Electric Railway and Tokyu Corporation. Since a major railway company (Seibu) bought secondhand trains from other major railway companies (Odakyu and Tokyu), this news came as quite a surprise to railfans. Eight months later, I found that the former Odakyu 8000 series had been modified into the “EMU Seibu 8000 series” and had already begun test runs.

Now, let’s get to the main topic. The Tokyu 9000 series EMUs have not yet been transferred to Seibu. They are still in preparation. Although the details are unclear, it is said that major renovations will be required. In the meantime, Tokyu has been reflecting on the history of the 9000 series. They restored the original red front stripe on trainset 9015 (see the top photo) and 9001, replacing the orange-to-yellow gradient that had been applied later (see the photo below). I still vividly remember seeing the 9000 series with its red stripe at the old Shibuya station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line back in 2013. Time really does fly.

I truly enjoyed seeing the revival-colored trains of the Tokyu 9000 series.

Trainset 9014 of the Tokyu 9000 series (current standard color), Oimachi Line

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-Tokyu 8500 Series in Indonesia

8618F of the EMU KAI Commuter (ex-Tokyu) 8500 series in Jakarta, Indonesia

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

I’ve received the latest photo from an Indonesian railfan. It shows the last active set, 8618F, of the ex-Tokyu 8500-series EMU still operating in Jakarta. My thanks go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly sent me this beautiful picture.

Let me briefly review the Tokyu 8500 series EMU the Tokyu 8500-series EMU. These direct-current commuter trains ran on the Tokyu lines in Japan from 1975 to 2023, and a total of 400 cars were built by Tokyu Sharyo. After their retirement from Tokyu Electric Railway, 29 cars were transferred to Nagano Electric Railway, Chichibu Railway, and Izukyu, while 64 cars were exported to Indonesia as second-hand trains. Those exported sets have been operated by the local railway company, PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia.

Now, let’s move on to the main topic. Please take a look at the top photo. There you see 8618F—the very last active 8500-series set in Indonesia. It still looks to be in good condition, doesn’t it? When I lived in Jakarta from 2007 to 2011, I often used commuter trains. I still remember clearly when 8618F first arrived in Indonesia in 2008. I visited Bukit Duri Railyard on August 24th with several enthusiastic Indonesian railfans and welcomed 8618F together with them (see the photo below). Sixteen years have passed since then. Time really flies.

The 8500 series’ second life is now approaching its final chapter… but 8618F still remains on the rails, faithfully carrying countless commuters every day. I would like to express my gratitude to the dedicated railway engineers in Indonesia, and I sincerely hope that this set will continue to run for as long as possible.

8618F shortly after arriving at Bukit Duri Railyard, Jakarta, Indonesia

(August 24th, 2008)

Trains of the Ichibata Electric Railway

EMU 1000 series at Matsue-Shinjiko-onsen Station

Following my introduction of the EMU 2100 series, I’d like to show you some of the other trains operated by the Ichibata Electric Railway.

Before that, let me briefly review this railway. Ichibata is a local private railway company in Shimane Prefecture. It connects the cities of Matsue and Izumo, with a total operating length of 42.2 kilometers. The line is single-tracked, and the track gauge is 1,067 millimeters. Its electric system is 1,500 V DC.

The Kitamatsue Line serves as the main route between Matsue-Shinjiko-onsen and Dentetsu-Izumoshi (33.9 kilometers), while the Taisha Line branches off from Kawato to Izumotaisha-mae (8.3 kilometers).

The EMU 1000 series consists of former Tokyu 1000 series trains. A total of three sets—six units—were transferred to Ichibata in 2014 and 2015 after being rebuilt from intermediate cars into driving cars. Each set is composed of one motor car and one trailer car (1M1T). The motor car is equipped with four 130 kW induction motors. The propulsion system uses an IGBT–VVVF inverter. The front design is similar to that of the Fukushima Kotsu 1000 series EMU.

The 7000 series is Ichibata’s first newly built model in 86 years. Four cars were manufactured by Kinki Sharyo and Goto Kogyo between 2016 and 2018. Each car is a large 20-meter-long stainless-steel vehicle equipped with two 270 kW induction motors (0.5M) and an IGBT–VVVF control system. Both longitudinal and transverse seating are provided. The front design resembles that of the JR West 225 series EMU.

7000 series electric car at the Matsue-Shinjiko-onsen rail yard

Related link:

・Official information about the trains of the Ichibata Electric Railway (in Japanese)

EMU 1800 Series for the 1,800th Post

Set 1806 of the Toyohashi Railway EMU 1800 series (September 2016)

This marks the 1,800th post on my blog. Thirteen and a half years have passed since I first began writing here, and I truly hope that railfans around the world continue to enjoy these stories. To celebrate this little milestone of “1,800,” let me introduce a train that bears the same number in its name. It may be a bit of a stretch, but I hope you’ll indulge me.

Toyohashi Railway’s EMU 1800 series is the only rolling stock type operating on the Atsumi Line. The trains entered service in 2000, replacing the aging ex-Meitetsu 7300 series. Before coming to Toyohashi Railway, these cars were originally built as part of the Tokyu 7200 series by Tokyu Sharyo in the 1960s and 1970s. After roughly thirty years of operation, a total of 32 units were transferred to Toyohashi Railway. Today, ten 3-car sets are in revenue service. Each trainset consists of two motor cars and one trailer car (2M1T), and each car measures 18 meters in length.

What really sets the 1800 series apart is its distinctive, somewhat quirky “diamond-cut” front design. I’ve always been fond of this unusual face. Their colorful liveries are equally charming—each of the ten sets features its own unique color, ranging from light green (shown in the top photo) to brown (seen in the photo below).

Incidentally, the Atsumi Line is a local railway in Aichi Prefecture, about 300 kilometers west of Tokyo. Running between Shin-Toyohashi and Mikawa-Tahara, the line stretches 18 kilometers. It is a single-track route with a gauge of 1,067 millimeters and is electrified at 1,500 V DC using overhead catenaries.

Set 1802 of the Toyohashi Railway EMU 1800 series (September 2016)

Related link:

・Official information about the colorful trains on the Atsumi Line (in Japanese)

The 110th Anniversary of the Tojo Line

Set 9107 of the EMU Tobu 9000 series travels on the Tokyu-Toyoko line

On May 1st, 2024, Tobu Railway celebrated the 110th anniversary of their Tojo line. In commemoration, the company holds several events.

Let me review the Tojo line to start. The Tobu-Tojo line is one of the main transportation arteries in the northwestern part of the metropolitan area. Connecting Ikebukuro in Tokyo Metropolis and Kawagoe City in Saitama Prefecture, it was opened on May 1st in 1914. The route was, then, fully opened in 1925 between Ikebukuro and Yorii. The total line length is, currently, 75 kilometers. It carries about one million passengers per day.

One of the 110th anniversary events is displaying a special plate on the front of set 9107 of the EMU 9000 series. It will be exhibited until October 10th. The words "110th ANNIVERSARY TOBU TOJO LINE" were written in English on the plate. I don’t know why in English… never mind. For your information, the 9000 series was commissioned in 1981 as Tobu’s first stainless-steel train. 100 units in total were built by Tokyu-sharyo, Alna-koki and Fuji Heavy Industries. The 9000 series is directly operated onto the Tokyo Metro and Tokyu lines, so, I could shoot it on the Tokyu-Toyoko line, which is closer to my house. Thank you so much, the 9000 series.

Incidentally, I still remember the 100th anniversary events on the Tojo line in 2014. I saw the grand ceremony in the Ikebukuro station yard and the operation of memorial train. Ten years have passed since then. The time really flies.

The 110th anniversary plate of the Tobu-Tojo line

Reunion with TOQi in 2024

TOQi (DeYa 7500 and the others) arrives at Todoroki station on the Oimachi line

I recently visited Todoroki on the Tokyu-Oimachi line due to a private family issue. After finishing our meeting, we walked on a road beside the railway track, and headed to Todoroki station. On the way, we came across TOQ i for the first time in one year and a half by chance.

Let me review TOQi to start. It's an inspection train of Tokyu Railways. Its formal name is the EMU 7500 series. TOQi can inspect all Tokyu lines except the Setagaya line. The targets of the inspection are overhead wires, signal safety facilities, train radio systems and railway tracks. TOQi is composed of 3 cars. The first and the last cars, namely DeYa 7500 and DeYa 7550, are motorcars. They were commissioned in 2012 to replace the old inspection train, EMU 7200 series. On the other hand, the intermediate car, namely SaYa 7590, is a trailer without motors. It was commissioned in 1998 as one of the EMU 7200 series. These cars were all built by Tokyu Sharyo.

Tokyu doesn't release timetables of the work train, so whether I can come across TOQi or not depends on my luck. I don’t know why TOQi was operated on the Oimachi line on that day. According to several rail-fans, it was not an inspection but a test run. Either way, as soon as TOQi came into sight, I took out my camera, and clicked the shutter intently. I could shoot TOQi, specifically the blue-colored DeYa 7500 side, from a public road beside the track in good condition. I barely made it!

Long time no see TOQi! I'm relieved you look fine.

TOQi (DeYa 7550 and the others) travels on the Tokyu-Oimachi line

Official information about TOQi by Tokyu Railways (in Japanese):

https://ii.tokyu.co.jp/safety/177

Tokyu Iketama Happy Train

Iketama Happy Train travels on the Tokyu-Ikegami line

On June 23rd, Tokyu Railways launched a special poster train, named Iketama Happy Train, on their Ikegami and Tamagawa lines. I’m going to introduce you to this unique train today.

Let me quickly review the Tokyu-Ikegami and Tamagawa lines to start. They are short commuter routes in the southwestern part of Tokyo. Connecting Kamata and Gotanda, the route length of the Ikegami line is 10.9 kilometers. On the other hand, the Tamagawa line connects Kamata and Tamagawa. Its route length is 5.6 kilometers. The track is 1,067 millimeters-wide double and the electric system is 1,500 V direct current. All the trains belong to Yukigaya-otsuka Depo, and are commonly used for both the Ikegami and the Tamagawa lines.

According to Tokyu Railways, purpose of Iketama Happy Train is to make people, who look this train, happy. For that purpose, its design is colorful and polka-dotted. Pink is the symbol color of the Ikegami line; meanwhile, dark-red is that of the Tamagawa line. This design was proposed by Tokyu employees. The vehicle modified to Iketama Happy Train is Set 1522 of the EMU 1000-1500 series.  It was recently renovated from Set 1022 of the EMU 1000 series. The major difference between the original 1000 series and the renovated 1000-1500 series is its interior. The latter is calm and wood-grained, so passengers can get more relaxed with it.

Incidentally, please also check out my previous posts introducing the other poster trains on the Ikegami and Tamagawa lines… namely the green-colored train and the two-toned revival-colored train.

Tokyu Yukigaya-otsuka Depo

Official information about Iketama Happy Train by Tokyu Railways (in Japanese):

https://www.tokyu.co.jp/image/information/pdf/20240610-iketama-d.pdf