The 40th anniversary

Omiya, 27 Apr 2012

On 23 June 1982, Tohoku Shinkansen, the third high-speed rail in Japan, was opened between Omiya and Morioka. Japanese National Railways developed new rolling stock called 200 series. The line was extended to Ueno in 1985 and again to Tokyo in 1991. It was extended further to Shin-Aomori by 2010, and it is now the fastest high-speed rail where trains run at up to 320 km/h (200 MPH).

Omiya, 1 Jul 2022

In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Tohoku Shinkansen, JR East repainted an E2 series trainset white and green imitating the 200 series. It is generally used for Nasuno and Yamabiko services on Tohoku Shinkansen and some rail tours at the weekend. Various different melodies, mostly local folk songs, are played onboard when the train approaches stations it calls at.

Tokyo, 11 Nov 2003

Does that E2 series resembles the genuine 200 series? Not bad, but it is still an imitation so that not 100% identical to the old trains. Since only 10 years have passed since the 200 series retired, not a few people might remember it. But younger people may think it attractive.

15 November this year will mark the 40th anniversary of Joetsu Shinkansen so that the E2 series is highly likely to be used for ceremonies and rail tours. Its schedule can be found on official website after 10 pm everyday.