E8 Series Shinkansen

The E8 series (E8系) is a Japanese Shinkansen high-speed train type on order for Tsubasa services announced on March 3, 2020. It is intended to replace the E3 series, raising the top speed of the service from 275 to 300 kilometers per hour (171 to 186 mph). It is designed by Ken Okuyama, in cooperation with Kawasaki Heavy Industries.[2]

E8 series
Set G1 undergoing testing in February 2023
In service2024 (planned)
Manufacturer
DesignerKen Okuyama
Family nameMini-shinkansen
ReplacedE3 series
Constructed2022–2026 (planned)
Number under construction98 vehicles (14 sets)
Number built7 vehicles (1 set)
Formation7 cars per trainset
Fleet numbersG1–[1]
Capacity355 (26 Green + 329 standard)
Operator(s)JR East
Line(s) servedTohoku Shinkansen, Yamagata Shinkansen
Specifications
Doors1 per side
Maximum speed300 km/h (186 mph) (Tohoku Shinkansen)
130 km/h (81 mph) (Yamagata Shinkansen)
Electric system(s)20/25 kV AC, 50 Hz overhead catenary
Current collector(s)Pantograph
Safety system(s)
Multiple workingE5 series (planned)
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge

The train type is scheduled to enter service in early-mid 2024.[3] Though 17 sets were originally planned to be built, this was reduced to 15 sets due to reduced travel demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.[4] These sets are to be built by Kawasaki Railcar Manufacturing and Hitachi.[1]

The first train was delivered to the Sendai depot on January 30, 2023.[5]

Design

The train was designed to invoke the richness of the landscape of the Yamagata region, and the "weaving together of nature and people". The exterior coloring is unchanged from the re-liveried E3 series, also designed by Ken Okuyama: white, evoking the snow of Mount Zaō; deep purple inspired by the Mandarin duck, the prefectural bird for Yamagata Prefecture; and yellow and red for the safflower, the prefectural flower of Yamagata Prefecture.[6]

All cars are equipped with full active suspension.[2]

The raising of top speed from 275 to 300 kilometers per hour (171 to 186 mph) is possible due to its 9-meter-long (29 ft 6 in) nose, 3 meters (9 ft 10 in) longer than the current E3 series.[7]

Formation

The E8 uses the same 5M2T-formation as the E3 and E6 series mini-shinkansen, meaning that it consists of 5 powered (motor), and 2 non-powered (trailer) cars.[2][1]

Car No. 11121314151617
Designation E811-0
(Msc)		E828-0
(T1)		E825-0
(M1)		E825-100
(M2)		E827-0
(M3)		E829-0
(T2)		E821-0
(Mc)
  • Cars 12 and 16 are each equipped with a single-arm pantograph.

Interior

The 7-car trains have two service classes: ordinary cars and Green cars, with a seating capacity of 355. This is 39 fewer seats than the E3 series trains it replaces. Both seating configurations are 2+2 abreast, as is the case for all other Shinkansen trains. AC power outlets are available in both classes. Both the cabins and vestibules are equipped with security cameras. The green car has room for one wheelchair user, while each ordinary car has room for two. All seven cars are equipped to handle large baggage.

The color scheme of the Green car seating is inspired by the blue waters of the Mogami River, combined with the lush greenery covering Mount Gassan. The ordinary car seating draws inspiration from the traditional process of extracting the color of the safflower, which is why the color gradually becomes less saturated moving from the seat cushion to the headrest. The center aisle carpet was designed based on the image of the safflower, represented by the seats, reflecting on the waters of the Mogami River as it flows between them.[2]

See also

References
  1. JR東日本「E8系」山形新幹線の新型車両公開、撮影会も - 写真60枚 [JR East unveils new "E8 series" train for the Yamagata Shinkansen - 60 photos]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). February 24, 2023. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  2. "山形新幹線をより便利に快適にします" [Make the Yamagata Shinkansen more convenient and comfortable] (PDF). jreast.co.jp. 東日本旅客鉄道株式会社. March 3, 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 3, 2020. Retrieved March 3, 2020.
  3. "JR東日本，山形新幹線にE8系を導入へ" [JR East to introduce E8 series on Yamagata Shinkansen]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. March 3, 2020. Archived from the original on March 3, 2020. Retrieved March 3, 2020.
  4. "山形新幹線の新型車両削減" [Reduction in new Yamagata Shinkansen train sets]. Kyodo News Online (in Japanese). May 18, 2022. Archived from the original on May 18, 2022. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  5. "New E8 bullet train". Japan Today. January 30, 2023. Archived from the original on January 30, 2023. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  6. "山形新幹線E3系のエクステリアデザインを変更" [Exterior design change for Yamagata Shinkansen E3 series]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. March 4, 2014. Retrieved March 4, 2014.
  7. Hosozawa, Ayateru (March 23, 2020). "Ahead by a nose: Faster bullet trains coming to Yamagata in '24". The Asahi Shimbun. Archived from the original on October 8, 2022. Retrieved July 31, 2022.
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